Preventive Cardiology

Preventive Cardiology is a subspecialty which focuses on conditions that can increase the development of heart disease early in life. These conditions can include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Our Preventive Clinic includes a dietician and pediatric cardiologist who will work with you to address lifestyle and genetic factors that may contribute to your child’s risk of early heart disease.

In addition, we offer monthly multidisciplinary clinics for children with non-cardiac issues that put them at increased risk for early cardiovascular disease.  These include an endocrinology clinic for children with a concern for prediabetes, and a gastroenterology clinic for children with a concern for NAFLD (fatty liver disease). These specialized clinics are staffed by a cardiologist, a dietician, and pediatric endocrinology and GI specialists from Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland.

Common reasons for children to be referred to our Preventive Cardiology Clinic:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) noted at pediatrician office visits
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) noted on screening labs
• Obesity and a concern for prediabetes or diabetes
• A strong family history of early heart attack or high cholesterol
• Physical signs of early diabetes, such as acanthosis nigricans (darkening of skin on some parts of the body)
• Obesity and elevated liver enzymes

Our goal is to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, and support families toward a journey of lifelong heart health.