Midwest Cardiovascular Institute is hosting a free ABI & Carotid Ultrasound screening on Tuesday, December 20th from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 133 East Brush Hill Road (Suite 202) in Elmhurst. Guests will receive complimentary ankle brachial index and carotid ultrasound screenings. An ABI is a simple, painless exam used to test the blood flow in the legs to determine risk of vascular disease. Carotid ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses highfrequencysound waves to create pictures of the inside of your carotid arteries.Results will be reviewed onsite by MCI cardiologists.Risk factors of vascular disease include family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as smoking, being overweight or being inactive.Registration is required. Please visit mcidec22.eventbrite.com to reserve your spot or call (985) 873-5058 with any questions.
NAPERVILLE, IL – Drs. Moeen Saleem and Maria Rosa Costanzo, cardiologists at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI), along with Dr. James Walsh, vascular surgeon, performed the first successful implantation of Barostim™ Baroreflex Activation Therapy at Edward-Elmhurst Health on November 2.
This is the world’s first FDA-approved heart failure device to use neuromodulation, the power of the brain and nervous system, to improve the symptoms of patients with systolic heart failure, which occurs in the heart’s left ventricle. This therapy was designed to treat heart failure in patients who have had little to no success with other proven treatment options.
Unlike other HF treatment options, Barostim does not touch the heart and utilizes an electrode that lies on the patient’s carotid artery. The electrical impulses sent from the device inform the brain of the heart’s condition, allowing the brain to improve the function of the heart. Over time, the heart regains strength and symptoms lessen. This unique technology is customizable to meet each patient’s individual needs and offers the potential to improve quality of life and reduce health risks associated with heart failure, including heart and kidney disease, stroke, and death.
“This technology is unique because it addresses the key mechanisms which cause progression of heart failure,” explained Dr. Maria Rosa Costanzo. “Barostim signals the brain to turn down sympathetic activation which damages heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Therefore, Barostim is a breakthrough for our patients with heart failure, giving them a chance to gain back their quality of life.”
Learn more about this technology here or ask your doctor of this treatment may be right for you.
NAPERVILLE, IL – Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is encouraging tobacco and nicotine users to join millions of Americans in pledging to give up nicotine— for a few hours, for the day, or for longer— on Thursday, November 17, in honor of the nationwide event, the Great American Smokeout.
MCI locations will have pledge jars and wooden hearts available for you to make a pledge (one heart= one hour without nicotine).
Smoking is the largest preventable risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Smoking causes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A fourth of the deaths from heart disease each year can be linked directly to smoking. The connection is that cigarette smoke causes damage to the lining of the blood vessels.
Take next steps to level up your health, no matter where you are on your journey. Each quit attempt is a step forward.
Consult with your primary care provider to take the first step toward a tobacco-free life.
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Dr. Ann Davis
NAPERVILLE- Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is growing and expanding with a new location in South Plainfield at 16519 Illinois Route 59, where Dr. Ann R. Davis will see patients every Thursday beginning October 6.
This new location includes a larger waiting area than the previous Plainfield location, more exam rooms, and an overall larger space to accommodate patients during their visit.
The current Plainfield location on 127th Street will now be closing and moving forward. Dr. Davis also sees patients at the MCI clinic in Naperville located at Edward Hospital at 801 S. Washington, 4th Floor.
To make an appointment or reschedule at the location of your choice, please call (630) 600-0700.
NAPERVILLE- September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, bringing attention to vascular disease in the legs. Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) diagnoses and treats this condition, marked by leg pain or cramping.
PAD occurs when peripheral arteries, most commonly in the legs, have plaque build-up or blockages, restricting blood flow. These blockages keep extremities and organs from receiving oxygenated blood. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD, but many do not recognize the symptoms, or realize they should see a cardiologist for treatment. PAD is a common condition; however if left untreated, it can affect quality of life and lead to amputation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients can manage the symptoms of PAD and avoid amputation or heart attacks.
Symptoms of PAD include:
- Ulcers/wounds that won’t heal
- Pain or cramping in the legs
- Discoloration of the legs/feet
- Numbness or coldness in the legs/feet
- Slow hair growth on the legs
- Weak pulse in the legs
- Pale, shiny skin
Those who are most at risk for PAD include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.
A simple, painless ultrasound can test the blood flow in your legs to determine your risk of PAD. Click here to schedule an appointment or find a list of locations here.
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NAPERVILLE- Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Steven Lieberman and Dr. Tony DeMartini and to its team of cardiologists in Elmhurst and Naperville respectively.
Dr. Steven Lieberman is a cardiologist seeing patients at the MCI Elmhurst location. He has practiced cardiology since 1996. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is also a diplomate in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Lieberman attended the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois and the University of Illinois Chicago Medical School.
