Love Your Heart: A Cleveland Clinic Podcast

Though the United States is a leader in number of heart tranplatation surgeries completed each year, there are many more people with advanced heart failure who are unable to receive this treatment.  A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps the heart pump better and is a potential treatment option for people with heart failure. Drs. Michael Tong and Anthony Zaki discuss reasons for needing a L...

The treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is evolving. Last week, Dr. Nicholas Smedira and Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña provided an overview of surgical myectomy. This week, they talk about testing, medical management vs. surgery, and possible complications after surgery. Listen to Part 1: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/love-your-heart/what-is-surgical-myectomy-part-1

A septal myectomy is an open-heart surgical procedure to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickened heart muscle.  This allows blood to flow better through the heart. Dr. Nicholas Smedira and Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña provide an overview of what may cause a patient to need a septal myectomy. Part 2 will further discuss treatment, surgery and recovery. Learn more about the specialized Hypertrophic C...

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), also known as heart bypass surgery, is a procedure to restore blood flow to areas of your heart. Dr. Donna Kimmaliardjuk explains who may need this procedure and other commonly asked questions about CABG.

The new year is a time when people think about goals for the upcoming year.  Many times this includes eating better and exercising. Dr. Vikas Sunder and Dr. Erik Van Iterson discuss strategies for being heart healthy.

Early identification and management of infective endocarditis (IE) prevents complications. Haytham Elgharably, MD, stresses a low threshold for suspicion and importance of including a multidisciplinary team with expertise in treating IE.

The aorta is the body’s main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The section of the aorta that starts with the aortic valve in the heart and goes to the diaphragm is called the thoracic aorta. The part of the aorta that extends from the diaphragm through the abdomen is called the abdominal aorta. Dr. Patrick Vargo provides an overview of the aorta and when you may nee...

Many doctors take an oath when they graduate and become practicing doctors. A part of many oaths is a promise and dedication to patients and their wellbeing, in sickness and in health. Drs. Dennis Bruemmer, Leslie Cho, Oussama Wazni, Jacqueline Tamis-Holland, Marc Gillinov, and Eileen Hsich highlight their biggest pieces of advice and key takeaways for patients.

Aortic root replacement surgery fixes an aneurysm in the part of your aorta that attaches to your heart. During this surgery, your surgeon may or may not need to also repair or replace the aortic valve. Dr. Eric Roselli and Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña talk about considerations for surgery on the aortic root.

Normally, the aortic valve has three small flaps or leaflets that open widely to allow blood to flow from the heart to the aorta and close securely to prevent blood from flowing backwards into the heart. A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) only has two leaflets. Dr. Eric Roselli and Dr. Juan Pablo Umana talk about considerations for needing surgery to repair or replace the valve.

Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. One treatment option is coronary brachytherapy. Brachytherapy uses radiation to prevent scar tissue growth and keep your arteries open. Dr. Stephen Ellis provides an overview of coronary brachytherapy treatment.

Don't let the hustle and bustle of the holidays derail your heart health. Dr. Vikas Sunder talks with Jenna DiBernardo, APRN and Michelle Dodd, RD about ways to stay healthy during the holiday season. For information about claiming CE credits, go to clevelandclinic.org/neuropodcast and click on the episode.

Having heart surgery is life changing and when needing a second one, there is a lot to think about. There are more things to consider for the surgeon too. Marc Gillinov, MD, Faisal Bakaeen, MD, and Shinya Unai, MD, discuss what has led to Cleveland Clinic's success in how we care for patients who need another heart surgery.

Suffering a cardiac event is life changing. The effects go beyond just your heart. Dr. Michael Emery has a heartfelt discussion with one of his patients, Kevin Kessler, about how life has changed for his family and him after a cardiac event during an athletic event.

Clinical trials (or research studies) help us create the medicine of tomorrow. Dr. Eileen Hsich talks about how clinical trials have changed over time to expand who can participate and ensure that they are as safe as possible.

September was Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Drs. Oussama Wazni and Robert Koeth talk about if and how afib can be prevented.

If your aorta, the major artery that carries blood away from your heart, becomes damaged or weak, it could cause it to become wider (aneurysm) or tear (dissection). A different type of doctor or surgeon may see you depending on the size and location of the disease. Dr. Frank Caputo and Dr. Patrick Vargo discuss how our doctors all work together to best care for you.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is a rare form of cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is also called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Drs. Oussama Wazni and Pasquale Santangeli discuss what you need to know about ARVD.

Cardiovascular disease or heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world. People assigned female at birth (AFAB) are affected in unique ways. Dr. Leslie Cho, Director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Center, highlights special considerations for women or people AFAB.

Did you know that chest pain is not the only sign of a heart attack? Dr. Jacqueline Tamis-Holland, Institute Director for Acute Coronary Care at Cleveland Clinic, describes other symptoms that may indicate you are having a heart attack and when to call for help.

September is Aortic Disease Awareness Month. Drs. Milind Desai, Vidyasagar Kalahasti, and Eric Roselli, from the Aorta Center at Cleveland Clinic, speak with Tom Beers, Manager of Emergency Medical Services, about how Cleveland Clinic is working with First Responders to improve how we care for patients with a life-threatening aortic dissection.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new use for the medication colchicine. This medication can now be used to decrease the risk of cardiac events in some patients. Dr. Steve Nissen and Dr. Vik Sunder discuss this new development and what it means for patients.

One of the first things to consider when a patient is told they need heart valve surgery is the type of valve. Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, gives an overview of bioprosthetic (tissue) and mechanical valves.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. Natalie Salvatore, RN, talks with Dr. Teresa Wu from the Section of Vascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic about PAD and what you need to know.

Lipoprotein (a) or LP(a) is a type of LDL or “bad cholesterol”. Dr. Ashish Sarraju explains what LP(a) is and how it relates to other forms of lipoproteins.