Dr. Robert L. Salazar, MD

 

Dr. Robert L. Salazar, MD Interventional and Structural Cardiologist

Dr. Robert L. Salazar, MD, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist with advanced training in interventional and structural heart care. He evaluates and treats coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, abnormal cardiac test results, and other conditions affecting the heart and circulation.

His work includes preventive cardiology, noninvasive testing, medical treatment, and catheter-based procedures. His professional profiles identify experience with advanced coronary intervention, peripheral vascular treatment, transcatheter heart valve care, and selected structural heart procedures.

Patients may consult Dr. Salazar for chest pressure, shortness of breath, reduced exercise ability, leg pain while walking, an abnormal stress test, heart valve disease, or follow-up after a heart attack or coronary stent.

A consultation with an interventional cardiologist does not automatically mean a procedure will be recommended. The first appointment may lead to medication changes, additional testing, risk-factor management, continued monitoring, or an intervention when the likely benefit is greater than the risk.

About Dr. Robert L. Salazar

Dr. Salazar practices through Texas Cardiology Associates of Houston. His clinical focus includes general cardiology, interventional cardiology, structural heart disease, coronary procedures, and peripheral vascular care.

His areas of care may include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Chest pain and angina
• Heart attack follow-up
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Peripheral artery disease
• Carotid artery disease
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Abnormal stress-test findings
• Shortness of breath related to heart disease
• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary angiography
• Angioplasty and coronary stenting
• Structural heart assessment
• Cardiac rehabilitation planning
• Cardiovascular risk reduction

His practice profile also lists leadership and teaching roles involving cardiac rehabilitation, noninvasive cardiology, chest-pain care, cardiovascular research, and graduate medical education.

Patients comparing related professionals can review other cardiology specialists through Doctiplus.

Education and Medical Training

Training area	Institution	Details
Undergraduate education	University of Texas Pan-American	Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2002 to 2006
Medical education	Baylor College of Medicine	Doctor of Medicine, completed in 2010
Residency	Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School	Internal medicine, 2010 to 2013
Fellowship	Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Heart Institute, and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center	Cardiovascular disease, 2013 to 2016
Advanced fellowship	Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital	Interventional cardiology, 2016 to 2017
Primary specialties	Cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology	Adult heart and vascular medicine

Dr. Salazar earned his undergraduate biology degree before attending Baylor College of Medicine. He then completed internal medicine residency training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital connected with Harvard Medical School.

His later fellowship training at the Texas Heart Institute and Baylor-affiliated programs focused on cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and structural heart care.

Internal medicine residency provides broad preparation in adult healthcare, including diabetes, kidney disease, lung conditions, infection, and medication management. This background is important because heart disease is often affected by several medical conditions at the same time.

Cardiology fellowship adds focused training in heart disease diagnosis, echocardiography, stress testing, heart failure, rhythm concerns, valve disease, and long-term cardiovascular treatment.

Interventional cardiology training provides additional experience in cardiac catheterization, angiography, angioplasty, stent placement, and catheter-based management of selected heart and vascular conditions.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Salazar is certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine in:

• Internal medicine
• Cardiovascular disease
• Interventional cardiology

His official practice profile also lists certification or professional qualification in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He uses the designation FACC, meaning Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

His professional credentials include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• Internal medicine residency training
• Cardiovascular disease fellowship training
• Interventional cardiology fellowship training
• Structural heart procedure training
• Board certification in major internal medicine and cardiology specialties
• FACC professional recognition
• Experience in cardiovascular education and research

Board certification is separate from medical licensing. A medical license permits a physician to practice, while certification reflects specialty education, supervised training, and professional assessment.

Academic and Clinical Leadership

Texas Cardiology Associates lists several professional appointments for Dr. Salazar, including:

• Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Houston College of Medicine
• Chair of Cardiology at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital
• Medical Director of its Chest Pain Center
• Medical Director of its Non-Invasive Cardiology Laboratory
• Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Director of Cardiovascular Research at Kingwood Medical Center
• Clinical faculty involvement in cardiology fellowship education

These roles suggest involvement in patient care, professional education, quality programs, and cardiovascular research alongside his outpatient practice. Patients should confirm current titles when formal verification is needed because institutional appointments may change.

