DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.                                                  >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.                                                                                  Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. Welcome back to "Ditch the Labcoat," where today we debunked heart health myths with the remarkable Dr. Michael Ward. Did you know stress can literally break your heart? Dr. Ward broke down the realities of Takatsubo cardiomyopathy, stressed the importance of timely intervention in heart attacks, and shared his insights on the Mediterranean diet for cardiac wellness. Plus, we got a glimpse into the high-stakes world of interventional cardiology—straight from the operation room. Stay heart-smart and catch the full episode for a deep dive into the art and science of keeping your ticker ticking! Remember, a healthy heart is a healthy start. Don't miss it! 00:00:03 Understanding Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Broken Heart Syndrome with Dr. Michael Ward Dr. Mark Bonta discusses Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, with Dr. Michael Ward. They explore how the condition is often triggered by emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, leading to acute heart failure. 00:01:03 Discussion on the Heart as a Muscle and Cardiac Conditions Dr. Michael Ward discusses the heart as a muscle that pumps and the various cardiac conditions patients may face, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and heart rhythm problems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the basic function of the heart for better management of cardiac health. 00:02:26 Discussion with Dr. Michael Ward on Interventional Cardiology and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Dr. Michael Ward is an expert in interventional cardiology who helps people prevent and recover from heart-related issues. He also focuses on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition affecting the heart. With a background in both medicine and research, he is a valuable asset at Western University in London, Ontario. 00:03:50 Interview with Dr Michael Ward, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Michael Ward, an interventional cardiologist with both an MD and a PhD, discusses his background in cell-based gene therapy and his interest in cardiovascular medicine. He shares insights on heart health, the importance of vacations for mental health, and his balanced lifestyle. 00:07:18 Insight into the Fascinating Aspects of the Heart from an Interventional Cardiology Perspective Dr Mark Bonta, an interventional cardiologist, shares his perspective on the intricate nature of the heart, highlighting how it responds to various stimuli and stressors. He emphasizes the role of the cardiovascular system in determining life and death outcomes and the potential for improving quality of life through cardiology interventions. 00:11:14 Discussion on Interventional Cardiology Dr. Mark Bonta discusses their work in interventional cardiology, including responding to emergencies like heart attacks and performing procedures in the catheterization l