Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Health Clinic

There is strong evidence that heart disease — already the number one killer of men and women in America — will be growing in prevalence in coming years. The good news is that Mayo Clinic has tailored a unique and effective approach for people who wish to be proactive in maintaining their heart health.

The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Health Clinic is a world-class resource centered on the needs of people of all ages at risk for heart disease or those who have already developed heart disease.

The Cardiovascular Health Clinic can help men and women receive answers and respond to two questions:

• What is the state of my cardiovascular health?
• How can I reduce my risk of cardiovascular disease?

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

• an indoor walking track
• exercise equipment (including a treadmill for water walking for those with joint stress)
• a teaching kitchen
• a relaxation room

Services offered by the Cardiovascular Health Clinic

The Cardiovascular Health Clinic staff carries out a wide variety of clinical activities, including risk assessment and risk reduction services. Patients may choose a one-time evaluation (1-3 days) and return to a local primary physician or may participate in a long-term program with periodic follow-up at the clinic. Cardiovascular rehabilitation services are also available for patients with known heart disease. Referrals to the Cardiovascular Health Clinic are not required.

Following are the program's two central approaches: Risk assessment and risk reduction.

Risk Assessment
Patients undergo a comprehensive assessment of risk including:

• Patient-reported information on lifestyle habits, family health history, symptoms and quality of life
• Personalized appointment schedule based on a previous phone 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 our staff who have expertise in preventive therapies work with the patient to develop a plan of action to help minimize risk for cardiovascular disease. Plans may include:

• Physical activity counseling
• Nutrition counseling
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Preventive medications
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Smoking cessation counseling and treatments
• Techniques for behavioral and lifestyle changes
• Referral for interventional tests and/or treatments (coronary angiography, angioplasty with stent placement, etc.), if indicated
• Psychological counseling

Appointments

To schedule an appointment in the Cardiovascular Health Clinic, call 507-284-4443.

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. They include:

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

Professional staff

Thomas G. Allison, Ph.D., M.P.H. – Education Director, Exercise Laboratory Director
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
Gerald T. Gau, M.D. – Director, Nutrition Services
Bruce D. Johnson, Ph.D. – Associate Director, Research
Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.
Iftikhar J. Kullo, M.D. – Research Director
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. – Associate Director, Research
Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.
Ray W. Squires, Ph.D. – Program Director, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D.
Randal J. Thomas, M.D., M.S. – Director
Martha Mangan, RN, CNP