December 2010
Robotic repair of posterior mitral valve prolapse versus conventional approaches: Potential realized. Cleveland Clinic study shows robotic heart surgery is as safe and effective as traditional surgical approaches. Lead author Tomislav Mihaljevic, ND and Marc Gillinov, MD comment *, Cleveland Clinic. Read abstract at Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery *, 2011;141:72-80.e4, 12/29
Steven Nissen, MD was named one of the year’s most intriguing people. Cleveland Magazine *, 12/29.
Festive Partiers Beware: Holiday Heart Syndrome. Curtis Rimmerman, MD, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, warns that binge drinking and overloading on sodium can trigger abnormal heart rhythms
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How to lighten up your favorite holiday treats. Maxine Smith, a registered dietitian in preventive medicine, discusses how to make healthier holiday treats. By Evelyn Theiss, Plain Dealer *, 12/7.
Risk of heart problems higher during stressful sporting events. David Frid, MD, Section of Preventive Cardiology discusses how watching a stressful sporting event can raise your risk of an acute cardiovascular event. By Alicia Booth, WEWS Channel 5 *, 12/2.
November 2010
Which foods keep the weight off? Preventive Cardiology dietitian, Julia Zumpano comments on this story. By Associated Press, WEWS Channel 5 *, 11/24.
Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Blood Thinner Halted on Bleeding Concerns. Steven Nissen, MD, comments on Pfizer Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. halting a trial of their experimental blood thinner. By Tom Randall and Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg *, 11/19.
AHA: New Drug Shows Promise in Raising ApoA-1. Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD, comments on a new drug showing promise to raise high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol among patients with stable coronary artery disease.
AHA: Anacetrapib Wows Cholesterol Watchers. The results of the DEFINE trial showed the investigational drug anacetrapib raises HDL while lowering LDL without an increase in cardiovascular events. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Crystal Phend, MedPage Today *, 11/17.
Bisphosphonates Do Not Appear to Slow Aortic Stenosis Progression. Olcay Aksoy, MD, Cleveland Clinic, and colleagues presented findings at AHA conference. By Jill Stein, DG News *, 11/14.
Plant-Based Diets are Healthier and May Prevent Cancer, Speaker Says. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn discussed the scientific evidence for the benefits of plant diets. By Seth Shapiro, Cornell Daily Sun *, 11/12.
Antibiotic Guidelines for Endocarditis Prophylaxis Commonly Ignored. Many gastroenterologists continue to give patients the antibiotics because of medicolegal concerns, according to research presented at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting. Carol Burke, MD, from Cleveland Clinic comments. By Nancy Melville, Medscape Cardiology * (may require free registration to view), 11/5.
CEOs from Eli Lilly and Stryker comment on obesity from the Cleveland Clinic Innovations Summit. CNBC, 11/5.
Monitoring Found to be an Effective Tool for Identification of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department. Cleveland Clinic Researchers Find That NICOM(R) Technology provides a quick noninvasive tool to diagnose acute heart failure in emergency room patients presenting with shortness of breath. By PR Newswire *, 11/4.
Cleveland Clinic announces its top 10 medical innovations of the year. By Brie Zeltner, The Plain Dealer*, 11/3.
Pneumococcal disease: A red flag in heart disease management. Susan Rehm, MD, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) medical director and vice chair of the department of infectious disease at Cleveland Clinic comments on pneumococcal disease – a red flag in heart disease management. By Brian Ellis, Cardiology Today *, 11/1.
Missed diagnoses: How to help your doctor get it right. Richard Krasuski, MD, and Katherine Lee, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic talk about why it is important to help your doctor correctly diagnose you. By Brie Zeltner, The Plain Dealer *, 11/1.
October 2010
A new Cleveland company, ClevelandHeartLab, tests for enzyme linked to heart attack and stroke. ClevelandHeartLab is one of 33 companies the Cleveland Clinic has spun off in the past 10 years. By Diane Suchetka, Plain Dealer *, 10/26.
Diabetics Have Higher Risk After Surgery. A new study by Cleveland Clinic indicates that diabetics have a higher risk of death after surgery, even if their blood glucose (sugar) level is normal at the time of surgery. By Jennifer Heisler, RN, About.com *, 10/21.
Smoking Raises Surgery Risks. Mehmet Alparslan Turan, MD, associate professor of anesthesiology at Cleveland Clinic found the risk of death is nearly 40% higher in smokers and there is an increase in cardiovascular complications as compared to non-smokers in his study of 82,000 patients. By Kathleen Doheny, WebMD Health News *, 10/19.
