The Queen's Medical Center is nearing completion of a $22 million upgrade to its heart center as it tries to maintain its reputation for having one of the state's best cardiac diagnosis and treatment programs.

The work at the state's largest private hospital includes replacing cardiac imaging equipment that will help deliver faster diagnoses and deliver more precise radiation treatments. The upgrade includes replacement and redesign of an attached 20-bed recovery unit, along with renovating the reception and admission areas.

"We believe we are prepared to offer the best in cardiac medicine and surgery," said Cathy Young, vice president of cardiac services.

The cardiac services are among those focused on by Queen's in seeking a reputation for providing high-end clinical services. It also has focused on being known as a leading provider of cancer and orthopedic services.

Young said Queen's was the first hospital to do heart surgery in Hawai'i in 1963 and that the hospital has tried to make cardiac care one of its core competencies. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in Hawai'i and nationwide, with 2,254 of the 8,988 deaths of state residents in 2005 linked to heart problems.

Queen's cardiac program treats about 3,500 inpatients and 15,000 outpatients annually for heart problems ranging from heart attacks to uncontrolled blood pressure. At least three other hospitals in the state offer similar services, Young said, but "there's more than enough business for everybody."

"The incidence of heart disease is still big."

The planning for the Queen's project took nine months and the work on the nearly 13,000 square-foot heart center will be completed at the end of June, about two years after it began.

Young said Queen's needs to replace its cardiac imaging equipment every seven to 10 years and that the design for the updated unit came after extensive input from staff, patients and others. She said the outcome is a unit that incorporates murals from local artist Patrick Ching and elements of feng shui design.