The following hospitals and health systems are known for their exceptional cardiovascular care, strong patient outcomes and their use of life-saving technologies. These heart programs also lead the way in cardiology research, driving discoveries that are shaping and advancing the field.
Many of the institutions on this list consistently earn top honors from U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, Healthgrades and other respected ranking organizations. Dedicated to clinical excellence and continuous growth, they deliver world-class heart care to thousands of patients each year while expanding and strengthening their cardiovascular services.
Note: Becker’s Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research. Organizations do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the organizations mentioned. Organizations are presented in alphabetical order. We extend a special thank you to Rhoda Weiss for her contributions to this list.
Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.
AdventHealth Orlando (Fla.). AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute is among the largest, most comprehensive programs of its kind in the nation and the largest provider of cardiovascular care in Florida. The institute includes more than 300 experts across 15 subspecialties, delivering care in inpatient, outpatient and community settings and averaging 275,000 patient visits annually. The team annually performs approximately 70,000 cardiovascular, electrophysiology and catheterization lab procedures, as well as more than 2,600 vascular surgeries. The institute provides community access to groundbreaking clinical trials, innovative programs and new treatment options. In collaboration with the AdventHealth Research Institute, it manages more than $2.2 million in heart, lung and vascular research and offers more than 40 clinical trials annually. AdventHealth Orlando also houses Central Florida’s only heart and lung transplant program. As part of its commitment to ensure all community members have access to high levels of care, AdventHealth also operates the Trina Hidalgo Heart Care Center, serving more than 3,800 uninsured or underinsured patients last year. AdventHealth Orlando is Florida’s highest-ranked hospital for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery according to the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report list, and the only Florida hospital appearing on its “honor roll” of the nation’s top 20 medical centers.
Advocate Christ Medical Center (Oak Lawn, Ill.). Advocate Heart Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center is Illinois’ most comprehensive cardiology program and one of the nation’s highest-volume heart centers, performing more than 1,200 surgeries and over 5,000 cardiac procedures annually. The program leads the state in open heart surgery volume and operates the busiest ventricular assist device program in Illinois, ranking among the five busiest in the U.S., supporting both bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy patients. The medical center is a major referral center for complex cardiovascular care, offering advanced treatment for heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension. The institute has achieved multiple firsts, including the first HeartMate II ventricular assist device implantation for destination therapy in the U.S. and the first robotic mitral valve repair performed in Illinois. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 23 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, the institute demonstrates sustained excellence in outcomes and innovation. A multidisciplinary team of more than 350 heart specialists delivers coordinated care across prevention, advanced diagnostics, rehabilitation, clinical trials and transplantation.
Allina Health (Minneapolis). Allina Health Heart Institute is Minnesota’s largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular program, serving more patients statewide than any other heart program and delivering advanced care across more than 30 specialized services. Since 1981, the heart institute has combined clinical excellence, innovation and access to care, supported by a multidisciplinary team of more than 300 physicians and advanced practice providers, and supplemented by one of the nation’s largest cardiovascular outreach networks. The institute is nationally recognized for pioneering programs such as its 24/7 comprehensive cardiovascular care coordination center, genetic arrhythmia services, cardio-obstetrics and cardio-oncology, as well as advanced heart failure, transplant, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and vascular care. In 2024 alone, the institute cared for more than 170,000 patients and performed nearly 2,000 open-heart surgeries, over 7,000 coronary and valve interventions, and more than 180 transplants, ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cases. The institute’s strong academic mission is supported by robust research and education efforts, including more than 250 publications annually, hundreds of active clinical studies, and eight cardiovascular fellowship programs in partnership with the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. The program’s innovative use of digital tools, telehealth and weekend procedural access has improved outcomes, reduced length of stay and lowered costs while expanding access to quaternary-level care close to home. The institute has been recognized by national organizations such as Newsweek, the American Heart Association and more.
Ascension St. Vincent (Carmel, Ind.). Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center is a nationally recognized cardiovascular specialty hospital known for consistently delivering high-quality, patient-centered heart care. The heart center maintains a prestigious 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and has earned repeated national recognition for excellence in cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology and heart failure outcomes. As a regional leader in minimally invasive and advanced therapies, Ascension St. Vincent offers procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, Watchman, robotic-assisted cardiac surgery and next-generation heart failure monitoring, improving recovery times and long-term outcomes. Its integrated cardiovascular service line brings together multidisciplinary teams to reduce readmissions, enhance care transitions and deliver personalized treatment plans across the continuum of care. The heart center is also actively engaged in clinical research and national registries, ensuring evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement. Grounded in a mission-driven, nonprofit model, Ascension St. Vincent extends its impact through community outreach, free screenings and programs addressing health disparities. Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center has been ranked among the top cardiovascular hospitals in the country by Premier Inc. 13 times as of spring 2025.
Atlantic Health (Morristown, N.J.). The Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Atlantic Health’s Morristown Medical Center is home to New Jersey’s largest cardiac surgery program and is nationally recognized as No. 40 in the nation for heart care according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 rankings. The institute is the highest-volume transcatheter aortic valve replacement program in New Jersey, having performed more than 4,800 of the procedures, and is among a limited number of programs nationwide offering catheter-based interventions for mitral and tricuspid valve disease. Clinicians perform more open-heart surgeries annually than any other cardiovascular program in the state, achieving consistently superior outcomes as reported by the New Jersey Department of Health. The program has earned multiple 3-star ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve repair and replacement, placing it among the top-performing hospitals nationally for surgical quality and outcomes. The institute also operates the 28-bed Mac Mahon Family Foundation Cardiac Access Unit, designed to streamline transfers and prepare patients for advanced cardiac procedures in a patient- and family-centered environment. Across Atlantic Health, teams treat more than 200,000 cardiac patients annually and pair high-volume clinical excellence with community impact initiatives, including automated external defibrillator donations and lifesaving training programs.
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital (Charlotte, N.C.). Atrium Health Levine Children’s Congenital Heart Center is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric heart care, providing expert, compassionate treatment for children of all ages with congenital and acquired heart conditions. Home to Charlotte’s only pediatric heart surgery program and pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit, the center has decades of experience caring for even the most complex cases. Ranked every year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery, Levine Children’s is currently ranked among the top 10 programs nationally. The program offers a comprehensive range of services, including fetal heart care, neonatal and pediatric heart surgery, heart transplantation, electrophysiology, advanced cardiac imaging and adult congenital heart disease care. Physicians use the most advanced technologies available, such as 3D printing and minimally invasive surgical techniques, to improve outcomes and reduce recovery time. Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary approach that includes a dedicated pediatric cardiac ICU and specialized neurodevelopmental, cardio-oncology and preventive cardiology programs. Extensive family-centered support services further ensure that every child and family receives holistic care from diagnosis through long-term follow-up.
Banner Health (Phoenix). In 2025, Banner Health’s 32 hospitals in six states managed more than 250,000 cardiovascular patient encounters, including over 35,000 inpatient cases, and boasts nearly 400 physicians credentialed in cardiovascular specialties. The heart program at Banner–University Medicine Heart Institute in Phoenix is at the forefront of global innovation and research. The Phoenix campus performs the most heart transplants in Arizona, with 76 performed in the last two years and 184 since the program launched in 2020. Banner is recognized for advancing total artificial heart technology, successfully implanting more total artificial hearts than any U.S. site. It is among the world’s first three hospitals to successfully implant BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart in a human, advancing use of cutting-edge technology to keep patients with advanced heart failure alive until donor hearts become available. It is also a leading site in a national multi-center trial of the latest iteration of BiVACOR. Banner is pioneering cardioneuroablation, a groundbreaking therapy used to treat a severe form of arrhythmia, with more procedures performed at Banner than any site in the nation. Research studies include national, multi-center trials on advanced methods to treat ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. A leader in electrophysiology robotics, it was the first U.S. health system to install a stereotaxis robotic electrophysiology system, and its physicians teach robotic master classes. It was the region’s first to unveil the groundbreaking technology of pulse field ablation, Farapulse, to treat atrial fibrillation. Banner also engages in studies to establish safer, more effective treatment standards for patients.
Baptist Health South Florida (Coral Gables). Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, encompassing Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and The Christine E. Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute, represents the largest and most comprehensive heart and vascular program in South Florida. The program offers advanced, technology-driven care for complex cardiovascular conditions, including aneurysms, artery and vein blockages, structural heart disease and heart rhythm disorders. The recent opening of a new dedicated center for aortic disease further strengthens Baptist Health’s leadership in advanced cardiovascular treatment. In the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute achieved “high performing” status in 13 procedures and conditions, placing it in the top 10% nationwide. Both institutes are recognized for high performance in heart failure care. Baptist Health also earned a 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for coronary artery bypass graft procedures in 2023.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis). The Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart and Vascular Center is a cardiovascular program delivering advanced medical and surgical care through close integration with Washington University School of Medicine. The center provides comprehensive treatment for conditions ranging from coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation to complex aneurysms, heart failure and valvular disease. Multidisciplinary teams of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular specialists collaborate to deliver precise diagnosis, individualized treatment planning and coordinated care across the full continuum. The program emphasizes seamless transitions from initial evaluation through intervention and recovery, supported by evidence-based therapies and advanced procedural expertise. A strong foundation in academic medicine and research further positions Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s heart and vascular center as a leader in advancing cardiovascular outcomes through innovation, education and compassionate, patient-centered care. The program was ranked No. 24 in the nation for cardiac care by Newsweek in 2025, and No. 28 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26 in the same field.
BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.). BayCare Health System’s Heart and Vascular Institute provides comprehensive cardiovascular care to patients across West Central Florida through an integrated network of hospitals, physicians and advanced specialty programs. The institute’s cardiovascular surgery programs earned the highest 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, placing BayCare among the nation’s elite for cardiac surgical quality, safety and outcomes. The system also holds transcatheter valve certification from the American College of Cardiology across three structural heart programs, reflecting excellence in evidence-based, patient-centered care for complex valve disease. The Tampa Bay Adult Congenital Heart Center at Baycare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital is one of only two accredited centers in Florida by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, while the Patel Children’s Heart Institute is the largest comprehensive congenital heart program in West Central Florida. The program is a leader in innovation and research, including participation in groundbreaking clinical trials such as the world’s first transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement and major national studies addressing atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention and carotid artery disease. The program offers more than 300 specialists, advanced pediatric and adult services, and a strong commitment to quality, safety and innovation.
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital–Plano (Texas). Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital–Plano is one of the nation’s busiest and highest-rated heart hospitals, delivering high-volume, outcomes-driven cardiovascular care for patients with complex heart and vascular disease. The 114-bed specialty hospital performs a wide range of advanced procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve surgery, endovascular interventions and ventricular assist device implantation, supported by nine operating rooms and a medical staff of 141 physicians. More than 80,000 patients seek care at the hospital annually, including individuals traveling from 46 states and 12 countries. Multidisciplinary clinics emphasize collaborative care planning, while advanced outpatient imaging and specialty consultations extend high-acuity expertise beyond the inpatient setting. The Heart Hospital–Plano is distinguished by its robust research enterprise, offering more than 120 active cardiovascular clinical trials. The hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as No. 30 in the nation for cardiac care.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston). Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s CardioVascular Institute is a nationally recognized leader in comprehensive heart and vascular care, delivering preventive, diagnostic, interventional and surgical services for conditions ranging from common to rare. The institute’s cardiologists and surgeons are pioneers in the field, with a legacy that includes the development of the first implantable cardiac pacemaker and the establishment of one of the Boston area’s first dedicated atrial fibrillation clinics and research institutes. Physicians provide advanced, patient-centered care through high-volume programs in structural heart disease, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, vascular medicine and transcatheter valve therapies, including national leadership in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The medical center is also among the most active vascular clinical trial sites in the world, giving patients access to expanded therapies and innovative treatment options through robust research programs. As a tertiary and quaternary teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, the medical center consistently ranks among the top four independent hospitals nationwide for National Institutes of Health funding, supporting cutting-edge genomics, metabolomics and cardiometabolic research. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center utilizes multidisciplinary specialty clinics, advanced imaging capabilities and rapid-access cardiovascular services to improve outcomes for patients across the full spectrum of cardiovascular disease. The medical center is ranked No. 39 in the nation for heart care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.
