Health Insights

These clinics address complex conditions through collaborative efforts and deliver tailored solutions that improve patient outcomes. Four standout programs exemplify this approach: the Cardio-Oncology Clinic, the CardioOB Clinic, the CardioNeuro Clinic, and the CardioRenal Clinic.

Cardio-Oncology Clinic: Bridging Cancer Treatment and Cardiovascular Health

The Cardio-Oncology Clinic addresses a critical need for comprehensive care in cancer patients. The intersection of oncology and cardiology arose in the 1970s when oncologists observed cardiovascular complications in patients treated with anthracyclines, a class of chemotherapy drugs. As treatments evolved, so did their potential cardiotoxic effects, emphasizing the importance of proactive cardiovascular care for cancer patients.

"Our clinic at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center combines the expertise of cardiologists, oncologists, and a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless coordination and holistic care," says Richard Becker, MD, an expert in cardiology at UC Health. "We use tools like cardiovascular risk assessments, imaging, and preventive strategies to provide personalized care."

This proactive approach has significantly enhanced survivorship by reducing complications like heart failure, blood clots, and arrhythmias. By fostering early detection and intervention, the clinic improves quality of life for patients navigating the dual challenges of cancer and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Becker highlights that patient satisfaction and collaboration are central to the clinic's success. The team includes heart failure specialists, vascular cardiologists, and rehabilitation experts who collectively address every aspect of a patient's care, ensuring a comprehensive approach that benefits both heart and cancer health.

CardioOB Clinic: Supporting High-Risk Pregnancies

Pregnancy presents unique cardiovascular challenges, especially for patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those who develop issues during pregnancy. The new CardioOB Clinic at UC Health ensures these patients receive specialized care tailored to their complex needs.

"This program integrates obstetricians, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and caseworkers to create a seamless care plan for high-risk pregnancies," explains Juliane Vierecke, MD, Director of Mechanical Support and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation at UC Health. "Our goal is to optimize cardiovascular health while prioritizing maternal and fetal safety."

A critical component of the clinic’s approach is managing medications to balance the mother’s heart health with fetal safety, in partnership with Carrie Warshak, MD, OB-GYN, Director of the CardioOB Clinic. The team carefully selects and adjusts medications to avoid adverse effects on the baby while supporting maternal health, ensuring safer deliveries and better long-term outcomes for both mother and child.

Dr. Vierecke describes the program as transformative, offering coordinated care that alleviates the anxiety of high-risk pregnancies and provides patients with confidence in their care plans.

CardioNeuro Clinic: Innovating Care for Neuromuscular Patients

The CardioNeuro Clinic emerged from a partnership between cardiologists, pulmonologists, and neurologists to address cardiac concerns in patients with neuromuscular diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dr. Hani Kushlaf, Director of the Neuromuscular Disorders Division at UC Health, is credited by Russ Hoffman, CNP, a UC Health Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, with initiating the clinic. Russ and Dr. Julianna Vierecke work to support the clinic, which brings together specialties, including pulmonary care, respiratory therapy, and physical rehabilitation, to provide a consolidated care model. The clinic brings together specialties, including pulmonary care, respiratory therapy, and physical rehabilitation, to provide a consolidated care model.

"Patients with neuromuscular diseases often require coordinated care across multiple specialties," says Hoffman. "Our clinic allows patients to see all their providers in one visit, ensuring real-time collaboration and streamlined care."

One example Hoffman shares involved coordinating cardiac imaging for a young patient on a ventilator. By engaging pulmonary and respiratory therapy experts during the same visit, the team avoided delays and ensured the best outcome.

Communication is central to the clinic’s success, facilitated by electronic health records and an RN coordinator who manages care plans across specialties. Patients and families have expressed gratitude for this model's efficiency and thoroughness, which Hoffman hopes to replicate in other areas of cardiology care.

CardioRenal Clinic: Coordinated Care for the Heart and Kidneys

The CardioRenal Clinic at UC Health reflects the intricate relationship between the heart and kidneys, offering specialized care for patients facing the dual challenges of heart and kidney disease. This unique clinic provides a coordinated approach to optimize therapies and enhance patient outcomes, addressing the complex interplay between these two critical organs.

"Heart failure can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their function," explains Jennifer Cook, MD, Director of Heart Failure and Heart Transplant. "At the same time, kidney failure can exacerbate fluid retention, causing swelling and impacting quality of life. Managing these interconnected conditions requires a collaborative approach."

The CardioRenal Clinic focuses on balancing treatments for heart failure while mitigating their impact on kidney health. Medications that improve heart function are carefully monitored to ensure they do not compromise kidney performance. This holistic approach reduces symptoms, prevents complications, and improves quality of life for patients.

The clinic serves as a one-stop destination for patients with heart and kidney disease. By bringing together cardiologists, nephrologists, and other specialists under one roof, the clinic ensures seamless care and personalized treatment plans.

Transforming Care Through Collaboration

The success of these multidisciplinary clinics underscores the power of collaboration in healthcare. By bringing together specialists from various fields, UC Health’s Heart Care ensures patients receive comprehensive, personalized care. From cancer survivors and neuromuscular patients to high-risk pregnancies and kidney disease, these clinics exemplify a holistic approach to health, prioritizing patient outcomes and quality of life.

As these programs continue to evolve, they set a gold standard for multidisciplinary care, ensuring that patients with complex conditions receive the support they need every step of the way.