Your heart and lungs work in tandem, a silent partnership that sustains your body. When one of these vital organs isn't functioning correctly, it can impact your entire well-being. At Summit Health's Cardiopulmonary Center, we bring together expert cardiologists and pulmonologists to provide integrated, comprehensive care for conditions that affect this critical system.

Symptoms like shortness of breath can be confusing, making it difficult to know whether the issue originates in the heart or the lungs. Our collaborative approach is designed to provide a swift, accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan. We are committed to helping you breathe easier and live a healthier life through expert cardiopulmonary care.

Our approach to heart and lung care

The Cardiopulmonary Center at Summit Health is built on a foundation of teamwork. By uniting heart and lung specialists in one central location, we ensure your care is coordinated, efficient, and thorough. Our team works together to understand the complex interplay between your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, leading to better health outcomes.

A team approach for accurate diagnosis

Our cardiologists and pulmonologists collaborate closely from the very beginning. This partnership is especially crucial when symptoms are ambiguous. By evaluating your condition from both a cardiac and a pulmonary perspective, we can pinpoint the root cause of your health issues more effectively. A faster diagnosis means you can begin the right treatment sooner.

Comprehensive treatment for complex conditions

Some diseases directly affect both the heart and lungs. Conditions like pulmonary hypertension, for example, increase pressure in the lung's arteries, forcing the heart to work harder and potentially leading to heart failure. Our integrated team provides comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of these complex diseases, ensuring no part of your condition is overlooked.

Connections to a wider network of experts

Heart and lung conditions can have a ripple effect, impacting other organs like your kidneys and affecting your emotional well-being. Our cardiopulmonary specialists connect you to other Summit Health providers as needed, from nephrologists to behavioral health experts. We maintain constant communication to ensure your overall care plan is cohesive and complete.

Summit Providers

Find a Cardiopulmonary provider near you

View Our Specialists

Cardiopulmonary conditions we treat

Our heart and lung specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions where the cardiovascular and respiratory systems intersect. We provide expert care for:

  • Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart.
  • Congestive Heart Failure: A chronic condition where the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, often causing fluid buildup in the lungs.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
  • Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, which can be linked to conditions like sleep apnea.
  • Coronary Artery Disease: Blockages in the heart's arteries that can affect overall circulation.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis: A group of disorders that cause scarring of the lung tissue.
  • Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the lungs and heart.
  • Asthma: A chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways.

Specialized cardiopulmonary services

We offer a full suite of diagnostic, treatment, and preventative services to manage your health.

Advanced diagnostic testing

Our center is equipped with leading-edge technology to provide a precise diagnosis.

  • Pulmonary Function Tests (Spirometry): Measures lung capacity and airflow to assess how well your lungs are working.
  • Echocardiogram & Stress Echo Test: Uses ultrasound to evaluate heart muscle and valve function.
  • Nuclear Stress Test: Assesses blood flow to the heart.
  • Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening: An effective tool for early detection in high-risk individuals.

The sleep apnea and arrhythmia connection

Obstructive sleep apnea can significantly increase the risk for atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. Our electrophysiologists work hand-in-hand with our sleep medicine specialists in the pulmonology department. This collaboration ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment for both conditions.

Pediatric cardiopulmonary care

Our services extend to the youngest patients. Summit Health has dedicated pediatric cardiologists and pulmonologists to address heart and lung issues in children. These specialists communicate regularly with your child’s pediatrician to deliver coordinated and comprehensive care.

Frequently asked questions

Cardiopulmonary care is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect both the heart (cardio) and lungs (pulmonary). Because these two systems are so closely linked, a team-based approach involving both cardiologists and pulmonologists is often the most effective way to manage patient health.

You may need to see both specialists if you have symptoms, like shortness of breath or fatigue, that could be caused by either a heart or a lung problem. You might also need this integrated care if you have a condition known to affect both systems, such as pulmonary hypertension or sarcoidosis.

You can use the find a doctor search on the Summit Health website. It allows you to search for heart and lung specialists in your area and see which providers are accepting new patients.

Pulmonary hypertension treatment is highly personalized and aims to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. It may include medications to relax the blood vessels in the lungs, diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, and oxygen therapy. Our team works together to create the best plan for you.

Many insurance plans require a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist. We recommend checking with your insurance company about their specific policies. Our integrated system at Summit Health makes it easy for your primary doctor to coordinate a referral if one is needed.