UP Health System – Marquette Welcomes Interventional Cardiologist Richard Markiewicz, MD, FSCAI, RVPI

UP Health System – Marquette, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, is proud to welcome board-certified interventional and endovascular cardiologist Richard Markiewicz, MD, FSCAI, RVPI, to its Heart & Vascular Center. Within this subspecialty of cardiology, Dr. Markiewicz focuses on minimally invasive procedures to treat or diagnose diseases of the heart and vascular system, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and pulmonary embolisms. Dr. Markiewicz also has advanced training and experience in structural cardiology treatment, which are conditions or congenital abnormalities that affect the heart’s valves, walls, chambers or muscles.

Dr. Markiewicz earned his Doctorate in Medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine before completing residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Arizona. Following residency, he became fellowship-trained in Cardiology at the Mid-America Heart Institute and in Interventional Cardiology at East Carolina University. Most recently, he completed the Structural Heart, Mechanical Heart, and Complex High-Risk Interventional Fellowship Program at St. John's Hospital in Detroit, MI.

"As a board-certified interventional and endovascular specialist, I am passionate about treating complex coronary disease, pulmonary embolisms, and venous and peripheral arterial disease. I’m grateful to be able to bring my expertise and the most advanced treatment options to patients in rural areas,” said Dr. Markiewicz.

Procedures performed by Dr. Markiewicz use a catheter—or a very small tube—that is inserted through the blood vessels to treat and diagnose heart and vascular disease, as opposed to more invasive open-heart or surgical procedures that are sometimes required. Most commonly, this is used for angioplasty and stent placement to treat blockages in the heart, which can either provide life-saving care for a heart attack or prevent one entirely. Other procedures and diseases Dr. Markiewicz specializes in include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanical heart support
• Mechanical therapy for pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Peripheral artery disease
• Critical limb ischemia
• May-Thurner syndrome
• Left atrial appendage occlusion
• Venous disease
• Varicose veins

“It is important to me to provide compassionate, knowledgeable and comprehensive care to my patients so they have the best possible outcome. Whether a patient has a simple or complex cardiovascular disease, I strive to provide the most state-of-the-art care."

According to the CDC, about 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack every year. Every minute matters when a cardiac emergency strikes. The Heart & Vascular Center at UP Health System – Marquette is a nationally-recognized Cath Lab with PCI and Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI by ACC Accreditation Services, the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology.

“The addition of Dr. Markiewicz to our Heart & Vascular Center team reinforces our commitment to making communities healthier. His distinguished career in cardiovascular research and surgical advancements make him a valuable addition to our world-class group of heart specialists within UP Health System,” said Tonya Darner, interim CEO, UP Health System - Marquette.

The Heart & Vascular Center at UP Health System – Marquette offers a wide range of cardiovascular services including general cardiology, diagnostic testing, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and cardiothoracic surgery, including open-heart. As a Duke Health affiliate in heart, UP Health System – Marquette has access to the latest Duke guidelines in heart care and we receive the most up-to-date staff training and education in heart care. All of this adds up to an enhanced quality of healthcare, right in your own community.

Outside of work, Dr. Markiewicz enjoys attending his children's various sporting events and running. "I was drawn to the Upper Peninsula for the cooler climate and plethora of outdoor activities. My family and I are grateful to be here," he said.

Dr. Markiewicz joins the skilled and experienced team of more than 30 providers in the UP Health System – Marquette Heart & Vascular Center, located at 850 W. Baraga Ave, Ste. 20, Marquette, MI 49855.

Is it time for a heart checkup? We provide a range of cardiac services, from preventative care and screenings to a high level of emergency care in our Level II Trauma Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat could be signs of a heart problem and should be evaluated by a physician. To learn more or make an appointment, call 906.449.3440 or visit UPHealthSystem.com/Heart-Vascular.

To learn more about your heart health and risk, take our free heart health assessment.