Heart Center Overview

Excellence in Cardiac Care Since 1916

In 1916 Massachusetts General Hospital opened one of the first dedicated cardiac units in the nation. Since then, we have made significant contributions to cardiology, including:

• Developing the first-of-its-kind heart monitor to detect and treat arrhythmias
• Investigating ways to dissolve blood clots in the coronary arteries of patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Pioneering the development of pacemakers
• Developing minimally invasive techniques, such as opening narrowed heart valves with balloons and closing heart defects with catheters

We are also an international referral center for complex cases, such as:

• Thoracic aortic disease. The Corrigan Minehan Heart Center’s Thoracic Aortic Center is one of the largest of its kind in New England and brings together specialists from cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular and endovascular surgery and imaging
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy. Physicians in the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Program are developing new ways to treat heart failure patients, including applying remote monitoring technology
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our program's physicians have treated more than 500 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare condition characterized by an abnormal thickening of the muscle in the heart’s left ventricle. Learn about the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program.

Nationally Recognized Research

Corrigan Minehan Heart Center physicians participate in nationally recognized research and clinical trials that focus on:

• Defining genetic indicators for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy that predict future cardiovascular events in otherwise healthy individuals
• Developing and evaluating new treatments, such as percutaneous heart valve replacement and endovascular stent-graft repairs
• Discovering stem cells that help regenerate heart muscle and might make it possible to one day create a completely new heart. 

Patient-centered Care

The quality of our patient care is enhanced by:

• A personalized approach. Our goal is to see patients in a timely fashion. We assign every patient one clinician who will guide patients through the entire treatment process and, whenever possible, ensure all tests and evaluations are coordinated on the same day
• Dedicated access nurse coordinators. Our team includes two dedicated access nurses who take relevant information about each patient’s condition and symptoms and arrange a prompt evaluation with the most appropriate cardiac expert
• Commitment to prevention. Our clinicians guide patients through cardiac risk assessment and lifestyle changes, if needed. The Corrigan Minehan Heart Center also has a dedicated, off-site Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center, complete with prevention specialists and an exercise facility
• Emphasis on teaching. A Harvard Medical School teaching institution, Mass General is committed to educating patients, physicians and nurses about heart disease. Our clinicians also share new scientific discoveries and innovations in patient care with others through national conferences and publications

Patient and Family Advisory Council

The Massachusetts General Hospital Heart and Vascular Centers Patient and Family Advisory Council is an important and integral group that provides input and feedback to a variety of service-related and institutional initiatives related to practice, programs, patient safety and innovation.

Learn more