Critical cardiac care in Dallas
Your heart can have complex, critical needs, so we're here with 24/7 support.
At Medical City Heart Hospital, our advanced facility includes a dedicated cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) for critical care needs. If you're recovering from surgery or chronic heart diseases, our team of specialists are committed to your recovery.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Conditions that may require intensive care
We collaborate with you, your family and case managers to provide critical care while undergoing treatment for serious cardiovascular conditions, including:
- Adult congenital heart disease
- Advanced heart failure
- Aortic diseases
- Cardiac arrest
- Cardiac-related respiratory issues
- Cardiogenic shock
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart arrhythmias
- Heart attack
- Heart valve diseases
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Unstable angina
Features of our intensive care facility
Our state-of-the-art CVICU helps us meet the growing demand for advanced cardiac care in North Texas. The 28-bed unit features four specialty rooms designed for advanced life support, including heart and lung support for those experiencing heart failure, respiratory failure or cardiogenic shock.
About our cardiovascular intensive care team
Our goal is helping you through critical situations and assisting in your recovery. Accomplishing this is truly a team effort. The dedicated CVICU team at our hospital is here to provide continuous monitoring and vital intervention for all those experiencing critical cardiovascular illnesses, as well as respiratory or renal failure. This continuum of care includes the use of heart monitors, ventilators and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Your care team may include:
- Blood drawing specialists
- Case managers
- Critical care nurses and physicians
- Imaging technicians
- Infusion (IV) team
- Occupational therapists
- Paramedics
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists
- Respiratory therapists
- Surgeons and anesthesiologists
Advanced directives
Regardless of whether it's you or a loved one in the ICU, we recommend that the following documents are easily accessible so plans and wishes can be clearly communicated to loved ones and healthcare providers. These documents include:
- Healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney — Names another person who can make decisions about someone's care if they are unable to do so
- Living will — Gives instructions for preferred care of someone terminally ill
Discharge planning
When going over discharge plans, your primary point of contact will be one of our case managers. Case managers assess individual needs, determine what care is needed outside of the hospital, and may coordinate with insurance providers regarding care and discharge.
Personal care in the ICU
When a loved one is admitted into the ICU, you may feel the desire to stop taking care of yourself and completely focus on your loved one in need. However, to provide them with the best possible support, it's important for you to stay healthy and strong. This means continuing to eat properly, getting sufficient rest and taking care of your personal needs.
Some family members are afraid to ever go home. If you are not sure it is wise to leave, talk with the critical care team. Someone will be there with your loved one. If anything changes, you will be notified immediately. The unit staff will do their best to meet you and your family's needs.