EL CENTRO — For years, many in Imperial County faced long drives, lengthy waits, or emergency visits just to see a heart specialist. Now, a new clinic aims to change this, by bringing specialized cardiovascular care directly to the community.
Heart of the Valley Cardiology opened its doors this summer to provide dedicated, local heart care. The practice is led by Dr. Steven Rough, a cardiologist specializing in general and interventional cardiology. The clinic also offers expertise in electrophysiology, ensuring comprehensive care for conditions ranging from hypertension and arrhythmias to long-term heart disease prevention.
“Our mission is simple — bringing quality, compassionate, and timely cardiovascular care to the heart of the Valley,” said Dr. Rough. “With multiple cardiac specialties under one roof, our patients can receive the comprehensive care they need without traveling between different doctors’ offices.”
A Community in Need
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization in Imperial County, which has some of the highest chronic disease rates in California. For too long, patients have either had to travel hours to San Diego or Palm Springs for specialized care, or face long waits for local appointments.
The arrival of Heart of the Valley Cardiology is part of a larger push to expand specialized healthcare in the region, meeting the needs of a growing population.
Meet the Team
Dr. Steven Rough, who spent some of his childhood years in Salton City, brings both advanced expertise and a personal connection to the area. He is joined by Dr. Raul Oviedo, a cardiologist and electrophysiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disorders.
Together, Dr. Rough and Dr. Oviedo provide compassionate, comprehensive cardiovascular care. Both are fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring patients receive clear, accessible communication.
The team is joined by Paloma Camacho, NP, a nurse practitioner raised in the Imperial Valley. Deeply committed to her community, Paloma delivers expert, bilingual care that makes patients feel understood and supported.
Looking Ahead
Heart of the Valley Cardiology plans to offer a full spectrum of services, from diagnostic testing and risk assessments to personalize health management. The clinic also looks forward to collaborating with local hospitals and community organizations to strengthen the region’s cardiac care network.
“Our goal is to be a cornerstone of cardiovascular health in the Valley,” said Dr. Rough. “Patients shouldn’t have to leave home or face long waits to get the care they need.”
How to Schedule an Appointment
Residents can request a referral through their primary care physician or contact Heart of the Valley Cardiology directly at (760) 688-4487. They are located at 1405 N Imperial Ave, Suite A El Centro, CA.
