Russian Cardiovascular Clinic

The Russian Cardiovascular Clinic in the CVI specializes in providing Russian American patients with culturally sensitive, comprehensive cardiovascular care.

Care for Russian-American Patients

Heart disease is a substantial problem for Russian immigrants, due to a high prevalence of past and current smoking and a traditional Russian diet high in starch, animal fats and sodium, and relatively low in fruits and vegetables. Our clinic offers diagnosis and treatment of:

  • Hypertension
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Angina
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Arrhythmias
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Aortic disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Other heart problems

Communication in Native Russian

Communication in native Russian and help in understanding the American health care system are two of the special services provided by Eli V. Gelfand, MD, FACC. A board-certified, Russian-born, fully U.S.-educated cardiologist, Dr. Gelfand has additional training in echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Also key resources in helping Russian-born patients in navigate American medicine are Alla Shamkhalova, manager of the Russian CardioVascular Clinic, and Nurse Practitioner Larissa Engleman, MSN, ANP.