Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute

A nationally recognized destination for highly specialized cardiovascular care.

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’re proud to take on the toughest heart and vascular cases that other health systems are forced to turn away, providing breakthrough treatments, comprehensive care and excellent outcomes across the full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions.

We have achieved the best heart failure survival rate in the United States¹ and the highest patient survival score for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery,² with over 96% of patients recommending their physician at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.³

Patients from all 50 states and 40 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.

Since we first collaborated with philanthropist Neil Bluhm to bring better heart care to Chicago over 20 years ago , the program has grown into an innovative powerhouse of cardiovascular medicine, delivering pioneering treatments and heart disease research. From the beginning, we’ve reimagined what heart and vascular care can be. Now, we’re shaping an even better future.

EXPERTS IN CARE

Stories Shaping the Future of Heart Care

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Man in a red sweater talking and folding his hands over his chest

FAST Access to Expert Heart Care

usnwr-best-hospitals-cardiovascular Our 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 19 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

Take our risk assessment to learn more about your heart health.

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 10 years.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026

Among the top 20 hospitals in the world for cardiac surgery

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Newsweek, 2025

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)

Best heart failure performance rate in the nation

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program, October 2024 – September 2025

Meet Our Physician Leaders

Select Physician:

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)

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)

Douglas R. Johnston, MD

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

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)

Jane E. Wilcox, MD

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

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)

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)