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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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

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.

About one year ago, FIRE AND ICE trial investigators reported that cryoballoon ablation (cryo) performed as well as radiofrequency ablation (RF) as a treatment for patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. But is “as good as” good enough to change practice? The answer may be emerging just now.

To prevent the risk of patients developing heart failure from chemotherapy agents in cancer care, patients are typically have their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or myocardial strain monitored using either echocardiography or equilibrium radionuclide angiography/multigated acquisition (ERNA/MUGA). If cardiac damager occurs, the treatment is discontinue or pause treatment. Cardiac imaging to assess chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity using strain echo.

Treating today’s cancer patient no longer means simply targeting the cancer. Given the known cardiotoxicities of some established chemotherapies and the possibility that newer approaches may damage the heart, oncologists, cardiologists and imaging specialists now work together to detect and minimize the risk of treatment-induced heart failure.

Every day, cardiologists make hundreds, if not thousands, of mouse clicks, encounter countless notifications and manage a steady stream of alerts that pop up on their computer and device screens. Some say these demands of the electronic health record (EHR) are distracting clinicians from patient care and contributing to physician burnout. Yet there are workarounds that can help cardiologists handle the digital data deluge.