April is National Diversity Health Month. This year, the theme is Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. Dr. Lee Kirksey and Sherelle Tucker, Director of Community & Economic Development and Executive Administrator of the Center for Community Health Equity, discuss the importance of diversity in research and clinical trials and address some of the beliefs about participation. 

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of pregnancy complications. Dr. Deirdre Mattina provides an overview of high blood pressure (hypertension) in pregnancy and goals for management. 

Heart failure is a term to describe when your heart is not working as well as it should.  There are many myths and misconceptions around living with and managing heart failure. Dr. Amanda Vest, Section Head of Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology, helps sort heart failure myths from facts.

The possibility of needing heart surgery can be overwhelming. Dr. Lars Svensson, Chairman of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, provides a brief overview of what to expect if you need heart surgery. Cleveland Clinic has an advanced cardiovascular surgery department that offers many resources to make this process easier. 

Having a mass in your chest can be a scary diagnosis.  Dr. Monisha Sudarshan provides an overview of what a mediastinal mass could be and what it means for your care.

In November 2023, the renal denervation procedure received FDA approval in the United States. This procedure works to lower blood pressure by cutting off the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries. Dr. Luke Laffin, co-director for the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders talks about this exciting new option for some patients looking to lower their blood pressure. 

Heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump as well as it should.  During pregnancy, the stress on the heart increases causing potential risks for both the pregnant person and baby. Dr. Karlee Hoffman, a heart failure specialist with an interested in cardio-obstetrics, talks about some concerns and considerations for managing the unique needs of patients with heart failure wishing to conceive.

March is National Nutrition Month. Julia Zumpano, RD, explains the role of a Registered Dietician and tips on eating for heart health. 

Patients have many questions about life before, during and after heart surgery. Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, answers common questions from our patients. 

The aortic valve connects your heart to your aorta. This valve can become stiff and not open correctly or become leaky. Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute gives an overview of treatment and management of these conditions. 

Did you know that cardiac diseases are the leading causes of death around the world? Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve health for those at risk. Cardiac Rehab Week is the second full week in February. Dr. Erik Van Iterson, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Section of Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic, provides an overview of the phases cardiac rehab.

February is American Heart Month. This year, Cleveland Clinic conducted a Heart Health Survey to look at how Americans are using technology to improve their heart health and how they feel about the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in heart care. Dr. Ashish Sarraju, a cardiologist in the department of preventive cardiology, summarizes the findings and highlights the importance that health technology should be used together with your doctor's advice. 

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 LVAD, outcomes, and what to expect. 

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. 

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 Cardio­myopathy Center at Cleveland...

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 need surgery. 

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.