Heart Center of The Rockies

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Heart Center of the Rockies is a part of Poudre Valley Health System and includes 17 cardiologists and two cardiovascular surgeons, most with multiple certifications in various heart-related specialties. In addition, we have over 300 specialists offering a wide range of clinical support, including nutrition, psychological counseling, research and rehabilitation programs. Together we share a common vision: to provide world-class care for our patients so they can return to a normal life. Our people, combined with our 33-year history, are why we are considered a leader in all medical matters of the heart.

Attention athletes: We're now offering sports cardiology screenings and follow-up to meet your special needs.

While physical activity offers many benefits, there are also dangers, including a small increased risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac death during vigorous exercise.

Compared to being at rest, a physically fit man’s risk of a heart attack increases seven-fold during exercise, while a sedentary male’s heart attack risk increases 50 times. Atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the heart arteries is the typical underlying cause of heart attacks or sudden cardiac death during exercise in those over 35.

Young competitive athletes are not immune from cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death during physical exertion, either. While relatively rare, the death of a young, apparently healthy athlete is an unexpected, traumatic event. The most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, followed by other miscellaneous cardiovascular conditions.

A sports cardiologist is a specialist with experience diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions that might place an athlete at increased risk during competition or exercise. The goal is to keep the athlete active and participating in sports while ensuring safety.

To make an appointment with sports cardiologist C. Patrick Green, please call our Fort Collins office at (970) 221-1000 or our Loveland office at (970) 624-1800.

At A Woman's Heart, a specialized care clinic at Heart Center of the Rockies, female patients interested in seeing a female cardiologist can recieve care with Wendy J. Austin, M.D. Dr. Austin provides care to both men and women with:

Risk Factors for heart disease, including high risk conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease
Coronary artery disease

Dr. Austin is part of our 19-physician team, whose members work closely together to provide complete heart care for women. Along with our physicians, we have nurse practitioners, dietitians and other healthcare professionals, all committed to providing a high standard of care.

Evaluating your risk
Our team will help you to understand your risks for heart disease. The first step is to identify whether you have any risk factors that contribute to heart disase. These might include:

To evaluate your condition, Dr. Austin will conduct a review of your risk factors for heart disease, a medical history of symptoms and a physician exam. Dr. Austin may also order tests to help evaluate your condition.

To schedule an appointment, please call our Fort Collins office at (970) 221-1000 or our Loveland office at (970) 624-1800.

Many of our patients and community members are wondering if they should be vaccinated for H1N1, also known as the swine flu. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

If you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, you are more at risk for complications from the flu. So, yes, you should be vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and H1N1. These are separate vaccinations. If you are a family member of or a caregiver to someone with heart disease, you should also receive both vaccinations to lower the odds of putting your loved one at risk.

If you have heart disease, get the shot, not the inhaled mist vaccine. The shot contains killed virus and cannot make you sick. The nasal form of the vaccine [brand name FluMist] contains a weakened but live virus.

If you have heart disease and you think you may be coming down with the flu, see your doctor right away. If you seek treatment within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu may prevent you from getting severe symptoms and help you recover faster.

Seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, temperature over 101 degrees F, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion, or severe or persistent vomiting.

For more information or to make an appointment with a cardiologist, please call our Fort Collins office at (970) 221-1000, or (800) 459-4521 or our Loveland office at (970) 624-1800.