Specialized heart care before, during, and after pregnancy

The University of Colorado Cardio-Obstetrics Program provides specialized, compassionate care for people with heart conditions who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or have recently given birth.

Established in 2022, our program is the only dedicated cardio-obstetrics program in Colorado and serves patients throughout the region, including Wyoming, New Mexico, and Nebraska.

Our multidisciplinary team works closely with specialists in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, and Obstetric Anesthesia to provide coordinated care tailored to each patient. Services include:

• Preconception counseling to help patients understand how a heart condition may affect pregnancy and plan for a healthy pregnancy
• Pregnancy and perinatal care with specialized monitoring and management of cardiac conditions
• Postpartum care and coordination to support patients as they recover from pregnancy and transition to ongoing cardiovascular care

Our goal is to provide seamless, patient-centered care throughout every stage of pregnancy while helping patients make informed decisions about their heart health and pregnancy.

Advancing Care Through Education and Research

In addition to caring for patients, our program is committed to improving the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. We provide education to healthcare professionals and participate in research focused on maternal cardiac conditions and pregnancy-related heart disease.

The University of Colorado is also a site for the Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Network and participates in the international Randomized Evaluation of Bromocriptine in Myocardial Recovery Therapy (REBIRTH) study, helping advance knowledge and treatment options for patients affected by heart disease during and after pregnancy.

To make an appointment with an obstetric cardiologist, contact the Heart and Vascular Center at 720-848-5300. For referring physicians, please call the 24-hour University of Colorado Doc Line at 844-285-4555.

Expert heart care for people living with and beyond cancer

The University of Colorado Cardio-Oncology Program provides specialized cardiovascular care for people undergoing cancer treatment, cancer survivors, and those with a history of childhood or adult cancer. Established in 2014, our program was the first dedicated cardio-oncology program in Colorado.

Cancer treatments can be lifesaving, but some may affect the heart and cardiovascular system. Our team works with patients and their cancer care teams to protect heart health before, during, and after treatment. We provide comprehensive care across the cancer journey, including:

• Cardiovascular risk assessment before cancer treatment to identify and address potential heart risks
• Heart monitoring and management during treatment to help prevent, identify, and treat cardiovascular side effects
• Specialized care for treatment-related heart conditions
• Long-term cardiovascular care for cancer survivors
• Coordination with oncology and other specialists to create an individualized care plan

Our program is closely integrated with the University of Colorado Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Colorado and a major referral center for the region. This collaboration gives our patients access to a highly coordinated team of specialists and opportunities to participate in innovative cancer research and clinical trials when appropriate.

A Team Approach to Your Care

Cardio-oncology is highly collaborative. Our specialists work closely with oncology, rheumatology, cardiac imaging, cardiac electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and referring physicians throughout the region. Together, we coordinate care based on each patient's cancer treatment, cardiovascular health, and individual needs.

Advancing the Future of Cardio-Oncology

Our commitment extends beyond patient care. We participate in single-center and multi-institutional clinical trials, as well as basic and translational research focused on understanding how cancer and its treatments affect the cardiovascular system.

Through clinical care, research, and education, our goal is to help patients receive the cancer treatment they need while supporting their heart health for years to come.

Meet Our Team

	Lavanya Kondapalli, MD Dr. Lavanya Kondapalli is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology and Director of the Cardio-Oncology at the University of Colorado since 2014. Dr. Kondapalli completed medical school and internal medicine residency at the University of Chicago. She completed cardiology and cardio-oncology fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania in 2014 and was recruited to the University of Colorado to build the cardio-oncology program. Dr. Kondapalli has built a robust, collaborative program in cardio-oncology rooted in providing comprehensive cardiovascular care to cardio-oncology patients and committed to cardio-oncology research. Dr. Kondapalli serves on the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardio-Oncology Council and International Cardio-Oncology Society Education Committee. Dr. Kondapalli leads content production for the cardio-oncology section of ACC’s CardioSmart, a patient-centered website.
	Nicole Prabhu, MD Dr. Nicole Prabhu is an Assistant Professor of Cardiology at CUSOM and practices at Anschutz Medical Center and the Lowry clinic. Dr. Prabhu completed her internal medicine residency at Rush University in Chicago where she also served as chief resident.  She completed her cardiology fellowship at the University of Chicago before moving to Colorado to start her career in academic medicine. She is passionate about cardio-oncology and has given numerous talks at the Chicago City Wide Cardio-Oncology Rounds during her time in Chicago. She is also interested in imaging, prevention, and women's health all of which help her provide comprehensive care to her cancer patients.
	Raymundo Quintana, MD Dr. Raymundo Quintana is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado and a cardiologist specializing in advanced cardiovascular imaging. His clinical focus lies at the intersection of cardio-oncology and cardiovascular imaging. He is actively involved in multiple clinical trials and prospective studies, including the use of Computed Tomography Angiography for advanced atherosclerotic plaque analysis in cardiovascular risk prediction. Dr. Quintana is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and a member of the 2024-2025 ACC Clinical Trials Research program. Dr. Quintana completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas in Houston and fellowships in cardiovascular disease and advanced cardiovascular imaging at Emory University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Science at the University of Colorado.
	Caitlin Bell, MD Dr. Caitlin Bell is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology. Dr. Bell completed medical school at Vanderbilt University. As part of the Translational Investigator Program at Stanford University she completed internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship with a focus on cardio-oncology clinical practice and research. After her post-doctoral fellowship in the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute as a Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Awardee, she came to the University of Colorado to build a basic and translational research program in cardio-oncology. Dr. Bell’s work predominantly focuses on the mechanisms of interaction between cardiovascular disease and cancer, and how this knowledge could improve care for cancer patients and survivors.
	Julie Michalek, ANP-C Julie Michalek is a nurse practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Colorado School of Nursing, earned in 2004. Since graduation, she has specialized in cardiac care at the University of Colorado Cardiac and Vascular Center. Julie is passionate about survivorship, prevention, and patient education, working to empower her patients with the knowledge and tools they need for long-term health and wellness.

