Blogs - theheart.org : Thoughts and opinions on cardiology news

Cardiologists are ageists

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:10:00 EDT

It's the peg on which we hang our clinical cases and somewhat of a sliding scale as we see patients live longer and lead more robust lives than they did even 20 years ago. How does age affect the care we give our patients?

Endurance exercise and arrhythmia: It's time to believe

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:22:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Aspirin unneeded with anticoagulation/clopidogrel after MI, PCI in AF; vegetarian diet linked to longer life; FDA: Rosiglitazone does not up CV risk; New obesity drug, lorcaserin

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EDT

Aspirin unneeded with anticoagulation/clopidogrel after MI, PCI in AF; vegetarian diet linked to longer life; FDA: Rosiglitazone does not up CV risk; New obesity drug, lorcaserin

Addressing isolation to counter terrorism

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:35:00 EDT

Dr Goldhaber leaves aside clots this week to consider the role of isolation in terrorism and what steps we can take--as physicians and as citizens--to reach out to isolated individuals around us.

CoQ10 supplementation; Mediterranean diet slows atherosclerosis; new mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist; sparks fly at FDA over ARB-cancer controversy: WSJ

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:25:00 EDT

CoQ10 supplementation; Mediterranean diet slows atherosclerosis; new mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist; sparks fly at FDA over ARB-cancer controversy: WSJ

Tips for new TAVR centers

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:15:00 EDT

Among topics, they discuss: the key determinants of prognosis, the learning curve, addressing the risk of perioperative stroke, appropriate antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, access sites, and the importance of the "preflight check list."

Diabetes risk with statins; rivaroxaban for ACS secondary prevention in Europe; vildagliptin in HF patients with diabetes; STEMI in young women

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:30:00 EDT

Diabetes risk with statins; rivaroxaban for ACS secondary prevention in Europe; vildagliptin in HF patients with diabetes; STEMI in young women

VTE risk in women who smoke

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 29 May 2013 10:05:00 EDT

Important data from the Million Women Study in the UK shows that women who smoke have a 40% higher risk of VTE than nonsmokers. The risk is further compounded by surgery.

Renal denervation; saturated fat; heparin vs bivalirudin; dabigatran "real-life"

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:40:00 EDT

Renal denervation; saturated fat; heparin vs bivalirudin; dabigatran real-life

Donating used pacemakers to the Third World? Why not keep them stateside, too?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:46:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Rivaroxaban: An effective anticoagulant before and after ablation of AF? Data from HRS 2013

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Celebrating 60 years of the Israel Heart Association

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:45:00 EDT

The anniversary celebration was notable for Dr Eugene Braunwald's keynote presentation as well as two joint sessions in partnership with ESC and ACC. Find out more.

Hormone therapy and MI; Durata, Riata ST Optim lead analysis; no benefit of fish oil; long-term PROTECT-AF analysis

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:50:00 EDT

Hormone therapy and MI; Durata, Riata ST Optim lead analysis; no benefit of fish oil; long-term PROTECT-AF analysis

Disagreeing with an influential thought leader on ICD use

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:52:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

How social media makes us better doctors: Lessons from Heart Rhythm Society 2013

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:18:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Stem-cell therapy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

After showing promising results in early-phase trials for ischemic heart disease, stem-cell therapy is now being examined as a possible mechanism to treat congenital diseases such as hyperplastic left heart syndrome.

ICDs, goals of care, and end of life: Difficult conversations (Hyde Park talk at HRS 2013)

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:45:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

ESC on anticoagulants; FDA on Liptruzet; Midei suit; MitraClip

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:55:00 EDT

ESC on anticoagulants; FDA approves atorvastatin/ezetimibe combo (Liptruzet) ; Midei suit settled; MitraClip

Fish oils to prevent CHD . . . it's now official

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EDT

The GISSI group's impressive, collaborative study just published in NEJM puts to bed any lingering theory stipulating a positive effect of fish oils to prevent heart disease in patients who have not had an MI and do not have HF.

