Cleveland Clinic led a trial that found a left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be an effective alternative to taking blood thinners for those with atrial fibrillation. Walid Saliba, MD speaks with Oussama Wazni, MD, Section Head of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing at Cleveland Clinic and Primary Investigator of the OPTION Trial. The questio…

Elevated levels of Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol, or Lp(a), can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Steven Nissen, MD shares research on new drugs to treat Lp(a). Learn more about Lipoprotein(a). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23229-lipoproteinAv Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

Cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to reduce the risk of hospital readmission and improve quality of life, with benefits that persist even years after completing the program. Erik Van Iterson, PHD, MS, MA describes how cardiac rehab can help people reach their heart health goals. Learn more about Cardiac Rehab at Cleveland Clinic. https://my.cle…

Healthcare is filled with technical terms that need their own dictionary. Clear and concise language can ensure that patients understand what a provider is telling them. Natalie Salvatore, DNP, MBA, RN, a nurse in the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, talks about medical jargon, the importance of clear communication and the most important thi…

Cardiology is the study and treatment of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels. Many doctors specialize in areas within cardiology such as electrophysiology, imaging and prevention. Karlee Hoffman, DO, a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure, explains why you may need more than one cardiologist and the value of having a specialized t…

Women have unique healthcare needs. Experts from the Women's Cardiovascular Center in the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic share their advice. View the full program on YouTube. Leslie Cho, MD, Cardiologist, Director, Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Cardiovascular Center https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/6638-leslie-cho Chris…

In part five of this panel discussion, our heart doctors talk about risk factors and treatment options for atrial fibrillation. Meet our panelists: Leslie Cho, MD, Cardiologist, Director, Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Cardiovascular Center https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/6638-leslie-cho Christine Jellis, MD, PhD, Cardiologist, Vice Chair, Heart V…

Julia Zumpano, a Registered Dietitian, explains the Mediterranean Diet, a way of eating that emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to lower your risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Learn more about the Mediterranean Diet - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16037-medit…

In part four of this panel discussion, our heart doctors talk about when to watch and when to operate for women with aorta disease. Meet our panelists: Leslie Cho, MD, Cardiologist, Director, Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Cardiovascular Center https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/6638-leslie-cho Christine Jellis, MD, PhD, Cardiologist, Vice Chair, Hea…

In part three of this panel discussion, our heart doctors talk about their recommendations for the popular GLP-1 medications, weight loss and hormone replacement therapy. Meet our panelists: Leslie Cho, MD, Cardiologist, Director, Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Cardiovascular Center https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/6638-leslie-cho Christine Jellis,…

Learn what you’ve always wanted to know about women’s heart care, from risk prevention to unique symptoms to specialized treatment options. In part two of this panel discussion, our heart doctors answer: Minimally-invasive procedures vs. open surgery in women, what is factored in? Does age impact decision-making? Meet our panelists: Leslie Cho, MD,…

Learn what you’ve always wanted to know about women’s heart care, from risk prevention to unique symptoms to specialized treatment options. In part one of this panel discussion, our heart doctors answer: What are diagnostic tests and treatment options for women? What does recovery look like with surgery for women? When is surgery better? Meet our p…

Have you ever wondered how long a heart valve will last after it is repaired or replaced? Or how your surgeon decides what valve would be best for you? Dr. Tarek Malas and Dr. Xiaoying Lou answer these questions about considerations for valve surgery to ensure you are getting the best outcome. Visit the Valve Center at Cleveland Clinic https://my.c…

There are four valves in your heart. Dr. Tarek Malas and Dr. Xiaoying Lou give an overview of how blood moves through your heart, what can go wrong with the valves, and when you may need surgery. Visit the Valve Center at Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/heart/depts/valve-center…

The aorta is the body’s main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta can have an aneurysm, a balloon-like bulge, or a dissection, when the aorta tears. Dr. Patrick Vargo describes these conditions and discusses when you may need surgery. Learn more about the Aorta Center at Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandc…