What an Interventional Cardiologist Does

An interventional cardiologist diagnoses heart and blood vessel disease and performs selected treatments using thin, flexible tubes called catheters.

A catheter is usually inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and carefully guided toward the heart or another blood vessel.

Catheter-based evaluation may help:

• Identify narrowed coronary arteries
• Measure pressure inside the heart
• Examine blood flow
• Assess selected heart valves
• Investigate an abnormal stress test
• Determine the cause of recurring chest symptoms
• Plan angioplasty or another intervention

Some catheterization procedures are diagnostic only. When an important blockage is identified, treatment may sometimes be completed during the same session.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease develops when plaque builds up in arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

The disease may progress slowly and cause no obvious symptoms at first. Other patients develop symptoms during walking, climbing stairs, physical work, or emotional stress.

Possible symptoms include:

• Chest pressure
• Tightness or heaviness
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Discomfort in the arm, jaw, shoulder, neck, or back
• Unusual tiredness
• Sweating
• Nausea during activity

Evaluation may include:

• Medical and family history
• Blood pressure measurement
• Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Exercise or medication stress testing
• Nuclear cardiac imaging
• Coronary CT imaging
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatment may involve medication, changes to cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac rehabilitation, angioplasty, stent placement, or referral for bypass surgery. The correct plan depends on the location and severity of the disease, symptoms, heart function, and the patient’s wider health.

Chest Pain and Angina

Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patients may describe it as:

• Pressure
• Squeezing
• Burning
• Fullness
• Tightness
• A heavy feeling

Stable angina commonly appears during activity or stress and improves with rest or prescribed medicine. Chest symptoms that occur unexpectedly, become more frequent, or continue at rest may require urgent assessment.

Not all chest discomfort comes from the heart. Acid reflux, muscle strain, lung disease, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. New or unexplained chest pressure should still be evaluated rather than diagnosed at home.

Patients can read about possible causes of a tight chest feeling and when it may be serious.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization provides detailed information about the coronary arteries, blood flow, heart pressures, and selected structural concerns.

During coronary angiography, contrast material is introduced through the catheter so narrowed arteries can be seen on specialized imaging.

The procedure may be considered when:

• Chest symptoms suggest reduced heart blood flow
• A stress test produces concerning findings
• A heart attack is suspected
• Symptoms continue despite medication
• A previous stent requires further assessment
• Other cardiac tests have not provided a clear answer
• A valve or structural procedure is being planned

The decision should consider kidney function, allergy history, bleeding risk, medication use, and whether the result is likely to change treatment.

Angioplasty and Coronary Stenting

Angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention, is a catheter-based procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.

A small balloon is positioned within the affected area and inflated. A stent may then be placed to help keep the artery open.

Angioplasty or stenting may be considered for:

• A heart attack caused by an acute blockage
• Significant coronary narrowing
• Continuing angina despite medical treatment
• Reduced blood flow identified during testing
• Selected high-risk artery findings
• Narrowing inside a previously treated area

A stent treats one specific narrowed section. It does not remove the underlying tendency to develop plaque elsewhere.

Long-term care may still involve:

• Cholesterol-lowering medicine
• Blood pressure treatment
• Diabetes management
• Antiplatelet medicine
• Suitable physical activity
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Avoiding tobacco
• Regular cardiology follow-up

Patients should not stop prescribed antiplatelet medicine after stent placement without direct instructions from their cardiologist. Sudden discontinuation can increase the risk of a serious clot forming inside the stent.

Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart disease involves physical problems affecting the heart’s valves, chambers, walls, or major vessels.

Examples include:

• Aortic valve stenosis
• Leaking heart valves
• Openings between heart chambers
• Structural changes following heart damage
• Selected conditions present from birth
• Abnormal connections affecting blood flow

Assessment may involve:

• Echocardiography
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• CT imaging
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac catheterization
• Pressure measurements
• Multidisciplinary review

Some structural conditions need monitoring rather than immediate treatment. Others may be managed through open surgery or a catheter-based procedure.

