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Help Us Bring Heart Care Closer to Home: A New Echocardiogram Machine
When Nick experienced sudden chest discomfort and shortness of breath, his doctor recommended an echocardiogram to assess his heart's health. An echocardiogram is a vital diagnostic tool that gives doctors a detailed view of the heart’s structure and function. It helps assess how well the heart is pumping, the condition of the valves, and the overall blood flow through the heart. As Dr. Michael Zevitz, cardiologist at Howard Young Medical Center (HYMC), explained, “It is often the first diagnostic test that we do in cardiology because it helps guide the decisions we make in terms of management.” HYMC has a goal of becoming the place to go for cardiac care in the Northwoods, and owning and operating echocardiography equipment is another step to making that a reality.
Aspirus Health patients will come from all over the region to receive non-invasive cardiology services to manage conditions like heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cardiac arrhythmia issues. This will allow patients to get the care they need close to home, with Aspirus Wausau Hospital continuing to focus on the most critical cardiac patients in need of emergency procedures.
"We want to capitalize on the amazing culture we have at HYMC," said Dr. Andrew Weber, medical director for the hospitalist program at HYMC and Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. "It’s a culture of excellence that’s unique, and we want to build on that by offering consistent, high-quality cardiology services locally, instead of patients having to travel far.” The echocardiogram would be used for both inpatient and outpatient services and would allow Dr. Weber and Dr. Zevitz to offer more comprehensive care to our family, friends and neighbors like Nick.
Strengthening Cardiac Care Together
Our donors generously supported the creation of the Cardiology Suite at HYMC, and we want to continue to enhance cardiac care by purchasing a GE HealthCare echocardiogram machine. This equipment will be used at HYMC and Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, enabling care teams to offer cardiac ultrasounds five days a week, right here in the Northwoods. Together, our goal is to raise $135,000 for this lifesaving equipment, and every gift will be doubled in value with a promised match from Aspirus.
Your support is key to making this a reality. By donating to our year-end Special Gift Initiative, you are not just giving medical equipment—you are giving peace of mind, faster care, and keeping loved ones close to home when they need it most. Join us in improving heart care in the Northwoods by contributing today.
