Allen Hospital Begins Construction on Third Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Sep 30, 2025To meet a growing need for cardiovascular procedures, a third cardiac catheterization lab will soon be operational at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital.
Construction is underway to increase capacity for minimally invasive procedures that typically involve a small incision in either the groin or wrist where advanced instruments can be inserted and guided through blood vessels to the heart or other areas of concern. The new cath lab is expected to be ready by the end of the year.
Citing an increased demand for these diagnostic and treatment procedures, Allen Hospital was granted a certificate of need from the State of Iowa Health Facilities Council in 2024. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in Iowa, and forecasts for 2050 show rates of heart disease increasing. By then, more than 60% of people are expected to have some underlying cardiovascular risk factor including hypertension, diabetes or other coronary abnormality.
“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.”
Heart procedure volume at Allen Hospital continues to rise each year with the exception of 2020, which was impacted by COVID-19. Allen Hospital projects it will welcome more than 3,300 cath lab patients this year, and that volume is expected to approach 3,800 in the next five years.
To address concerns about heart health, please discuss with your primary care provider or contact the Allen Hospital Cardiovascular Center.
"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.”
