Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- Spanish
- English
Gender
MaleAbout Paulino Alvarez
Biography
Paulino Alvarez, MD, FACC, is a heart failure specialist in the Heart Failure & Cardiac Transplantation Section of the Tomsich Family Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. He sees patients at Main Campus.
Specialty Interests: Heart failure, acute heart failure, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), cardiogenic shock
Experience: The Heart Failure & Cardiac Transplantation Section is part of Cleveland Clinic’s George M. and Linda H. Kaufman Center for Heart Failure Treatment and Recovery, one of the premier facilities in the United States for the care of people with heart failure. Center physicians aggressively pursue non-transplant options to benefit these patients and also continue to investigate and improve surgical treatments, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), left ventricular reconstruction surgery and heart transplant. Cleveland Clinic's cardiac transplant program is one of the largest in the United States.
Dr. Alvarez’ clinical experience includes caring for patients with advanced heart failure, those with all types of LVADs and pre- and post-transplant patients. He is board certified in cardiovascular medicine and advanced heart failure and transplant and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Success Rates: Success rates for specific procedures at Cleveland Clinic are available at http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/about-heart-vascular-institute/treatment-outcomes.aspx.
Education: Dr. Alvarez received his medical degree from Universidad Rene Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He completed an internal medicine residency at Instituto Universitario CEMIC and cardiology residency at Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martin, University of Buenos Aires, all in Buenos Aires. In the United States, he served a second internal medicine residency and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas. He completed his subspecialty training as a fellow in heart failure and transplant at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Alvarez was named to the Cleveland Clinic medical staff in 2020.
Research, Publications and Speaking: Dr. Alvarez has served as an investigator on research studies related to new treatments for cardiomyopathy and heart failure, and he is a frequent presenter on research in heart failure and cardiac transplant at national and international medical meetings. He has coauthored more than 70 scientific papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals and three book chapters.
About Dr. Alvarez: “My main motivation as a heart failure cardiologist is to work together with our patients to understand their needs and provide personalized care for them.”
Leisure Activities: In his leisure time, Dr. Alvarez enjoys running, playing soccer and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Locations
- Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
- Get Directions
- Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
- Get Directions
- Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
- Get Directions
Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, 2017
- Fellowship: Methodist Hospital, 2016
- Residency: Methodist Hospital, 2013
- Residency: Hospital de Clinicas, 2012
- Residency: Methodist Hospital, 2008
- Residency: Fundacion Favaloro, 2007
- Residency: Insitituto Universitario CEMIC, 2006
- Medical Education: Favaloro University Medical School, 2001
- Undergraduate: San Juan El precursor, 1995
Board Certifications
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2018
- Cardiovascular Disease: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2016
- Echocardiography: National Board of Echocardiography, 2016
Professional Memberships
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2025-07-03, Dr. Alvarez has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.
In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
Insurances Accepted
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
303 ratings, 72 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2026
Dr Alvarez is excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2026
Dr Alvarez is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
Very good experience. Have utmost respect and confidence in Dr Palino Alvarez and Dr Thomas Callahan for my treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
I cannot say enough about the patience and personal concern expressed by Dr Alvarez. He should be highly commended.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
Dr. Alvarez is an outstanding physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
My wife and I have great respect for Dr. Alvarez and his staff. Mary Gillis is also polite and has been very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
Every health care provider we encountered was helpful and courteous. Dr. Alvarez is an extremely well educated physician. He is well read and experienced. I live in Winston-Salem, NC but I would still come to Dr. Alvarez if he thought he could help me further.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
The care and concern for my visit with the Doctor and his staff was very reassuring that my health and questions and my wife (who was with me) and her questions and comfort were their primary mission for my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
I am a congenital heart patient so I''ve been seeing cardiologists since the day I was born. Dr. Alvarez is one of the best doctors that I''ve ever seen. He is always patient with my questions and goes out of his way to make sure that I understand my diagnosis and the treatment options. He is more than willing to talk to the other specialists that I see to make sure that I have the best care and that all of the doctors are on the same page. I know that he cares about me as a person and wants the best for me. He has helped me so much in the past few years that I''ve been seeing him and I''m not sure what I would do without the great care that he provides. I can''t express in words what a wonderful doctor Dr. Alvarez is or how thankful I am that he is part of my care team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr. Alvarez is excellent in all respects, caring, attentive and flexible in all respects. He is also proactive and on some occasions has initiated a call to me with feedback
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Dr.Alvarez so easy to talk to
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Dr Alvarez was absolutely fabulous. So grateful for this appointment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
I have such a high level of respect and appreciation for Dr. Alvarez!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
I have been a patient of Dr Alvarez for over a year now. He is the most caring, empathetic physician ive ever met. Im a nurse and have worked with many physicians over the years but non comparable to Dr Alvarez. He has a genuine heart. He will advocate for you if you need to be referred to another physician. He is a listener and will explain, in detail, everything you need to know in regards to your diagnosis. He''s not only a great Cardiologist, he''s a great person. I will forever be grateful for his remarkable knowledge and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Dr Alvarez and his understudy were very nice and through with everything .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Good experience. Dr Alvarez is an exceptional physician and I feel very fortunate to have him as my Cardiologist
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Dr. Alvarez was very kind and attentive and pays attention to detail. He's been very helpful to me in trying to solve my problem.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
I wish every heart patient could have Dr. Alvarez as their doctor. He is the best of the best!,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
DR. Alvarez is always so kind and very helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
He is an excellent Dr and he listens to you .I wouldn't want anyone else He's great !!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
The care an knowledge of the Doctor and Nurses and staff was great . Thank you .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr. Alverez is great. He is very attentive to his patients and always makes sure you understand all that is going on and the tests he is ordering.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr Alvarez is a very intelligent physician. He is very good at explaining things easily to the patient. He also waits for a response from the patient and family. I am extremely impressed with his care and compassion.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr. Alverez is the best. He makes you feel like more than just another patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr. Alvarez cares for his patients. He listens and is always responsive to inquires or questions. Again, this procides peace of mind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr. Alvarez and staff are always responsive to medical inquiries via the MyChart portal. This provides peace of mind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
