Heart Center

Legacy of Care

When it comes to matters of the heart, there's nothing like experience. Wake County's first open heart surgery was performed at WakeMed in 1968, and we continue to be a leader in innovative cardiovascular care delivered by highly trained, board-certified physicians and staff who take a team approach to patient care. At WakeMed, patients always come first.

Whether it's having a cardiac intervention team ready and waiting for you in a time of emergency, managing your high cholesterol or high blood pressure levels or helping you regain strength with our dedicated cardiac rehab program, WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular services, physicians and staff are here for you.

Reputation for Innovation and Research

As a leading regional cardiac referral center, our cardiologists, electrophysiologists, vascular specialists and cardiothoracic surgeons perform tens of thousands of procedures a year. They use the latest technology and participate in leading research, both of which result in outstanding patient care.

Our specially trained staff of nurses, therapists, technologists, dietitians and pharmacists support these physician specialists in providing care that meets the specific needs of each individual patient. Patients come from all 100 North Carolina counties, and out of state, to access the WakeMed Heart Center’s diagnostic and treatment procedures.

WakeMed Heart Center Features and Services

Features include:

• 9 cardiac catheterization labs
• 2 electrophysiology labs
• 43 beds in our pre- and post-procedure nursing unit
• 24/7 — around the clock cath lab always ready to respond to a heart attack
• Comprehensive cardiovascular testing department
• Cath Lab Specialists who must earn Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists certification
• Cardiac Rehab onsite

Services include:

• Heart Center Inn at WakeMed Health & Hospitals keeping patients and families closer together
• Heart Center Conference Center used for physician, staff and community heart-health education 
• Curbside greeters offering assistance into the facility and shuttle cart service from the parking deck
• Renovated lobby with a soothing, tranquil setting
• Access and convenience for patients with most services all in one location
• Dedicated waiting areas for patients' families
• Dedicated, free parking for heart and vascular patients

For Family/Friends Waiting During the Procedure

For a hospitalized patient, your family/friends may wait in your hospital room until your return. Family/friends of same-day procedure patients may wait in the Heart Center lobby or in the Heart Center's 2nd Floor Family Waiting room. We suggest that they have something to read such as a book, newspaper or magazine to help pass the time.

Family/friends may want to bring a jacket or wear layers to be comfortable. The temperature in the building may vary at different times of the year.

A coffee bar is located in the Heart Center Lobby and operates Monday through Friday, 6 am to 1 pm. There are vending machines in the Heart Center lobby so it may be helpful to have change for the machines.

There is also a cafeteria, Café 3000, on the hospital's campus. A coffee shop and gift shop are located within the main lobby of the hospital. The staff at the Heart Center's check-in desk can direct you to these.