Only dedicated full-time heart doc in the Lake Tahoe Basin establishes Barton Cardiology

As we near National Heart Month, February, its only fitting that Barton Health introduces its latest piece of prosperity — heart care and their latest addition to the medical team, cardiologist, David Young.
“Patients (in the Lake Tahoe Basin) now have access to a cardiovascular specialist in their own community,” Dr. Young said.

The non-profit healthcare system is continuing to grow its services as it continues to gain of financial momentum and recruit specialized physicians to address the lack of medical services South Lake Tahoe has had for decades. No one can put blame on a healthcare system that has taken on patients who live, work and play in this elemental and ever-changing rural community, of which has managed to survive the recession. By expanding its services and technology to make sure residents have medical care right in their backyard is a serious endeavor.

“Having direct access to cardiology services will make the referral process much simpler and wait times shorter as patients are accommodated based on our direct availability,” Dr. Young said.

Barton Cardiology is one of the latest investments for Barton after bringing in a new sports medicine director from the Mayo Clinic, an audiology expert and expanding patient services. While their primary focus is addressing current cardiac patients, Barton’s administration is in full support of developing a cardiovascular center. And, Dr. Young looks forward to being at the forefront of developing a certified chest pain center to assist in the rapid assessment and treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Additional long term goals include cardiac rehabilitation, stress echocardiography. In addition to long-term cardiovascular pharmacogenomics (also known as physical DNA road maps, suggesting possible heart risk factors that may or may not be modified by certain pharmacological agents), therefore helping to direct individualized medicine.

“This type of multidisciplinary approach allows for greater continuity when establishing long term relationships and a better means of communication when caring for each person's diverse healthcare needs,” Dr. Young said. “But, addressing the needs of cardiac patients right now is our priority, the cardiovascular center will be down the road.”

As the only dedicated cardiologist in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Dr. Young treats coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, hypertension and cholesterol abnormalities. And, in addition to managing all spectrums of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Young’s expertise ranges from adult echocardiography to transesophageal echocardiography, heart catheterization, nuclear cardiology and cardiac computed tomography.

“Cardiovascular disease is the number one health problem in our country and does not differ from the population of South Lake Tahoe,” he said. “I am a firm believer in easy preventative steps to keep your heart healthy: stop smoking, exercise regularly, have a good diet, maintain a healthy weight and get regular health screenings.”

In honor of National Heart Month and Dr. Young’s strong belief in preventative care, he is schedule to speak at Kahle Community Center, located at 236 Kingsbury Grade, on Wednesday, February 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. in South Lake Tahoe. He will address cardiovascular risk factors and heart health. For more information on this free lecture, visit bartonhealth.org/lecture.

Dr. Young is available Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Barton Memorial Hospital. To make an appointment, call (530) 543-5497. For more information, visit www.bartonhealth.org/heart.