 

Advanced Lipid Disorders Clinic & Lipoprotein Apheresis Program

Specialized care for complex cholesterol and lipid disorders

The University of Colorado Advanced Lipid Disorders Clinic provides specialized, comprehensive care for people with complex cholesterol and lipid disorders and those at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Our goal is to help patients understand their condition, reduce cardiovascular risk, and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits their health and lifestyle.

Comprehensive, Personalized Care

Our multidisciplinary team includes cardiologists, endocrinologists, registered dietitians, and specialized nurses who work together to provide coordinated care. When appropriate, patients may be able to see multiple members of the care team during the same visit.

We offer advanced medical and lifestyle therapies for managing lipid disorders and preventing cardiovascular disease, including care for patients with severely elevated LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)].

For patients whose cholesterol or Lp(a) levels remain significantly elevated despite other treatments, we offer lipoprotein apheresis—an advanced therapy that removes LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) from the blood. Our program is one of the largest in the country, providing ongoing apheresis treatment to nearly 20 patients. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that includes specially trained apheresis nurses and cardiology specialists.

Advancing Treatment Through Research

Our team is actively involved in research aimed at improving the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. We participate in clinical trials evaluating new lipid-lowering therapies and conduct research focused on body weight regulation and metabolism. For eligible patients, clinical trials may provide access to emerging therapies and contribute to advances in lipid care.

Education and Support

Education is an important part of our approach. Our clinicians share their expertise through local, national, and international educational programs and help train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Patients also receive individualized nutrition education from our registered dietitian, including practical guidance on dietary and lifestyle changes that can support healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.

Our team is committed to providing expert, coordinated care for complex lipid disorders while helping each patient take meaningful steps toward better long-term heart health.

Comprehensive, expert care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The University of Colorado Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Center provides specialized, comprehensive care for people with known or suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our multidisciplinary team brings together experts across cardiology and related specialties to provide personalized care for patients and their families.

HCM is a complex condition that can affect the heart's structure and function in different ways. Our team takes the time to understand each patient's condition and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Comprehensive HCM Care

The University of Colorado is the only center in Colorado offering comprehensive care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, providing patients with access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options in one program.

Our services include:

• Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of HCM
• Genetic testing and counseling
• Advanced cardiac imaging
• Personalized medical treatment
• Invasive septal reduction procedures when appropriate
• Treatment for advanced heart failure
• Heart transplant evaluation and care
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
• Opportunities to participate in clinical research

Our multidisciplinary approach allows patients to receive coordinated care as their needs change, from initial diagnosis and long-term management to advanced therapies when needed.

Supporting Patients and Families

Living with HCM can raise questions for both patients and their families. We provide education and support to help patients better understand their condition, treatment options, and family considerations. We also work to increase awareness and understanding of HCM among healthcare professionals and the broader community.

Advancing HCM Care Through Research

Our physicians and researchers participate in innovative research designed to improve our understanding of HCM and develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Eligible patients may have opportunities to participate in clinical research and contribute to advances in care for future generations.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment with a cardiologist, call the University of Colorado Heart Center at 720-848-5300.

For referring physicians:
Call the 24-hour University of Colorado Hospital Doc Line at 1-844-285-4555.

For additional information about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, visit the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) at 4HCM.org.

Expert care for inherited heart conditions

The University of Colorado Genetic Cardiomyopathy Program provides specialized care for patients and families affected by genetic or inherited cardiomyopathies. Our team combines expertise in cardiovascular medicine, medical genetics, genetic counseling, and genetic testing to help patients understand their diagnosis and make informed decisions about their heart health and family.

Established in 2001, our Adult Medical Genetics and Genetic Cardiomyopathy Program is the only adult genetics and cardiovascular program of its kind in Colorado. We also care for patients from throughout the Rocky Mountain region and surrounding states.

Comprehensive Genetic Heart Care

Genetic heart conditions can affect multiple members of a family and may sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Our team provides personalized evaluation and support, including:

• Genetic evaluation for suspected or known inherited heart conditions
• Genetic testing to help identify the cause of a cardiomyopathy
• Genetic counseling to help patients understand their diagnosis and what it may mean for their family
• Family evaluation and testing for relatives who may be at risk
• Evaluation of rare, complex, or unexplained (“mystery”) heart conditions
• Guidance about available clinical trials and research opportunities for genetic heart diseases

We work closely with patients and their families to help them understand their condition, identify who else in the family may benefit from evaluation, and connect them with appropriate care.

Education and Research

In addition to providing clinical care, our program is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of inherited cardiovascular conditions. We provide education for patients, families, and healthcare professionals and help patients learn about opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research focused on genetic heart disease.

Our goal is to provide patients and families with the expertise, information, and support they need to better understand inherited heart conditions and make informed decisions about their cardiovascular health.