San Antonio’s University Health Expands Advanced Heart Care Programs | San Antonio Business Journal

San Antonio’s University Health is expanding its cardiovascular care offerings, with programs designed to address complex and often co-occurring health challenges, according to a recent interview with Dr. Anand Prasad, director of the University Health Cardiovascular Center (CVC). The interview, conducted by the San Antonio Business Journal, highlighted the CVC’s approach to treating heart disease in conjunction with related conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, and respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Prasad detailed how the CVC delivers state-of-the-art treatments through targeted programs. Among these is the Women’s Heart Center, focused on providing care for pregnant patients with heart conditions, aiming for safe deliveries. The Limb Salvage Clinic offers advanced cardiovascular care to diabetic patients, with a focus on preventing amputations. The CVC operates the only Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program in South Texas, dedicated to adults born with heart defects.

The CVC is also utilizing minimally invasive techniques through its Structural Heart and Valve team, reducing recovery times compared to traditional open-heart surgeries. This approach reflects a broader trend in cardiovascular medicine towards less invasive procedures, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

University Health’s expansion extends beyond the CVC’s clinical programs. The health system is increasing its physical footprint in Bexar County with new hospitals and clinics. The recently opened Vida clinic on the Southside is already providing cardiovascular care, and the system is preparing to launch services in three additional hospitals slated to open within the next year and a half. According to a LinkedIn profile, Dr. Prasad has been the Director of the University Health Cardiovascular Center since 2018.

The expansion of cardiovascular services comes as heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, though advancements in research and treatment are improving both longevity and quality of life for patients. The San Antonio Business Journal’s interview with Dr. Prasad, also available on YouTube, provides further insight into the CVC’s strategies and future goals.