Boston Children’s Hospital. The Benderson Family Heart Center at Boston Children’s Hospital is one of the world’s most comprehensive and advanced pediatric and congenital heart programs, caring for patients from before birth through adulthood. With more than 500 experts, including 12 cardiac surgeons and over 80 cardiologists, the center treats the full spectrum of heart disease, from common conditions to the most complex congenital defects, attracting patients from across the U.S. and around the globe. Home to nearly 30 highly specialized subspecialty programs, Boston Children’s sees more children with rare heart diseases and genetic syndromes than any other institution worldwide and operates the largest pediatric cardiac catheterization program in the nation, performing more than 1,500 procedures annually. The program is a global leader in innovation, pioneering advances such as fetal cardiac interventions, 3D heart printing, mitochondrial transplantation for heart failure, and catheter-based valve and PDA repair in premature infants. A strong focus on quality and safety has led to reduced radiation exposure, fewer surgeries through catheter-based alternatives, shorter hospital stays, and the development of national quality standards such as “Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery,” now used worldwide. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek as one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery, the Benderson Family Heart Center achieves surgical survival rates approaching 99%.
Boston Medical Center. Boston Medical Center’s cardiovascular center leads in advanced, compassionate heart and vascular care, delivering comprehensive services supported by state-of-the-art diagnostics, innovative therapies and lifestyle-focused prevention programs. Staffed by a highly regarded multidisciplinary team, the center includes physicians consistently named among Boston Magazine‘s “Top Doctors” and is home to an internationally renowned amyloidosis center, which has been designated a national center of excellence for the treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Boston Medical Center as No. 42 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, reflecting strong clinical outcomes and quality of care. Beyond clinical excellence, the medical center distinguishes itself through its commitment to addressing social, environmental and structural drivers of cardiovascular disease that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The hospital has reduced carbon emissions by more than 90% since 2011, operates rooftop farms that produce over 10,000 pounds of fresh food annually for patients and community members, and integrates green spaces to promote cardiovascular wellbeing. Innovative initiatives such as the first-in-the-nation “Clean Power Prescription” program further link cardiovascular health with economic and environmental stability for patients.
Cedars-Sinai (Los Angeles). Cedars-Sinai offers high-quality cardiovascular care, innovation and translational research, delivering advanced treatment across the full spectrum of heart disease.The Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai is the largest cardiothoracic transplant center in California and the third largest in the U.S., completing 706 heart and dual heart-lung transplants over the past six years, the highest volume nationwide. Clinicians and investigators collaborate across cardiology, cardiac surgery and population health to advance care for high-acuity conditions, including valve disease, aneurysms, advanced heart failure and complex arrhythmias. The institute leads investigator-initiated research that has improved prediction models for sudden cardiac arrest and challenged conventional approaches to common heart rhythm disorders, with growing applications in AI and precision medicine. Surgical and structural heart teams are pioneering less invasive alternatives to open surgery, including robotic approaches, and first-in-human and National Institutes of Health-sponsored trials evaluating transcatheter and surgical mitral valve therapies. As a major academic training center, Smidt Heart Institute prepares the next generation of cardiovascular leaders while continuously monitoring outcomes and quality.
Children’s Health (Dallas). The heart center at Children’s Health is one of the busiest and most successful pediatric heart programs in the nation, performing more than 600 cardiac surgeries each year with outcomes that consistently rank among the very best in the country. With an exceptionally low operative mortality rate of approximately 1.3 per 100 index cases and 100% survival for several highly complex procedures, the program delivers outstanding results across the full spectrum of congenital and acquired heart disease. Supported by more than 400 specialists and 76 dedicated cardiac beds, the heart center provides comprehensive care through more than 24 sites across Texas, bringing advanced pediatric heart care closer to home for families statewide. It is home to one of the nation’s largest and most advanced pediatric ventricular assist device programs, as well as nationally recognized programs in pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vein stenosis, complex biventricular repair and lymphatic intervention. Children’s Health is also the only center in the world using a hybrid cardiac catheterization–MRI suite, allowing complex procedures to be performed with little to no radiation exposure. In 2023 and 2024, the heart center performed more pediatric heart transplants than any other freestanding children’s hospital in the U.S. The program is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s top for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, coming in at No. 9 for 2025-26.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center is the largest cardiac program in the Southeast, providing expert care for infants, children, teens and young adults with congenital and acquired heart conditions. As Georgia’s only nationally ranked pediatric cardiology and heart surgery program, the heart center performs more pediatric heart surgeries and treats more children with heart disease than any other program in the state. Its multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists and advanced practice providers delivers highly specialized, family-centered care from fetal diagnosis through early adulthood. The program is consistently among the top five nationally for cardiac intensive care unit and cardiac acute care unit volumes, reflecting both its scale and clinical expertise. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers a comprehensive range of subspecialty programs, including heart transplant, fetal cardiology, arrhythmia and electrophysiology, single ventricle care, pulmonary hypertension and complex vascular reconstruction. Treating more than 40,000 heart patients each year, the program is also a national leader in pediatric cardiology research through partnerships with Emory University and Georgia Tech.
Children’s Hospital Colorado (Aurora). Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s very best pediatric cardiovascular programs, ranked No. 2 for heart care and surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26. It is also the largest pediatric heart center in the Rocky Mountain region. With more than 90 pediatric cardiac specialists, the institute provides comprehensive care for congenital and acquired heart disease from fetal diagnosis through adulthood, offering deep expertise across subspecialties including fetal cardiology, electrophysiology, pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathy, cardiac genetics, cardiac surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and transplantation. Children’s Colorado is the only pediatric program in the surrounding states to offer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and is a high-volume surgical and transplant center, having performed more than 550 heart transplants since the program’s inception. The heart institute is also the only program in Colorado to publicly report cardiac surgery outcomes, consistently outperforming national benchmarks major registries. Nationally, the program is recognized for its commitment to safety and quality, holding more Intersocietal Accreditation Commission accreditations across fetal, pediatric, adolescent, and adult cardiovascular imaging and interventions than any other children’s hospital. Innovation and research are central to the institute’s mission, supported by more than $10 million in external grant funding, over 200 publications annually, and designation as one of nine Pediatric Heart Network centers in North America.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the nation’s top pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs by U.S. News & World Report and is home to the largest congenital heart program on the West Coast. Its high-volume cardiothoracic surgery program performs more than 800 cardiac surgeries annually, including a significant proportion of complex neonatal cases, with survival rates well above national averages and post-operative lengths of stay shorter than Society of Thoracic Surgeons benchmarks. The institute provides comprehensive, around-the-clock care across more than 16 cardiology subspecialties, supported by advanced imaging, interventional catheterization, cardiac intensive care, anesthesia and acute care services. CHLA’s cardiac ICU is one of the largest in the country and cares for a high-acuity patient population with consistently excellent outcomes. The program is also a national leader in innovation, recently opening a first-in-the-nation pediatric low-field MRI cardiac imaging suite that reduces the need for anesthesia while expanding diagnostic capabilities. In addition, CHLA researchers are leading groundbreaking work in areas such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy and xenotransplantation as potential bridges to heart transplant for critically ill infants.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has one of the largest pediatric cardiac centers in North America. The center’s team of more than 1,000 offers advanced diagnostics and treatments for complex heart conditions. The center’s innovative offerings include a fetal heart disease program, as well as programs that: identify molecular therapeutic targets to significantly improve clinical care and disease management for heart failure patients; provide diagnostics, surgical intervention, transcatheter procedures and advanced imaging for valve disease patients; treat lymphatic leaks and flow disorders; and more. The system’s cardiac center serves among the highest volume of patients with rare and high-risk conditions, performing more of the most complicated procedures than any U.S. pediatric hospital. Each year, its team performs more than 100,000 diagnostic tests, 960 cardiac surgeries inclusive of over 570 open-heart surgeries, and 1,600 cardiac catheterizations. The center’s state-of-the-art facilities include a cardiac operative and imaging complex with six operating and hybrid suites exclusively for cardiac care, as well as four cardiac inpatient units with 71 beds exclusively for cardiac patients.
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital (Houston). The Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is nationally recognized as a top program in cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report and is ranked as an elite congenital heart surgery program by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. In collaboration with pediatric subspecialists at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, the institute provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for newborns, children and adolescents, with a seamless transition into adult congenital heart care. Patients benefit from advanced prenatal diagnosis and fetal interventions through a close partnership with The Fetal Center, a national referral center and international leader in fetal care. Critically ill children receive the highest level of support in a dedicated Children’s Heart Institute ICU and a level 4 neonatal ICU. The program combines state-of-the-art nonsurgical and surgical techniques to deliver personalized care and excellent outcomes, even for the most complex heart conditions. With access to more than 40 pediatric subspecialties, the Children’s Heart Institute offers coordinated, lifelong cardiac care.
Children’s Minnesota (Minneapolis). Children’s Minnesota’s cardiovascular program is the largest and most comprehensive pediatric heart program in the Upper Midwest. The Edward J. Phillips Cardiovascular Care Center integrates all pediatric cardiovascular services on a single floor and features the region’s highest level of technology, including a dedicated cardiac hybrid operating room and 24/7 pediatric cardiac intensivist coverage. Through the Children’s Heart Clinic, families have convenient access to expert care across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, extending advanced services to rural and underserved communities. The program offers highly specialized services such as fetal cardiology as early as 14 weeks’ gestation, a CMS-certified pediatric heart failure and transplant program, advanced cardiac imaging, the region’s only dedicated pediatric electrophysiology lab, and a child-specific cardiac catheterization laboratory. Innovative programs like single-ventricle home monitoring and “Project ADAM Minnesota” further improve outcomes and community preparedness while reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Children’s Minnesota publishes approximately 40 cardiovascular studies annually. Its collaboration with Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic, the Mayo Clinic–Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Collaborative, has been ranked No. 30 in pediatric heart care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.
Cincinnati Children’s. Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute is one of the largest and most highly regarded pediatric cardiology programs in the nation, consistently achieving outcomes among the very best for even the most complex heart conditions. The heart institute’s bench-to-bedside model rapidly translates groundbreaking research into clinical care, allowing patients to benefit from innovations earlier than at most centers. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the program supported more than 25,000 outpatient visits, performed over 550 cardiothoracic surgeries including heart and heart-lung transplants, and produced more than 400 peer-reviewed research publications. Specialized programs such as Fontan care, cardio-oncology, coronary artery disease, cardiac rehabilitation and advanced transplant services provide highly tailored, condition-specific expertise. The institute is also a leader in digital and surgical innovation, using tools like virtual surgical planning, AI and real-time outcome tracking to improve safety. Through more than 26 regional clinic locations, a mobile care center and expanded telehealth, Cincinnati Children’s extends world-class heart care closer to home for families. In addition, the joint pediatric and congenital heart program, a collaboration between Cincinnati Children’s and Lexington, Ky.-based UK HealthCare’s Golisano Children’s at UK, is ranked No. 11 in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26.
Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute is one of the world’s highest-volume cardiovascular programs, delivering care across an unmatched spectrum of complex heart, vascular and thoracic conditions. The institute manages more than 900,000 cardiovascular patient visits annually and performs over 7,800 cardiothoracic and vascular surgeries each year, supported by one of the highest cardiovascular case mix indexes nationally. All cardiothoracic operations rated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons have earned the highest 3-star designation, with overall cardiothoracic surgical mortality below 2%. Cleveland Clinic physicians are global leaders in minimally invasive and catheter-based procedures, including transcatheter valve repair and replacement, advanced electrophysiology and complex coronary and vascular interventions. The institute oversees more than 100 active cardiovascular clinical trials through its C5Research organization, continuing a decades-long legacy of practice-defining research and device innovation. Patients from all 50 states and 138 countries seek care at the institute, thanks to its international reputation for precision medicine, multidisciplinary expertise and outcomes-driven cardiovascular care. Cleveland Clinic ranks No. 3 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, while The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital ranks No. 16 in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report‘s 2025-26 rankings.
Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Corewell Health delivers comprehensive cardiovascular care across Michigan, combining advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive therapies and high-acuity surgical expertise to address the full spectrum of heart and vascular disease. The system’s heart transplant program consistently ranks among the nation’s top performers based on outcomes reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, reflecting strength in advanced heart failure and transplantation care. Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital is ranked No. 25 nationally and No. 2 in Michigan for heart and vascular care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, while the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center is the only American College of Cardiology-designated “HeartCARE Center” in the state. Multidisciplinary teams emphasize personalized treatment planning, leveraging catheter-based and minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to reduce recovery time and complications. The program offers advanced imaging, structural heart and valve interventions, electrophysiology, vascular surgery and preventive cardiology services across a broad regional footprint. The program not only offers pediatric and adult cardiovascular services, but also statewide transplant and ventricular assist device programs.
Dartmouth Health (Lebanon, N.H.). Dartmouth Health’s heart and vascular center is part of a nationally recognized academic health system and provides expert, coordinated care across the full spectrum of cardiovascular disease. A multidisciplinary team of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, vascular surgeons and specialized providers delivers integrated care focused on prevention, advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment. The center offers a wide range of advanced surgical, interventional and minimally invasive therapies, many available through clinical trials, ensuring patients have access to the latest innovations in heart and vascular care. As a leading academic and research institution, the heart and vascular center advances cardiovascular medicine through investigator-initiated studies, national clinical trials and population-based research that frequently shape standards of care. The program is also deeply committed to education, training the next generation of cardiovascular specialists in an environment that emphasizes excellence and compassion. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26 as high performing in multiple cardiac and vascular procedures, including aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, arrhythmia care and transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and was ranked top in the state for heart care.
Dell Children’s Medical Center (Austin, Texas). Dell Children’s Medical Center, part of St. Louis-based Ascension, is home to the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, which is the only comprehensive children’s heart center in Central Texas. The center provides advanced care for newborns, children, teens and adults with congenital heart disease. The pediatric and congenital cardiology program offers expert, family-centered care, including fetal cardiology services for expectant mothers whose babies are diagnosed with heart conditions. A multidisciplinary team of pediatric cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists delivers personalized care plans that emphasize education, collaboration and long-term support for families. The program treats a wide range of conditions, from congenital heart disease and arrhythmias to hypertension, syncope and inherited heart conditions. Patients benefit from advanced diagnostic testing such as fetal echocardiography, cardiac MRI, exercise testing and comprehensive imaging. Dell Children’s also provides the full spectrum of therapies, including cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, heart surgery, ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. The program is ranked No. 10 in pediatric heart care for 2025-26, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Duke Health (Durham, N.C.). Duke Health’s Duke University Hospital delivers top-ranked cardiovascular care through a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, heart surgeons and subspecialists, who all bring deep expertise across complex and high-acuity heart disease. The hospital is first in North Carolina for cardiology and heart surgery and is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best for outcomes in heart attack care, heart failure, arrhythmia management, bypass surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2025-26. The program is among the country’s largest and most experienced centers for ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation, supported by high-volume surgical practice associated with strong survival and recovery outcomes. The program has earned the American Heart Association’s “Commitment to Quality” award for high performance across multiple cardiovascular care areas and has been named among Healthgrades’ 50 best hospitals for cardiac surgery. Advanced cardiac imaging, robust clinical trial participation and systemwide emergency response protocols for acute myocardial infarction further distinguish the program’s leadership in cardiovascular care. Meanwhile, Duke Children’s Hospital is ranked No. 3 nationally and first-in-state for pediatric heart care by U.S. News & World Report as well. In 2024, the program performed more than 450 heart operations, including a disproportionately high volume of complex and high-risk procedures compared to many peer institutions.
Emory Healthcare (Atlanta). Emory Heart & Vascular delivers award-winning, personalized care for patients with the full spectrum of heart and vascular conditions, from congenital disease to the most complex acquired disorders. With more than 175 specialized physicians across cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery, the program provides seamless, multidisciplinary care that allows rapid access to advanced expertise and innovative therapies. The system is a national leader in treating life-threatening and high-risk cardiovascular conditions, often caring for patients who have been told elsewhere that their disease is too complex to treat. The program has a long history of pioneering breakthroughs, including performing the world’s first minimally invasive, off-pump triple bypass surgery and leading the field in robotic heart surgery, with more robotic mitral valve procedures than any center worldwide. It is also Georgia’s first and largest heart transplant program, having completed more than 1,000 heart transplants with outcomes that meet or exceed national benchmarks. In addition, Emory was the first in Georgia to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement and has treated more patients with aortic stenosis using this approach than any other health system in the state. Multiple Emory Healthcare hospitals earned recognition from Healthgrades for excellence in heart care in Georgia for 2025.
Endeavor Health (Evanston, Ill.). Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute is one of the most comprehensive and innovative heart programs in Illinois, anchored by major investments in advanced facilities, technology and multidisciplinary expertise. In 2025, Endeavor Health opened a $67 million outpatient cardiovascular institute at Edward Hospital, the first cardiac ambulatory surgical center in the Chicago region, complementing the $170 million cardiovascular institute at Glenbrook Hospital that opened in 2024 as a regional destination for complex heart care. Across the system, Endeavor Health ranks first in Illinois for cardiovascular outpatient surgeries and procedures, as well as second statewide for total cardiovascular discharges and surgeries. The institute’s 273 specialists deliver leading-edge care including minimally invasive valve therapies, advanced electrophysiology, endovascular aneurysm repair, genetic-based personalized cardiology and broad access to clinical trials. Endeavor Health has achieved numerous firsts, including the first commercial TriClip implant in the Midwest, early adoption of pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation, and participation as one of only four U.S. sites for sensor-guided TAVR technology. Built on decades of cardiovascular leadership at NorthShore and Edward Hospitals, the institute continues to pioneer innovations such as renal denervation for hypertension and leadless pacemakers.
Hackensack Meridian Health (Edison, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Health delivers one of New Jersey’s most comprehensive and highest-performing cardiovascular programs. With Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center serving as the system’s tertiary/quaternary center academic hubs, these Society of Thoracic Surgeons-recognized 3-star cardiac surgical centers provide comprehensive cardiovascular technology, sharing resources that enhance sites across the health system. The Heart & Vascular Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center is ranked the No. 1 cardiology, heart and vascular surgery program in the state and a top 10 program in the New York–New Jersey metro area by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26. Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally recognized as high performing for heart attack care, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery and heart failure management. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is nationally high performing in cardiology, heart and vascular surgery. The Heart & Vascular Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center consistently ranks in the top 5% nationally for interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery and stroke care, supported by accredited chest pain services and advanced electrophysiology capabilities. Multidisciplinary teams provide care from preventive screening and advanced imaging to complex surgical and minimally invasive interventions, including valve replacement, coronary bypass surgery, Watchman implantation and left ventricular assist device therapy.
Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare. Hartford HealthCare’s Heart & Vascular Institute is the largest and most advanced cardiovascular program in Connecticut, delivering coordinated, evidence-based care across 55 locations and nearly 400 clinicians. The institute performs more advanced cardiac procedures than any other program in the state and offers comprehensive services spanning prevention, diagnosis, advanced intervention, surgery and transplantation. Hartford HealthCare’s program boasts advanced capabilities such as robotic cardiac surgery, transcatheter valve therapies, specialized heart failure and arrhythmia programs, and statewide access through seven hospitals and LIFE STAR emergency transport. It has earned a perfect 18-out-of-18-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons across all cardiothoracic categories, reflecting exceptional quality and outcomes. The institute is also one of only 14 programs nationwide certified as a comprehensive cardiac center by The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association. Hartford Hospital, the system’s flagship, is nationally recognized for excellence in mitral valve surgery and holds the American Heart Association and Mitral Foundation’s “Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award.”
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian (Philadelphia). Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian is one of the country’s leading institutions for cardiology care. Known for its pioneering medical achievements, including the establishment of one of the first coronary care units in the country, Penn Presbyterian continues to excel in leading-edge care as part of the broader Penn Medicine system. The medical center is a regional leader in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. Its cardiology division offers specialized programs, such as the amyloidosis program, heart transplant program and women’s cardiovascular center. Additionally, the cardiac surgery department includes the aorta center, the heart valve disease program and more. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian is ranked No. 9 in cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.
Houston Methodist Hospital. Houston Methodist offers a nationally distinguished cardiovascular program via the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, delivering comprehensive, high-acuity care across the full spectrum of heart and vascular disease. The Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked best in Texas and No. 14 nationally for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, reflecting strong outcomes and clinical excellence. Multidisciplinary teams provide advanced care for conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure, complex valve disease, arrhythmias, adult congenital heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, supported by leading-edge cardiac imaging and minimally invasive surgical capabilities. The program maintains a robust research enterprise with more than 123 active clinical trials spanning preventive cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiovascular imaging and novel interventional therapies. The center continues a legacy of innovation through translational research, National Institutes of Health- and American Heart Association-funded laboratory science, and the rapid clinical adoption of new technologies. With deep subspecialty expertise, multiple fellowship programs and a highly collaborative care model, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center treats some of the most complex cardiovascular cases in the region and beyond.
IU Health (Indianapolis). IU Health Heart & Vascular is one of the highest-volume heart and vascular programs in the United States and the most trusted destination for cardiovascular care in Indiana, treating some of the nation’s most complex heart, vascular and lung conditions. The program has a long legacy of innovation, including performing the world’s first private-hospital cardiac transplant, helping develop echocardiography technology and inventing the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. IU Health combines advanced technology, nationally recognized expertise and personalized care to deliver exceptional outcomes across the full continuum of cardiovascular services. As an academic health system, IU Health leads pioneering programs in cardiovascular genetics, advanced lipid disorders, sports cardiology, cardio-oncology and adult congenital heart disease, including Indiana’s only Adult Congenital Heart Association-recognized adult congenital heart disease program. The system is also a leader in advanced arrhythmia ablation, comprehensive aortic surgery, carotid stenting, and heart and lung transplantation, offering therapies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist devices and ex vivo lung perfusion. Clinical trials and research-driven care ensure patients have access to innovative treatments not widely available elsewhere. Ranked No. 1 in the Indianapolis metro area for heart care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26, IU Health Heart & Vascular stands out for its experience, innovation and statewide reach.
Inova (Falls Church, Va.). Inova Schar Heart and Vascular is a high-volume cardiovascular program delivering comprehensive heart, vascular and advanced lung care across five hospitals and more than 65 outpatient sites in Northern Virginia. With more than 220 board-certified specialists and 221 dedicated cardiac beds, the program offers the full spectrum of care, including advanced heart failure, complex electrophysiology, cardiomyopathy, cardio-oncology, cardio-obstetrics, congenital heart disease, and heart and lung transplantation. Inova is a national leader in structural heart and interventional cardiology, ranking among the top 10 transcatheter aortic valve replacement and top 5 Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair programs in the U.S., and was among the first in the region to adopt pulsed-field ablation and advanced CHiP revascularization techniques. The health system has performed more than 90 heart, lung and heart-lung transplants in a single year and has treated more than 1,000 patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation since 2016. Inova is also widely recognized for its cardiogenic shock protocols and regional transfer network, achieving survival rates that exceed national benchmarks. It has been an early adopter of FDA-approved therapies such as TriClip, coronary drug-coated balloons for in-stent restenosis, and ultrasound-based renal denervation for resistant hypertension.