Lowe’s: Early returns on Cleveland Clinic heart deal a ‘home run’ Six months after Lowe's began sending patients to Cleveland Clinic for heart surgery, they consider the program a success. By Brandon Glenn, MedCity News *, 10/19.
Life and death in the age of the bionic heart. Randall Starling, MD, MPH, Head of Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Medicine, comments on whether heart pumps are age-appropriate. By Toni Clarke and Debra Sherman, Reuters *, 10/12.
Steven Nissen, MD, of Cleveland Clinic comments on Avandia. Dr. Oz show, 10/11.
Creative device shows promise in preventing strokes. Atriclip is a new medical device designed to remove the atrial appendage, a source for many strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Delos Cosgrove, MD, discusses this innovation. By Stacey Singer, Palm Beach Post *, 10/10.
Overmedication: Are Americans Taking Too Many Drugs? Steven Nissen, MD, comments about drug safety. By Deborah Kotz, U.S. News *, 10/7.
Ellen Tressel discusses her husband, Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, and their life away from the football field - including her heart surgery in May at the Cleveland Clinic for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. By Doug Lesmerises, The Plain Dealer *, 10/7.
Energy Bracelets Turn Athletes to Stars, If Only in Their Heads. Steven Nissen, MD, discusses sports trend of wearing energy bracelets, and whether or not they really work. By Mason Levinson and Tom Randall, Bloomerg *, 10/5.
Research Uncovers New Vascular Pathway for Treatment of Several Diseases. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Learner Research Institute uncovered biological pathways that may open the door for new treatment mechanisms for several diseases including atherosclerosis. HealthCanal *, 10/5.
September 2010
Cleveland Clinic wins $11.6 million for research on 'good' cholesterol and heart disease. Cleveland Clinic researchers have been awarded an $11.65 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the role of good cholesterol or HDL in heart disease in three related research projects. By Brie Zeltner, The Plain Dealer *, 9/30.
Indian's Bob Feller receives pacemaker. Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller is resting comfortably at the Cleveland Clinic after getting a pacemaker, 9/30.
Avandia for diabetes control is now restricted by the FDA for use only if other drugs fail. Steven Nissen, MD, comments, 9/29.
Update on Avandia: Restricted by FDA. Controversial diabetes drug Avandia will stay on the market, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricted its use to patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot control their illness with other medications. Steven Nissen, MD, comments, 9/23.
TCT: Valve Study Confirms 'Dismal History' of Aortic Stenosis. The overwhelming benefit demonstrated by a trial of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a cohort of the "sickest, sick" aortic stenosis patients was burnished by the worse than expected outcome in the control group, according to researchers. Lars G. Svensson, MD, comments. By Peggy Peck, MedPage Today *, 9/23.
7 Reasons Cleveland Clinic's Heart Program is the Best in the Country. In 2010, Cleveland Clinic's heart program was ranked the best in the nation by US News & World Report for the 16th year in a row. By Rachel Fields, Becker's Hospital Review *, 9/14.
Cleveland Clinic has received a $3.8 million federal grant to study the cellular processes that lead to heart failure. The research will be directed at answering the question, why are some people at risk for developing heart failure and some are not? In addition, it will also identify targets for treatment options. By Brandon Glenn, Cleveland MedCity News *, 9/9.
New, Improved Metal Hearts. Maria Mountis, DO, is dedicated to helping hearts at Cleveland Clinic and at home. After her dad suffered heart failure, she has dedicated her life to helping others survive. By Amanda Nembhard, News Channel 5 WPTV *, 9/2.
Study: Diet Drug Meridia May Boost Heart Risks. Steven Nissen, MD, comments on Abbott Laboratories’ weight-loss pill Meridia which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease as reported in study in New England Journal of Medicine September 2, 2010 issue *. In Time *, by Alici Park, 9/1. In Bloomberg *, by Michelle Fay Cortez, 9/1.
Why some people faint at the site of blood. – Fredrick Jaeger, DO, medical director of the Center for Syncope and Autonomic Disorders at Cleveland Clinic, comments on why some people faint at the sight of blood. By Bill Briggs, MSNBC.com *, 9/1.
