Don’t skip a beat when it comes to your health! Interventional Cardiologist, Sundeep Kumar, MD has joined University Hospitals and is currently accepting new patients at UH Portage Medical Center. Get to know Dr. Kumar and when you should visit him for care:
Q: Can you tell the community a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? What led you to a career in cardiology?
A: I was born and raised in Umerkot, a small town in the middle of the desert in Sindh, Pakistan.
I completed my internal medicine residency at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, cardiology fellowship training at Saint Louis University, and interventional cardiology fellowship at University Hospitals. I believe that the field of cardiology is a perfect blend of science and innovation, where one can learn from scientific advances, help patients live a healthier life, and do innovative things to improve outcome of patients across the globe.
Q: What symptoms suggest someone should see a cardiologist? What is your approach for dealing with a community member seeing you for the first time?
A: In general, a cardiology evaluation can be considered for a myriad of symptoms, including chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, recurrent stroke, heart failure, leg pain, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, abnormal heart rhythms/palpitation, among others.
It’s important to listen to patients with the intent to understand. My approach is to obtain thorough information from my patients regarding their medical complaints and treat them accordingly.
Q: What issues can a cardiologist treat?
A: Cardiologists can treat a long list of conditions including: atherosclerosis, chest pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, blood clots and more.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a cardiologist?
A: My favorite part of my job is when I get opportunity to have impactful interactions with my patients. I take pride in helping my patients make healthy choices and decisions based on evidence-based medicine, so that they may live longer lives free from heart and vascular disease. I believe in shared decision-making models and present them with various options for management of illnesses.
Q: How does a person’s lifestyle affect their cardiovascular system? What lifestyle changes can lead to a healthier heart?
A: Lifestyle modifications are certainly a prime focus of my discussions with patients. Having a diet low in carbohydrates and fats, staying active with aerobic exercise, good blood pressure control, and avoiding smoking are some important factors that prevent worse outcomes in patients.
Q: What drew you to UH Portage Medical Center?
A: While completing my training at University Hospitals, I had the opportunity to rotate through UH Portage Medical Center. During my time here, I learned a lot while interacting with patients, families and other caregivers. Not only am I enjoying my time here, but I believe that I can make impactful changes to the lifestyle and wellbeing of patients in this community.
Q: Any other details you’d like to share?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three kids, cooking, watching movies and playing chess.
Dr. Kumar sees patients at:
UH Portage Medical Center
6847 North Chestnut Street Suite 100
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
To schedule an appointment call 330-510-5872 or visit UHhospitals.org/Portage.
