Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Center

The only one of its kind in the north and northwest suburbs, the Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Center (CRRC) was created to fill an important need for our patients—the identification and management of chronic cardiovascular conditions and diseases. Developed by Lutheran General Hospital, consistently ranked among the nation's top cardiovascular programs, the CRRC offers a unique spectrum of comprehensive services essential in the fight against heart disease.

Under the guidance and care of our skilled medical staff and specially trained professionals, patients participate in diagnostic testing and/or evaluation and receive education on disease and lifestyle modification. Our team of physicians and clinicians empower patients who have a cardiac condition as well as to those who are at risk for developing heart disease to make changes to improve and protect their health, with individually tailored treatment and risk-reduction plans.

• Men over age 55; women over age 65, or premature menopause
• Family history of heart disease (in first-degree female relative before age 55, or in first-degree male relative before age 45)
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Previous cardiac event
• Stress

Maintaining Your Physician Relationship
Physician communication is an important aspect of our program. As such, the CRRC is in constant communication with patients' physicians. Physicians are advised of treatments and provided with patient updates following each patient visit. After all, our job is to help your doctor manage your heart condition.

Cardiac Risk Assessment
The Cardiac Risk Assessment is designed to measure your modifiable risk factors for heart disease. Performed by a specially-trained clinical nurse specialist, the assessment evaluates:

• Weight
• Heart rate
• Personal health and family history
• Glucose level
• Triglyceride level
• Blood pressure
• Electrocardiogram to monitor heart activity
• Ankle-brachial indicies to test circulation in the legs

Vascular Clinic
The Vascular Clinic uses the unique approach of combining the expertise of an interdisciplinary team of vascular surgeons, cardiologists and radiologists to manage, treat and improve the quality of life for patients who have blood clots, aneurysms, or arteriosclerosis.

Heart Failure Clinic
The Heart Failure Clinic offers patients aggressive management of their disease. A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and pharmacists develop individualized plans of care and teach patients to recognize and control their symptoms. Optimization of medical therapies, patient education, nutritional counseling and frequent follow-up assist each patient in leading fuller and more active lives.

Lipid Clinic
The Lipid Clinic's team of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists use a multidisciplinary approach in determining the most effective means of managing and reducing lipid levels in patients with high cholesterol. Each patient's progress is monitored, tracked and reported back to the patient's primary care physician.

Click here for some helpful tips on improving your health, then visit the Lipid Clinic and participate in our educational program that takes patients step-by-step through each area of proper nutrition and healthy living.

Anticoagulation Clinic
The Anticoagulation Clinic assists in the monitoring and health management of patients who are using anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) on a short- or long-term basis. The clinic is staffed with pharmacists who specialize in anticoagulation therapy.

Weight Reduction Program
Obesity increases the risk for coronary artery disease, hypertension and diabetes. Because it is influenced by many factors it can be difficult to conquer on a long-term basis. The Weight Reduction Program provides a heart-healthy and sensible approach to successful weight loss without the use of medication. A cardiologist heads a multidisciplinary team of nurses, nutritionists, behaviorists and fitness experts who work closely with you to develop and implement a personalized plan for safe and sustained weight reduction.

Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, or for more information call 847.723.3008. We accept the same insurance plans accepted by Lutheran General Hospital. Please call us or your benefit plan to confirm coverage.