August 2010
Blood Clot Risk From Stents Seen in African-Americans. – Stephen Ellis, MD, comments on a study that shows African-Americans may be at a higher risk for blood clots from drug-coated stents. By Denise Mann, WebMD *, 8/31.
Child waiting for new heart receives rarely used vascular assist device. The 8-year-old boy is only the third patient in Ohio to receive a left ventricular assist device, which is supporting the function of his diseased heart until a suitable donor can be found. By Emmanuel Romero, Read the story, Cleveland.com *. Read the Q and A with Gerald Boyle, MD, Cleveland.com *, 8/30.
American Heart Association Cleveland Heart Walk:
- Thousands of people participated in the American Heart Association Cleveland Heart Walk, which was sponsored by Cleveland Clinic. They are expected to raise over $1 million to fight heart disease. WJW-TV 8, Watch the Story *, 8/22.
- Cleveland Clinic Program Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation Gordon Blackburn and Executive Director of Patient Financial Services Lyman Sornberger discuss heart disease and the upcoming American Heart Association Heart Walk 2010. WKYC-TV 3, Good Company, Watch the Story *, 8/20.
Cleveland HeartLab business has exploded in a good way. Cleveland HeartLab is a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited reference lab that does an array of lipid and inflammation tests for clients. Cleveland Clinic spun off the company with a cardiac inflammation biomarker developed by Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, and his colleagues there. By Mary Vanac, MedCity News *, 8/13.
What Makes a 'Best' Heart Hospital? A Q and A discusses the US News Best Heart Hospitals 2010 - 2011 and how these hospitals are chosen and why, includes video. By Avery Comarow, U.S. News *, 8/12.
Athersys repeats good heart attack study results. Cleveland Clinic’s Mark Penn, MD, comments on commercializing adult stem cell therapy to treat heart attacks and inflammatory bowel disease, among other disorders. By Mary Vanac, MedCity News *, 8/9.
Effectiveness of statins is called into question. Steven Nissen, MD, of Cleveland Clinic comments on the effectiveness of statins. By Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times * , 8/9
July 2010
Cleveland Clinic Pioneers E-Medicine for Heart Patients. An innovative Cleveland Clinic telehealth monitoring program called Heart Care @ Home allows heart patients to provide a team of Cleveland Clinic heart care specialists key vital signs. By Christopher J. Gearon, AARP *, 7/29.
Cleveland Clinic receives multi-million dollar grant to study heart disease. Cleveland Clinic researchers will study how diet combined with the flora in the intestines contribute to heart disease. Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, received a $3.8 million federal grant to conduct the research. By Mel Watson, WEWS Newsnet5.com *, 7/28.
More Support for Compression-Only CPR. Steven Nissen, MD, comments on compression only CPR. By Charles Bankhead, Medpage Today *, 7/28.
Circulation: Automatic patient monitoring can reduce 45% of in-office visits. Home monitoring with automatic daily surveillance can offer safe, early detection of cardiac events in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) compared with standard follow-up methods, according to a TRUST trial * published online July 12 in Circulation *. CMIO *, 7/19.
Cleveland Clinic partners with DuPage Hospital. Cleveland Clinic’s cardiac surgery program has signed an affiliation agreement with Central DuPage Hospital in the western Chicago suburbs. By Bruce Japsen, Chicago Tribune *, 7/15.
Best Hospitals 2010-2011. U.S News and World Report ranks Cleveland Clinic No. 1 for cardiac care and 4th best hospital overall. By Avery Comaro, US News *, 7/14.
Dick Cheney gets a Left Ventricular Assist Device. Randall Starling, MD, MPH, comments on Dick Cheney’s current heart condition and medical options he can take. By Laura Meckler, 7/14.
High Readmission Rates May Not Mean Worse Hospital Care. When patients are readmitted within 30 days of a hospital stay, it is generally considered a sign of poor quality care and wasteful spending on the hospital's part. But in a new analysis involving heart failure patients, Cleveland Clinic researchers challenge that conventional wisdom. By Karen Pallarito (HealthDay), Business Week *, 7/14.
Cleveland Clinic lung transplant patient celebrates 51st wedding anniversary with surprise luncheon. WEWS-TV5, Watch the Story *
Files indicate that the makers of the drug Avandia hid test data on risks. Steven Nissen, MD, of Cleveland Clinic comments on whether or not the FDA will take the drug off the market, 7/12.