Intermountain Children’s Health (Salt Lake City). Intermountain Children’s Health delivers comprehensive pediatric heart services through one of the nation’s leading pediatric heart centers, providing advanced care for congenital and acquired heart disease from fetal diagnosis through long-term survivorship. The program offers a full spectrum of subspecialty services, including cardiothoracic surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure and transplant, cardiac genetics, neurodevelopmental follow-up and single-ventricle survivorship. Care is delivered by more than 40 pediatric heart physicians and a multidisciplinary team of more than 300 specialized clinicians, ensuring coordinated, family-centered care across every stage of treatment. Intermountain Children’s Health is a national leader in pediatric cardiovascular research, serving as one of a select group of institutions participating in all major National Institutes of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute pediatric heart research consortia, including the Pediatric Heart Network. The program reports survival rates among the highest in the nation, with some of the lowest medical and surgical complication rates, even for the most complex cases. Its catheterization labs use approximately 50% less radiation than the national average, supporting safer, more efficient care. Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals, including for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore). The Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute delivers comprehensive, high-acuity cardiovascular care through a fully integrated team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular specialists. Supported by more than 100 cardiologists, the institute provides advanced treatment across cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular and endovascular surgery, and pediatric heart care, managing both common and complex conditions. Johns Hopkins surgeons are nationally recognized for traditional, minimally invasive and transcatheter procedures, including complex valve repair, coronary bypass, ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. Research is a defining strength of the institute, with investigators advancing discoveries in heart failure, arrhythmias, vascular disease and prevention through collaborations with the National Institutes of Health and regional partners. The program offers specialized services spanning adult and pediatric congenital heart disease, advanced imaging, cardio-obstetrics, cardiac immunology and resistant hypertension. Thanks to its combination of multidisciplinary expertise, translational research and academic training positions, U.S. News & World Report ranked Johns Hopkins Hospital as No. 10 in the nation for cardiology for 2025-26.
Keck Medicine of USC (Los Angeles). At Keck Medicine of USC, the USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute delivers comprehensive, patient-centered cardiovascular care through nine integrated specialty centers spanning coronary disease, advanced heart failure, aortic disease, heart rhythm disorders, valve disease, pulmonary hypertension and preventive cardiology. The program offers state-of-the-art diagnostics, innovative noninvasive therapies and advanced surgical options, including endovascular aortic repair and transplant surgery, supported by broad access to clinical trials. Keck Medical Center of USC was ranked No. 35 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26. The institute is recognized for leadership in complex procedures such as the Ross procedure and for its multidisciplinary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy program, which integrates cardiology and cardiac surgery expertise to tailor disease-modifying and surgical therapies. The institute also offers specialized options including transfusion-free cardiac care and a minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic maze procedure for persistent arrhythmias when standard ablation has failed. In 2025, Keck Medicine hospitals earned five American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” quality achievement awards across heart failure, stroke and resuscitation.
Loma Linda (Calif.) University Children’s Hospital. Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is nationally recognized as a best children’s hospital for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, ranking at No. 18. The hospital has delivered world-class pediatric heart care for more than 40 years. Its pediatric cardiologists provide comprehensive, family-centered care for newborns, infants, children and adolescents, supported by cutting-edge technology, education and research. The program is home to a 14-bed pediatric cardiac ICU, offering advanced, around-the-clock care for critically ill children. The program is a global pioneer in pediatric heart transplantation, having performed the world’s first infant heart transplant in 1984 and more infant heart transplants than any other center worldwide. The hospital also offers a robust fetal congenital heart program, allowing coordinated care for mothers and babies before and after birth. As a regional leader, the hospital was the first Inland Empire hospital accredited by The Joint Commission to provide Melody Valve therapy for children.
Lurie Children’s (Chicago). The heart center at Lurie Children’s brings together a full spectrum of pediatric cardiac specialists to care for patients with the most complex heart conditions from before birth through adulthood. As the largest pediatric heart program in Illinois, Lurie Children’s treats more children with heart disease than any other hospital in the state and is nationally ranked as No. 17 in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26. Each year, the program delivers high-volume, high-acuity care, including more than 20,000 outpatient visits, nearly 1,000 cardiac catheterization procedures and over 450 heart surgeries, boasting among the best survival rates for congenital heart surgery nationwide. Lurie Children’s is also home to the Regenstein Cardiac Care Unit, one of the few dedicated cardiac units in the country designed to ensure seamless continuity of care from admission through discharge. The heart center offers highly specialized programs ranging from fetal cardiology and interventional care to ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation, having performed more pediatric heart transplants than any provider in Illinois since 1988. Through its Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Lurie Children’s also advances pioneering research, quality improvement and education.
MUSC Children’s Health (Charleston, S.C.). Ranked No. 4 nationally for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report rankings, MUSC Children’s Health’s pediatric and congenital heart center is among the nation’s elite programs for children with complex heart disease. The program’s surgical outcomes consistently rank among the best in the world and have been No. 1 nationally in two of the past three years, reflecting exceptional performance across the most challenging congenital cases. The center is distinguished by its transparency and quality, with publicly reported outcomes through the Society of Thoracic Surgeons showing a four-year observed mortality rate of 1.38%, substantially outperforming the national average of 2.65%, and an observed-to-expected mortality ratio of 0.58, more than 40% better than expected. Since public reporting began in 2015, the program has been recognized every year as one of a small number nationwide delivering consistently superior outcomes. The multidisciplinary team delivers highly individualized care across the full spectrum of congenital and acquired heart disease, from routine conditions to the rarest and most complex disorders. The program brings broad subspecialty depth spanning cardiac surgery, catheterization, cardiac critical care, advanced imaging, heart failure and electrophysiology.
Mass General Brigham (Boston). The Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute provides comprehensive cardiovascular care through a network of more than 300 specialists across its institutions, including founding academic medical centers Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The system manages more than 250,000 outpatient cardiology visits annually, with clinicians specializing in cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, cardiovascular genetics, women’s heart health, minimally invasive valve repair and replacement, and more. Staff cardiologists work closely with cardiac surgeons and other multidisciplinary clinical teams to create personalized treatment plans for each patient across a wide array of disease areas, including advanced heart failure, aortic disease, arrhythmia, complex coronary artery disease, valve disease and others. In 2025, the system’s flagship hospitals, Mass General and Brigham and Women’s, were nationally ranked in cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News and World Report in its most recent rating, coming in at No. 8 and No. 12, respectively.
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.). Mayo Clinic delivers world-renowned cardiovascular care through a fully integrated, multidisciplinary model that brings cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and subspecialists together to evaluate and treat each patient collaboratively. Across its campuses, Mayo Clinic physicians care for more than 123,000 patients with cardiovascular disease annually, including adults and children with rare, complex and high-acuity conditions. The department of cardiovascular medicine includes more than 240 experts spanning coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease and advanced heart valve disease. Mayo Clinic surgeons are global leaders in minimally invasive and transcatheter procedures, including robotic-assisted heart surgery, ventricular assist device implantation and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Mayo Clinic advances cardiovascular medicine through major investments in research and innovation, including the clinical application of AI, remote robotic interventions and population health research addressing disparities in heart disease. The program is consistently ranked among the nation’s best for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, coming in at No. 4 for 2025-26, with dedicated pediatric cardiovascular services also recognized as top-ranked regionally.
Medical City Dallas. Medical City Heart Hospital, a dedicated 63-bed cardiovascular facility within the 909-bed Medical City Dallas campus, is a national leader in advanced heart and vascular care, combining innovation, experience and exceptional outcomes. The hospital offers a full spectrum of complex services, including heart transplantation, advanced heart failure and ventricular assist device therapy, minimally invasive and structural valve procedures, complex vascular surgery, electrophysiology and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, supported by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team. Since launching its transplant program in 1991, Medical City Dallas has performed 658 heart transplants, consistently ranking among the nation’s top-performing transplant centers. The Dallas Valve Institute made history by performing Texas’ first transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2010 and has since completed more than 1,000 minimally invasive structural heart procedures. Medical City Heart Hospital is nationally recognized for quality, earning top-quartile patient experience scores for five consecutive years and multiple Healthgrades honors, including “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care.” Its leadership in innovation includes early adoption of pulsed-field ablation, “Donation After Cardiac Death” heart transplantation, rapid extracorporeal membrane oxygenation deployment, and a forthcoming major expansion to enhance critical care capacity.
MedStar Health (Columbia, Md.). MedStar Health has one of the nation’s largest and busiest cardiovascular programs, supported by more than 200 heart and vascular specialists across 10 hospitals and more than 90 care sites. In fiscal year 2024, the system performed 1,940 heart surgeries, 2,242 cardiac ablations, 551 transcatheter aortic valve replacements, 47 heart transplants and 65 durable left ventricular assist device procedures, reflecting high-volume expertise across advanced cardiovascular care. MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital have earned top national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek, as well as 3-star ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for coronary bypass and valve surgery outcomes. The program offers comprehensive services spanning advanced heart failure, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, complex aortic disease and vascular surgery, with strong emphasis on minimally invasive and catheter-based therapies. Research is a core differentiator, with more than 175 ongoing cardiovascular studies conducted through the MedStar Cardiovascular Research Network. Academic collaboration with Georgetown University School of Medicine and the region’s only 24/7 MedSTAR Rapid Transport system further strengthen MedStar’s ability to deliver timely, high-acuity cardiovascular care.
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (Houston). The Larry D. Johnson Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center is internationally recognized for translating groundbreaking research into exceptional cardiovascular care, making it one of the world’s leading heart and vascular programs. Since opening its state-of-the-art, 230,000-square-foot facility in 2008, the institute has delivered a fully integrated, end-to-end continuum of care for even the most complex cardiovascular conditions, with a strong and sustained focus on quality and patient safety. The program is a national leader in interventional cardiology and structural heart care, including being among the first in the U.S. to perform percutaneous valve interventions and the first in Houston to implant a commercial transcatheter aortic valve replacement, with nearly 2,000 of the procedures performed to date. Its aortic, advanced heart failure, complex arrhythmia and cardiogenic shock programs are renowned for innovation, outcomes and expertise, including world-first robotic aortic surgery. Consistent top-tier recognitions from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and The Joint Commission underscore the Institute’s excellence in outcomes, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction care, stroke care, ventricular assist devices and chest pain management. A fully accredited cardiac rehabilitation program and robust research and education mission further strengthen its comprehensive model of care.
MemorialCare (Fountain Valley, Calif.). MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, Saddleback Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach delivers more than 50,000 cardiovascular diagnostic tests and treatments annually. The institute’s commitment to innovation and discovery dates back 75 years with the co-invention of the modern-day maximum stress test to detect heart disease, with millions of tests saving hundreds of thousands of lives globally each year. Other impactful innovations include the first blood test, the first computer program to gauge verity and then size and location of myocardial infarction, and the first cardiology computer registry. It was among the first to create a chest pain center and use a blood bank for open heart surgery, was the region’s first to implant an artificial heart valve, and was among the first to perform angioplasty and start a coronary care unit. Innovation continues with robust research, treatments and clinical trials. For example, all adult hospitals are engaged in pulse field ablation next-generation non-thermal ablation to selectively target cardiac tissue, reducing damage to nearby critical structures like the esophagus, pulmonary veins and phrenic nerves, ultimately offering a safer, more precise option for patients with atrial fibrillation. With Miller Children’s and Long Beach Medical Center sharing a campus, the campus offers a lifetime of cardiac care in one location. Miller Children’s is among just a few hospitals with comprehensive congenital cardiac and surgical care as early as in utero, and has one of the region’s only dedicated pediatric cardiothoracic ICUs. MemorialCare continues to receive numerous honors from U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, the American Heart Association and others.
Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor). Michigan Medicine’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center is among the nation’s top heart and vascular programs and ranks No. 1 nationally for heart-related research, combining high-acuity clinical care with leading-edge discovery. The center cares for more than 90,000 patients annually and offers advanced procedures not available elsewhere in the region, supported by subspecialty expertise across heart failure, transplantation, valve disease, complex coronary disease, arrhythmias and vascular medicine. Multidisciplinary specialty programs span adult congenital heart disease, implanted heart-assist devices, cardio-obstetrics, cardio-oncology and preventive cardiology, enabling coordinated care for the most complex cases. Research and clinical practice are tightly interlaced through a cardiovascular research center, allowing patients to benefit from therapies developed by the same physician-scientists advancing cardiovascular treatment worldwide. Frankel Cardiovascular Center is ranked No. 21 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for heart and vascular care for 2025–26 and is known for early, accurate diagnosis driven by direct access to specialist-led care. In addition, Michigan Medicine’s University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital offers top-tier care for children’s hearts, ranking No. 13 in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery.
