Cardiology

Outpatient Heart Health Clinic at RCH

  • When: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of every month*
  • Providers: Dr. Eric Martin and nurse practitioner Jean Schmitt of the Iowa Heart Center
  • To schedule an appointment: call (641) 464-4409 or use the online RCH request an appointment form. Referrals can be faxed to (641) 464-4447.

*Schedule is subject to change. Please view the current month’s schedule for the latest updates.

MercyOne Iowa Heart Center. Ringgold County Hospital offers specialized heart care through a partnership with MercyOne Iowa Heart Center. Eric Martin, MD is board certified in cardiology, nuclear-cardiology, and echocardiology. Jean Schmitt, ARNP is able to help patients with diagnoses and management of cardiovascular disease, including consultations, cardiac testing, and follow-up visits to assess progress. Their clinic is held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of every month.

What Is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the branch of medicine dealing with problems of the heart and blood vessels.

Good heart health is important for patients of all ages. Cardiovascular disease occurs in about half of all American adults – and it is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

Clinical cardiology services, such as those provided at RCH’s outpatient cardiology clinic, can help patients with heart disease become aware of their condition and get the specialty medical care they need. Cardiology care can also help patients at risk of cardiovascular problems to better manage their risk factors to help prevent heart disease from occurring in the first place.

Cardiac Testing

Should you or your doctor suspect a cardiovascular issue, diagnostic testing is usually the first step. This typically involves blood draws for laboratory analysis as well as imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram (“echo”) using ultrasound technology, and/or an electrocardiogram (EKG) in which sensors are placed on the skin of your chest and arms to measure the activity of your heart. The doctor may also perform a stress test. Depending on the results of these tests, additional diagnostic procedures may be recommended.

At Ringgold County Hospital, we also offer risk-assessment appointments to assess your cardiac health prior to undergoing a planned surgery.

Conditions Cardiologists Treat

Cardiologists diagnose and treat a wide range of cardiovascular issues, including:

Signs You May Need to See a Cardiologist

You may wish to see a cardiologist at RCH’s specialty outpatient clinic if you have a family or medical history of heart disease – such as heart attack or stroke – or have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, or if you are a smoker.

Common symptoms of cardiovascular disease include:

  • Shortness of breath when laying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Rapid weight gain and abdominal swelling

Should you experience any life-threatening signs or symptoms – such as sudden, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing – it is considered a medical emergency, and you should call 911 or visit the nearest ER immediately.

Cardiologists in Mount Ayr, IA

Are you worried about your own or a loved one’s heart health? You can visit with a cardiology provider at Ringgold County Hospital for all your heart health and cardiac testing needs. There is no need to drive hours to see a provider – we bring them to you as a part of RCH’s specialty outpatient clinics program.