Dr. Salazar’s practice profile identifies structural heart disease as an area of expertise and states that he has training in TAVR, atrial septal defect closure, and patent foramen ovale closure.

Aortic Valve Stenosis and TAVR

Aortic stenosis develops when the aortic valve becomes narrowed and cannot open normally.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Reduced exercise ability
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Tiredness
• Heart failure symptoms

An echocardiogram is commonly used to evaluate the valve’s structure, opening, and effect on heart function.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, commonly called TAVR, replaces a diseased aortic valve using a catheter-based approach. It is used to treat suitable patients with aortic valve stenosis.

The decision normally involves a heart team that considers:

• Symptom severity
• Valve measurements
• Age
• General health
• Blood vessel anatomy
• Previous surgery
• Expected surgical risk
• Patient preferences

Dr. Salazar’s official profiles state that he is trained to perform TAVR. Whether the procedure is suitable for an individual patient depends on detailed testing and multidisciplinary review.

Atrial Septal Defect and PFO Closure

An atrial septal defect is an opening between the heart’s upper chambers. A patent foramen ovale, commonly called a PFO, is a smaller opening that did not fully close after birth.

Many people with a PFO have no symptoms and never require treatment. Closure may be considered in selected circumstances after the patient’s history and test results have been carefully reviewed.

A catheter-based closure procedure generally involves passing a closure device through a blood vessel and positioning it across the opening.

Assessment may include:

• Echocardiography
• Bubble testing
• Transesophageal imaging
• Stroke history
• Blood-clotting evaluation
• Neurology consultation
• Review of other possible causes

Dr. Salazar’s practice identifies both ASD and PFO closure among the structural procedures in which he has training.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease develops when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs or another area outside the heart.

Possible symptoms include:

• Calf or thigh pain during walking
• Leg heaviness or cramping
• Reduced walking distance
• A cold foot
• Weak foot pulses
• Numbness
• Skin color changes
• Slow-healing wounds
• Toe or foot pain at rest

Some patients have significant circulation problems without the typical walking pain.

Testing may include:

• Pulse examination
• Ankle-brachial index
• Arterial Doppler ultrasound
• CT angiography
• MR angiography
• Catheter-based angiography

Treatment can involve medication, cholesterol and diabetes management, a structured walking program, wound care, or a procedure to restore blood flow.

Dr. Salazar’s official profiles identify peripheral vascular disease and advanced vascular intervention among his clinical interests.

Carotid Artery Disease and Stenting

The carotid arteries carry blood to the brain. Plaque buildup in these vessels may increase the risk of a transient ischemic attack or stroke.

Possible warning signs include:

• Sudden weakness on one side
• Facial drooping
• Difficulty speaking
• Sudden loss of vision
• New confusion
• Loss of coordination

Testing may include carotid ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, or catheter angiography.

Treatment depends on the amount of narrowing, symptoms, age, anatomy, and general health. Options may include medication, surgical plaque removal, or carotid stenting for selected patients.

Dr. Salazar’s practice profile states that he has training in carotid artery stent placement. A full vascular and neurological assessment is needed before determining whether this procedure is appropriate.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and EVAR

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged and weakened area in the main artery passing through the abdomen.

Small aneurysms may be monitored with regular imaging. Repair may be considered when an aneurysm reaches a concerning size, grows quickly, causes symptoms, or has other high-risk features.

Endovascular aneurysm repair, commonly called EVAR, is performed through blood vessels using a stent graft. The graft supports the weakened area and creates a new pathway for blood flow.

Dr. Salazar’s official profiles state that he has training in EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The suitability of an endovascular approach depends on the aneurysm’s shape, location, size, blood vessel anatomy, and the patient’s health.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms, but it can gradually damage arteries and place additional strain on the heart.

It increases the risk of:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Peripheral artery disease

A cardiology blood pressure review may include:

• Confirming office measurements
• Reviewing home readings
• Checking medication timing
• Looking for side effects
• Assessing sodium intake
• Reviewing kidney function
• Discussing sleep quality
• Estimating overall cardiovascular risk

Patients monitoring blood pressure at home should record the date, time, result, pulse, symptoms, and whether medicine had already been taken.

