What Makes Scripps Heart Care Unique?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming about 600,000 lives each year and accounting for one in every four deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In San Diego County, nearly 4,000 people die of heart disease each year, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency. Learn more about what makes more San Diegans trust their hearts to Scripp with some frequently asked questions about our heart program.

How do I know that I’m getting the best possible care for my heart?

When it comes to heart care, experience matters. Scripps treats more more than 76,000 patients for heart problems, more than any other health care system in San Diego. Scripps has also consistently been named America’s Best Hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S News & World Report for more than a decade for our superior care, expansive scope of services and unparalleled commitment to quality. With 166 cardiovascular specialists, Scripps performs more heart procedures than any other heart care program in California, which ensures you get the best treatment possible.

How do I access care at the new Prebys Cardiovascular Institute?

If your insurance covers your care at Scripps Health, you can receive care at the new Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla. Our world-class heart care center offers the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options, medical research, clinical trials, wireless medicine and graduate medical education. In addition, Scripps offers exceptional cardiovascular care —including emergency heart care — at at our Scripps hospital campuses in San Diego, Encinitas and Chula Vista, as well as Scripps Clinic locations and private physician offices throughout San Diego County.

How is Scripps prepared to take care of me if I have a heart attack?

Scripps is uniquely designed to care for heart attack patients, with more locations across San Diego than any other health care system — including four receiving centers for STEMI, the deadliest type of heart attack, and multiple urgent care centers that can recognize even the smallest symptoms of a heart attack.

Are Scripps physicians involved in research?

Our nationally recognized cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons are leaders in their field. They help set new standards for heart care through the development and testing of innovative procedures, therapies and devices, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. And we are continually improving heart care through innovative research and treatments, including robotic surgery, leading-edge studies for valve replacement and genomic testing for cholesterol-reducing drugs.