Love Your Heart: A Cleveland Clinic Podcast
Episodes
5 Questions to Ask If You Are Considering Robotic Valve Surgery
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Nutrition and Heart Failure
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Transplant...
Bicuspid Aortic Valve and the Aorta
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
High Risk and Complex Heart Surgery
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Passion for Care: Exploring the World of Aortic Surgery
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The term "heart surgery" includes structures in the heart, but also connected to the heart. The aorta is the body’s main artery that carri...
High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of pregnancy complications. Dr. Deirdre Mattina provides an overview of high blood pressure (hypertension) i...
Common Myths About Heart Failure Answered
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What Happens When You Are Told You May Need Surgery?
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The possibility of needing heart surgery can be overwhelming. Dr. Lars Svensson, Chairman of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, provides a br...
What is a Mediastinal Mass?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mea...
Renal Denervation: A New Procedure for Lowering Blood Pressure
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In November 2023, the renal denervation procedure received FDA approval in the United States. This procedure works to lower blood pressure by cutting ...
Heart Failure and Pregnancy
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 potenti...
Can a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Help Your Heart Health?
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
March is National Nutrition Month. Julia Zumpano, RD, explains the role of a Registered Dietician and tips on eating for heart health.
Your Questions About Heart Surgery Answered
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Patients have many questions about life before, during and after heart surgery. Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Famil...
All About The Aortic Valve
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, Chairm...
Cardiac Rehabilitation
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that cardiac diseases are the leading causes of death around the world? Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve health for those at risk. Ca...
Heart Month 2024: Are Americans using Health Technology for Heart Health?
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
February is American Heart Month. This year, Cleveland Clinic conducted a Heart Health Survey to look at how Americans are using technology to improve...
Is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) a good treatment option?
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Though the United States is a leader in number of heart tranplatation surgeries completed each year, there are many more people with advanced heart fa...
What is Surgical Myectomy: Part 2
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is evolving. Last week, Dr. Nicholas Smedira and Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña provided an overview of surgical m...
What is Surgical Myectomy: Part 1
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A septal myectomy is an open-heart surgical procedure to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickened heart muscle. This allows blood to flow bett...
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Kim...
Keep It Simple: Advice For a Heart Healthy 2024
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What is Endocarditis?
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Early identification and management of infective endocarditis (IE) prevents complications. Haytham Elgharably, MD, stresses a low threshold for suspic...
Does Your Aorta Need Surgery?
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Advice to A Patient
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 wel...
Can the Valve Be Saved During Aortic Root Surgery?
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Surgery
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What is Coronary Brachytherapy?
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. One treatment option is coronary brachytherapy. ...
How to Have a Heart Healthy Holiday Season
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, R...
Cardiac Reoperations
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Life After a Cardiac Event: An Athlete's Story
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 patien...
The Importance of Research in Healthcare
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical trials (or research studies) help us create the medicine of tomorrow. Dr. Eileen Hsich talks about how clinical trials have changed over time...
Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Prevented?
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
September was Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Drs. Oussama Wazni and Robert Koeth talk about if and how afib can be prevented.
The Surgeons Who Care for Your Aorta
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)?
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is a rare form of cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is also called arrhythmogenic ...
Women and Heart Disease
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 aff...
Early Signs of a Heart Attack
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Cleve...
Caring for You Before the Hospital: How Doctors and EMS Work Together
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
September is Aortic Disease Awareness Month. Drs. Milind Desai, Vidyasagar Kalahasti, and Eric Roselli, from the Aorta Center at Cleveland Clinic, spe...
New Use for an Old Medication: Colchicine
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Choose? What You Need to Know About Different Types of Heart Valves
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Depa...
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. Natalie Salvatore, RN, talk...
What is Lipoprotein? Also Referred to as LP Little a or LP(a)
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 lip...
"Just Have Hope": Advice from Dr. Eileen Hsich for Patients Needing a Heart Transplant
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An organ transplant changes your life forever. Natalie Salvatore, RN, speaks with Dr. Eileen Hsich, Medical Director for the Heart Transplant Program ...
Considering a Robotically Assisted Approach for Heart Surgery? What Should You Ask Your Surgeon?
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Robotic heart surgery sounds like a thing of the future. It is important to know that your surgeon is still the one performing the surgery and he or s...
Going Home the Same Day After a Heart Valve Replacement?
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In 2006, Cleveland Clinic performed its first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Since then, the number of patients we treat has grown and...
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe for Your Heart?