Montefiore Einstein (Bronx, N.Y.). The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care is a national leader in advanced cardiovascular medicine, supported by a team of 125 specialists delivering care across the full spectrum of heart and vascular disease. Montefiore ranks as the No. 1 heart transplant center in the U.S. based on one-year post-transplant survival and transplant volume, according to the July 2024 Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients report, and has expanded access to transplantation for high-risk patients through refined clinical protocols. As of the first quarter of 2025, the program reported a 10% year-over-year increase in interventional cardiology volume and a 30% increase in electrophysiology procedures, reflecting growing demand for complex care. The center has significantly expanded preventive cardiology services for a predominantly Medicare- and Medicaid-covered population, deploying new imaging protocols across five outpatient sites to enable earlier detection of coronary artery disease and intervention. Montefiore supports 30 to 40 active clinical trials focused on structural heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and gene-targeted therapies, while also investing in innovations such as drug-coated balloon technologies, mechanically assisted high-risk interventions and advanced intravascular imaging. A genetics-driven cardiology program, combined with new cardiac care units and specialized cardio-obstetric services, positions Montefiore Einstein as a model for integrating cutting-edge cardiovascular science with population health impact.
Mount Sinai Hospital (New York City). Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital is ranked No. 2 nationally for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26 and is internationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular care, surgery and research. Established in 2006, the hospital delivers comprehensive, science-based treatment for conditions ranging from arrhythmias and coronary artery disease to advanced heart failure, valvular disease and complex vascular disorders. The program is distinguished by its multidisciplinary integration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, uniting cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, scientists and educators to accelerate innovation and clinical translation. Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s comprehensive cardiac center certification for a second time, reflecting sustained performance across prevention, diagnosis, intervention and rehabilitation. Its cardiac surgery program is among the most successful globally, with particular strength in mitral valve repair, heart transplantation, complex reoperative surgery and total arterial coronary revascularization. Beyond clinical care, the hospital leads population health and global prevention initiatives, including international partnerships focused on hypertension management and cardiovascular risk reduction, helping to combat heart disease across the globe.
NYU Langone Health (New York City). NYU Langone Heart is the nation’s top-ranked program for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, earning the No. 1 position from U.S. News & World Report in 2025-26 for excellence in outcomes, innovation and comprehensive cardiovascular care. The program includes more than 300 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who deliver advanced care for conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, valve disease, heart failure and congenital heart disease across a broad, integrated clinical network. NYU Langone Heart is recognized for some of the highest success rates in coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve surgery and heart transplantation, supported by expertise in minimally invasive, transcatheter and robotic techniques that shorten recovery times and improve patient outcomes. The program offers advanced cardiac imaging, including leading-edge CT, MRI, echocardiography and angiography, enabling faster, more precise diagnoses and individualized treatment planning. NYU Langone Heart also leads in prevention-focused cardiology, integrating risk assessment, lifestyle medicine and medical management to reduce cardiovascular disease progression. The system also includes a comprehensive portfolio of specialty programs, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, inherited arrhythmias, cardio-oncology, cardio-obstetrics and women’s cardiology.
Naples (Fla.) Comprehensive Health. Naples Comprehensive Health’s heart program has rapidly emerged as a regional leader by recruiting nationally recognized cardiology specialists and expanding advanced services in coronary, structural heart and electrophysiology care. The program is deeply focused on innovation, participating in more than 40 clinical and research trials while actively pursuing additional American College of Cardiology quality certifications. Its highly effective ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction program saves more than 100 lives each year and consistently achieves top-tier door-to-balloon times averaging under 60 minutes. Over the past 18 months, the heart program has treated more than 2,000 patients in its interventional suites and expanded access to care for northern Collier County. The program is transcatheter aortic valve replacement certified and is introducing leading-edge therapies such as transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement and pulsed field ablation. Naples Comprehensive Health is also investing in the future with construction underway on a new dedicated heart and stroke hospital. Recognized by Healthgrades as one of the nation’s “100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care” in 2024, 2025 and 2026, the program delivers high-quality, lifesaving cardiovascular care to its growing community.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, Ohio). The heart center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a nationally recognized pediatric cardiovascular program that integrates clinical care, research and innovation to deliver highly specialized, patient-centered heart care. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top pediatric heart programs by U.S. News & World Report, the Center was ranked No. 25 for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery in 2025–26. The program has performed more than 100 heart transplants since 2003 and 70 ventricular assist device implants since 2010. In 2024 alone, the heart center completed 429 cardiothoracic surgeries, 513 interventional cardiology procedures and more than 22,000 outpatient cardiology visits. Ongoing innovation includes participation in cutting-edge device trials, such as bioresorbable atrial septal defect closure devices and expandable stents designed to grow with pediatric patients. The center also expanded its cardiology clinic space by nearly 50% in 2024 to meet growing patient demand. Supported by nearly $2.5 million in research funding and more than 130 peer-reviewed publications in a single academic year, the heart center is continuously advancing pediatric cardiovascular care, research and outcomes.
Nebraska Medicine (Omaha). With over 100 specialists, the heart and vascular center at Nebraska Medicine provides comprehensive care for all aspects of the cardiovascular system. From treatment of congenital conditions like adult congenital heart disease to complex interventional, electrophysiology, cardiac and vascular surgical procedures, Nebraska Medicine uses the latest technology to care for heart and vascular patients. The team was the first in Nebraska to perform percutaneous balloon lithotripsy for the treatment of mitral stenosis and the “UNICORN” procedure for heart valve replacement, plus the first in Omaha to use renal denervation for the treatment of high blood pressure. As the only adult heart transplant program in the state, Nebraska Medicine has performed over 600 heart transplants. The heart failure program received American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines–Heart Failure Gold Plus Performance Award” and offers advanced treatments, including the implantation of the first cardiac contractility modulation devices. The electrophysiology team was the first in an eight-state region to perform a pulse field ablation procedure to treat atrial fibrillation and has surpassed 800 left atrial appendage occlusion procedures. The center offers 54 active clinical trials supporting heart and vascular programs. U.S. News & World Report again ranked Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center as the No. 1 hospital in Nebraska for 2025-26.
NewYork-Presbyterian (New York City). NewYork-Presbyterian delivers one of the nation’s most comprehensive and highest-volume cardiovascular programs, supported by more than 250 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons across every major heart subspecialty. Affiliated with Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine, the program treats some of the world’s highest-risk and most complex cardiac cases, drawing patients from across the U.S. and internationally. NewYork-Presbyterian performs more heart valve surgeries than any other hospital in New York and operates one of the largest heart valve programs in the country, with national leadership in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair. The system is among the few in New York to offer robotic-assisted heart surgery, enabling minimally invasive approaches that reduce recovery time while maintaining excellent outcomes. Its mechanical circulatory support program is one of the largest nationwide, performing one to two ventricular assist device implantations weekly with survival rates exceeding national averages. In addition, it boasts one of the country’s most experienced heart transplant programs, with more than 2,500 adult and pediatric transplants performed since 1971. Advanced imaging, extensive clinical trial participation and deep expertise in adult and pediatric congenital heart disease further distinguish NewYork-Presbyterian.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Miami). Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute is known for its pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery expertise, having pioneered some of the world’s most innovative and least invasive treatments for congenital heart disease. Its internationally renowned physicians and surgeons have performed more than 11,000 heart operations since 1995, including over 200 procedures annually, delivering expert care to infants, children and adolescents. With 10 locations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, the heart institute expands access to specialized pediatric heart care throughout South Florida. The program is also deeply committed to prevention and community health, providing more than 65,000 free electrocardiogram screenings to help prevent sudden cardiac death in young people and directly intervening when life-threatening abnormalities are identified. In addition, the institute has trained more than 300 Miami-Dade County schools in how to respond to sudden cardiac arrest events, extending its impact beyond hospital walls. Recently, the hospital has expanded its by appointing world-renowned cardiologists as leaders, further strengthening the program’s clinical and academic excellence. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the hospital for its pediatric cardiology and heart surgery care for 2025-26, ranking it as No. 47 in the nation.
Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Northwell Health’s cardiovascular institute delivers comprehensive, high-acuity cardiovascular care across New York City, Staten Island, Long Island and Westchester through an integrated network of 16 hospitals and more than 65 outpatient locations. The institute brings together more than 300 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons spanning every cardiovascular subspecialty, caring for more than 31,000 patients annually and supporting access to advanced care regardless of geography. Northwell is nationally recognized for excellence by organizations including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the New York State Department of Health and Healthgrades, with multiple hospitals ranked among the nation’s best for heart care, cardiac surgery and coronary intervention. The program is a leader in robotic cardiac surgery and electrophysiology, offering innovative solutions for patients with complex or previously untreatable conditions. Northwell Cardiovascular Institute is backed by more than 60 active clinical trials and works in close collaboration with the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. In January 2026, physicians at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital became the first team in the world to implant the industry’s smallest defibrillation lead, underscoring Northwell’s leadership in advanced cardiac technologies.
Northwestern Medicine (Chicago). Northwestern Medicine offers a nationally ranked cardiovascular program recognized among the top 10 cardiology, heart and vascular programs in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, as of the 2025–26 rankings. The Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute delivers highly specialized care for complex and hard-to-treat cardiovascular conditions, supported by more than 150 specialists and performing over 2,700 cardiac surgeries annually. Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has achieved the best heart failure survival rate in the nation and the highest patient survival score for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, with more than 95% of patients recommending their physician. Patients travel from all 50 states and 27 countries to receive care, supported by an integrated access model that includes virtual intake visits within 24 hours and coordinated care through its “FAST” program. The institute offers comprehensive surgical, transcatheter and minimally invasive therapies, including heart transplantation, ventricular assist devices, complex valve repair and advanced aortic interventions. Research is a core strength, with more than 10,000 active participants enrolled across 100-plus cardiovascular clinical trials, accelerating the development of next-generation therapies and improved outcomes.
Ochsner Health (New Orleans). The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute at Ochsner Health is a nationally recognized leader in cardiovascular care with a decades-long legacy of innovation and excellence. The institute pioneered many firsts in the region, including the first heart transplant in 1970, the first pediatric heart transplant, the first total artificial heart implant and the invention of percutaneous atrial septal defect closure. Today, its multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive care using advanced digital tools, minimally invasive procedures, and cutting-edge research to treat both acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. It is one of only a small number of U.S. institutions to have performed more than 1,000 heart transplants, and has completed more than 2,000 transcatheter aortic valve replacements. The institute also operates the region’s largest comprehensive arrhythmia management center and holds transcatheter valve certification and electrophysiology accreditation from the American College of Cardiology. U.S. News & World Report recognized Ochsner Medical Center–New Orleans as “high performing” in seven specialties for 2025–26, and ranked it as top-in-state for heart care. Meanwhile, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked at No. 36 for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (Columbus). The heart and vascular center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center delivers comprehensive, expert care for every form of heart and vascular disease, supported by one of the region’s most advanced diagnostic, testing and treatment capabilities. Patients benefit from seamless, coordinated care from general cardiologists who manage day-to-day needs, while nationally recognized subspecialists step in for advanced conditions such as heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, structural heart disease, vascular disease and heart transplantation. Specialized programs include adult congenital heart disease, interventional and structural cardiology, heart valve disease, women’s heart health and vascular surgery, ensuring patients never need to seek care elsewhere. The program offers access to leading-edge therapies, minimally invasive procedures and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation. Research and clinical innovation are driven by the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, bringing the latest discoveries and clinical trials directly to patients. The program places a strong emphasis on prevention, risk reduction and personalized care, which ultimately helps patients maintain lifelong cardiovascular health. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as No. 47 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery for 2025-26.