Naturopathy isn't magic. It's conversation and nurturing.

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:57:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

PE thrombolysis in the elderly and those with comorbidities

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:30:00 EDT

A large observational study has shown a remarkable 50% reduction in the mortality rate of hemodynamically unstable patients with PE--who do not have absolute contraindications--when they are treated with thrombolytic therapy.

Vitamin D; cardiologists' pay; intestinal flora; Kcentra

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

Vitamin D; cardiologists' pay; intestinal flora; Kcentra

Autonomy vs beneficence? Shared decision-making in the patient considered for an ICD

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:40:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Reacting to unanticipated results: A lesson in TACT

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:15:00 EDT

Few trials have stirred our imagination--and kept online forums as busy--as the TACT trial. With this controversial study as a backdrop, Drs Bob Harrington and Daniel Mark address the complicated issue of how to interpret unexpected findings.

Canagliflozin; PURE; low-glycemic and Mediterranean diets

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:55:00 EDT

Canagliflozin; PURE; low-glycemic and Mediterranean diets

Identifying silent AF to prevent stroke

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EDT

A well-conducted community-based initiative--which gathered 75-year-old volunteers in a small town in Sweden--is inspiration for all of us to spread the word about paroxysmal AF and better advocate for stroke prevention in our municipalities.

How safe is cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Reacting to the Boston Marathon bombing: The best in medicine, the best in people

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:05:00 EDT

During the lockdown--as the authorities seek the remaining suspect--Dr Sam Goldhaber speaks from Brigham and Women's Hospital about a week that has transformed Boston and strengthened the community's resilience and spirit.

#29: What's different about heart disease in women?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EDT

After years of being omitted from clinical trials, research is finally taking strides to recognize the specificity of heart disease in women. Dr Sharon Mulvagh joins Dr Bernard Gersh to ask why wouldn't there be differences in heart disease between women

Mortality vs readmit rates: "The times they are a changin' "

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:50:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

#187: Beet this: More evidence of BP-lowering effects of dietary nitrate; amiodarone-cancer link reemerges in observational study; ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker may thwart cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy; will new FDA meeting on Avandia prompt withdrawal?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:55:00 EDT

Beet this: More evidence of BP-lowering effects of dietary nitrate; amiodarone-cancer link reemerges in observational study; ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker may thwart cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy; will new FDA meeting on Avandia prompt withdrawal o

Dabigatran and the real world

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:35:00 EDT

Just published in JACC, the Danish observational study that examined dabigatran vs warfarin use reports encouraging "real-world" results for the first novel oral coagulant approved for the prevention of stroke in AF.

#186: Prasugrel noninferior to ticagrelor, but both achieve poor platelet inhibition at two hours; REVIVEd in print: REVIVE levosimendan trials finally get peer-review validation; nonsystem issues prolong door-to-balloon times, up mortality in primary PCI

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:55:00 EDT

Prasugrel noninferior to ticagrelor, but both achieve poor platelet inhibition at two hours; REVIVEd in print: REVIVE levosimendan trials finally get peer-review validation; nonsystem issues prolong door-to-balloon times, up mortality in primary PCI

#57: Incentivizing adherence with Drs Steve Driver and Don Hensrud

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:50:00 EDT

Patient adherence-as recently demonstrated in the MI FREE trial-is a notoriously complicated issue that is the focus of several ongoing research projects. Drs Steve Driver and Don Hensrud join the show to discuss their innovative trial presented at ACC

#28: Cardiac device infections: From A to Z

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:25:00 EDT

Despite the ever shrinking size of devices and our greater technical expertise, there has been a disproportionate rise in the rate infections associated with cardiac devices. Drs Raul Espinosa and M Rizwan Sohail join Dr Charanjit (Chet) Rihal to discuss

#185: Carvedilol superior to metoprolol in MADIT-CRT analysis; FDA approves new diabetes drug, canagliflozin, despite CV concerns; heart-smart diabetes drugs; more beaches, less bureaucracy, say burned out cardiologists

