Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Health Clinic

Mayo Clinic has tailored a unique and effective approach for people who wish to be proactive in maintaining their heart health. The Cardiovascular Health Clinic is a world-class resource focused on the needs of people of all ages at risk for heart disease and those who have already developed heart disease. The clinic staff helps patients understand their current state of cardiovascular health and how they can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Cardiovascular Health Clinic contains state-of-the-art diagnostic and examination facilities and equipment. The clinic is also a cardiac rehabilitation center with many unique features, including:

• An indoor walking track
• A variety of aerobic and strengthening exercise equipment
• A teaching kitchen

Services offered

The Cardiovascular Health Clinic staff performs a variety of clinical activities, including risk assessment and risk reduction services. Patients may choose a one-time evaluation or a long-term program. One-time evaluation occurs during one to three days, and patients return to a local primary physician. The long-term program includes periodic follow-up for patients at the clinic. Cardiovascular rehabilitation services are also available for patients with known heart disease.

The program is based on two central approaches: risk assessment and risk reduction.

Risk assessment

Patients undergo a comprehensive risk assessment that includes:

• Patient-reported information on lifestyle habits, family health history, symptoms and quality of life
• Personalized appointment schedule based on a previous telephone interview
• Laboratory tests (traditional blood tests along with state-of-the-art testing for inherited or genetic risk factors for heart disease)
• A physical examination by a physician, if indicated
• Specialized testing, if indicated

Risk reduction

Members of the staff who have expertise in preventive therapies work with each patient to develop a plan of action to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease. Plans may include:

• Physical activity counseling
• Nutrition counseling
• Exercise training
• Weight loss goals and plans
• Preventive medications
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Smoking cessation counseling and treatment
• Techniques for behavioral and lifestyle changes
• Referral for interventional tests or treatments (coronary angiography, angioplasty with stent placement, etc.), if indicated
• Stress management training
• Other assessments and treatments for co-existing conditions (joint and muscle pain, diabetes, depression, etc.), if indicated

Appointments

To schedule an appointment in the Cardiovascular Health Clinic, call 507-284-4443. Referrals to the Cardiovascular Health Clinic are not required.

Research

The Cardiovascular Health Clinic participates in a variety of innovative research activities. Patients interested in more information about research activities can call 507-284-4443.

Staff

More than 60 staff members are dedicated to the Mayo Cardiovascular Health Clinic, including:

• Preventive cardiologists
• Exercise physiologists
• Nurse practitioners
• Registered nurses (specializing in risk factor modification and cholesterol management)
• Clinical exercise specialists
• Cardiopulmonary exercise test technicians
• Registered dietitians

Physician staff