Orlando (Fla.) Health. Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally recognized cardiovascular program with more than 60 years of experience delivering advanced heart and vascular care across Central Florida and beyond. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of more than 200 specialists, the institute provides comprehensive services across more than 40 cardiovascular subspecialties at 29 sites, ranging from prevention and wellness to complex surgical and minimally invasive interventions. Its clinical excellence has earned consecutive national top 50 rankings in cardiology, heart and vascular surgery from U.S. News & World Report. The institute is a regional leader in minimally invasive and transcatheter therapies, advanced valve care, heart failure management, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist devices and renal denervation for hypertension, with outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. Orlando Health also distinguishes itself through robust education and training programs, including physician assistant and cardiology fellowships that help develop the next generation of cardiovascular leaders. Ongoing clinical research, industry-sponsored trials and innovative care models further strengthen its impact on patient outcomes.
Phoenix Children’s. Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care is one of the nation’s largest and most advanced pediatric heart programs, nationally ranked at No. 44 by U.S. News & World Report for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery. The center provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for infants through adults with congenital heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and complex cardiac conditions, delivering consistently strong outcomes. It is a national leader in advanced heart failure therapies, ventricular assist devices and transplantation, having completed more than 160 heart transplants and achieving historic milestones such as the world’s youngest total artificial heart recipient and Arizona’s first pediatric heart–liver transplant. Phoenix Children’s is the only hospital in Arizona accredited as an adult congenital heart disease comprehensive care center, supporting seamless care from childhood into adulthood for more than 1,000 adult congenital heart disease patients each year. The program is also at the forefront of innovation, with a dedicated 4D cardiology visualization and analytics lab, on-site 3D printing, virtual reality surgical planning and advanced donor-recipient matching technologies. Its congenital cardiac surgery program has earned the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ highest 3-star rating for six consecutive years, placing it among the top programs nationwide.
Providence Alaska Medical Center (Anchorage). The Heart & Vascular Center at Providence Alaska Medical Center delivers highly personalized, whole-person cardiovascular care and is the most comprehensive heart program in Alaska, serving more heart and vascular patients than any other facility in the state. Patients benefit from individualized care plans, supported by cardiovascular nurse navigators who guide families through diagnosis, treatment and recovery while helping remove barriers to care. The center is a statewide leader in minimally invasive innovation, serving as the only hospital in Alaska to perform the MitraClip procedure and to implant CardioMEMS for remote heart failure monitoring. A multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, surgeons, electrophysiologists and specialized clinicians performs the highest volume of cardiac and vascular procedures in Alaska, including thousands of cath lab, electrophysiology, transcatheter aortic valve replacement and vascular cases annually. Providence Alaska extends advanced heart care beyond Anchorage through rural outreach programs, remote monitoring, translation services and financial assistance to ensure equitable access across diverse communities. As part of the broader Renton, Wash.-based Providence network, which spans 51 hospitals in seven states, patients benefit from collaborative expertise and shared innovation. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top hospital in Alaska for heart care for 2025–26, Providence Alaska boasts a 120-year legacy of trusted, patient-centered cardiovascular excellence.
Queen’s Medical Center (Honolulu). Queen’s Heart at The Queen’s Medical Center delivers comprehensive, patient-centered cardiovascular care for Hawai‘i in one convenient, state-of-the-art setting. As the largest and most comprehensive heart program in the state, the institute provides advanced medical, surgical and diagnostic services for both routine and complex heart and vascular conditions using the latest technologies and treatment options. Its multidisciplinary team of more than 25 board-certified specialists and over 110 dedicated staff members offers expertise across general cardiology, interventional care, electrophysiology, congenital heart disease and advanced heart failure. Queen’s Heart is home to Hawai‘i’s only heart failure disease management program and plays a critical role in improving outcomes through coordinated inpatient and outpatient care. The institute is also a leader in research and education, participating in innovative clinical trials and serving as the primary teaching faculty for the University of Hawai‘i’s cardiovascular disease fellowship program. The Queen’s Medical Center was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Hawai‘i for heart care for 2025–26, thanks to its excellence in quality and outcomes.
RWJBarnabas Health (West Orange, N.J.). RWJ Barnabas Health Heart & Vascular is one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cardiovascular programs, delivering heart and vascular care across 12 hospitals and nearly 100 ambulatory sites in New Jersey. With more than 800 cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular specialists, the system operates the state’s most extensive network of cardiac catheterization labs, imaging platforms and advanced diagnostics, including support for one of the nation’s largest cardiac amyloidosis programs. RWJ Barnabas Health is home to New Jersey’s only heart transplant program and one of the largest in the country, with more than 1,450 transplants performed, alongside leading programs in advanced heart failure, left ventricular assist devices, and minimally invasive valve and structural heart interventions. The system is the largest structural heart and left atrial appendage occlusion program in New Jersey and New York, consistently advancing minimally invasive therapies that improve outcomes and reduce recovery time. As the state’s most comprehensive academic health system, RWJ Barnabas Health partners with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to train future cardiovascular leaders, conduct more research than any other system in New Jersey and publish more than 300 studies annually. The program is also a national innovator in AI, digital health and remote monitoring, translating research breakthroughs into real-world patient care. The system is also New Jersey’s largest safety-net provider, delivering charity care to thousands of heart and vascular patients each year.
Rady Children’s Hospital (San Diego). Rady Children’s Heart Institute delivers highly specialized cardiac care for infants, children, adolescents and select adults with congenital and acquired heart disease, serving as a major regional and international referral center. The program is nationally recognized for innovation, including being the first in the world to perform a nonsurgical, catheter-only procedure for single-ventricle congenital heart disease and the first in San Diego to launch a 3D heart modeling program for complex surgical planning. Its state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory emphasizes low- or no-dose radiation while providing superior visualization, and its dedicated cardiothoracic ICU offers advanced critical care for the most complex patients. Rady Children’s is home to the only two American Board of Internal Medicine-certified adult congenital heart disease specialists serving San Diego, Imperial and Riverside counties. It is also one of the nation’s largest pediatric programs for Kawasaki disease. The heart institute is also recognized as a California Children’s Services–designated center of excellence, reflecting outstanding quality and outcomes. Rady Children’s is also home to robust research activity, an accredited fellowship in partnership with UC San Diego, and leadership in fetal cardiology and minimally invasive valve therapies.
Renown Health (Reno, Nev.). Named once again by U.S. News & World Report as the top heart center in the state of Nevada, the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health serves over 69,000 patients in the Mountain West, offering care across 11 cardiovascular specialties via more than 50 cardiovascular specialists. Specialties include general cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural heart, women’s heart, heart failure management and cardiac rehabilitation. All of these are supported by advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive therapies. The institute’s physicians, nurses and other clinicians, and specially trained support team all maintain a 4.9/5-star patient rating, underscoring strong patient satisfaction and community trust. Renown Health’s structural heart team has performed approximately 130 transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures, exceeding the national averages for innovative valve therapies. The institute continues to expand access to vital and essential services, including the region’s first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program to support critically ill heart and lung patients. In addition to heart care, the vascular medicine and anticoagulation services include diagnosis and treatment for conditions affecting blood flow, as well as personalized medication management and monitoring to reduce risks of stroke, heart attack and clotting complications. With advanced testing, same-day monitoring, and coordinated care across specialties, the Renown team helps patients achieve better circulation and long-term heart health.
Rush University System for Health (Chicago). Rush University System for Health delivers evidence-based cardiovascular care through a multidisciplinary team specializing in complex heart and vascular disease. The program treats a broad spectrum of conditions, including arrhythmias, advanced heart failure, valve disease, coronary artery disease and amyloidosis, with a strong emphasis on individualized care planning and prevention. Rush is nationally ranked for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report, with its flagship earning the No. 13 spot. The program has also earned the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ highest 3-star rating for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, reflecting top-tier surgical quality and outcomes. The system is recognized for specialized programs such as the first women’s heart program in Chicago, dedicated cardio-oncology services and advanced lipid management for genetically driven cardiovascular risk. Patients benefit from advanced cardiac imaging, minimally invasive and catheter-based structural heart interventions, and access to a wide portfolio of active clinical trials spanning preventive cardiology, heart failure and cardiovascular imaging. Rush also provides patients with various outpatient locations, telehealth access and coordinated follow-up care.
Sanford Medical Center Fargo (N.D.) Sanford Medical Center Fargo is a regional and national leader in cardiovascular care, recognized in 2025 as one of Premier’s “Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals” in the nation, making it the only hospital in North Dakota, South Dakota or Minnesota to earn this distinction. Supported by an expert heart team of more than 400 professionals, including 31 physicians and advanced practice providers, the program delivers comprehensive care across prevention, diagnosis, intervention and recovery. With a legacy of innovation spanning more than 50 years, Sanford Fargo has led numerous state-first advancements, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, cardiac PET imaging, TriClip tricuspid valve repair and renal denervation for resistant hypertension. The program treats approximately 1,300 heart attack patients annually and has earned the American College of Cardiology “Chest Pain–MI Registry Performance Achievement Award” 10 times for consistently delivering guideline-based, high-quality care. Sanford Fargo is also expanding access through extensive rural outreach, providing cardiology care in 12 communities and diagnostic services at additional sites across the region. Ongoing investments in advanced imaging, clinical research, and a new heart failure program further strengthen its role as an emerging quaternary care center.
Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial Health Care System. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s heart institute is a century-strong leader in cardiovascular care for Southwest Florida, delivering high-acuity services through one of the state’s most experienced heart teams. With more than 10,000 cardiovascular surgeries and procedures performed annually, the institute treats a predominantly older, high-risk population while achieving outcomes that consistently exceed national benchmarks. As a tertiary care center, the program offers the full continuum of heart care, including advanced cardiac and thoracic surgery, minimally invasive and robotic procedures, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, state-of-the-art electrophysiology, and a comprehensive structural heart and valve program. The institute has been at the forefront of innovation, including early adoption of pulsed field ablation, transcatheter valve therapies, and leadership as the world’s top WATCHMAN program with more than 3,000 implants. Sarasota Memorial is nationally recognized for quality and safety, earning top honors from Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report and maintaining a rare, continuous 5-star CMS rating since 2016. Its partnership with Columbia University’s division of cardiac surgery further expands access to advanced research, clinical trials and leading-edge treatments.
Scripps Health (San Diego). Scripps Health’s nationally recognized heart program cares for more than 216,000 cardiovascular patients annually and is supported by a team of more than 150 specialists across the full continuum of cardiac care. The program is anchored by the Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, a 164-bed facility located on the Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla campus. The entire campus includes eight catheterization labs, six ablation labs and advanced imaging services. Scripps La Jolla Hospitals was ranked No. 24 nationally for cardiology by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, and is a regional leader in interventional cardiology, performing thousands of stent placements and valve repair and replacement procedures each year. Four Scripps hospitals are designated American Heart Association ST-elevation myocardial infarction receiving centers, with response protocols that exceed national benchmarks for heart attack care. The program is deeply integrated with research and innovation, participating in 51 active clinical trials and holding $5.6 million in cardiovascular research funding, with clinicians playing key roles in the development of new stents, transcatheter valves, pacing systems and device-based therapies. Recent milestones include first-in-region and first-in-world procedures using newly approved renal denervation, pacing and drug-coated balloon technologies, alongside systemwide cost-reduction initiatives that generate approximately $5 million in annual supply savings without compromising clinical quality.
St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center (Roslyn, N.Y.). St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center is New York State’s only specialty-designated cardiac center and has been a regional and national leader in cardiovascular care for more than 50 years. The program is nationally ranked in heart and vascular care by U.S. News & World Report for the 18th consecutive year for 2025–26, currently sitting at No. 32, and is also recognized for consistently high quality and safety performance. St. Francis has earned an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group for patient safety for the 25th time, and holds a 5-star CMS rating for quality of care and patient satisfaction for the sixth consecutive year. The hospital is one of only two on Long Island accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a chest pain center with resuscitation, reflecting excellence in emergency cardiac care. Cardiovascular services are supported by expanding outpatient heart center locations across Nassau and Suffolk counties, providing broad access to advanced diagnostics and treatment. The DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research and Education further distinguishes the program as the largest medically staffed cardiac rehabilitation and fitness program on Long Island.
Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, Calif.). Stanford Health Care delivers cardiovascular care through an integrated team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular specialists, who provide highly personalized, advanced treatment for complex heart and vascular disease. According to U.S. News & World Report, Stanford Hospital is ranked No. 11 nationally for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery and No. 1 in Northern California, reflecting consistently strong outcomes and clinical excellence. Each year, more than 5,000 patients from around the world seek care at Stanford for conditions ranging from inherited and congenital heart disease to advanced heart failure, structural heart disease and complex aortic pathology. The program is distinguished by its depth of subspecialty expertise, including mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, amyloidosis and women’s heart health. Stanford Health Care pairs clinical care with innovation through the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, which advances translational research, engineering collaboration and next-generation therapies. A robust digital and access strategy, which incorporates telehealth, remote monitoring and online second opinions, further amplifies Stanford’s ability to deliver cutting-edge cardiovascular care with precision and continuity. Stanford Medicine Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital’s pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report consistently over the last 10 years.
Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital. The TGH Heart & Vascular Institute at Tampa General Hospital cares for cardiovascular patients through seven centers of excellence, which span cardiac surgery, heart failure and transplant, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, vascular surgery, preventive cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging. Consistently ranked among the top cardiac programs in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, the institute is known for exceptional outcomes, innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration. Tampa General maintains one of the most active heart transplant programs in the state and nation, performing more than 50 transplants annually with outcomes exceeding national benchmarks, supported by a Joint Commission–certified ventricular assist device program. The institute also houses the only cardiogenic shock program in West Central Florida, achieving survival rates above national averages and serving as a regional referral center for the most critically ill patients. Specialized programs in cardiac amyloidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, neuro-cardiac stroke care, cardio-oncology and hybrid complex coronary disease ensure highly personalized treatment across the full spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. The institute leads in minimally invasive and transcatheter therapies, advanced imaging and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported care, expanding treatment options while reducing recovery times and complications. The program is also backed by strong research funding and a commitment to innovation.
Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston). Texas Children’s Heart Center is a global leader in pediatric and congenital heart care, delivering outcomes that outperform national benchmarks across nearly every clinical category while treating some of the world’s rarest and most complex cardiac conditions. Ranked No. 1 in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report for nine consecutive years, the program cares for more than 34,000 patients annually and performs over 1,100 heart surgeries and 1,600 cardiac catheterizations each year. The heart center is housed in the eight-floor Legacy Tower, a facility dedicated exclusively to congenital and pediatric cardiac care and equipped with advanced technologies to support multidisciplinary collaboration. Physicians and surgeons, who also serve as faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, are internationally recognized leaders across subspecialties including congenital heart surgery, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, heart failure and transplantation. The center’s adult congenital heart program ensures seamless lifelong care for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult services, reinforcing its comprehensive, continuum-based model. The center is also lauded for its decades of pioneering research and innovation, which has shaped today’s standard therapies.
Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (Houston). The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s is a world-class cardiovascular center, integrating advanced patient care, pioneering research and education to shape the future of heart health. The institute is globally recognized for leadership in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, regenerative medicine and cardiovascular pathology, with research spanning gene therapy, stem cell science, ventricular assist devices and artificial heart technologies. Clinicians at the Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care deliver comprehensive, prevention-focused and complex cardiovascular treatment informed directly by decades of translational and clinical research. The institute is distinguished by its role in advancing heart health education for physicians, researchers and the global community, promoting early prevention and awareness alongside high-acuity care. Through its close alignment with Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Heart Institute trains the next generation of cardiovascular leaders while continuing to drive innovation that advances outcomes for patients worldwide.
UAB Medicine (Birmingham, Ala.). The UAB Cardiovascular Institute at UAB Medicine is one of the largest cardiovascular programs in the Southeast. The program offers the full spectrum of care, ranging from preventive cardiology and hypertension management to advanced heart failure therapies and transplantation. Its highly specialized physicians bring deep expertise across general cardiology, electrophysiology, congenital heart disease, structural heart and valve care, vascular surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. The system is home to Alabama’s first and largest structural heart and valve program, and operates an internationally recognized heart transplant program that traces its legacy to the first heart transplant in the Southeast in 1981. The institute is also a leader in research and innovation, participating in numerous clinical trials that provide patients access to therapies not widely available elsewhere. The institute’s multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach ensures seamless, personalized care across all stages of heart and vascular disease. UAB Hospital received various Healthgrades awards for its heart care delivery, including the “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award” and the “Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award” in 2026.
UC Davis Health (Sacramento, Calif.). UC Davis Health’s heart and vascular services bring together nationally recognized specialists and subspecialists who provide patient-centered care for the full spectrum of cardiac and vascular disease. As an academic medical center, UC Davis is a leader in developing, testing and advancing next-generation therapies, technologies and surgical techniques, translating innovation directly into clinical care. The opening of advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities in 2010 elevated its already state-of-the-art capabilities, enabling seamless evaluation, treatment and recovery in one integrated program. Patients benefit from highly specialized services spanning cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular surgery, cardiac rehabilitation and women’s cardiovascular health. UC Davis was the first hospital in the Sacramento region to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement and has completed more than 1,000 of the procedures, underscoring its leadership in minimally invasive heart care. The system boasts robust programs in complex coronary intervention, arrhythmia management, advanced heart failure, amyloidosis and vascular disease.
UC San Diego Health. The Cardiovascular Institute at UC San Diego Health is the region’s only academic-based cardiovascular program integrating advanced clinical care, research and education under one systemwide model. Ranked No. 27 nationally for heart and vascular care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, the program delivers highly specialized treatment across cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular and endovascular surgery, neurology and advanced cardiac imaging. Care is anchored at the Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the region’s first facility to unite all heart and vascular services, programs and technologies in a single location designed to support complex, multidisciplinary care. UC San Diego Health is a global leader in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty, procedures performed at only a limited number of centers worldwide. As part of an academic health system, physician-scientists continuously translate discoveries into clinical practice, advancing therapies for both common and rare cardiovascular conditions.
UCLA Health (Los Angeles). UCLA Health delivers world-class cardiovascular care through one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive heart programs, serving adults and children with complex and high-acuity conditions. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is ranked No. 17 for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, reflecting excellence in outcomes, innovation and advanced clinical care. UCLA Health is a national leader in heart and lung transplantation, advanced heart failure management, mechanical circulatory support, and minimally invasive and robotic heart valve surgery. The program offers specialized expertise in complex arrhythmia management, thoracic aortic disease, pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease across the lifespan. Cardiovascular care is deeply integrated with robust research infrastructure, including dedicated laboratories focused on heart failure, imaging, genetics, regeneration, engineering and environmental cardiology. UCLA Health also offers advanced clinical programs and nationally recognized fellowship training.
UCSF Health (San Francisco). UCSF Health’s UCSF Heart and Vascular Center delivers high-acuity cardiovascular care through a team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons and interventional specialists, who excel in treating both common and rare heart conditions. The program is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top 30 for heart and vascular care, reflecting strong outcomes and clinical depth. UCSF Health is distinguished for therapies developed in-house, including catheter ablation for arrhythmias and cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure, underlining its role in shaping modern cardiovascular treatment. The center provides advanced care across heart failure, complex arrhythmias, structural heart disease, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and vascular disease, supported by state-of-the-art transcatheter and surgical capabilities. Prevention and lifestyle-focused cardiology are integrated with leading-edge interventions such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. Research and education are core strengths, with UCSF Health conducting wide-ranging cardiovascular studies and training the next generation of leaders in cardiac care.
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital (Gainesville, Fla.). UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is recognized as one of the nation’s best pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report rankings, coming in at No. 15, and is the highest-ranked program of its kind in Florida. The UF Health Congenital Heart Center provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients of all ages with congenital and acquired heart disease, including fetal diagnosis, advanced imaging, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure management and transplantation. Its expert surgical team performs nearly 300 congenital heart surgeries each year, caring for one of the most complex patient populations in the Southeast and achieving exceptional outcomes across both routine and high-risk procedures. Survival rates for 10 standard pediatric heart operations from 2020–2024 reached 100%, thanks to the program’s consistency and clinical excellence. As part of the UF Academic Health Center, patients benefit from seamless collaboration with specialists across pediatric and adult disciplines to address even the most complex needs. The center is also a leader in education and training through its pediatric cardiology fellowship program, which integrates all aspects of congenital heart care. The hospital utilizes a deeply patient- and family-centered approach.
UNC Health (Chapel Hill, N.C.). UNC Health provides patient-centered heart and vascular care across North Carolina, ensuring patients can access the right level of expertise wherever they enter the system. Through a statewide network of specialists and hospitals, patients benefit from seamless referrals and coordinated care for everything from routine screening to advanced cardiovascular treatment. UNC Health offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including interventional cardiology, vascular disease treatment, arrhythmia management, heart valve surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Care teams are multidisciplinary and often include cardiologists, interventional specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurses, dietitians and cardiac rehabilitation experts, all of whom collaborate to create personalized treatment plans. Advanced care and leading-edge technologies are available at flagship facilities such as UNC Hospitals and UNC Rex Hospital, while many services remain conveniently close to home. As part of an academic health system, patients also have access to nationally recognized research and clinical trials that bring innovative therapies into clinical practice.
UMass Memorial Health (Worcester). UMass Memorial Health’s heart and vascular center is a leading academic and regional referral program delivering cardiovascular care to more than 40,000 patients each year across Central Massachusetts and beyond. Anchored by 46 clinical faculty as well as expert cardiac and vascular surgeons, the center integrates prevention, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge medical and surgical therapies within a unified center of excellence. As the clinical partner of UMass Chan Medical School, the program combines patient care with robust training, fellowship programs and nationally recognized research, supported by more than $26 million annually in National Institutes of Health and industry funding. The center is a state leader in myocardial infarction care, with dramatically reduced door-to-balloon and door-to-incision times, and is nationally recognized for advanced catheter-based valve therapies, durable mechanical circulatory support and arrhythmia ablation. Its center for complex aortic disease is among a small number in the U.S. offering custom and physician-modified endografts, achieving success rates above 95% and a 0% one-year rupture rate. UMass Memorial is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Healthgrades for excellence in heart attack care, coronary intervention and cardiac surgery outcomes.
UPMC (Pittsburgh). UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute is one of the world’s premier centers for comprehensive cardiovascular care, delivering advanced, patient-centered treatment for even the most complex heart and vascular conditions. The institute consistently earns top quality distinctions, including the highest 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in multiple cardiac surgery categories such as coronary artery bypass graft, valve surgery and combined procedures. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is ranked No. 1 in the Pittsburgh region and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital nationwide for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, and key procedures including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, heart attack care and heart failure. Through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, UPMC integrates leading-edge technology, clinical trials and innovative device development to expand treatment options and improve outcomes. The institute places a strong emphasis on quality and value, rigorously tracking outcomes through national registries and leveraging data to reduce complications, shorten recovery times and lower costs for patients. Dedicated initiatives such as standardized ventilation protocols and optimized medication use have enhanced safety while improving efficiency.
UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas). UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Center is nationally recognized as a top 20 program for heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report and one of just 24 hospitals to earn comprehensive cardiac center certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. The program delivers team-based, high-acuity cardiovascular care across the full continuum, from prevention and diagnosis to advanced intervention, surgery and rehabilitation. UT Southwestern’s cardiologists and surgeons are leaders in treating complex coronary and peripheral vascular disease, valve disorders, aortic aneurysms and advanced heart failure, supported by minimally invasive endovascular techniques developed through in-house research. The heart transplant program consistently betters national benchmarks for one-, five- and 10-year survival rates. Research is a defining pillar of the program, building on landmark discoveries such as the cholesterol metabolism research that led to statin therapy and the Dallas Heart Study, which continues to reshape cardiovascular risk assessment. UT Southwestern is also backed by significant National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association funding.
