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Exceptional cardiology care starts here

Las Vegas Heart Associates (LVHA) offers comprehensive patient management using the latest techniques to provide world class care in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our goal is to offer the very best in patient care that is personalized to ensure our patients achieve a better quality of life.

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Coordinated and comprehensive cardiology care for peace of mind

From general cardiology and advanced heart imaging to heart valve repair, replacement and complex stent procedures, the physicians at LVHA are experienced, prepared and passionate about taking care of your heart. We offer the full spectrum of cardiovascular care with experts in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology, all under one practice. This means your care will be well coordinated between our comprehensive team of experts.

Our group of doctors and our partnership with MountainView Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center means you have access to the most minimally invasive and advanced procedures available to get you back to doing what you love.

Give us a call to learn more about how we can help you. For our location on the MountainView Hospital campus, call (702) 962-2200.

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What is heart disease?

Heart disease is an umbrella term used to describe diseases that affect the heart, including blood vessel diseases, heart arrhythmias and congenital heart defects. Heart disease can lead to serious complications, like heart attack or stroke.

The physicians at LVHA are here for you and can diagnose, treat and manage heart disease.

What causes heart disease?

The heart is made up of valves and arteries, which supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart. When any of the valves or arteries become damaged, the heart no longer gets what it needs to function properly, resulting in heart disease. These diseases require special care and management, rest assured, you’ve come to the right place for your cardiology needs.

Certain factors and lifestyle choices put patients at a greater risk of heart disease, such as:

Aging
Diabetes
Congenital disorders meaning a defect of the heart happened before birth
Family history of heart disease
High blood cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Poor diet
Smoking
Stress

If you have cardiology related questions, we have answers and are here to help you.

What heart specialists are available at Las Vegas Heart Associates?

Cardiologists are physicians with experience in the disorders of the cardiovascular system including the heart and blood vessels. The cardiologists at LVHA can diagnose and treat conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), angina (chest pain), heart attack and hyperlipidemia which is the high concentration of fats or lipids present in the blood. To identify heart concerns, our cardiologists also can perform diagnostic testing including advanced imaging such as stress tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms and CT angiography.

Interventional cardiologists are physicians that perform minimally invasive procedures in the catheterization lab using catheters and small incisions instead of traditional surgery. Procedures can include transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), balloon angioplasty, balloon valvuloplasty, mitral valve repair and coronary stents to open blocked arteries.

Cardiac electrophysiology is an area of cardiology with a specialized focus on the heart’s electrical system. Electrophysiologists are trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of arrhythmia, placement of defibrillators and pacemakers as well as insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs).

We also specialize in sports cardiology which is care for the athlete’s heart and are involved in taking care of many professional and college sports teams in Southern Nevada.

Find a cardiologist that is right for your heart care needs. We’re for you.

What is adult congenital heart disease?

A defect in one or more areas of the heart or vessels that occurs before birth is a congenital heart disease or disorder. At times, these defects are not noticed until adulthood. At LVHA, we have specially trained physicians to handle these concerns and will work on a care plan to address, treat and manage your disease effectively. Some of the common disorders include:

Patent foraman ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are common congenital heart defects. An ASD is a small hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart. A PFO is a small flap-like opening that did not completely close during formation. Untreated, these conditions can increase blood flow to the lungs, blood pressure and can put you at risk for having a stroke. A minimally invasive procedure completed by our expert physician team can easily reduce these risks and close the hole.

For more information on adult congenital heart disease and get scheduled to discuss your treatment options, find a cardiologist today!

What is structural heart disease?

Abnormalities or defects of the structure of the heart including the tissue, muscle and valves fall under this subset of disease. The physicians at LVHA have extensive background, training and are looked at as leaders in their field for structural heart disease not only in Las Vegas and Henderson but across the country. LVHA is an expert in the diagnosis, management and treatment of:

Aortic disease and stenosis of the heart

Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening that does not allow normal blood to flow through. Severe aortic stenosis is sometimes caused by the build-up of calcium on the aortic valve’s leaflets. Over time, the leaflets become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close. When the leaflets do not fully open, the heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to the body.

Treatment options for aortic stenosis include:

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is performed to assist in widening a narrowed heart valve to improve blood flow. A catheter is inserted through the groin that has a small balloon on the tip which your doctor will inflate and deflate a few times. The balloon and catheter will be removed when the procedure is finished.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is determined for individuals if they are at high-risk or too sick for open heart surgery. TAVR is a procedure that allows a new valve to be inserted within your diseased aortic valve while your heart is still beating. This minimally invasive procedure replaces the valve to regulate the blood flow using a long, thin flexible tube or catheter through the large artery in the groin or via a small incision in the chest and entering through a large artery through the tip of the left ventricle (the apex).
Bioprosthetic aortic scallop intentional laceration (BASILICA) – For patients whose hearts have uncommon structures such as unusually large valve leaflets that open and close the aortic valve or small aortic roots, may have complications like coronary artery obstruction during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During a coronary artery obstruction, the leaflets from the native valve can block the artery opening when the new valve is implanted, this can prevent the flow of blood to the coronary arteries. BASILICA is a technique to prevent these types of complications in a typical TAVR procedure for patients that are high-risk.

