Patients who choose Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute receive personalized care from a nationally ranked  team of specialists with world-renowned expertise in a wide range of heart care needs, including complex, hard-to-treat issues.  

We have achieved the best heart failure survival rate in the United States for two consecutive years1 and are proud to be among the top 10 patient-preferred hospitals in the nation for heart care,2 with over 95% of patients recommending their physician at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.3  

Patients from all 50 states and 27 countries have chosen our team for specialized heart and vascular care. Whether you live far away or right here in Chicago, we make it easy for you to schedule appointments, receive the care you need and manage your condition for the rest of your life.   

February 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute . Since we first collaborated with philanthropist Neil Bluhm to bring better heart care to Chicago, the program has grown into an innovative powerhouse of cardiovascular medicine, delivering pioneering treatments and heart disease research.


20 Years of Clinical Excellence logo

EXPERTS IN CARE

20 Years of Building a Heart Care Destination*

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Northwestern Memorial Hospital Galter Pavilion

FAST Access to Expert Heart Care

usnwr-best-hospitals-cardiovascularOur top heart specialists are ready to help you, no matter where you live. We know you want answers quickly, and through our FAST program, we will schedule a virtual intake visit within 24 hours of your first contact with us.

During your first virtual appointment, an expert heart nurse will begin your care coordination. They will:

  • Recommend a physician for you
  • Help gather your medical records
  • Schedule virtual and in-person appointments, tests and procedures
  • Help arrange hotel accommodations and transportation if you’re coming from out of state

After that call, our physicians will review your medical information and suggest treatments that meet your needs. You will then meet with a physician to talk about your options and create a treatment plan. Each of these steps can be done from the comfort of your home.

If you prefer an in-person visit or need testing, we have 18 locations across Chicagoland. Most patients only need one in-person visit with a physician before surgery. After your procedure, most of your follow-up care can be handled through virtual appointments.

Your Journey to Better Heart Health

When you find out you have heart disease, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. We understand, and we’re here to help.

At Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, no one faces heart disease alone. We provide personalized, expert care to support you through every step of your heart health journey.

Advanced care provider checks breath sounds of patient with stethoscope in an exam room

Risk Reduction

Reduce your risk for heart and vascular disease.

Dr. Melissa Go Medina performing surgery with colleagues in front of an echocardiogram monitor

Conditions and Treatments

Learn about your diagnosis and our expert care.

Renata Skowronski checks in on patient during cardiac rehab

Recovery and Lifelong Management

We are your heart health partner for life.

Ranked among the top 10 cardiology, heart and vascular programs in the nation for the past nine years
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, U.S. News & World Report, 2024 – 2025
Among the top 20 hospitals in the world for cardiac surgery
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Newsweek, 2024
900% total cardiac surgery growth over the last 20 years
48,000 new patients per year
2,750 cardiac surgeries performed per year
Among the top 15 hospitals in the nation for heart attack survival
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, July 2020 – June 2024 (tied)

Meet Our Physician Leaders

Select Physician:

00:00:47
Patrick M. McCarthy, MD

Patrick M. McCarthy, MD 
Executive Director of Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
Heller-Sacks Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Professor of Surgery (Cardiac Surgery) 

00:00:58
Charles J. Davidson, MD

Charles J. Davidson, MD 
Medical Director of Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) 

00:01:42
Douglas R. Johnston, MD

Douglas R. Johnston, MD 
Chief of Cardiac Surgery in the Department of Surgery
Professor of Surgery (Cardiac Surgery) 

00:01:13
Sanjiv J. Shah, MD

Sanjiv J. Shah, MD 
Medical Director of the Clinical Trials Unit
Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine – Center for Deep Phenotyping and Precision Therapeutics
Neil J. Stone, MD, Professor
Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) 

00:00:42
Jane E. Wilcox, MD

Jane E. Wilcox, MD 
Associate Chief of Cardiology
Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) 

00:01:41
Clyde W. Yancy, MD

Clyde W. Yancy, MD 
Vice Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Chief of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine
Magerstadt Professor
Professor of Medicine (Cardiology)  and Medical Social Sciences (Determinants of Health) 

00:01:27
Anita Asgar, MD

Anita Asgar, MD 
Section Chief of Interventional Cardiology
Medical Director for Structural and Interventional Cardiology at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) 

Patient Testimonials

Northwestern Medicine: A Destination for Heart Care 4:05
Northwestern Medicine: A Destination for Heart Care
November 15, 2024
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute: Joshua’s Story
3:11
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute: Joshua’s Story
January 29, 2025
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute: Vicki’s Story
2:49
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute: Vicki’s Story
January 29, 2025

News and Clinical Breakthroughs

Advanced Treatments
Exploring Our Robotic CABG Program

Video

HealthBeat Articles

Bradley P. Knight, MD, performs the first pulsed field ablation procedure in Illinois while another surgeon observes.
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Know when to get screened for this life-threatening condition.

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First-of-Its-Kind Device Aims to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death

Northwestern Medicine studies a new technology to treat cardiac arrest as part of a worldwide clinical trial.