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EDT

Carvedilol superior to metoprolol in MADIT-CRT analysis; FDA approves new diabetes drug, canagliflozin, despite CV concerns; heart-smart diabetes drugs; more beaches, less bureaucracy, say burned out cardiologists

#184: Rivaroxaban gets ACS indication recommendation from European regulators; MitraClip narrowly passes major test with FDA advisory panel; new oral anticoagulants in secondary stroke prevention: Apples and oranges?; EMA recommends restricting cilostazol

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:25:00 EDT

Rivaroxaban gets ACS indication recommendation from European regulators; MitraClip narrowly passes major test with FDA advisory panel; new oral anticoagulants in secondary stroke prevention: Apples and oranges?; EMA recommends restricting cilostazol

What to do about bridging with novel oral anticoagulants with Dr Seth Bilazarian

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:25:00 EDT

Sharing a rare moment of person-to-person time during the scientific sessions in San Francisco, Dr Seth Bilazarian asks Drs Samuel Goldhaber how he goes about bridging with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban.

Renal denervation: Reviewing the latest data

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:50:00 EDT

Dr Seth Bilazarian did the rounds of the renal-denervation sessions at ACC 2013 and shares his findings—from Symplicity HTN-2 data, pathological reports on the actual location of the nerves in the renal artery, to a review of devices—and his hopes...

Chelation therapy in TACT: Daring to challenge dogma (and suspend disbelief)

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EDT

It seemed like a crazy notion in 2003--when the NIH invested $31 million to fund the research--but the consistent and notable reduction of a spectrum of clinical end points indicates that maybe something important--and controversial--is happening.

Walking on water: MitraClip crossing the big pond?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:55:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

#183: Mixed messages on new bleeding data with dabigatran; "high-potency" statins linked to acute kidney injury; dabigatran might cut hospital days vs standard anticoagulants in new AF; US supermarket chain giving away atorvastatin

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:25:00 EDT

Mixed messages on new bleeding data with dabigatran; "high-potency" statins linked to acute kidney injury; dabigatran might cut hospital days vs standard anticoagulants in new AF; US supermarket chain giving away atorvastatin

The case for thrombolysis in PE: PEITHO, ULTIMA, and TOPCOAT with Dr Stavros Konstantinides

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:50:00 EDT

Building on the results of the PEITHO study, Dr Stavros Konstantinides shares his thoughts with Dr Samuel Goldhaber on how the results from the small ULTIMA and TOPCOAT studies add to the case for thrombolysis in patients with submissive PE.

#27: Heart transplantation: Selecting the ideal candidate

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:35:00 EDT

Which patients are the best candidates for heart transplantation? Drs Sudhir Kushwaha and Rocky Daly-respectively the medical and surgical directors of the Heart Transplantation and VAD therapy program at Mayo Clinic-review the steps to selecting patient

Adopting novel antiplatelet therapies: What's holding you back?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:35:00 EDT

In his presentation at ACC 2013, Dr Bob Harrington argued that it can take practitioners 30 years to adopt new therapeutic regimens. What's holding us back? Ignorance? Habit? Cost? Ineffective interaction with industry in the clinical setting?

#56: Talking fat with Dr Roger Blumenthal

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EDT

With an ever-growing percentage of the population either overweight or obese, the topic of staying trim is a matter of international proportions.

Can catheter ablation of AF ever be compatible with a less-is-more approach?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:56:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

#182: ACC 2013: Stopping rivaroxaban and warfarin temporarily in AF patients yields similar risks; PREVAIL yanked from ACC program; Watchman device meets safety end point; Niacin full results in HPS2-THRIVE; Another strike for digoxin in AF

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EDT

ACC 2013: Stopping rivaroxaban and warfarin temporarily in AF patients yields similar risks; PREVAIL yanked from ACC program; Watchman device meets safety end point; Niacin full results in HPS2-THRIVE; Another strike for digoxin in AF

ACC 2013: My take on late breakers and other fascinating trials!

