Courtesy photo In addition to a non-invasive/invasive cardiology suite, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena added a new state-of-the art Cardiac Cath lab in 2023. The Cath lab team is pictured here preparing for a coronary angioplasty procedure.

MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena recently received approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to perform scheduled coronary angioplasty procedures (also called elective PCI).

“Receiving MDHHS approval for elective PCI is a testament to the high-level expertise and advanced technology we’ve cultivated at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena,” said Interventional Cardiologist Hassan Mostafa, M.D. “Our local cardiac team is fully equipped to provide these sophisticated interventions with the same level of safety and precision found at major urban centers, keeping Alpena at the forefront of rural healthcare.”

A scheduled coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to fix heart arteries that have become narrow or blocked. Unlike an emergency procedure during a heart attack, this is planned in advance to help patients who have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. During the procedure, an interventional cardiologist uses a tiny balloon to push away the buildup (plaque) inside the artery. Then, they usually place a small mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open. This helps blood flow better to the heart muscle.

“Since October 2023, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena has been performing emergency heart procedures on patients having STEMI heart attacks, the most serious type,” said MyMichigan Cardiovascular Service Line Director Becky Boyce, M.S.H.A.L., B.S.N., R.N. “So far, our experienced Alpena heart team has performed more than 109 of these emergency procedures.”

The Alpena Cardiology Program is currently served by an experienced team of specialists including Invasive Cardiologist Daniel Harber, D.O.; Interventional Cardiologist Hassan Mostafa, M.D.; and Certified Nurse Practitioners Kristin Kennedy, F.N.P.-C., and Amy Nowak, F.N.P.-C.

“For years, state regulations required on-site surgical backup for elective procedures, meaning our Alpena patients had to travel to Midland or Saginaw for routine stenting,” said MyMichigan Cardiovascular Service Line Chief William Felten, M.D. “However, global data and the American College of Cardiology have proven that these procedures can be performed with exceptional safety and success in centers like ours. We are proud that Michigan’s updated standards now recognize this reality, allowing us to bring this essential, high-quality cardiac care directly to Alpena.”

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming over 680,000 lives every year. While some heart attacks happen suddenly, most start slowly with mild discomfort. It is important to listen to your body and not ignore early warning signs. Call 911 right away if you feel chest pain or pressure, have trouble breathing, or feel pain spreading to your arms, back, or jaw. Also, watch out for “silent” signs like feeling sick to your stomach for no reason, breaking out in a cold sweat, or feeling dizzy.

“Bringing these heart services to our local hospital is a major change for health care in our area,” said Hunter Nostrant, president of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. “Being able to keep our heart patients here in Alpena is a win for everyone. It gives our patients the local care they want while cutting down on the wait times and extra costs of moving to a different hospital. We are proud to offer faster, better heart care right here in our community.”

This advancement in Alpena’s cardiology program was made possible in part through generous donor support. The MyMichigan Health Foundation and Development Council were instrumental in raising funds for the program’s equipment. Community contributions reflect the ongoing dedication and commitment of donors and friends of MyMichigan Health to ensuring access to high-quality cardiac care for patients across northeast Michigan.

Those who would like to learn more about their risk of heart disease may take MyMichigan Health’s free heart health assessment at www.mymichigan.org/heartage. Those who would like additional information about MyMichigan’s comprehensive Heart and Vascular Program may visit www.mymichigan.org/heartandvascular.