Heart Care

Our cardiologists also offer several specialty programs to manage these cardiovascular disease needs:

• Amyloidosis care
• Diabetes care, including diabetic foot and leg care
• Cancer and heart care, including support for cardiotoxicity
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and heart care
• Infectious endocarditis (IE) care
• Latinx Cardiovascular Clinic
• Prevention and Lipid Clinic
• Russian Cardiovascular Clinic
• Sarcoidosis care
• Sports cardiology
• Women's Cardiovascular Program

Prompt Access to Heart & Vascular Care

Our teams are committed to getting you quick, convenient access to the care you need. We provide these types of services:

• Cardiac direct access (CDAc) unit — a referral-based unit that provides you with immediate access to our cardiology expertise without waiting in the emergency department
• CardioVascular Institute virtual visits — have an online consult or follow-up on symptoms from the comfort and privacy of your home

Our vascular specialists offer care for the full range of conditions affecting the blood vessels:

• Aortic diseases
• Aortic aneurysm
• Aortic dissection
• Coronary artery disease
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Raynaud’s disease
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Varicose veins

Doctors are available to provide second opinions for these situations:

• You've been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
• You want further details about medications or procedures recommended by another doctor.
• You wish to explore other possible treatment options.
• You need to validate information you received from another doctor.

Your Right To a Second Opinion

All patients have the right to seek a second opinion. We encourage you to seek a second opinion, particularly if:

• The information you received from the other doctor seems unclear or inconclusive.
• A recommended course of treatment is invasive or may negatively impact your quality of life.
• Something about the first opinion doesn’t seem quite right.

Learn everything you can about your condition and all of the treatment options available by seeking a second opinion. It will help you make the best decisions about your care.

What To Bring

• Here's what to bring with you to your BIDMC second opinion visit:
• Copies of medical records and doctor notes related to your condition
• Copies of your test results:
• Angiograms
• Cardiac catheterizations
• CT scans
• Echocardiograms
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• Exercise stress testing
• MRIs
• Ultrasounds
• CDs/DVDs of previous cardiac imaging tests
• Your current treatment plan, including a list of your current medications
• A list of specific questions you want to ask the doctor during your visit

Second opinion appointments are generally available within 48 hours. Following your visit, our cardiologists will share their thoughts, conclusions and recommended next steps with you and the doctor(s) of your choice. This can help your care team find the course of treatment that is best for you.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has a long history of clinical advancements and breakthroughs benefiting people around the globe. The doctor-scientists in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine are national leaders.

The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at BIDMC is among the most active vascular clinical trial sites in the world. Our vascular care team provides you with access to expanded therapies and new treatment options.

Candidates for Vascular & Heart Clinical Trials

We run important clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for cardiovascular disease. Historically, we have conducted clinical trials on these conditions:

• Aortic disease
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Critical limb ischemia

Trials available at any given time vary. If a clinical trial is an appropriate option for you, your doctor will discuss details about how you can join. Participation in a trial is your decision.

Contact the Clinical Trials Manager

If you have questions, please contact the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine clinical trials manager by email or by calling 617-632-8956.

Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Clinical Trials

For more information on clinical trials in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, please email us.