Cardiologists in New Mexico
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center is staffed by a team of experienced cardiologists, nurses, cardiac surgeons, and specialists committed to providing comprehensive cardiovascular care in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Leveraging over 30 years of expertise, our state-of-the-art facility focuses on diagnostic, interventional, and preventive treatments, ensuring the health of over 42,000 hearts annually. From congenital heart defects to vascular diseases, our specialists cover a spectrum of cardiovascular conditions. Trust NMHI for the latest advances in heart care and compassionate support on your journey to heart health.
About Heart Hospital at Lovelace Medical Center
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center has partnered with New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group to provide New Mexico with over 30 years of diagnostic, interventional, and preventive cardiovascular expertise. Our heart specialists are dedicated to delivering exceptional care from the moment you arrive at our doors. We work hard to meet your specific needs and design a cardiovascular care plan that gives you the best possible results.
Though preventive care is always our first step, we are also able to provide diagnostic testing and treatment for conditions that affect the heart and the major veins and arteries. We provide the following services at our cardiology clinic:
- Cardiac implant management
- Computerized tomography (CT) angiography
- Echocardiograms
- Medication management
- Nuclear stress testing
In cases where medication is not able to provide you with the quality of life you deserve, our facility offers surgical cardiovascular services. Our providers may recommend interventional cardiology or cardiovascular surgery treatments, if needed. Our goal is to ensure that you receive comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. We will work closely with you at every point to guarantee you have a streamlined healthcare experience.
Our cardiac providers are ready to speak with you about your heart health, and help you make a plan for your long-term wellness. To schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists, please call 505-841-1000.
Heart conditions we treat
Your heart is an incredible and complex organ, but sometimes it doesn’t work exactly as it should. We understand that it can be concerning to experience the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. However, our specialists are prepared to devise a customized care plan to help you improve your heart health for the long run.
Our cardiology team regularly diagnoses and treats a wide range of heart conditions, illnesses and diseases, including:
- Arrhythmias
- Atherosclerosis
- Congenital heart conditions
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Peripheral artery disease
Should you require care for another cardiovascular condition not listed above, rest assured that our team of experts will work diligently to ensure you receive the care you need.
Our cardiovascular treatments and specialties
Experience excellence in cardiovascular care at Heart Hospital of New Mexico, located on the campus of Lovelace Medical Center. Our cardiology services extend beyond diagnosis to offer specialized treatments, ensuring optimal heart health. Our dedicated team excels in:
- Cardiothoracic/vascular surgery: Addressing complications of heart disease, our skilled team performs surgeries to restore blood flow to organ tissues, correct congenital heart issues, and treat valvular heart diseases. Recognized for the latest vascular care, our cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons are at the forefront of cardiovascular surgery in the state. Learn more about heart and vascular surgery.
- Diagnostic testing services: Our imaging department provides comprehensive heart services, including electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. With leading-edge technology that includes a 64-Slice VCT Scanner, you can depend on us for easy diagnostic tests and fast, accurate results. Learn more about heart screening and imaging.
- Electrophysiology: Our providers employ advanced electrophysiology studies to identify the cause of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). This diagnostic information guides our specialists in determining the best course of treatment for each patient. Learn more about heart arrythmia treatments.
- Interventional cardiology: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, our interventional cardiology services boast catheterization labs, alongside a dedicated cardiovascular operating room. Our exceptional physicians and surgeons utilize leading-edge technology to optimize patient outcomes, providing advanced care backed by expertise and innovation. Learn more about interventional cardiology.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services: Our physical therapists provide comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services to help you recover from various cardiovascular conditions. We also provide various resources for patients, including access to heart healthy dieticians. Learn more about our cardiac rehabilitation services.
Experience the forefront of cardiovascular care with Lovelace. To schedule a consultation, call 505-841-1000 and prioritize your heart health today.
Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Heart attack symptoms can vary depending on age, gender and medical history, but it’s important to know your signs and call 911 if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack.
- For men, symptoms include: Pain in the chest, arms, jaw, neck or shoulder; indigestion, palpitations, headache.
- For women, symptoms include: Shortness of breath, indigestion, fatigue or lethargy, palpitations, anxiety, numbness in the arms or hands, back pain, left-sided chest pain, and difficulty sleeping.
- For diabetics, symptoms include: Unexplained shortness of breath or sweating, weakness, and nausea.
- For seniors, symptoms include: Unusual shortness of breath, unexplained mental status change, fainting, unusual confusion, and chest pain.
Tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle
One of the most important aspects of healthcare is prevention. Risk factors for heart disease can include: age, gender, family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, lack of physical activity and smoking. Managing risk factors and prioritizing your overall health is the best thing that you can do to manage your cardiovascular health and avoid needing medication or invasive treatments.
Here are small changes you can start making today to create a more heart healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are low in salt and saturated fats prevent the build-up of plaques in your blood vessels, and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and thrombosis. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy – for life!
- Get active: Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Exercise doesn’t have to be as difficult as running for miles everyday. Something as simple as a brisk, 15 minute walk at lunch can lower your stress levels and improve your heart’s strength and health. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.
- Keep blood sugar at healthy levels: Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Regular physical activity helps regulate insulin sensitivity and overall glucose metabolism. Managing stress, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep also play a crucial role in blood sugar control.
- Maintain a healthy weight: When you carry extra weight you increase the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. By living an active lifestyle, eating healthy and decreasing any extra weight you can lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better too.
- Manage your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke due to the stress it creates inside your body. When your blood pressure stays within a healthy range, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. Reducing your salt intake, staying active, and taking medication if needed are all ways to keep your body functioning at its best.
- Manage stress and sleep. Having a busy life can be good, but it can cause you to feel pressure and can interrupt a good night’s sleep. Finding ways to unwind after a long day so that you can sleep better and recover can protect your heart and your mind.
- Stop smoking: People who smoke are two to four times more likely to get heart disease or suffer a stroke. We know that quitting is hard. If you need help, speak with your doctor about programs and ways you can help with dependence. If you need help quitting, please visit QuitNowNM.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
- Take charge of your cholesterol: High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog your arteries, decreasing the blood flow and potentially leading to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.
For more information about how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, visit American Heart Association.