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:56:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Finding our way in appropriate-use criteria

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:25:00 EDT

The initial push-back against AUC seems to have given way to a certain acceptance of "our lot" as shown by a series of presentations (one even humorous!) during ACC 2013.

Thrombolysis in PE: Results from PEITHO with Dr Stavros Konstantinides

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:40:00 EDT

It’s been 10 years in the making, but the eagerly awaited results of the PEITHO study point to the benefits of thrombolytic therapy--compared with anticoagulation alone--in patients with submassive PE.

Obamacare for idiots: The quest for "skin in the game"

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:06:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Does exercise cause myocardial fibrosis? Please don't say exercise can cause heart disease

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:10:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

"Ain't nobody got time for that": Where there's smoke, there's fire and calcium! . . . In your coronary arteries

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 20:13:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Women need to go to rehab, but we say "no, no, no"

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:47:00 EDT

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Heart doctors: Give peace a chance!

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EDT

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

ECG monitoring? The lack thereof--that's what's alarming!

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 20:24:00 EST

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Dr Valentin Fuster's Dack lecture: Let go of the concept of focal disease

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

Eight reasons to remain doubtful on Watchman

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:23:00 EST

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

#181: What's going to be hot at ACC 2013; rivaroxaban STEMI study hits print as FDA delivers setback; Watchman ups quality of life vs chronic warfarin in nonvalvular AF; FDA again seeks more info on rivaroxaban in ACS

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:12:00 EST

What's going to be hot at ACC 2013; rivaroxaban STEMI study hits print as FDA delivers setback; Watchman ups quality of life vs chronic warfarin in nonvalvular AF; FDA again seeks more info on rivaroxaban in ACS

A dangerous cocktail: Aspirin and anticoagulants

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Congress? You again? Why my 2%?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

#180: "Choosing wisely" now targets over 130 dubious tests, therapies; HPS2-THRIVE: High myopathy risk with niacin/laropiprant; unrestricted Mediterranean diets beat low-fat advice for primary CVD prevention; large proportion of raised LDL cholesterol...

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST

Choosing wisely now targets over 130 dubious tests, therapies; HPS2-THRIVE: High myopathy risk with niacin/laropiprant; unrestricted Mediterranean diets beat low-fat advice for primary CVD prevention; large proportion of raised LDL cholesterol in

Can we omit aspirin when anticoagulated patients undergo PCI?

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

The WOEST study--which was presented at ESC 2012 and has been published in the Lancet--provides valuable clinical-trial data to the debate on double vs triple therapy in anticoagulated patients undergoing PCI.

#26: A sign of the times: Social media's impact on SCAD research

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:15:00 EST

Research on spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) at the Mayo Clinic is a telling example of "patient-initiated" research made possible by social media. Dr Sharonne Hayes discusses with Dr Sharon Mulvagh the genesis of the SCAD project and the...

#179: NJ cardiologist received more than $100 000 in referral kickbacks; deaths doubled with high calcium intake plus supplements; widely used diclofenac associated with increased risk of CV events; functional evaluation of CAD using angiographic images

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:50:00 EST

NJ cardiologist received more than $100 000 in referral kickbacks; deaths doubled with high calcium intake plus supplements; widely used diclofenac associated with increased risk of CV events; functional evaluation of CAD using angiographic images alone

Limits of VTE prophylaxis: Bleeding vs clotting

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:15:00 EST

Dr Goldhaber takes inspiration from Dr Seth Bilazarian's observation to address the issue of "blanket" VTE prophylaxis. Surely VTE prophylaxis doesn't make sense for all—including STEMI—patients?

Lp(a) and aortic stenosis: How genomics points the way

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:35:00 EST

The recent discovery of an association between an Lp(a) gene variant and aortic stenosis once again brings genomics into the limelight. How do we act on findings in genomics? What are the implications of this study?

When doctoring drags you down . . .

