Cardiovascular Medicine

Videos

Watch Mayo Clinic cardiologists and others discuss many conditions and treatments related to cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular surgery.

Mayo Clinic in Arizona offers the Heart Health and Performance Program to help you optimize your heart health. Doctors trained in heart disease (cardiologists) and other health care professionals help you understand your heart disease risk and heart health.

People who participate in the program undergo a one-day screening process to help assess their risk of heart disease. A team of cardiologists, preventive medicine doctors, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners and dietitians work together to provide your care.

Screening for heart disease risk

The one-day comprehensive evaluation typically includes:

• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) testing. This is a noninvasive ultrasound examination of your neck (carotid) arteries that measures artery thickening and detects early development of heart disease before blockages begin to form.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test evaluates the electrical activity of your heart during rest and exercise.
• Exercise stress testing. This test measures your heart function and fitness. You might also hear it called a stress test.
• Physical performance evaluation. In a physical performance evaluation, staff checks your joint mobility, flexibility and muscular fitness.
• Lifestyle assessment. In a lifestyle assessment, staff evaluates your nutrition, physical activity, stress and smoking history.
• Body composition assessment. This test assesses your body composition and analyzes your body fat.
• Blood tests and chemistry profile. These tests check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels and test your liver and kidney functions.

The program staff works with you to develop a personalized plan to prevent heart disease and improve your heart health. You'll receive immediate feedback and support in making informed decisions about your health. Your program may include:

• A doctor's medical recommendations about your heart health and heart disease prevention.
• Lifestyle counseling, which may include recommendations regarding lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and nutrition.
• Patient education.
• Smoking cessation counseling.
• Stress management training.

The program is open to people ages 18 to 64. The program may be of most value to people who have one or more heart disease risk factors:

• Family history of early heart disease or stroke — heart disease or stroke in a male blood relative younger than age 55 or female blood relative younger than age 65.
• Diabetes or high blood sugar.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Overweight or obese.
• Physical inactivity, high stress or tobacco use.
• Previous test results that cause concern, such as an irregular coronary artery calcium scan.

Appointments

You may be referred by your primary doctor, or you may make an appointment without a referral.

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other hospital and has been recognized as an Honor Roll member according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 "Best Hospitals" rankings.

Mayo Clinic campuses are nationally recognized for expertise in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery:

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
• Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024–2025 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.