Drs. McCarthy and Johnston wearing surgical clothing and equipment.

Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute

A nationally recognized destination for highly
specialized cardiovascular care.

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Why Choose Northwestern Medicine for Your Heart and Vascular Care?

Fast Access in a Heartbeat

Having treated patients from all 50 states and 27 countries, we are a leading destination for specialized heart and vascular care. Along with advanced resources, our specialists offer world-renowned expertise for a wide range of heart care needs — including complex, hard-to-treat issues. Our approach places you at the center of your care team for treatment tailored to your needs. We collaborate with you to help you make informed decisions about care plans based on your specific condition, preferences and treatment goals.

We strive to provide world-class care for our patients. That’s why Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which anchors Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, is a nationally ranked heart and vascular program1 and among the best heart surgery programs in the world2. We are also proud that Northwestern Memorial Hospital has heart failure survival rates among the best in the United States3. Our achievements reflect our dedication to improving our patients’ heart health.

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Top heart and vascular experts are with you every step of the way

No matter who you are or where you live, our experts are here to help. To make an appointment or learn more, call 312.NM.HEART (312.664.3278).

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We will schedule a virtual intake visit with a nurse coordinator within 24 hours of your first contact with us. Our nurse coordinators will:

  • Recommend a physician for your visit.
  • Help collect your medical records.
  • Schedule your appointments and any tests and procedures.
  • Facilitate hotel and transportation arrangements in Chicago for out of state patients.

After your intake visit with our nurse coordinator, our physicians will review your case. They will offer treatment recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Then, you will meet with a physician to discuss your treatment options and develop a treatment plan.

We offer virtual visits so you can get expert guidance right from your home. If you prefer an in-person visit or need tests, we have 18 convenient locations across Chicagoland. Most patients only need one visit with the physician before their surgery.

Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute Centers

Our teams are working to drive breakthroughs in treatment so we can advance care for patients around the world. Through innovation and the latest technology, we strive to offer optimal outcomes, faster recovery and a better quality of life.

Center for aortic care

Center For Aortic Care

Our team of specially trained experts offers advanced treatment options for your complex aortic disease. We care for a range of these conditions, such as aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and aortic valve disease.

center for aortic care
Physician examining a patient

Center For Coronary Artery Disease

We provide leading-edge care to prevent and treat coronary artery disease, putting our patients at the heart of what we do. Our team offers expertise on this type of disease, including heart attacks and blockages in your coronary arteries.

center for coronary artery disease
Female physician sitting at a computer

Center For Heart Failure

Our experts provide world-class care for heart failure, treating conditions that cause it and helping you manage it in the long term. We offer specialized treatment for amyloidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pericardial disease, high blood pressure in your lung arteries and radiation-related heart disease.

center for heart failure
center for heart rhythm disorders photos

Center For Heart Rhythm Disorders

Using innovative technology, our team diagnoses and treats irregular heartbeats. We offer a wide range of treatments to tailor care to your unique needs. We treat disorders such as atrial fibrillation and sick sinus syndrome.

center for heart rhythm disorders
Physician looking at a diagram on a computer

Center For Heart Valve Disease

We use breakthrough research and advanced procedures to treat conditions that keep your heart valves from working properly. These include aortic valve disease, Marfan syndrome and mitral valve disease.

center for heart valve disease
Center for preventive cardiology

Center For Preventive Cardiology

Our team strives to support your heart health. With a wide range of special programs, we work to help you understand and prevent heart disease. We offer specialized programs for athletes, women, people born with heart disease, pregnant people and people with heart disease in their family.

center for preventive cardiology
Center for vascular disease

Center For Vascular Disease

We use advanced techniques to prevent and diagnose issues affecting how your body pumps blood from your heart to your lungs. Our teams treat conditions such as artery diseases, blood clots, varicose veins, and open sores that do not heal properly.

center for vascular disease
ai

Center for Artificial Intelligence

At Northwestern Medicine, we harness technology to deliver excellent care. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key tool for better health care. Through innovation and teamwork, the Northwestern Medicine Center for Artificial Intelligence aims to improve heart and vascular care with AI.

Center for Artificial Intelligence

Meet the Team

physicians looking at tablets showing an image
The Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a nationally recognized destination for those who require highly specialized cardiovascular care.
Meet the Teams
Cardiac Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Interventional Cardiology
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation
General Cardiology
Cardiac Behavioral Medicine
Cardiovascular Genetics
Locations & Contact Information
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    Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 7 by U.S. News and World Report in Heart and Vascular.

    Northwestern Memorial Hospital
    The No. 7 heart and vascular surgery program in the United States and the highest-ranked in Illinois for 17 straight years.

    Learn More

    Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is proud of our tremendous cardiac surgery growth, a testament to our continued commitment to excellent patient care and the outstanding outcomes the team consistently achieves.

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    Clinical Trials

    We conduct clinical trials to give you early access to medical breakthroughs that prevent, detect and treat cardiovascular disease that improve outcomes and quality of life.

    learn about our clinical trials
    Support Our Work

    Looking for a Heart or Vascular Second Opinion?

    We offer second opinions for heart and vascular conditions. You can schedule a virtual visit or an in-person visit at one of our convenient locations.

    Complete a short form to have a nurse contact you by phone or email. They will suggest a physician for you to make your second opinion visit with.

    have a nurse contact me

    Learn About Your Heart Health

    Understand your risk for heart disease.

    schedule a coronary calcium scan
    take the heart health assessment

    For the Cardiovascular Professional

    Learn more about physician referrals, AI technologies, CME, clinical trials and news from Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

    Cardiovascular Professionals
    1. U.S. News & World Report, 2024 – 2025, Best Hospitals rankings, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery program
    2. Northwestern Memorial Hospital as ranked by Newsweek 2023
    3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, July 2019 – June 2022 (tied).

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