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:50:00 EST

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

The ties that link CKD and VTE

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST

Until recently, scientific discourse stipulated that chronic kidney disease caused dysfunctional platelets that did not favor the creation of thrombosis. But this has changed, as we now understand that CKD is in fact an inflammatory disease that promotes

#178: Short course of aspirin, clopidogrel cuts stroke risk; Lp(a) gene variant associated with aortic stenosis; MAGELLAN published: Rivaroxaban reduces VTE risk in acutely ill patients; weight-loss drug Qsymia improves cardiovascular risk profile

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:25:00 EST

course of aspirin, clopidogrel cuts stroke risk; Lp(a) gene variant associated with aortic stenosis; MAGELLAN published: Rivaroxaban reduces VTE risk in acutely ill patients; weight-loss drug Qsymia improves cardiovascular risk profile

#25: Preventing AF: The role of ACE inhibitors and ARBs

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST

Popular treatment options fail to recognize AF as a consequence of other problems and instead attempt to treat atrial fibrillation as if it were the problem itself.

#55: Practicing humanism in medicine with Dr Abraham Verghese

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST

Renowned author and internist Dr Abraham Verghese joins Dr Bob Harrington to consider the role of humanism in medical practice and the joy of sharing effective tools for patient care. We can cure patients, but how good are we at helping them to heal?

#177: Runner who died during London Marathon took stimulant DMAA during race; weight-loss myths refuted in new review; new AHA/ASA guidelines for acute stroke treatment; slight risk of QT-interval prolongation found with two antidepressants

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:25:00 EST

Dead London Marathon runner took stimulant DMAA during race; weight-loss myths refuted in new review; new AHA/ASA guidelines for acute stroke treatment; slight risk of QT-interval prolongation found with two antidepressants

Fun and games (and just a dash of Cookie Monster) for heart health

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST

It's never too early to learn about heart health, as the formidable Dr Valentin Fuster has shown in his recent work with preschoolers in Bogota, Columbia.

Hospitalists, specialists, primary-care physicians: It's game time!

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:41:00 EST

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

#176: No benefit to dual RAS blockade in meta-analysis; metabolic syndrome in 40s linked to TV, lack of exercise, at age 16; Canadian Riata experience: Electrical failures eclipse externalized cables; "napkin-ring sign" on CT identifies high-risk coronary

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:45:00 EST

No benefit to dual RAS blockade in meta-analysis; Metabolic syndrome in 40s linked to TV, lack of exercise, at age 16; Canadian Riata experience: Electrical failures eclipse externalized cables; "Napkin-ring sign" on CT identifies high-risk coronary

#24: The epidemiology of heart failure

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST

Dr Veronique Roger joins Dr Bernard Gersh to review the latest data and share insight into what is now termed an epidemic.

The next milestone in ICD therapy: Improving patient education

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:01:00 EST

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

#175: Apixaban approved: Now, which anticoagulant to use?; darbepoetin alfa disappoints in RED-HF; suspect thrombus with signs of early valve degeneration after TAVI; half of cardiology practices now integrated with hospitals

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:20:00 EST

Apixaban approved: Now, which anticoagulant to use?; darbepoetin alfa disappoints in RED-HF; suspect thrombus with signs of early valve degeneration after TAVI; half of cardiology practices now integrated with hospitals

#23: Valve repair: Who, where, why

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:50:00 EST

Dr Vuyisile Nkomo is joined by Dr Joseph Dearani for an update on the latest information pertaining to surgical valve repair.

Breathing life into surgical pulmonary embolectomy

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:15:00 EST

Open surgical pulmonary embolectomy was almost discarded 20 years ago, but when performed quickly—as opposed to the old watch-and-wait approach—in the right patients, the operation is appropriate and has high success rates.

Focus on AF in Latin America with the GARFIELD registry

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:25:00 EST

The perspective from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil on AF in the "real-life" setting—as opposed to the controlled environment of a clinical trial—is an important part of this ambitious study, which seeks to enroll 55 000 people worldwide.

New oximetry app may promote home monitoring, cut cost, empower patients

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:20:00 EST

Although not yet approved for medical use, the oximetry app from Masimo is an interesting tool with promise to empower patients and be another step towards the creative destruction of medicine.

