Cardiology

The heart and blood vessels work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. When something affects this system, symptoms may interfere with your daily activities and overall well-being.

Our visiting cardiologists evaluate and help manage a variety of heart and vascular concerns, including:

Chest Pain

Chest pain or pressure can have many possible causes. A cardiology evaluation may help determine whether symptoms are related to the heart and whether additional testing or treatment is needed.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often develops without noticeable symptoms but can place added strain on the heart and blood vessels over time. Your cardiologist can help evaluate contributing factors and develop a plan to manage it.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Care may include risk-factor management, medication, diagnostic testing or coordination for additional treatment.

Heart Rhythm Concerns

A racing, fluttering, pounding or irregular heartbeat may be a sign of a heart rhythm condition. Your cardiologist can review your symptoms and test results to determine the appropriate next steps.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should. Cardiology care focuses on managing symptoms, improving heart function and helping patients maintain their quality of life.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve conditions can affect how blood moves through the heart. Your cardiologist may monitor the condition, manage symptoms and determine when additional evaluation or treatment is appropriate.

Shortness of Breath and Fatigue

Unexplained shortness of breath, reduced stamina or persistent fatigue may sometimes be related to the heart. A cardiology evaluation can help identify possible causes.

Cardiovascular Risk

Patients may also be referred for concerns such as high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, abnormal test results or other factors that may increase their cardiovascular risk.

Cardiology Consultations

Our visiting specialists provide evaluations for new symptoms, abnormal test results, known heart conditions and ongoing cardiovascular concerns.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Management

Patients with established heart conditions may receive continued monitoring, medication management and treatment recommendations based on their individual needs.

Review of Cardiac and Vascular Studies

Our cardiologists interpret and use results from diagnostic studies to help identify heart and blood vessel conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Stress Test Interpretation

Stress tests show how the heart performs during physical activity or medically simulated exercise. Results can help cardiologists evaluate blood flow, heart rhythm and other possible concerns.

Nuclear Cardiology Study Interpretation

Nuclear imaging studies provide information about blood flow to the heart and how well the heart muscle is functioning. Our cardiologists review these results and recommend appropriate next steps.

Interventional Cardiology Expertise

As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Michael Fraizer also brings expertise in minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat certain heart and blood vessel conditions. When advanced treatment is needed, he can help coordinate the appropriate care.

Coordinated Heart Care

Our visiting cardiologists work with patients’ primary care providers, local clinical teams and MercyOne Iowa Heart Center specialists to support coordinated care and clear follow-up.