Carient Heart & Vascular

I had a stress test and echo done at the Manassas Carient Heart and Vascular.
The person that did my Echo was a traveling Echo technician. They call this part of the office a different name so that they can get paid by the insurance company. My echo’s conclusion «was a technically difficult study and the image quality is poor» why did they not redo the echo? I went in yesterday and was told I needed an aortic valve replaced because of moderate to severe aortic stenosis. I had this procedure done 3 months ago. Wouldn’t you think they would have called me before I started having chest pain. I was in such a shock when I was told that I needed major heart surgery. Also, I was told this doctor would not be the doctor doing the procedure another doctor would be doing the procedure. How do like going in for major surgery and meeting the doctor just before you go under the knife. After I went home and thought about it, I decided I should get a second opinion. The 2^nd doctor asked me for a copy of the cd showing the images. When I called and made this request, I was informed that it would cost me $ 30. Another shock. This is when I realized that this practice is about the money not about the patient. For this reason, I will not be returning to this practice and not recommend this practice to anyone. Also, I believe it’s important to have these type of tests at the hospital because then they can be prepared to previous tests. Even though I told them I had previous tests at the hospital and they were the doctors that read it at the hospital — same practice, they did not compare the two. The hospital has NEVER charged me for test results or a copy of the CD to take to another doctor. I went to the practice in Manassas — Dr. Chu..

I’m giving two stars because the staff is fabulous. They are always warm and welcoming, and very organized.
I recently moved to the area, so I needed to find a cardiologist. I have a congenital heart disorder that requires monitoring. I received a referral to this office from my new PCP and scheduled my appointment. I guess the key to a good experience at this practice is to get Dr. Thorn, because I am not impressed and will not be returning.
First, the doctor made the cover of Washingtonian. I know this, because there is a poster when you first walk in, and multiple copies in every waiting room. I found his demeanor to be arrogant, bordering on disrespectful.
After months of appointments, my circulation issues have not been resolved. I have constant swelling and pain in my feet and legs despite taking my medicine everyday. Bruises that developed on my legs back in February have not healed. Dr. Ghafouri very casually dismissed me saying they were varicose veins and discoloration and that he was not concerned with it. I miss my old cardiologist, and will be calling him this afternoon to enlist his help in transitioning my care. I just hope my insurance will cover it.

Can’t say enough good things about Dr. Eric Thorn. I have him to thank for starting my conversion to the Paleo/​Primal way of eating. Our relationship is one of collaboration in working on my heart health, sharing ideas and the latest heart health news.
He’s a very caring doctor that works towards finding solutions and really cares about his patients’ health. I am blessed to be one of his patients. Should you need a cardiologist, he’s your man.
Remember: Live local, shop local, be local.

In managing my stress and health after my Mother recently passed away, my Primary Care Physician wanted me to lose a lot of weight to help with things. He sent me to see Dr. Thorn at Carient Heart & Vascular (formerly Virginia Cardiovascular Associates). Dr. Thorn runs the Center for Cardio-​Metabolic Health & Weight Loss at Carient Heart & Vascular.
I visited Dr. Thorn to learn more. And so I was in the program. I had to attend a Nutrition class with Marylou Van Hintum, RN and Director of Nursing for the Center for Cardio-​Metabolic Health & Weight Loss.
I go in every other week for followup visits with Marylou — she checks my weight and takes other measurements and then a discussion on how things are going and such.
After the nutrition class, I was off on the diet — it is a medically directed and monitored, «modified» version of the New Atkins diet. And it does work! So far I’ve lost over 30 lbs and more is coming off! I have a ways to go yet to achieve my goal — but I will get there!
Dr. Thorn was recently named a «Rising Star» by Washingtonian’s Magazine review of area Doctors.
I highly recommend coming to see Dr. Thorn if you need help losing weight.