#174: Niacin/laropiprant products to be suspended; JNC 8, ATP 4 guidelines; new meta-analysis on sugar sparks old debate; two antihypertensives plus NSAID ups risk of acute kidney injury

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:50:00 EST

Niacin/laropiprant products to be suspended; JNC 8, ATP 4 guidelines; new meta-analysis on sugar sparks old debate; two antihypertensives plus NSAID ups risk of acute kidney injury

Goodbye CV practice memorabilia, hello ACO perfection!

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST

Office renovations give a chance to pause and reminisce about the practice of yesteryear as Dr Seth Bilazarian empties his office drawers of promo knickknacks, dictation audio tapes, prescription pads, and mangy old stethoscopes.

Electrophysiologists: Have a heart--step forward from the bystanders

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:51:00 EST

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

FDA approval of apixaban for stroke prevention in AF: The "tipping point" for novel oral anticoagulants

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:20:00 EST

With three novel drugs—dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and now apixaban—approved for stroke prevention in AF, the tide is changing on oral anticoagulation.

#22: Getting to the root of the problem: Thoracic and endovascular surgery

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:50:00 EST

What's the latest on the surgical treatment of thoracic aortic disease? Dr Juan Bowen catches up with Dr Alberto Pochettino on issues such as safety of surgical procedures and when to refer a patient for surgery...

#173: Exercise woefully underutilized; lesser degrees of excess weight don't increase mortality; FDA approves apixaban for stroke prevention in nonvalvular AF; fructose intake may contribute to overeating

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:40:00 EST

Exercise woefully underutilized; lesser degrees of excess weight don't increase mortality; FDA approves apixaban for stroke prevention in nonvalvular AF; fructose intake may contribute to overeating

#54: Current state of surgical revascularization in patients with CAD with Dr Timothy Gardner

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

The FREEDOM trial has added a wealth of data to the debate on revascularization in patients with heart disease. Dr Timothy Gardner joins the show to discuss the revascularization options, what we have learned from FREEDOM, BARI, BARI 2D, and PREVENT ...

Dead subspecialists walking--Enough with the reprieves, already!

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:24:00 EST

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.

A year-end review of 2012: Top 10 stories in EP

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:49:00 EST

Electrophysiologist, competitive biker, blogger, and teacher Dr John Mandrola shares his thoughts on the world of electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Hillary Clinton and cerebral venous thrombosis

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:46:00 EST

Thrombosis expert Dr Samuel Goldhaber (Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital) animates this learning forum on venous thromboembolism and anticoagulation management

#172: Biggest stories of 2012; AHA top-10 list; think you might have AF? There's an app for that; some diabetic patients may be overtreated with high-dose statins

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:35:00 EST

Biggest stories of 2012; AHA top-10 list; think you might have AF? There's an app for that; some diabetic patients may be overtreated with high-dose statins

Reflecting on Sandy Hook

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:25:00 EST

Putting pulmonary embolism aside, Dr Goldhaber shares his thoughts on the horrific massacre at Sandy Hook and how improvement in mental-health services, school security, and gun control are necessary for a better society.

Clopidogrel pretreatment: Reading between the (head) lines

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:45:00 EST

Research by Gilles Montalescot's group on the association of clopidogrel pretreatment with mortality, CV events, and major bleeding in PCI, is an excellent addition to our knowledge base and—depending on which headline you believe—there's something in it

#21: When congenital heart disease grows up

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

Thanks to important improvements in care, more than 85% of people with congenital heart disease are surviving well into adulthood. What is the best method to continue caring for these patients?

#20: The changing face of acute MI

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Trends in the US (and the developed world) point to a radical change in the patterns of acute MI—as shown by both a decrease in CV mortality and STEMI.

'Tis the season: 12 best gifts a cardiologist can "regift"

info@theheart.org (theheart.org) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:15:00 EST

Dr Melissa Walton-Shirley brings a personal and practice-focused perspective to headlines, research, and overlooked cardiology gems.