Two of Iowa’s pre-eminent heart care providers, the University of Iowa’s Heart and Vascular Center and Iowa City Heart Center, announced Friday, May 1, that they have joined to become the most comprehensive cardiovascular program in the state.

“Since opening in 1987, Iowa City Heart Center has had a commitment to offer extraordinary care and service to patients in Johnson County and communities across eastern Iowa. We’re very proud of our success,” says Linda Lee, cardiologist and president of Iowa City Heart Center. “To further enhance our services requires close collaboration with a comprehensive health care system like the University of Iowa. All of our group’s providers have close and wonderful historical connections to the University of Iowa, so this step makes sense for our patients, our colleagues, and the community.”

Four cardiologists, two advanced practice nurses, and more than 20 medical and administrative support staff will comprise Iowa City Heart of University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center. Primary office location for the practice will be UI Healthcare at Iowa River Landing in Coralville.

Barry London, director of the UI Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, believes that patients will benefit from access to academic medical center services.

“For patients and their families this means enhanced access to the latest, most advanced treatments, technologies, and specialty clinics for complex cardiac disorders,” London says.

Phillip Horwitz, executive director of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, noted that the combination of expertise and services will benefit local communities.

“By combining our cardiovascular expertise and our resources, we will be able to offer exceptional heart care to even more patients in Iowa and western Illinois,” Horwitz says.

For current Iowa City Heart Center patients, every effort is being made to make the transition as seamless as possible. Phone numbers for Iowa City Heart Center will remain the same and outreach clinics in Dubuque, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, and Washington, Iowa will continue to serve the cardiovascular needs of area residents.

“This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for all,” adds Horwitz. “We are very pleased that Iowa City Heart Center selected UI Heart and Vascular Center.”