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC)

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a device used to reduce the risk of stroke for patients with non-valvular AFib. This device closure allows patients an alternative to the long-term use of blood thinner medication. A catheter is inserted to close off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage to keep harmful blood clots that can form from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke.

Mitral valve prolapse, regurgitation and stenosis

The mitral valve pumps blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. Mitral Valve Prolapse simply means the mitral valve bulges out or prolapses and does not close evenly. Mitral Valve Regurgitation takes place when the valve does not close completely and allows blood to flow backward. Mitral Valve Stenosis, involves the valve being abnormally narrow which may prevent blood from flowing smoothly.

Treatment options for mitral valve disorders include:

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a minimally invasive option that treats severe, symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation. The procedure does not require your chest to be surgically opened, rather your physician will thread a thin catheter inserted through your groin and up to the valve where a small device is placed. This device is then attached to the valve allowing it to open and close with a seal to prevent any leaks in the future. Depending on how severe the disease is, your physician will determine if this option is appropriate for you.

Pericardial disease

Pericardial disease, sometimes referred to as pericarditis is an inflammation, swelling or irritation of the pericardium which is the thin membrane or sac surrounding the heart.

Patent foraman ovale and atrial septal defect (ASD)

Paravalvular leak closure

Paravalvular leak closure can be prescribed when a leak is detected from a heart valve replacement. A non-surgical technique is used to correct the leak using a catheter to guide a wire to the heart to properly close the leak with a small, plug or coil.

For more information on structural heart disease and to get scheduled to discuss your treatment options, find a cardiologist today!

What are circulatory diseases and disorders?

Diseases and disorders of the arteries and blood vessels can include many different conditions. At LVHA we treat the most common and complex diseases using minimally invasive techniques both at our practice and with procedures and interventions at the hospital.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition that affects the artery wall that is located in your abdomen when it becomes too weak. It can cause the blood vessel to bulge or swell and can rupture or dissect, meaning the artery wall becomes split allowing blood to leak in between. Both a dissection and a rupture can lead to serious complications.

Carotid artery disease

Carotid artery disease affects the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head. This disease occurs when plaque or fat deposits clog the vessel and can increase your risk of stroke.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease is very common and for some people, the first sign is a heart attack. CAD is typically caused by plaque buildup also known as Atherosclerosis which can cause the arteries to narrow partially or be fully blocked making blood flow very difficult.

Treatment for coronary artery disease:

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and High Risk PCI – PCI is a non-surgical heart catheterization performed in the cath lab at the hospital using a small catheter inserted in the groin or arm to open narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
Balloon Angioplasty and stents, a deflated balloon is placed at the end of a small catheter that is thread through the groin or wrist to the obstructed artery and inflated to relieve pressure and allow blood to flow more freely. Typically during the procedure, a stent which is a small wire mesh tube is placed to allow the artery to stay open. This procedure is often completed during a heart attack to quickly open the artery and reduce any additional damage to the heart.
Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (CTO PCI) – This involves using a catheter tube and injection of contrast, usually iodine-based, into your coronary arteries. The PCI procedure is used to open coronary arteries that are narrowed or blocked by the buildup of plaque. PCI may also be used to relieve symptoms of coronary heart disease or to reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. The catheter can be inserted into your blood vessel through the wrist or groin. This catheter will be guided by live imaging with special contrast to highlight and locate the blockage. Another catheter will be inserted over a guidewire and a balloon will be inflated at the tip of the catheter to open the blocked artery. If needed, a mesh tube (stent) is placed in your artery to help keep the artery open. The catheters are then removed and the insertion site is closed.

Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) which is a circulatory disorder. It involves the narrowing or blockage of any blood vessel outside of the heart. The cause of the blockage is most often the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Peripheral Vascular Disease can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle consisting of clean eating, exercise, limit alcohol consumption, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Claudication can be a symptom of PAD or PVD and includes feeling pain or cramping in your legs or arms after walking or exercising. Upon rest, symptoms typically dissipate but it’s an important disorder to address as this can mean blood flow is not properly moving through your arteries to your limbs.
Subclavian steal syndrome or subclavian steno-occlusive disease is a type of PAD in which blood flow is reversed in the vertebral artery or the internal thoracic artery due to stenosis or narrowing of the subclavian artery. Symptoms include the sensation that one is about to faint, actual fainting, memory problems and differential blood pressure between the arms. Some may even show visible signs of circulation problems on the hands.

To get scheduled and discuss your treatment options, find a cardiologist today!

What are heart rhythm disorders?