Solon cardio-thoracic surgeon brings top-notch care to Third World. Cleveland Clinic cardio-thoracic surgeon Gonzalo Gonzalez-Stawinski, MD, took his second trip to Leon, Nicaragua, to provide cardio-thoracic care to those in need. By Faith Hampton, Sun News *, 7/11.
Mom Celebrates Graduation in Cleveland Clinic. She was wearing her cap and gown at the Cleveland Clinic, where she's been fighting a heart condition called cardiomyopathy. Charity is on a list for a heart transplant and currently, a surgically installed device called a ventricular assist device is pumping her heart, 7/10.
Avandia and diabetes: Was revolution worth the risks? A decade after critics first accused the Food and Drug Administration of downplaying side effects from Avandia, the agency says it will reveal on Friday the data it is reviewing ahead of an advisory panel meeting about the safety of the popular diabetes drug. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Caleb Hellerman, CNN.com *, 7/8.
Compliance high among patients with wearable cardioverter defibrillator. New study data * shows that survival and mortality rates were similar among patients with a wearable cardioverter defibrillator and those with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator by Cleveland Clinic researchers. Cardiology Today *, 7/6.
Security of medical devices is a concern. Cleveland Clinic’s Bruce Wilkoff ,MD, comments on the security of pacemakers. By Elizabeth Cooney, Boston Globe *, 7/5.
Listen to your body. After nearly dying from a heart defect he didn’t know he had, Cleveland Clinic patient Bob Alexander is now training to run in the New York Marathon and for an endurance bike ride through the Rockies. KMGH-TV 7 (Denver, CO) Watch the Story *, 7/5.
For parents, adopting a healthy lifestyle is a good way to show kids it's important. Cleveland Clinic’s David Frid, MD, comments on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices for parents. Plain Dealer *, 7/5.
After the Headlines, What is the Real Avandia Story? By Crystal Phend, ABC News *, 7/4.
June 2010
Diabetes Drug Poses Safety Test for FDA. The FDA will decide whether or not Avandia, a top-selling diabetes medicine, will remain on the market due to heart risks. Cardiologist, Steven Nissen, MD, is mentioned. By Richard Knox, NPR *, 6/29.
Your Health: Is a hospital visit in July bad for your well-being? A Cleveland Clinic study found that those having elective heart bypass surgery in July were no more likely to die or suffer major complications than those treated in other months. By Kim Painter, USA Today *, 6/27.
Cardiology Practices With APNs, PAs Meet Guidelines. Cardiology practices with at least two advanced practice nurses (APNs) or physician assistants (PAs) on staff deliver most guideline-recommended heart failure outpatient therapies as well as practices with no APNs or PAs, and deliver some therapies and services better, according to a Cleveland Clinic study in the June 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology *. HealthDay *, 6/21.
AtriClip for left atrial appendage occlusion approved in US. The AtriClip Gillinov-Cosgrove Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Exclusion system (AtriCure, West Chester, OH) has been approved by the FDA for occlusion of the LAA, under direct visualization, in conjunction with other open-heart cardiac procedures. Marc Gillinov, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic explained to that to reduce the risk of stroke, the LAA is often occluded by surgeons when patients are undergoing open-heart surgery. By Sue Hughes, theheart.org *, 6/18. Free login required.
Push to Market Pill Stirs Debate on Sexual Desire. A German drug manufacturer says it has stumbled upon a pill to help restore a depressed female sex drive and is trying to persuade the Food and Drug Administration to approve it. Steven Nissen, MD, a member of the 2004 F.D.A. panel that unanimously rejected a testosterone patch comments. By Duff Wilson, New York Times *, 6/16.
Cleveland Clinic and Esperion Therapeutics partner to advance HDL-based therapies. Esperion Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, announced a new collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic to advance cardiovascular therapies centered around high-density lipoproteins (HDL), commonly known as "good" cholesterol.The research will be led by Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at Cleveland Clinic, and Jonathan Smith, MD, a staff member of the Department of Cell Biology at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute. By Emmanuel Romero, The Plain Dealer *, 6/14.
FDA Scientist Attacks Avandia Safety. Medicare patients in the U.S. who took GlaxoSmithKline PLC's diabetes drug Avandia may have suffered as many as 48,000 heart attacks, strokes and other problems between 1999 and 2009 that could have been averted had they taken a different drug, a Food and Drug Administration scientist contends in a new study. A 2007 study by the Steven Nissen, MD, is mentioned. By Jeanne Whalen and Alicia Mundy. Wall Street Journal *, 6/11.