Cholesterol numbers are important because they help you know your risk for heart disease. Dr. Ashish Sarraju answers some common questions about cholesterol and your heart. Learn more about the Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation Section: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/heart/depts/preventive-cardiology-rehabilitation…

Since the 1950s, Cleveland Clinic has been a pioneer in heart care. Cleveland Clinic recently celebrated the completion of 2,400 robotic mitral valve surgeries. Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, talks about this amazing milestone. Learn more about the Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Center at Cleveland…

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a surgical treatment for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditionally, this procedure was done through a sternotomy where the breastbone was opened. Dr. Faisal Bakaeen and Dr. Tarek Malas talk about an alternative approach using a surgical robot to assist with this. Visit the State of the Art Coronary…

As one of the largest integrated heart centers in the world, Cleveland Clinic has long been recognized as a global leader in cardiovascular care. Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, describes how Cleveland Clinic makes coming here a seamless process and provides the best care. Learn more about the H…

Cleveland Clinic’s cardiac transplant program is one of the largest in the US and is the leading center in Ohio. Dr. Anthony Zaki, a cardiac surgeon who specializes in transplantation, talks about 5 interesting facts about heart transplantation. Learn more about the Heart Transplantation Center at Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/dep…

Nutrition and diet apps are a great way to help track calories, weight and other health numbers. Cleveland Clinic health experts have designed a mobile app with the goal of promoting overall health and well-being. Julia Zumpano, a registered dietician nutritionist at Cleveland Clinic, talks about how this app can be used to create and keep heart he…

There are many things to think about when you are told you need mitral valve surgery. There are questions to ask and finding answers can be confusing. Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, advises patients to find a center that has expereince and expertise. At Cleveland Clinic, there is a team approac…

Cardiogenic shock is a serious condition that happens when your heart can’t pump enough blood to keep up with your body’s needs. Dr. Michael Tong gives an overview of devices that can help support your heart so it can recover. Cleveland Clinic has a specialized Center for Shock and Circulatory Support that has expertise in each device and develops …

The American Heart Association defines heart failure in 4 stages. Dr. Amanda Vest, Section Head of Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology, reviews these stages and how your doctor defines heart failure.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps the heart pump blood and is a potential treatment option for people with heart failure. Dr. Michael Tong gives a brief history of how LVADs have evolved over the last few decades to be a durable solution for patients with advanced heart failure.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

Dietary recommendations can be confusing. Having a heart condition can make it even more challenging. Dr. Amanda Vest, Section Head of Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology, has a special interest in making diet and nutrition choices easier for patients with heart failure. She talks about recommended dietary patterns and considerations for w…

Robotic heart surgery has many benefits when done by a skilled surgeon. Drs. Marc Gillinov and Tarek Malas answer the five questions you should think about if you are considering a robotic approach to valve surgery.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

Heart failure is a term to describe when your heart is not pumping as well as it should. Dr. Amanda Vest, Section Head of Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology, talks about how nutrition plays an important role in heart health.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

As blood travels through the heart, it passes through the aortic valve into the aorta. The aorta is the body’s main artery that carries blood to the body. Dr. Eric Roselli, Surgical Director of the Aorta Center, and Dr. Xiaoying Lou talk about how the aortic valve relates to the aorta.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

Heart surgery is complex and requires expert surgeons. This becomes more challenging as more parts of the heart are involved or because of the health history of a patient. Dr. Edward Soltesz and Dr. Anthony Zaki talk about what might make a patient considered high-risk, how that affects their surgical plan, and the benefit of a second opinion. Thei…

The term "heart surgery" includes structures in the heart, but also connected to the heart. The aorta is the body’s main artery that carries blood to the rest of the body from your heart. Caring for your heart and the vessels around it requires a team approach. Dr. Eric Roselli, Surgical Director of the Aorta Center, speaks with Dr. Xiaoying Lou ab…

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 importan…

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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 lo…

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 uniq…

March is National Nutrition Month. Julia Zumpano, RD, explains the role of a Registered Dietician and tips on eating for heart health.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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…

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 t…

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…

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-…

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…

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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.Av Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

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 prov…