Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, and they remain the leading cause of death worldwide. They include conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and hypertension. These diseases often result from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, with risk factors like smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol playing significant roles. CVDs can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes, which occur when blood flow to the heart or brain is blocked. Prevention and management involve adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, avoiding tobacco, and controlling underlying conditions through medication and regular medical check-ups. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial to reducing the risk of severe outcomes.
Maine Resources
MaineHealth Cardiovascular Services - Offers an extensive range of cardiovascular services across southern, western, and coastal Maine. Their care includes advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, open-heart surgery, vascular care, and cardiac rehabilitation. The system’s flagship facility, Maine Medical Center in Portland, is home to the Malone Family Tower — a state-of-the-art heart and vascular center providing specialized treatments and surgeries. MaineHealth also emphasizes preventive care, offering heart health screenings, educational resources, and lifestyle management programs for individuals at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Their commitment to community health is reflected through outreach initiatives and support services aimed at reducing heart disease prevalence statewide.
Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) - Delivers comprehensive heart and vascular care to communities in central and western Maine. The institute’s services range from conservative medical treatments and cardiac diagnostics to advanced procedures such as angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, and open-heart surgery. CMHVI is also recognized for its strong emphasis on patient education and heart disease prevention through community programs and screenings. Additionally, the institute offers rehabilitation services to support patients recovering from heart attacks, surgeries, and other cardiac events, helping them safely resume daily activities and adopt heart-healthy habits.
MaineGeneral Health Cardiovascular Services - Provides accessible cardiovascular services through facilities in Augusta, Waterville, and surrounding areas. Their comprehensive program includes non-invasive diagnostics like EKGs, echocardiograms, and cardiac stress testing, as well as monitoring and treatment for conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias. MaineGeneral also offers cardiac rehabilitation programs designed to help patients improve cardiovascular fitness and manage risk factors following a cardiac event. Through patient-centered care and strong collaboration with primary care providers, MaineGeneral aims to deliver personalized prevention, education, and long-term management plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Northern Light Health Heart Care - Offers a wide spectrum of heart care services, including cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, open-heart surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Facilities like Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor provide critical care for patients with acute heart conditions, while smaller community hospitals within the system extend access to specialized heart care across rural regions. Their cardiac rehabilitation programs blend supervised exercise, nutritional counseling, stress management, and lifestyle education to help individuals recover safely after cardiac events and reduce the risk of future complications. Northern Light Health also actively participates in public education campaigns promoting heart disease awareness and prevention.
Maine Cardiovascular Health Program (MCHP) - Focuses on reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke through statewide public health initiatives. MCHP partners with healthcare systems, schools, employers, and community organizations to promote healthy eating, tobacco-free living, physical activity, and blood pressure management. The program emphasizes improving heart health equity and increasing access to preventive services, particularly for underserved populations. Through educational campaigns, health screenings, and professional training for healthcare providers, MCHP works to improve early detection and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors at the community level.
Mended Hearts Support Group - Central Maine Healthcare hosts a chapter of Mended Hearts™, a nationally recognized support group for heart disease patients and their families. This peer-to-peer program offers emotional support, educational resources, and hospital visitation services to individuals recovering from heart surgery or managing chronic heart conditions. Mended Hearts encourages patients to share their experiences, ask questions, and build a supportive community as they navigate life after a cardiac event. Through regular meetings and outreach activities, the group helps individuals stay informed about heart-healthy practices and new treatment options while offering a compassionate, understanding network.
