Program receives IHS endorsement: Center of Excellence in Cardiology

A Collaborative Approach to Specialty Patient Care in Cardiology
University Medical Center, Indian Health Services, University of Arizona





The Native American Cardiology Program was established by Dr. James Galloway in 1994, in recognition of the changing health problems and needs of Native Americans in the Southwest. Prior to the 1960s, coronary artery disease was relatively uncommon among Native Americans. Over the past decades, changes in diet, economics, and lifestyle have resulted in marked increases in the rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure, all of which increase rates of coronary disease, heart attacks, and cardiac deaths. Rates of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are twice as high among Native Americans compared to the general US population. The most common cause of death for people with diabetes is cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, these changes in risk factors have resulted in Native American death rates from heart disease that surpass those of the general U.S. population. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for Native Americans in the Southwest and around the nation.

Rheumatic heart disease is another unique problem that affects Native Americans much more commonly than the general US population. High rates of rheumatic fever have resulted in a significant amount of valvular heart disease that has become rare among other populations in the country. The valve disease associated with this childhood illness may present 20 to 40 years after the episode of rheumatic fever and only half of the patients with rheumatic disease remember ever having had rheumatic fever. As a consequence, high rates of mitral stenosis, often accompanied by other valve disorders are seen that require surgical intervention. Diagnosis and management of these difficult cases are worked closely with cardiac surgeons at University Medical Center when surgical intervention is required.

This collaborative group understands the unique living conditions and economic limitations that many of their patients face and incorporate these factors into their decisions regarding valve surgery and anticoagulation needs.

The circumstances and history of each patient are considered individually in making recommendations regarding surgical or percutaneous interventions.


24/7 Provider Consultation and Patient Transfers:
All Health Care Providers who care for Native Peoples
1-800-777-7552


http://www.ihs.gov/Cardiology/