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A Cleveland Clinic-led trial looked at the safety of testosterone replacement therapy for patients with documented low levels of testosterone. Dr. Ste...
What is Intermittent Fasting?
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating as usual then not eating for a set time period and may have some heart health benefits. Julia Zumpano, reg...
Can You Exercise with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)?
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device that monitors your heart and can deliver an electric shock to correct life-threate...
Is MRI possible with a Cardiac Implanted Electronic Device?
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A heart MRI is a painless, safe and noninvasive way for your healthcare provider to see detailed pictures of your heart. Cardiac MRI images show the p...
Aortopathies in Athletes
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Aortopathy refers to conditions that weaken your aorta, like aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. Dr. Vidyasagar Kalahasti, Director of the Marfan...
Q&A: Panel Discussion About Screening of the Athletic Heart
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
School may be out for the summer, but student athletes are still attending practices for the next season. Summertime also provides masters level athle...
Is Return to Play Possible After a Cardiac Event?
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Life after a cardiac event can be difficult to adjust to, especially if you are an athlete. The decision to return to play is important and must be ma...
Cardiac Risk Assessment for Competitive Athletes
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being involved with a sport comes with a long list of things to do to get ready to play. One item on this list is a pre-participation cardiac screenin...
Health Journey: What You Need to Know About Cholesterol
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Patients have many questions about how to lower cholesterol and what to do after a high cholesterol diagnosis. Dr. Ashish Sarraju answers some of thes...
Surgeons' Thoughts: Aorta Surgery
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what your surgeon thinks about when they are deciding if you need an operation? Dr. Lars Svensson and Dr. Marijan Koprivanac di...
Artificial Sweeteners in Your Diet
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eating healthy can be tricky. Food labels can be challenging to read and understand. Dr. Stan Hazen and Dr. Wilson Tang recently spoke about erythrito...
Lymphedema and Lipedema: How Do They Compare?
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lymphedema and Lipedema sound very similar. Not only do they sound similar, but they can look similar too. Dr. Doug Joseph and Dr. John Bartholomew ta...
Peripheral Artery Disease: Part 2
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic circulatory condition, which if not treated, can lead to limb amputations. PAD affects nearly 20 million ...
Peripheral Artery Disease: Part 1
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic circulatory condition, which, if not treated, can lead to limb amputations. PAD affects nearly 20 million...
Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for Your Health?
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sugar-free diets and foods are a popular choice for people trying to watch calories and blood sugar, but are the alternatives safe? Dr. Stanley Hazen ...
Aorta Surgery: An Overview of What You Need to Know
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body, can become damaged and weak, causing it to become wider (aneur...
What Happens If I Need a Pacemaker But I Have An Allergy?
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A pacemaker is a device put inside the body to help support the electrical system of the heart. Sometimes, allergic reactions can happen because of a ...
Pneumothorax: What is it?
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) occurs when air gets inside the chest cavity (outside the lung) and creates pressure against the lung which can make i...
Tissue or Mechanical: Which Valve is Right for You?
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For patients with heart valve disease who need a replacement, the choice between a bioprostetic (tissue) or mechanical valve can be challenging. Dr. M...
Are "Low" Diets Good for Your Heart?
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate Heart Month, Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey and found out about Americans' thoughts on heart healthy diets. People said they be...
Common Barriers to a Heart Healthy Diet: Results from Our Heart Month Survey
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
February is Heart Month! American diets are notoriously unhealthy for your heart, but why? Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey to find out the most co...
What is Lymphedema?
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulate...
What Happens After Someone Experiences Sudden Cardiac Arrest While Playing Sports?
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or is not beating sufficiently to maintain adequate blood flow and life. This can happen to ...
Ventricular Arrhythmias: What You Need to Know
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ventricular arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart called the ventricles. Dr. Oussama Wazni talks w...
Leaky Heart Valve? What Can You Do?
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A common question our heart doctors get asked is "Can I do anything to prevent a leaky heart valve or anything to keep it from getting worse?&quo...
Getting Heart Healthy in the New Year
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The new year often brings resolutions to improve your health and wellbeing. Natalie Salvatore, RN, speaks with Dr. Dennis Bruemmer about adopting life...
Surgery to Repair Your Aorta
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Large aneurysms at risk of splitting or bursting may require surgery. Your surgeon may use an open repair technique where a graft is sewn in to repai...
Diabetes and Heart Health
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke than someone who doesn’t have diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar...
