Magazine

COVID-19

Our understanding of COVID-19 has evolved greatly since its first appearance in the U.S. in early 2020. Though our knowledge remains incomplete, we’ve learned a lot about the pathophysiology of the virus—especially its unique effects on the heart.

ci_2.jpg

Forward-looking providers are converting reams of data from myriad sources into innovative new ways to deliver healthcare and improve efficiencies.

Marijuana use among older adults is associated with a heightened risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, according to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology. “Marijuana use increases sympathetic nervous system activity and inhibits cardiac parasympathetic innervation, resulting in elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and an increase in myocardial oxygen demand.

As use of cannabis products increases and evidence of possible cardiovascular harm mounts, it’s time for cardiologists to start having conversations with their patients.

pgp_ci.jpg

Following data supporting their use for heart failure and type 2 diabetes, will sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors find a spot in the heart failure armamentarium?

dt_ci_v2.jpg

Experienced dyad and triad partners share tips for setting the stage for success and putting the brakes on mistakes.

Tom Giangiulio

As many as 700 hearts from donors with hepatitis C are discarded each year in the U.S. New research suggests at least some of these organs may be suitable for transplant.

firstword_cvb.jpg

Even the best analytics won’t replace human interaction; protect your time with patients and colleagues. Focus on the patient-centered metrics, and try to be patient. It takes time to turn a mess into a masterpiece.

data_dilemma-v1.jpg

To get the operational perspective, CVB hosted a roundtable discussion with service line leaders about the opportunities and challenges they encounter around data.
 

Geoffrey A. Rose, MD, President, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute

Physicians in fields like cardiology have traditionally looked to clinical practice guidelines to help articulate the best evidence-based care for patients. The rapidly growing movement to value-based care is prompting clinicians—including echocardiographers—to carefully weigh a more focused and integrative approach to delivering consistent, quality medicine: care pathways.

The vision was clear. The experienced heart and vascular team at the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in Chicago needed a cardiovascular information system (CVIS) to stretch across its seven hospitals and 100 ambulatory care centers, physician offices and clinics. 

A plan for increasing use of cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab, or CR) was a few months short of launch when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) tapped the brakes.  

The need for permanent pacemakers in patients with severe aortic stenosis who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains a complication, even as TAVR expands into lower-risk groups. That may prove to be a limitation, especially with younger patients who may have decades of life ahead of them.