Comprehensive Stroke Clinics at RUSH: Stroke-Cardiology Referrals

Cardiologists and vascular neurologists in the Stroke-Cardiology Subspeciality Clinic at Rush provide multidisciplinary care for patients with neurological symptoms related to a cardiac etiology, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), patent foramen ovale (PFO), cardiac dysrhythmia and cardiomyopathy.

About 25% of strokes are due to a cardio-embolic source including AF, cardiomyopathy, endocarditis and PFO. An ideal candidate for our clinic is any patient who has had a stroke of unknown etiology. Advances in technology provide opportunities for primary and secondary stroke prevention and we determine if the patient has an underlying reason for stroke, such as AF or hypercoagulable state/disorder.

A hallmark of our clinic is giving patients a consolidated, unified approach to their diagnostic and treatment plan. Our providers with expertise in cerebrovascular and cardiac disease work collaboratively to evaluate patients, create a comprehensive treatment plan and educate patients and their families in one convenient clinic location. Our combined clinic offers patients and families an environment to discuss diagnostic and treatment options. We also work in partnership with referring providers, communicating with them about their patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan, to provide seamless, end-to-end care.

Why refer your patients here?

The neurology and neurosurgery program at Rush is ranked #4 in the nation and best in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. Rush’s cardiology program is ranked 25th in the country.

Nationally recognized stroke care: Rush University Medical Center, Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital have been recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association with the Get With the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award. In addition, Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital have received the Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll Award. These awards recognize that Rush hospitals provide timely and effective stroke care that is among the best in the country.

Comprehensive care: Rush is certified by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the most demanding stroke certification designed for those hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases.

Cutting edge research: As leaders in cardio-stroke prevention, Rush is continually engaged in ongoing research, such as the REDUCE Post Approval Study, which looks at the safety and effectiveness of the FDA-approved Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder in patients with an embolic stroke of undetermined origin.