Dr. Tony DeMartini is an interventional cardiologist practicing at the MCI Naperville location. He has practiced cardiology since 1996 and specializes in the treatment of chronic total occlusions, when the coronary artery is completely blocked, needing specialized treatment to be opened. Dr. DeMartini graduated cum laude from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri and Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. He is also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
MCI is a leader in heart and vascular care, with more than 20 expert cardiologists who treat the entire vascular system. Click here to schedule an appointment today.
NAPERVILLE- Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is changing the way cardiovascular care is delivered by opening a state-of-the-art, 24/7 Virtual Care Center located at 4201 Winfield Road, 4th floor, in Warrenville.
The MCI Virtual Care Center acts as a virtual hub of communication and cardiovascular care for patients and physicians. Leading the region in technological advancements, MCI’s Virtual Care Center enhances care options for our patients by providing state-of-the-art technology, increasing access to care, reducing costs and improving outcomes.
Services include 24/7 home monitoring, appointment scheduling, follow-up care, remote Coumadin monitoring, prescription refills and more. The VCC team is comprised of advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, medical assistants, telemetry technicians and more. This is in partnership with Edward-Elmhurst Health.
ELMHURST—Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is the first independent physician group in the region to offer cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, now offering this service in both Naperville and Elmhurst.
This advanced cardiac testing offers clearer and sharper imaging, allowing physicians an improved tool for accurate patient diagnosis and the selection of the most appropriate treatment options.
“Cardiac PET images the heart muscle and provides improved accuracy, less radiation and increased efficiency in the detection of coronary artery disease compared to all current modes of nuclear stress testing,” explained Elmer Murdock, interventional cardiologist at MCI Elmhurst. “This is just one of the ways MCI remains committed to providing the latest advancements to our patients.”
Pictured: The Midwest Cardiovascular Institute PET team in Elmhurst (L to R): Lucy Tahara, Mary Usry and Mary Catherine Howe
Benefits of PET scans include:
- Faster than a traditional nuclear scan
- Decreased radiation exposure
- Increased sensitivity to limited blood flow
- Increased sensitivity for those with large body mass
- Less interference from soft tissue
To make an appointment with an MCI physician nearest you, click here.
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NAPERVILLE- Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is now offering minimally-invasive treatments for varicose veins at its clinic in Naperville on the Edward Hospital campus at 801 South Washington Street, 4th floor. MCI interventional cardiologist Dr. Krishna Nagendran is offering comprehensive care, diagnosis and treatment for vein disease.
Vein disease occurs when vein vessels become damaged or weak, and blood flows backwards causing the veins to stretch, swell and twist. Symptoms of vein disease include varicose veins, discoloration, itching, swelling, cramping, or pain. Visible veins may range in severity from mild spider veins to dark, swollen or bulging varicose veins which may become painful or lead to ulcers.
Pictured from left to right are Pratik Parikh, MD; Krishna Nagendran, MD; Ellen Reyonlds, RN; Lindzey Guidry, LPN; Eric Toups, RVT; Kathryn Kilker, RVT; Shayne Geronimo, LPN; and first patient-Julie Sacks.
Some cases of varicose veins can be treated through lifestyle modifications, however some may require further medical treatment to reduce symptoms or improve appearance. There are many in-clinic treatments to treat veins, including the use of both thermal and non-thermal therapies as well as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. The most common treatment is radiofrequency ablation, a minimally-invasive procedure performed in the clinic which uses radio frequency energy to apply heat to the vein wall to close off the vein.
“Vein disease may not present itself until pain or skin problems develop,” explained Dr. Nagendran. “This disease progressively gets worse over time because of the backflow of blood, so it is important to consult a vein specialist if you have swollen or painful veins.”
Schedule a vein consult at MCI by calling 630-600-0700 or clicking here.
NAPERVILLE—Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is the first independent physician group in the region to offer cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. The PET/Computed Tomography (CT) machine is located on the Edward Hospital campus at 801 South Washington in Naperville, outside the south entrance in a diagnostic mobile unit.
Pictured from left to right are Brad Morales RT (N), Lora Motluck RN, patient Kerry Stuckey, and Andy Newton, CNMT.
This advanced cardiac testing offers clearer and sharper imaging, allowing physicians an improved tool for accurate patient diagnosis and the selection of the most appropriate treatment options.
“Cardiac PET/CT is the latest in innovative technology designed to better diagnose our patients and provide more accurate treatment,” said Dr. Mark Goodwin, President of MCI. “The addition of this technology further advances our mission of providing the highest-quality cardiovascular care for our patients.”
Benefits of PET scans include:
- Faster than a traditional nuclear scan
- Decreased radiation exposure
- Increased sensitivity to limited blood flow
- Increased sensitivity for those with large body mass
- Less interference from soft tissue
To learn more about cardiovascular diagnostic testing, or to make an appointment with an MCI physician nearest you, click here.