Heart problems do not follow a 9 to 5 schedule and so cardiologists deliver a great deal of acute care. The physicians of the Krannert Institute of Cardiology are prepared to meet the acute care needs of heart patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at all Clarian Hospitals (Methodist, IU, Clarian West, and Clarian North), the Wishard Hospital, and the Indianapolis Veterans Administration Hospital. The Clarian Cardiovascular Program has been recognized again as one of the US News and World Report top 50 cardiovascular centers in 2007 and 2008.

Treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack) is an emergency that requires coordination of ambulance services, the hospital emergency departments, the cardiac catheterization labs, interventional cardiologists and the doctors and nurses of the coronary care units at each hospital we serve. Krannert Institute cardiologists have been instrumental in developing the best systems of acute MI care in Indiana and are leaders in the American College of Cardiology D2B quality improvement project. Krannert cardiologists are designing the next phase of the ACC program, D2B2. Coordination between Clarian’s Lifeline Emergency Air and Ground Transport,  the Krannert Interventional Cardiologists, the emergency departments and the catheterization laboratories speeds the treatment of AMI patients and results in door to balloon times better than the national goal of 90 minutes and lower mortality rates.

Heart failure can strike at any time with symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue or even shock. Acute heart failure can strike without warning. Chronic heart failure can suddenly decompensate. In either case, Krannert cardiologists are on call at each of the hospitals to immediately begin the proper treatment – whether it involves simple medicines or complex cardiac assist devices the patient is provided the immediate therapy needed. The Advanced Heart Care Program strives to keep chronic heart failure in check and prevent acute heart failure with a multi-disciplinary team that addresses all aspects of living with heart failure.

Cardiac arrhythmias can strike without warning. An arrhythmia may result in an uncomfortable palpitation, a blackout, or even sudden death. Krannert Institute of Cardiology electrophysiologists can diagnose and treat the spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias, from the benign palpitation to the life threatening event. Krannert cardiologists are world leaders in the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Whether it means the placement of automatic external defibrillators in public buildings or the surgical implant of a defibrillator to protect a patient from sudden cardiac death, Krannert physicians are ready.

Not all heart problems are as dramatic as a heart attack or heart failure, but sometimes a problem won't wait. Krannert cardiologists are a statewide resource to other physicians through the Indiana Medical Access System or IMACS, (800) 622-4989, which allows for a toll free call to a Krannert cardiologist for any questions or referrals, anytime. The Krannert cardiologist on call is also available at any time by calling (317) 962-0500.