Electrical, circulatory and structural disorders are the three main categories that fall within a heart rhythm disorder. At LVHA we have experts specializing in these areas with expert training and experience in treating these conditions. We are experts in the treatment and management of:

Atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an abnormal heartbeat that can cause tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat.
Bradycardia, a slow heartbeat
Atrial flutter, similar to AFib as it causes a fast heartbeat from the electrical system of the heart but is more rhythmic in its electrical impulses

Treatment options for arrhythmia and AFib may include:

Cardiac ablation which is a safe, minimally invasive procedure where a thin, flexible catheter or tube is inserted in your leg or neck which is then guided to your heart. Radiofrequency or pulmonary vein ablation is performed where it reaches the area causing the arrhythmia and can destroy the cells to make sure your heart can beat more regularly.
Electrical direct current cardioversion is a non-invasive outpatient procedure to treat abnormal heart rhythm by delivering a synchronized electrical current or shock through electrodes that are placed on the chest and back. The currents are delivered from the chest to the heart to restore normal heart rhythms.
Insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) placement for monitoring, diagnosing and managing long-term heart conditions such as AFib and arrhythmia. The minimally invasive procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Pacemaker implantation is when a small device is placed permanently or even temporarily to help control heart rhythms.
Lead extraction management refers to the safe and effective removal of leads or the thin wires that run between the pulse generator of the pacemaker and the heart. Over time, these leads may need to be replaced and are sometimes difficult to remove due to adhesions forming inadvertently attaching to tissue. Both laser lead and mechanical lead extraction is available here at LVHA.
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a device used to reduce the risk of stroke for patients with non-valvular AFib. This device closure allows patients an alternative to the long-term use of blood thinner medication. A catheter is inserted to close off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage to keep harmful blood clots that can form from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke.

For more information on heart rhythm disorders and get scheduled to discuss your treatment options, find a cardiologist today!

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition that affects the way your heart muscle pumps blood. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic and gradual disease where the heart cannot pump enough blood volume to the rest of the body. This condition also refers to the stage when fluid builds up in the heart that can significantly affect the heart making it beat less efficiently. At LVHA, we have experts in advanced heart failure and transplant care for the most complex cases.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical device that helps assist the heart in pumping blood. The pump is placed in the chest to help assist a heart that has been weakened by heart disease including heart failure or for those waiting for a heart transplant.
Pulmonary artery (PA) pressure monitoring allows your physician to observe progress during heart failure treatment as well as for cardiac rhythm management concerns. The system works by placing a smaller sensor, about the size of a dime that is implanted in your PA which is a vessel that moves blood from your heart to your lungs. The sensor sends signals, wirelessly to your doctor to be able to see measurements of your PA pressure and heart rate.

For more information on heart failure and get scheduled to discuss your treatment options, find a cardiologist today!

What is sports cardiology?

Sports cardiology is a highly specialized area of cardiology involving focused care of the athlete’s heart.The Sports Cardiology program at Las Vegas Heart Associates is world-renowned and is preferred by many professional and collegiate teams in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.The program delivers care from pre-participation cardiac evaluation, the diagnosis and management of conditions or disorders affecting the hearts of athletes, as well as thorough cardiac assessments and testing for return to play clearance.

As an active member of the American College of Cardiology Sports and Exercise Cardiology Leadership Council, Alfred Danielian, MD, FACC, FASE, is a leading expert in the field with extensive experience and qualifications in Sports Cardiology.Along with his colleagues, Dr. Danielian has been instrumental in framing the standard of care in return to play recommendations and guidelines that many throughout the world use to care for their athletes post-COVID-19 infection.During the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Danielian has provided his professional expertise on the importance of recognizing the effects of COVID-19 and the athlete’s heart.

What diagnostic tools and testing do we perform at LVHA?

At LVHA, our physicians have access to some of the best technology to properly and safely diagnose, manage and treat our patients. Situated on the campus of MountainView Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital with access to outpatient testing as well as in-office testing. We have the full spectrum of options available including:

Evaluations and exams
Screening tools for preventative care
The management of many cardiovascular diseases including; high cholesterol and hypertension
Echocardiogram, or Echo is a common diagnostic test which measures the heart’s movement using an ultrasound. It is an important imaging tool to allow your doctor to see your heart beating and pumping blood as well as identify any concerns or issues.
Cardiac stress test, also known as an exercise or treadmill test is a diagnostic test that allows your doctor to see how your heart performs and handles under exertion or strenuous activity that may not otherwise be seen during other diagnostic testing. This test can be done for many reasons including prior to a heart procedure, treatment or before starting an exercise program.
Ultrasound is an imaging tool to allow your doctor to see internal structures including your heart, blood vessels as well as blood flow in your arteries. Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no ionizing radiation exposure associated with an ultrasound.
Endomyocardial biopsy is used as a diagnostic tool for heart transplant monitoring and in the diagnosis of some heart diseases such as myocarditis. The procedure is performed by taking small samples of the heart muscle tissue using a small catheter with a grasping device to gather those samples.
3D transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is performed by safely inserting a probe down the esophagus to capture 3D images using sound waves to see your heart and blood flow from different angles.