Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

If you or a loved one has had heart surgery, a heart attack or other serious heart problem that requires intensive care, UMass Memorial Medical Center’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides an exceptional level of specialized care – and peace of mind.

Our 16-bed Cardiac ICU cares for the largest number of heart patients in Central Massachusetts and has a track record of excellent patient outcomes.

What is a Cardiac ICU?

A Cardiac ICU is designed specifically for adult medical and surgical cardiac (heart) patients who need 24-hour hemodynamic monitoring. Hemodynamic monitoring is continuous monitoring of the movement of blood and the pressures being exerted in the veins, arteries and chambers of the heart.

Our Cardiac ICU plays a vital role in ensuring that you or your loved one can transition as quickly as possible to a healthy discharge after heart surgery, an interventional procedure or a cardiac event.

Who Staffs the Cardiac ICU at UMass Memorial?

The core team staffing our Cardiac ICU includes:

• Intensivists (doctors with special training in critical care medicine)
• Critical care nurses with specialized cardiac training
• Cardiologists
• Cardiac surgeons

The team also includes skilled ICU nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and pastoral care personnel.

Conditions We Care for in UMass Memorial’s Cardiac ICU

The Cardiac ICU provides specialized care for adult patients with life-threatening heart conditions, particularly:

• Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathies (diseases of the heart muscle)
• Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders)

The Cardiac ICU also cares for patients after they have undergone heart surgery at UMass Memorial (learn more about types of heart surgery our cardiac surgeons perform).

Patients who undergo cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology (EP) studies and implantation of devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators may also be admitted to the Cardiac ICU.

The eICU at UMass Memorial – an Extra Layer of Safety

Using an innovative eICU system, we provide remote computer, audio and video monitoring of every adult ICU patient at UMass Memorial. This enhances the care provided by the bedside staff and adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance. Learn more about the eICU and what it means for patients.