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General Cardiology & Cardiac Imaging

Your heart’s health, clearly in focus

Your heart health is our top priority. Whether you need a regular check-up or special imaging to find out what’s going on, we use the latest technology and a caring approach. We help with everything from chest pain to long-term heart conditions, creating a care plan just for you. Together, we’ll keep your heart strong so you can live your healthiest life.

  Conditions We Treat

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  Your Care Team Each provider may treat different conditions. Click on a profile to see their areas of specialty.

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 Frequently Asked Questions.

  • What is cardiac imaging, and why might I need it?

    Cardiac imaging includes tests like echocardiograms and CT scans that provide detailed pictures of your heart. These tools help your doctor diagnose conditions, monitor your heart health, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
  • How can I tell if I have a heart condition?

    Signs of a heart condition can include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or swelling. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a cardiology evaluation can uncover the cause and help you get the care you need.
  • Are cardiac imaging procedures painful or invasive?

    Most cardiac imaging tests, like echocardiograms, are non-invasive and completely painless. For tests like angiography, you might experience mild discomfort, but they’re vital for precise diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
  • What lifestyle changes can improve my heart health?

    Improving heart health starts with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. Our team is here to support you with practical advice and personalized guidance every step of the way.
  • How often should I see a cardiologist?

    If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition, regular follow-ups are important to stay on top of your health. For preventive care, an annual check-up is a good idea, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. 

  Our Locations

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UTMB establishes Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute, building a center for cardiovascular excellence

UTMB Health has advanced cardiovascular health by establishing the Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute on the Galveston Campus.

The Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute is the first fully integrated institute in UTMB’s history, uniting the health system and academic enterprise,” Institute Director Dr. Hani Jneid said. “By uniting cardiovascular medicine, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery, we’re building a center of excellence.”

Improving access to lifesaving care

The institute will enhance advanced cardiac services, fuel innovative research and expand educational opportunities in cardiovascular medicine, backed by a $30 million grant from the Sealy and Smith Foundation and an additional $15 million from UTMB.

The new institute is committed to expanding access to world-class cardiovascular care for patients in Texas and beyond.

“Access is at the forefront of our mission,” Jneid said. “We’re adding more physicians, advanced practice providers and specialized staff to ensure patients can see a cardiologist faster and more conveniently.”

The new No Galvestonian Left Behind initiative embodies that mission. It is a program aimed at ensuring no patient waits long for care. Through this effort, the institute has introduced:

  • Same-day access to cardiologists for urgent needs
  • Extended evening hours on Wednesdays
  • Saturday clinics every other weekend

Innovation and advanced technology

The Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute will serve as a hub for innovation, introducing specialized programs and cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes.

New initiatives include:

  • Cardiovascular Wellness Program
  • Advanced Hypertension Program
  • Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program
  • Integration of artificial intelligence for early disease detection

“We’re adopting AI tools for opportunistic screening,” Jneid said. “This allows us to identify patients with undiagnosed or missed cardiovascular disease in our health records and bring them into care sooner.”

Training the next generation

Beyond patient care, the Institute plays a critical role in advancing medical education and research.

UTMB’s cardiology fellowship program has expanded, doubling from five to 11 fellows per year. The university has also expanded its international cardiology fellowship from two to three annually, with plans to launch a new electrophysiology fellowship—the first at UTMB.

The Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute now offers advanced training in interventional cardiology, heart failure and imaging, in addition to its general fellowship.

“These programs train the next generation of cardiovascular specialists using the latest tools, technologies and evidence-based practices,” Jneid said. “Our fellows gain hands-on experience in an integrated institute that combines clinical excellence, innovation and academic rigor.”

The institute partners with the American Heart Association to host the annual UTMB-AHA Cardiovascular Symposium, attracting more than 250 physicians, nurse practitioners and internists from the region, to strengthen its educational mission. The event brings together experts nationwide to share research, discuss best practices and explore emerging trends in cardiovascular medicine.

A vision for the future

UTMB aims to build a center of cardiovascular excellence that is recognized nationally and internationally.

One of the most ambitious projects is the Galveston Heart Study, a decades-long initiative following 10,000 island residents to track cardiovascular health and risk factors over time.

“This study will expand our scientific understanding and improve the cardiovascular health of our community,” Jneid said.

Visit www.utmb.edu/sealy-heart-vascular-institute for details about the Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute and its programs.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.

 

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