UVA Health (Charlottesville, Va.). UVA Health’s heart and vascular center is a provider of patient-centered cardiovascular care, backed by deep clinical expertise and nationally recognized outcomes. Its cardiologists and vascular surgeons provide comprehensive care for conditions ranging from coronary artery disease and heart failure to complex valve disorders, arrhythmias, vascular disease and heart transplantation. Patients benefit from specialized programs including an aortic center, cardiovascular genetics, structural heart disease, electrophysiology and interventional cardiology, supported by advanced imaging and high-tech implantable devices. Care is accessible through a network of convenient clinic locations across Central Virginia, allowing patients to receive expert treatment close to home. U.S. News & World Report has rated UVA Health as high-performing in five heart services, including heart attack care, heart bypass surgery, aortic valve surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement and pacemaker implantation. The program has also earned top-tier quality and safety recognition from organizations such as the Society for Vascular Surgery, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Press Ganey and Newsweek.
UW Health (Madison, Wis.). UW Health’s division of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a national leader in prevention, innovation and advanced cardiovascular care. Founded in 1964, its preventive cardiology program was the first of its kind at a U.S. academic medical center and remains a model for integrating lipid management, exercise science, nutrition and early detection of atherosclerosis. The division is home to one of only 17 American Heart Association–certified comprehensive hypertension centers and anchors nationally recognized programs in cardiac, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation rehabilitation. UW Health is also internationally known for its heart failure and transplant programs, pioneering techniques such as lateral thoracotomy ventricular assist device implantation, total artificial heart therapy and donation after circulatory death heart transplantation. Specialized programs in inherited arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death prevention and advanced electrophysiology provide highly personalized care using leading-edge therapies such as pulsed field ablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy for ventricular tachycardia. Strong integration of clinical care and research allows patients access to early- and late-stage regenerative medicine, gene therapy and heart failure trials.
UW Medicine (Seattle). UW Medicine offers the full spectrum of advanced cardiac care through an acclaimed team of clinicians who are pioneers in treating complex heart conditions and leaders in cardiothoracic surgery. As a major participant in groundbreaking clinical trials, UW Medicine is at the forefront of developing and advancing innovative technologies and therapies that improve outcomes for patients with heart disease. The program offers nationally recognized expertise in advanced heart failure and transplant, adult congenital heart disease, cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology and general cardiology. Care is delivered through a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary model that brings together cardiologists, surgeons, electrophysiologists and imaging specialists to determine the best treatment plan for every patient. UW Medicine emphasizes advanced diagnostics and imaging quality, ensuring comprehensive, state-of-the-art evaluations for even the most complex cases. University of Washington Medical Center is ranked No. 67 in the U.S. on Newsweek‘s list of top hospitals for cardiology.
University of Chicago Medicine. UChicago Medicine is a top provider of highly specialized cardiovascular care, employing a nationally recognized team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular specialists who are focused on treating the most complex and high-risk conditions. Ranked No. 33 nationally for cardiology, heart and vascular care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26, the program is distinguished for offering advanced therapies not widely available, including bloodless heart surgery, robotic cardiac procedures and complex transplant care. In 2018, UChicago Medicine performed the world’s first back-to-back triple-organ transplants involving the heart, liver and kidney, cementing its status as a leader in advanced heart failure and transplantation. The program integrates cutting-edge clinical care with a strong research enterprise, supported by National Institutes of Health-funded physician-scientists and clinical trials advancing cardiovascular genetics, arrhythmias, heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Multidisciplinary initiatives such as the center for arrhythmia care, as well as a newly established heart and vascular institute, are redefining care delivery through image-guided technologies and collaborative, disease-focused models.
University Hospitals (Cleveland). University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute unites more than 1,500 heart and vascular professionals to deliver highly specialized cardiovascular treatment across Northeast Ohio. The institute is distinguished by innovative niche programs, including a high-volume transcatheter aortic valve replacement center of excellence, a pioneering awake valve replacement program, the nation’s fourth-largest minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass program, and the newly established Lorraine and Bill Dodero Limb Preservation Center, which is rapidly becoming a national destination for limb salvage care. Its cardiac surgery program performs more than 1,900 procedures annually, earned a prestigious 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and offers complex surgery at multiple regional hospitals to improve access and outcomes. The institute is also a national leader in advanced heart failure, transplantation, electrophysiology, vascular medicine, and minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery, including first-in-state and first-in-world procedures. Backed by more than $52 million in extramural research funding and over 140 active clinical trials, the institute consistently translates cutting-edge research into clinical practice, advancing treatments in structural heart disease, limb salvage, imaging and population health. Interdisciplinary rapid-response programs for cardiogenic shock, pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest have improved quality, reduced costs and enhanced patient survival. The program also boasts exceptional outcomes that meet or exceed national benchmarks and multiple national center of excellence designations.
The University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City). The University of Kansas Health System offers cardiovascular care through a nationally recognized heart program known for outcomes that exceed national averages. As part of an academic medical center, the program provides advanced therapies across prevention, minimally invasive intervention, complex cardiac surgery and recovery, often offering innovative treatments before they are widely available. The health system was the first in the region to earn comprehensive cardiac center certification from The Joint Commission, and is nationally recognized by the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” program for excellence in heart failure, heart transplantation, stroke and diabetes care. Clinicians routinely care for the most critically ill patients, including individuals referred after being declined elsewhere, while maintaining strong survival and quality metrics. Ranked No. 33 nationally for heart care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26, the program integrates clinical trials, advanced heart failure and transplant services, cardio-oncology and cardiac rehabilitation into a seamless, patient-centered care model.
The University of Vermont Health Network (Burlington). The University of Vermont Health Network’s cardiology program serves a rural region of more than one million people across Vermont and northern New York, delivering advanced, lifesaving cardiovascular care close to home. Its multidisciplinary team provides the full spectrum of services spanning preventive cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart disease. Each year, the program cares for more than 12,000 patients, performs approximately 1,500 coronary interventions and implants over 1,000 pacemakers and defibrillators. UVM Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “high performing” in heart attack and heart failure care, and ranks best in the state for heart care in the 2025–26 rankings. The program is also advancing precision medicine through innovative diagnostic research, including the development of a novel protein-based biomarker test to better predict recurrent heart attack and bleeding risk. In addition, UVM Medical Center is a leading regional provider of minimally invasive tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, improving quality of life while reducing surgical risk and recovery time.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, Tenn.). Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute provides highly personalized care delivered by some of the nation’s leading heart and vascular specialists. As one of the busiest and most experienced cardiovascular programs in the U.S., the system treats the full spectrum of heart and vascular conditions, including complex and rare diseases often referred from other hospitals. The institute is known for excellence and innovation, drawing patients from across the Southeast and the country for advanced catheter-based procedures, surgery, mechanical support and transplant care. In a record-setting year, Vanderbilt performed 174 heart transplants in 2024, more than any center in history. The program offers unique expertise in areas such as atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage closure, cardio-oncology, geriatric cardiology, autonomic dysfunction and vascular medicine, including a nationally accredited vascular laboratory. A collaborative, team-based approach ensures seamless care across specialties, while access to ongoing research delivers the most current treatment options.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (Tacoma, Wash.). Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s center for cardiovascular health is a regional and national leader in advanced heart care, bringing together 190 expert providers across three historic medical centers in Seattle, Tacoma and Silverdale. With cardiac surgery outcomes consistently in the top 10% nationally, the program is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 provider of heart and vascular care in Washington for 2025–26. The system operates nine accredited heart failure centers and serves as a preferred destination for cardiogenic shock, complex structural heart disease, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella-supported care across the Pacific Northwest. The system is home to a DNV-certified left ventricular assist device program, one of only a few in the region, and was the first in the Pacific Northwest to introduce echocardiography and transcarotid artery revascularization. Its comprehensive expertise spans minimally invasive valve and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, complex aortic disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, advanced ablation, cardio-oncology and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension surgery. National recognition includes a Healthgrades “Coronary Intervention Excellence Award” in 2025, and American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines Gold” distinctions for heart failure and stroke.
WMCHealth (Valhalla, N.Y.). Westchester Medical Center Health Network’s heart and vascular institute is a full-spectrum, multidisciplinary program delivering advanced cardiac care across Westchester Medical Center, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, ambulatory sites and community hospitals throughout the Hudson Valley. The institute offers a full spectrum of services, including high-volume cardiothoracic surgery, advanced interventional cardiology, minimally invasive and robotic procedures, and nationally recognized heart transplantation, with more than 400 transplants performed to date. Its cardiac surgery program ranks among the world’s top 50 by volume and has earned repeated national recognition for excellence in outcomes and patient safety. WMCHealth is also a leader in innovation, becoming the first hospital in New York State to perform a heart transplant using “Heart-in-a-Box” technology and among the first on the East Coast to transplant a heart while still beating. Pediatric and congenital heart care further distinguish the program, including groundbreaking “EXIT” procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome performed by the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital team. Advanced diagnostic imaging, transcatheter valve therapies accredited by the American College of Cardiology, and expanded cardiac catheterization services across the region ensure broad access to high-level care.
WVU Medicine (Morgantown, W.Va.). The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is the leading provider of advanced heart, lung and vascular care in West Virginia, as well as a recognized innovator on the national stage. Staffed by more than 100 board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists, the institute treats a broad spectrum of cardiovascular and thoracic conditions, from congenital heart disease and complex vascular disorders to heart and lung transplantation. As an academic, National Institutes of Health-funded center, WVU Medicine offers patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials and pioneering research that advances cardiovascular care. The institute is known for introducing groundbreaking procedures not available elsewhere in the state, including world-first robotic cardiac surgeries that are redefining minimally invasive heart care. Its comprehensive, patient-centered approach spans diagnosis, advanced intervention, rehabilitation and recovery, ensuring continuity and personalized treatment. Reflecting consistently superior outcomes, the institute garnered top-in-state ratings for heart care from U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, as well as recognitions from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.
White Plains (N.Y.) Hospital. White Plains Hospital is a regional leader in advanced and preventive cardiac care, serving Westchester County and the Hudson Valley with nationally recognized outcomes, safety and innovation. In 2025, the hospital became the only one in New York certified by The Joint Commission as a comprehensive heart attack center, reflecting its excellence across the full continuum of cardiac care. Through its cardiac services program, more than 50 providers care for approximately 50,000 cardiac patients annually, offering a broad range of complex procedures including coronary artery bypass graft, valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive heart surgery, electrophysiology ablations and aortic aneurysm surgery. As the Hudson Valley’s tertiary hub for the Bronx, N.Y.-based Montefiore Health System, White Plains Hospital delivers advanced interventional and surgical care supported by a 3-star Society of Thoracic Surgeons rating for coronary bypass surgery, placing it among the top programs in the U.S. and Canada. The hospital is a regional destination for innovation, performing more left-sided atrial fibrillation ablations than any hospital in the Northeast and offering cutting-edge technologies such as PET/MRI cardiac imaging and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In addition, its state-of-the-art cardiac ICU provides advanced, patient-centered care for the most critically ill cardiac patients.
Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. Yale New Haven Hospital Heart and Vascular Center is the leading provider of advanced heart and vascular care in Connecticut, treating more complex patients than any other hospital in the state and performing nearly every cardiac and vascular procedure available worldwide. Backed by a long history of cardiology firsts, the center combines pioneering innovation, advanced technology and world-class facilities to deliver exceptional outcomes. Its multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, surgeons, geneticists, nurses and specialists provides comprehensive care spanning prevention, diagnosis, advanced intervention and lifelong disease management for patients from infancy through adulthood. Services include cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure and transplant care, cardiovascular genetics, imaging, rehabilitation and vascular surgery. Yale New Haven Health is the first and only healthcare system in Connecticut certified by the American College of Cardiology for transcatheter valve replacement procedures and is home to the state’s first hypertrophic cardiomyopathy center of excellence. With multiple locations across Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York, the center ensures access to high-level care close to home. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 40 in the nation and No. 1 in Connecticut for heart care in 2025–26, Yale New Haven Hospital sets the standard for patient- and family-centered cardiovascular excellence.
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