High blood pressure is an important reason preventive visits and long-term monitoring matter.

High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk

High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup inside the coronary, carotid, and peripheral arteries.

Treatment decisions are not based on one laboratory result alone. Dr. Salazar may also consider:

• Blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Age
• Tobacco exposure
• Family history
• Previous heart attack or stroke
• Existing artery disease
• Medication tolerance

Some patients may reduce risk through nutrition, physical activity, improved sleep, and avoiding tobacco. Others may also need cholesterol-lowering medicine.

Patients with a coronary stent or established artery disease usually still need long-term treatment of the underlying cardiovascular risk factors.

Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart cannot pump or fill as effectively as the body requires. It does not mean that the heart has completely stopped.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Reduced energy
• Difficulty lying flat
• Waking at night feeling breathless
• Swelling in the feet or legs
• Rapid fluid-related weight gain
• Continuing cough
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Abdominal fullness

Possible causes include coronary artery disease, a previous heart attack, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Assessment may involve:

• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Blood tests
• Chest imaging
• Medication review
• Coronary artery evaluation
• Heart rhythm monitoring

Treatment depends on the cause and may include several medicines, fluid monitoring, dietary guidance, rehabilitation, selected devices, or treatment of a blocked artery or diseased valve.

Echocardiography and Noninvasive Cardiac Testing

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart.

It may help evaluate:

• Heart-pumping function
• Valve structure and movement
• Heart chamber size
• Areas of weakened heart muscle
• Fluid around the heart
• Pressure-related changes
• Selected structural conditions

Other noninvasive tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram
• Exercise stress testing
• Medication stress testing
• Nuclear perfusion imaging
• Wearable rhythm monitoring
• Vascular ultrasound
• Carotid ultrasound
• Ankle-brachial index

Dr. Salazar’s practice lists leadership involvement in a noninvasive cardiology laboratory and professional qualification in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program designed for selected patients recovering from a heart attack, coronary intervention, heart surgery, or another significant cardiovascular event.

A program may include:

• Monitored physical activity
• Cardiovascular education
• Medication review
• Nutrition guidance
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Diabetes support
• Tobacco cessation
• Stress-management assistance
• Planning for a safe return to normal activity

Dr. Salazar’s practice identifies him as Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital.

Patients should ask whether cardiac rehabilitation is suitable after a heart attack, stent, bypass procedure, valve treatment, or heart failure diagnosis.

Cardiovascular Research

Dr. Salazar’s professional history includes cardiovascular research and medical publications. A PubMed-indexed review coauthored by him examined pharmaceutical treatment used alongside intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

His official practice profile also identifies him as Director of Cardiovascular Research at Kingwood Medical Center.

Research involvement does not determine which treatment is right for an individual. Clinical decisions should still be based on symptoms, examination findings, test results, general health, and patient preferences.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Salazar

A consultation may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have activity-related chest pressure
• Become short of breath during normal tasks
• Have an abnormal stress test
• Have known coronary artery disease
• Need assessment for cardiac catheterization
• Have previously received a coronary stent
• Need follow-up after a heart attack
• Have a heart murmur or valve condition
• Have aortic valve stenosis
• Need evaluation of a structural heart condition
• Have difficult-to-control blood pressure
• Experience leg pain while walking
• Have poor circulation or a slow-healing foot wound
• Need assessment of carotid artery disease
• Have an abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Want another opinion before a cardiovascular procedure

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation usually begins with a review of symptoms, medical conditions, medication, family history, and earlier cardiovascular testing.

Dr. Salazar may ask:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Do symptoms occur during activity or rest?
• How long does chest discomfort last?
• Does discomfort spread into the arm, jaw, shoulder, or back?
• Is shortness of breath present?
• Has fainting or dizziness occurred?
• Has a heart attack happened before?
• Has a coronary stent been placed?
• Is there diabetes or kidney disease?
• Do the legs hurt during walking?
• Has a valve problem been diagnosed?
• Which medicines and supplements are being taken?