Surviving The Holiday Season
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The holiday season can be a very happy time but also a very stressful time and can create challenges for managing your heart health. Julia Zumpano R.D...
Connective Tissue Disorders and the Aorta
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Connective tissue provides support to many structures within the body, such as the heart valves and blood vessels (the aorta). Dr. Vidyasagar Kalaha...
What is Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)?
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hypercholesterolemia is more commonly known as high cholesterol. FH is a type of high cholesterol that someone gets because of genetics. Dr. Leslie Ch...
Staying on Track with Your Heart Healthy Diet During the Holidays
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Making healthy choices during the holidays can be challenging. Julia Zumpano R.D. lists 4 tips to help you stick to your diet.
Mavacamten: A Game Changer For Patients With HCM
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes thickening of the heart muscle, left ventricular stiffness, mitral valve changes and cellular changes. For ma...
The Importance of Screening and Monitoring with Aortic Disease
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The aorta (the main artery that carries blood away from your heart) can become damaged and weak, causing it to become wider (aneurysm) or torn (dissec...
Good Today, Bad Tomorrow. How to Know What Foods Are Healthy
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Changing the way you eat can be challenging not only because it is a lifestyle change, but the recommendations are always changing too. Julia Zumpano...
Congenital Heart Disease and the Pulmonic Valve
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Congenital heart disease and pulmonic valve disease require a coordinated team approach that includes an initial evaluation, explanation of therapeuti...
What You Need to Know About Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Dr. Faisal Bakaeen and Dr. Aaron...
Congenital Heart Disease & Pulmonary Hypertension
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many patients with congenital heart disease also have pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is ...
Tricuspid Regurgitation: What You Need to Know
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The tricuspid valve ensures that blood flows from the right atrium (top) to the right ventricle (bottom). It also prevents blood from flowing backward...
Do Fish Oil Supplements Live Up to Their Claim?
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, also known as omega 3s or fish oil, claim to have a benefit for cardiovascular health. Dr. Steven Nissen and Dr. Luke...
POTS and Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and inappropriate sinus tachycardia can both lead to syncope. Dr. Oussama Wazni continues the discuss...
What is the Syncope?
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Syncope (pronounced “sin ko pea”) is the medical term for fainting or passing out. Dr. Oussama Wazni and Dr. Kenneth Mayuga discuss why someone ma...
All About Calcium in your Diet and Heart Health
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Calcium is needed for your heart and bones. Calcium supplements have been looked at to see if they are causing more harm than good. Julia Zumpano, a r...
What is Sports Cardiology?
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Heart disease does not mean that you need to give up your active lifestyle or sport. The Sports Cardiology Center team works with all athletes along t...
Could Calcium Supplements be Hurting Your Heart?
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Calcium supplements may increase the risk of aortic stenosis. Dr. Samir Kapadia and Dr. Nicholas Kassis discuss supplemental calcium, both with and wi...
What is Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy(PTE)?
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is a complex surgery to remove long-term blood clots from arteries in your lungs that can’t be treated with me...
What is Cardiac MRI?
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) tests are an incredibly helpful test for your care team to learn about your heart. Dr. Deborah Kwon, Director of Car...
Could a Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAA) be Helpful for You? Part 2
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative solution to anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots and stroke in some patients w...
Could a Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAA) be Helpful for You? Part 1
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many things to consider if you have atrial fibrillation. In part 1, Dr. Oussama Wazni speaks with Drs. Walid Saliba and Mohamed Kanj about t...
What is Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Surgery?
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) is heart surgery to treat an enlarged aortic root wall (aortic aneurysm). This surgery replace...
Are Protein Shakes a Good Alternative?
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Protein shakes can be a great after exercise beverage or serve as a meal replacement. Julia Zumpano, a registered dietician from the Preventive Cardio...
What is a Low Sodium Diet? How to Start and Stick With it
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A low sodium diet may mean making some big changes in the way you eat. Sodium is found naturally in some foods but is also added to many foods, which...
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - Who is a Good Fit
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an attractive option to treat aortic valve disease because it is a less invasive procedure that only ...
Is Exercise Really Medicine?
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You may have heard this expression “Exercise is medicine” and wondered if it is true. Dr. Michael Emery explains that it is! The hardest part is...
Can Technology Help Your Access to Medication?
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being able to see your doctor or get medications can be challenging for some patients. Steven Nissen, MD, Chief Academic Officer for Cleveland Clinic ...
What is Cardio-Rheumatology?
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Patients with rheumatology conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), systemic scler...