Rock Island Today

UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital has started construction on a third cardiac catheterization laboratory to expand its capacity for cardiovascular procedures. The hospital aims to address the increasing demand for minimally invasive heart procedures, which involve inserting advanced instruments through small incisions to diagnose and treat heart conditions.

The decision follows approval from the State of Iowa Health Facilities Council, which granted Allen Hospital a certificate of need in 2024 due to the growing number of patients requiring these services. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Iowa, and projections indicate that by 2050, more than 60% of people in the state may have underlying cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes.

“We’re pleased to begin work on this new cath lab, as it’s one of several new projects we’re launching or envisioning,” said UnityPoint Health – Waterloo president, Jenni Friedly. “Allen Hospital has been known as the Cedar Valley’s heart hospital for many years, and this new project helps us carry on that tradition, while ensuring we’ll be ready when the community needs us.”

Patient volumes at Allen Hospital’s cath labs have risen each year except for 2020 due to COVID-19 disruptions. This year, the hospital expects over 3,300 cath lab patients and anticipates this figure will rise to nearly 3,800 within five years.

Community members concerned about their heart health are encouraged to consult with their primary care providers or contact the Allen Hospital Cardiovascular Center.