Meet Our Heart Specialist Team
It’s important to get timely care when you need to see a heart specialist. University of Utah Health’s care team model means you’ll see the right specialist tailored to your individual needs and immediate concerns. All members of our care team work in collaboration with your cardiologist to provide you with high-quality, compassionate care at the time you need it.
You may see a physician specializing in cardiology (cardiologist) at your appointment. Or, you may see an advanced practice clinician (APC) from your cardiologist’s team. During your treatment and care, you'll see many types of heart experts:
- Attending cardiologists
- Advanced practice clinicians (APCs)
- Medical students, residents, and fellows
- Registered nurses
- Medical assistants
- Cardiac and vascular sonographers
- Device technicians
- Stress test technicians
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
- Care managers
- Financial coordinators
- Research coordinators
- Transplant coordinators
- Left ventricular assistive device (LVAD) coordinators
Attending Cardiologists
Cardiologists are medical doctors specializing in cardiovascular medicine. Our cardiologists are in charge of all cardiovascular patients in our care. They see patients in the hospital (inpatient), emergency room, and outpatient clinic (a place that treats patients outside of a hospital setting). They perform heart procedures and are involved in the imaging of your heart to determine the best type of treatment for your condition.
Our cardiologists work with your primary care provider, APCs, and other specialists. Your cardiologist plays a leading role on your care team and treatment even if you don’t see them at every appointment.
Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs)
Our APCs are nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have clinical expertise in heart-related conditions. Our cardiologists and APCs work together to make decisions about your care and provide effective treatment. This gives each of our patients high-quality and timely heart care.
Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows
U of U Health is a teaching hospital because one of our core missions is education. Your appointment may include medical students, residents, and fellows.
Registered Nurses
Our nurses specialize work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They will help you understand your treatment plan, track progress, and administer medications.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering questions, performing tests (blood tests or heart imaging such as an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram) during outpatient visits, and taking vital signs. They may prepare and assist you during your heart exam. They also gather information about your needs.
Cardiac and Vascular Sonographers
Cardiac sonographers specialize in imaging the heart using ultrasound waves. They use specialized equipment to look at the structure and function of your heart. Vascular technologists specialize in performing ultrasounds of your blood vessels. You may see one of these specialists if your cardiologist or APC decides you need one of these tests.
Device Technicians
Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) technicians help you with devices implanted inside your body, such as pacemakers. Our team also includes heart monitor technicians. These technicians see patients who have wearable, external heart devices.
Stress Test Technicians
A stress test technician specializes in performing cardiac stress tests. A stress tech monitors how well your heart is working during physical activity. You may see one of these technicians if you need a stress test.
Pharmacists
Our pharmacists have specialized training in cardiovascular medicine. They help you understand when and how to take your medications. They can also answer questions about medication interactions, side effects, or other concerns.
Social Workers
Social workers will support you throughout your care. They may connect you to support groups, refer you to community resources, and help you with advance directives.
Care Managers
Our care managers will help you with concerns including insurance coverage, financial resources, coordinating care, and medical equipment.
Financial Coordinators
Our financial coordinators can help you understand your bill and explain your financial assistance options.
Research Coordinators
Our research helps us to continue providing the most advanced heart care. Your care may include voluntary participation in a research study. In these cases, our research coordinators will help explain the study. They will review benefits and risks and work with you throughout your treatment.
Transplant Coordinators
A transplant coordinator will be an important resource if you need a heart transplant. This team member will help make your appointments and support you with any transplant-related concerns.
Left Ventricular Assistive Device (LVAD) Coordinators
If you need LVAD surgery, an LVAD coordinator will help you understand what to expect and coordinate your appointments. They will be your resource and support for any LVAD-related concerns.
Find a Heart Specialist
During Your Cardiology Appointment
You’ll check in at the front desk when you arrive for your cardiology appointment. You’ll show your insurance card and fill out contact information and other relevant paperwork. After check-in, you’ll wait in a designated area.
A medical assistant or nurse will come to the waiting room. They’ll introduce themselves and then take you back to the clinical exam area. They will verify your identity and ask you to step on a scale to determine your weight. They will escort you to your exam room, where they will gather general health information from you:
- Symptoms and immediate needs
- Health history and medications
- Vital signs
Then one of our cardiologists or APCs will come to the exam room to meet with you, discuss your care, and review your health information:
- Symptoms and how they affect your daily life
- Treatments you have tried and whether they have been effective
- Previous imaging results, if you have had images taken before your appointment
- Previous tests you have completed for your symptoms
Your appointment may also include a resident or fellow. They are medical doctors pursuing advanced cardiology training. They may be present when you meet with your cardiologist or APC.
How Long Are Cardiology Appointments?
Cardiology appointments may last up to an hour. Some appointments may be shorter or longer depending on your needs.
Preparing for Your Cardiology Appointment
You’ll get an email with a link to a heart questionnaire via MyChart. You will need to complete the questionnaire before your appointment. The email will have instructions for creating a MyChart account if you don’t already have one.
Please bring these items to your appointment:
- Insurance card, if applicable
- List of current medications
- Photo ID
- Relevant medical or imaging records
Can You Eat Before a Cardiology Appointment?
You can eat before your cardiology appointment unless your provider tells you not to. Some cardiac tests require you to stop eating or drinking for a short period before your appointment. You will receive fasting instructions if you need one of these tests.
Follow-Up Care After Your Cardiology Appointment
Your heart specialist will develop a treatment plan during your first appointment. They’ll discuss this plan with you and let you know what to expect for next steps:
- Imaging, such as echocardiograms or cardiac MRIs
- Follow-up appointments to review imaging or treatment
- Prescription medications
- Referrals to other heart experts
Make an Appointment with Our Heart Specialists
You will need a referral to make an appointment with our heart specialists. Your primary care provider or other specialist may complete our physician referral form or they may call 801-581-2897 to make a referral. We recommend verifying your insurance coverage before scheduling an appointment with our team.
Patient Resources
My Doctor Said I Have a Heart Murmur. What Does That Mean?
If your doctor told you that you have a heart murmur, you're probably wondering what that means. Is my health in danger? Will I always have a heart murmur? Do I need surgery?
Why Is My Heart Racing So Fast?
Everyone has a racing heart from time to time. Stress, exercise, or even too much alcohol or caffeine can cause your heart to beat faster than normal. But if your heart races a lot--or if you notice your heartbeat is often irregular--then you should see a doctor.
When Is It Time to See a Cardiologist?
How severe should your heart symptoms be before you see a heart specialist (cardiologist)? How can you tell if someone you love should see a cardiologist?