I can't say enough good about Dr. Alvarez care!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr Alvarez is the absolute best. There is no one better. He cares deeply and it shows. He is extremely thorough and proactively works with other colleagues and programs to do the best he can for you across the board.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Excellent service and very caring Doctor experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Great experience Ease of getting tests done. Dr spoke with us in detail about all his observations in a way we could understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr Alvarez and his team are exceptional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Excellent, excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Alvarez is a wonderful physician. He has been my post heart transplant physician for the past five years. Thank you Doctor!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Dr. Alvarez is a true professional who cares for his patients. I consider myself lucky to be under his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Dr Alvarez is just the Dr I have been looking for. I feel that he is going to help me through my congestive heart failure diagnosis with his knowledge and confidence.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
Dr Alverese made me feel very comfortable & he listen to me! I would highly recommend him to my family & friends!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
Dr Alvarez is all around the better medical professional I've had at 74 yrs. Old
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
Dr. Alvarez is an excellent doctor, very thorough, knowledgeable, communicative, compassionate, and informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
A wonderful doctor, very caring and explained everything I was there for
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
Dr. Alvarez is among the best doctors I have ever had. He has called me at home for followup on two occasions, shows great knowledge and concern for my condition and medical needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
The appt. Was scheduled on my behalf as a follow-up. Dr Alvarez and his staff has always been more than accommodating for whatever I've needed. No complaints
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr Alvarez is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Alvarez is the most compassionate person. Never rushes you and always cares about you and your health!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr. Alvarez is top notch. Wonderful treatment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr. Alvarez always provides excellent care and is very thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2025
Dr. Alvarez is a fantastic cardiologist and does a wonderful job of going over your health and wellbeing. He takes his time and explains the plans and makes sure you understand, he is on the same page with your thoughts and concerns. He always makes sure that he is understood and will elaborate your/ patients health plan.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
I already have discussed and recommended my care provider to others.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr. Alvarez was very thorough and took his time to explain things to me. He was very respectful, and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing a cardiologist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2025
The best doctors and medical teams
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Dr. Alvarez was great. He reviewed my current condition and described, step by step, what and why he was suggesting some changes. He answered all my questions during the session.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
This Dr talks to you and Explains your current condition and what he will be doing like Medication adjustments heck even when home 1-2 days latter Dr A calls to follow up with Blood Lab Results info he did not have during the regular Sech appt.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2025
Dr. Alvarez was great. He is kind, focused, listens, communicative, and seems to have great clinical skills. I have been having so much trouble getting help, but Dr. Alvarez seems like a problem solver who will ensure I get the right treatment this time. He also doesn't seem to have the bias evident in many cardiologists. Really grateful for his help.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2025
Dr.A is the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Caring doctor and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Excellent physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Cool doctor shows interest in my well-being
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
I feel very comfortable with the care and communication from Dr Alvarez
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Dr Alvarez is very caring and thorough in his care. I definitely recommend him to anyone
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Dr. Alvarez was booked 6 months in advance.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2025
Dr. Alvarez took time discussing my care. Have LVAD and talked about heart transplant vs LVAD. Gave some pros and cons on both and answered my questions. He has been my cardiologist from my arrival (middle of night hospital to hospital transfer) by EMS to Cleveland Clinic. I am grateful for all of the Cardiology Physicians that I have seen at the Clinic. I am here today because of the care provided at CC. I had other issues that delayed the possible transplant, but am now back to deciding what I want to do. Big decision but whatever I decide, I know that I will receive the BEST CARE at Cleveland Clinic!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2025
Provides excellent patient care. Is thorough in explanation of concerns regarding the visits. Is helpful in insuring you understand what is going on with your health and is honest about his responsibilities and those of other physicians. He does not try to answer questions that are best answered by someone else who specializes in that area. Provides timely follow-up services and is genuinely concerned about your health and next steps to improve or maintain it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2025
As Always, Dr Alvarez was skilled knowledgeable and professional. He is always engaged in listening and clearly recalls my health history and always communicates in away that makes me feel seen and heard. He is clear about a treatment plan aways with goal of my best quality of life. The world is a better place with Dr Alvarez. He sets the bar.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2025
Dr Alvarez is one of the rare doctors who still provide personal care and takes the time to make sure you understand what is going on with your treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
I continue to be impressed with the professionalism of Dr Alvarez. He has been very thorough. I believe, he is exactly the definition of professionalism.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
Dr Alvarez listening to my concerns and addressed each one of them individually. I believe I am receiving the best healthcare provider possible for my situation. I could not be more pleased with the Care Dr Alvarez has provided for me thus far. Exceptional !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
Dr Alvarez is fantastic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2025
Dr Alvarez is very thorough and very patient with me! He is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
Extremely happy with the level of care provided by Dr. Alvarez. He really cares for his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2025
Dr. Alverez is amazing. He is very knowledgeable, polite, explains everything. I am very well pleased with him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2025
Love Dr Alvarez, Mary (admin) the entire staff.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2025
Expertise, experience and humor and humanity describe my doctor. All are important.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr Alvarez is the best. Thorough, professional. Seems to genuinely care about the patient