The examination may include checking:

• Blood pressure
• Pulse and rhythm
• Oxygen level
• Heart sounds
• Breathing
• Neck blood vessels
• Leg swelling
• Foot pulses
• Signs of reduced circulation

Possible next steps include medication changes, blood tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography, stress testing, vascular ultrasound, rhythm monitoring, cardiac catheterization, or continued observation.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Medication dosages
• Supplement information
• Allergy details
• Home blood pressure readings
• Blood sugar records
• Cholesterol results
• Previous electrocardiograms
• Echocardiogram reports
• Stress-test results
• Cardiac catheterization records
• Coronary stent information
• Valve imaging
• Vascular ultrasound reports
• Hospital discharge documents
• Insurance and referral information
• Written questions

Patients who have received a coronary or vascular stent should bring their implant information card when available.

A brief symptom record may also help. It should explain when symptoms occur, how long they last, whether activity triggers them, and what makes them improve.

Questions to Ask Dr. Salazar

Patients may consider asking:

• What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
• Do my test results suggest coronary artery disease?
• Which additional tests are necessary?
• Why is cardiac catheterization being considered?
• Could medication be tried before a procedure?
• What would angioplasty or a stent improve?
• Is a valve procedure necessary?
• Am I a possible candidate for TAVR?
• Does an ASD or PFO require treatment?
• Could my leg symptoms be caused by poor circulation?
• What are the alternatives to intervention?
• Could contrast material affect my kidneys?
• Which medicines should I continue before testing?
• Would cardiac rehabilitation help?
• How often should I return for follow-up?
• Which symptoms require emergency care?

Patients should understand the purpose of each proposed test or procedure and how the result may change the treatment plan.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Salazar provides care through Texas Cardiology Associates of Houston.

Main practice address:
2627 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 100
Kingwood, TX 77339

Appointment phone:
281-358-1950

Practice hours listed by the clinic:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Current hospital and provider profiles also list additional clinic locations. Patients should confirm which office is appropriate for their appointment before traveling.

Hospital Affiliations

Current public profiles associate Dr. Salazar with:

• Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital
• HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
• HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest
• Memorial Hermann medical staff

The facility used for testing or treatment may depend on the procedure, current hospital privileges, insurance coverage, and appointment location. Patients should confirm the planned facility before scheduling care.

Languages and Communication

Dr. Salazar’s current professional profiles list:

• English
• Spanish

Patients who need care in Spanish should confirm whether the full consultation and written instructions can be provided in their preferred language. Those requiring another language can ask whether qualified interpreter support is available.

Insurance, New Patients, and Telehealth

Memorial Hermann and HCA profiles currently identify Dr. Salazar as accepting new patients or offering new-patient booking. Availability may differ by office and can change.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Salazar included in my current network?
• Is a primary care referral required?
• Does cardiac testing need prior authorization?
• Is nuclear imaging covered?
• Is the catheterization facility in network?
• Are the physician and hospital billed separately?
• Are laboratory and imaging charges separate?
• Is the selected office accepting new patients?
• Is telehealth available for the appointment type?
• Should earlier records be sent before the visit?

Telehealth availability is not consistently confirmed across current official profiles. Patients should ask the selected office directly. New chest symptoms, circulation problems, fainting, or concerns requiring a physical examination normally need in-person assessment.

When Heart or Circulation Symptoms Require Emergency Care

Patients should not wait for a routine cardiology appointment when symptoms may indicate a heart attack, stroke, serious rhythm disturbance, or sudden loss of blood flow.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• New or severe chest pressure
• Chest discomfort with sweating or nausea
• Pain spreading into the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder
• Severe breathing difficulty
• Sudden fainting
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat with weakness
• New confusion
• Sudden weakness on one side
• New difficulty speaking
• Sudden loss of vision
• A cold, pale, blue, painful, or numb limb
• Heavy bleeding from a catheter access site
• Rapid swelling accompanied by breathing problems
• Serious symptoms after a heart or vascular procedure

Patients can review general guidance about when immediate medical attention is the right choice, but potentially life-threatening symptoms should be assessed without delay.