American Heart Association - Maine - Leads advocacy, research funding, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease and promoting heart-healthy lifestyles. AHA Maine focuses on issues such as tobacco control, healthy school food policies, CPR training, and awareness campaigns targeting women’s heart health. The organization hosts annual events like the Maine Heart Walk and Go Red for Women luncheons to raise funds and increase public engagement. Additionally, the AHA partners with local hospitals and community organizations to improve emergency response systems and increase access to heart disease prevention resources throughout Maine.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Hospital - Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center - Massachusetts General Hospital's Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center in Boston offers comprehensive programs aimed at reducing heart disease risk through lifestyle modifications. Their services include the Heart Attack Primary Prevention Program for individuals with a family history of heart disease, and a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for those recovering from cardiac events like heart attacks or surgeries. The center emphasizes personalized care plans, integrating exercise, nutrition, and stress management to promote heart health.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Center for Advanced Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy - Located in Boston, this center specializes in treating advanced heart failure and cardiomyopathy. It offers cutting-edge therapies, including ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. The multidisciplinary team conducts innovative research and provides comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient's needs.
American Heart Association - Massachusetts - Focuses on creating equitable health outcomes through initiatives targeting women, tobacco use, patient care, community needs, and healthy living. They advocate for policies promoting heart health and offer resources and programs to support cardiovascular wellness across the state.
New Hampshire
Dartmouth Health - Heart & Vascular Center - Dartmouth Health's Heart & Vascular Center provides comprehensive cardiovascular care, including diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation. They also offer patient education resources to help individuals understand and manage their heart health effectively.
Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group (NNECDSG) - This collaborative group, involving institutions from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, focuses on improving cardiovascular care quality and outcomes. They conduct research and share best practices to enhance patient care across the region.
Rhode Island
Care New England - Cardiology Services - Care New England offers integrated cardiovascular care, including diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation. Their programs focus on patient-centered care, emphasizing education and lifestyle modifications to manage heart disease effectively.
Cardiovascular Institute of New England - Based in Rhode Island, this institute provides specialized cardiovascular care, including interventional cardiology and vascular services. Their team focuses on delivering personalized treatment plans to address various heart and vascular conditions.
American Heart Association - Rhode Island - Works to advocate for heart-healthy policies and provides resources to educate the community about cardiovascular health. They engage in local initiatives to promote heart disease prevention and support.
Connecticut
Bridgeport Hospital - Postpartum Heart Care Program - Addresses cardiovascular complications experienced by patients post-pregnancy, particularly those stemming from conditions like preeclampsia. The program offers comprehensive follow-up care, integrating with the hospital’s primary care clinic to provide multifaceted support, including nutrition, medication, and primary care transition. This holistic approach addresses medical, social, and lifestyle factors, benefiting high-risk populations, especially Black and Latinx women.
Vermont
Dartmouth Health - Heart & Vascular Center - Serving Vermont and surrounding regions, Dartmouth Health's Heart & Vascular Center offers a range of cardiovascular services, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They emphasize patient education and support to manage heart health effectively.
National Resources
American Heart Association (AHA) - A leading nonprofit organization dedicated to combating heart disease and stroke. It offers a wealth of resources for both healthcare professionals and the public, including educational materials, guidelines, and tools for managing heart health. The AHA's initiatives encompass professional education, scientific research, and community programs aimed at promoting cardiovascular wellness. They also provide support networks for patients and caregivers, as well as advocacy efforts to influence public health policies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Plays a pivotal role in public health by offering comprehensive resources on heart disease prevention and management. Their materials include data, statistics, and research findings that inform public health strategies. The CDC provides toolkits and communication resources to help healthcare professionals and communities educate others about heart disease risks and prevention methods. Their efforts aim to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases through informed public health initiatives.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) - Leads research and education programs focused on heart, lung, and blood disorders. They support scientific studies to understand the causes of cardiovascular diseases and develop prevention and treatment strategies. The NHLBI provides resources for both researchers and the public, including information on clinical trials, educational campaigns, and guidelines for heart health. Their work aims to enhance the quality of life and longevity through scientific advancements.
World Heart Federation (WHF) - Committed to reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide. They offer resources such as publications, infographics, and policy briefs to support heart health advocacy and education. The WHF organizes initiatives like World Heart Day to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against heart disease. Their efforts focus on uniting the global health community to address cardiovascular health challenges and implement effective solutions.