Dr. Mark C. Skains

I am a cardiologist trained and experienced in preventive cardiology. I have served as the medical director of the Duke Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (formerly DUPAC) since 1994. I specialize in the prevention and treatment of heart disease risk factors before and after cardiac disease develops. I direct a program that uses the principles of balancing energy intake and expenditure to treat heart disease and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. I also have an active practice for assessment and advice for the older athlete who wants to improve performance – whether he or she has heart disease or not. My research is directed at defining the best exercise regimen for the most benefit. Dr. Kraus is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Metabolic Syndrome, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), and Heart Bypass Surgery.

My role in cardiology at Duke has been in the prevention and management of advanced cardiovascular disease symptoms in my patients. In the area of prevention, I specialized in cholesterol treatment and specifically in the management of statin medications especially for those individuals who feel they are intolerant. My practice also has a focus on patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, hypertension medication intolerance, difficult-to-manage congestive heart failure, and problems with heart failure medications. My newest role in the clinic is as the director of Outpatient Services for our practice. Our practice-based goals are to make sure everyone who sees a Duke cardiologist leaves on the best therapy for their disease based on current evidence and the individual's ability to tolerate and benefit from that treatment. Dr. Blazing is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Cardiac Ablation, and Pacemaker Implantation.

"My parents are from rural southwest Virginia. In 1949, they relocated to California for my father’s work as an academic researcher with NACA, later NASA. My brothers and I pursued scientific degrees. However, I felt that I could contribute more to our society by pursuing a technically-oriented career in cardiovascular medicine back in the rural South. Thus, in 1993, I brought stent technology to rural North Carolina. Most of my career has been dedicated to providing safe, thoughtful care in applying that technology. I also learned early on that good outcomes required simultaneous good general cardiovascular care. Now in my senior years, I practice general cardiovascular medicine, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and education. The treatment mostly consists of advising on medications, diet, exercise, and referral for mechanical interventions when needed. In practice, I prefer the ""appropriate-but-least-intrusive action"" when pursuing optimal care.". Dr. Denardo is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Stable Angina, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiomyopathy, Fainting, and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).