Risk Factors Up Odds of Plaque Progression Despite Low LDL. Several independent risk factors, including baseline percent atheroma volume (PAV) and the presence of diabetes, are associated with the likelihood of continued progression of disease in individuals who have achieved very low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), according to Cleveland Clinic research published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. HealthDay*, 6/8.
Robby Benson recovering from heart surgery. Actor, writer, director Robby Benson has recovered from open heart surgery that he underwent for a congenital heart defect at Cleveland Clinic in late May. Reported by Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith, Hollywoodnews.com*, 6/8.
May 2010
Potential New Source of Stem Cells for Heart Repair. Stem cells from the amniotic sac that surrounds a fetus may someday be used to repair damage caused by a heart attack, Japanese researchers report. Marc S. Penn, MD, director of the Cleveland Clinics Skirball Laboratory for Cardiovascular Cellular Therapy, comments. By Ed Edelson (HealthDay Reporter), U.S. News & World Report *, 5/28.
Small increase in plaque buildup leads to poor outcomes for heart patients. Even a small increase in the plaque that can build up on artery walls in the heart leads to more heart attacks, bypass surgery, angioplasty and deaths, according to a study published Tuesday by Cleveland Clinic researchers. By Brie Zeltner, Plain Dealer *, 5/25.
Jim Tressel’s wife recovering from heart surgery. Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel said his wife is resting comfortably at home after having heart surgery at number one heart hospital, Cleveland Clinic, 5/24.
Cleveland Teen Overcomes Odds with Successful Heart Transplant. Brandon Ledford, a 17-year-old heart transplant patient, is featured, and Robert Stewart, MD, of Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital comments. Fox 8, Watch the Story *, 5/20.
Wacky Food Health Claims. Snacks tout all sorts of ways they will make you healthier. Too bad many of the claims aren't true. Steve Nissen, MD, comments. By Matthew Herper, Forbes.com *, 5/19.
HRS: Programming in Clinic Cuts ICD Shocks "Nearly every aspect of the parameters set for the device was significantly linked to the likelihood of receiving a shock," Bruce L. Wilkoff, MD, and colleagues reported here at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting. By Crystal Phend, MedPage Today *, 5/14.
With exercise, what's good for the body is also good for the mind (video) In today's video Health Tip, Michael McKee, MD, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, discusses how what's good for the body also is good for the mind because the mind and the body are intertwined. Cleveland.com *, 5/10.
Mom full of Hope over 'little miracle' Hope Wodzisz was born with a life-threatening defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome that would require three major surgeries to correct. Despite the odds, her parents opted for the surgeries that were eventually done at Cleveland Clinic. Constantine Mavroudis, MD, chairman of pediatric and congenital heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, comments. By Cheryl Powell, Akron Beacon Journal*, 5/9.
Aggressive Lipid, Hypertension Targeting Yields No Benefit for Some Patients With Diabetes. New research suggests that aggressively treating lipid levels and hypertension in certain patients with diabetes with the aim of preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality does no better in this regard than standard care - and may even be harmful. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Mike Mitka, JAMA. 2010;303(17):1681-1683 *, 5/5.
Death rates from heart disease in the United States have fallen 66 percent over the last 60 years — a remarkable drop that happened so gradually, many of us aren’t even aware. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Karen Weintraub, Boston Globe *, 5/3.
April 2010
Study: CT scans to detect heart disease? A new study looks at whether calcium CT scans are helpful in detecting risk of coronary artery disease. Marc Gillinov, MD, comments. By Jay Adlersberg, MD. WABC-TV *, 4/27.
Nearly half of adults in the United States have chronic conditions that could lead to heart disease, the leading cause of death among American adults, according to a CDC report released Monday. Steven Nissen, MD, comments in ABC News and David Frid, MD, comments in WEWS. Read the ABC News Story * By Lara Salahi and Sadie Bass, Watch the WEWS-TV 5 Story *, 4/26.
Improvements in survival following heart transplant not consistent across all causes of death. Although overall mortality following heart transplantation has steadily decreased during the past 20 years, the improvements have not been the same for all major causes of mortality, results from an analysis suggested. David O. Taylor, MD, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, is quoted. By Sharon Hunt, MD, Cardiology Today *, 4/26.
Genetic Test Can Help with Heart Transplants. A genetic test can help some heart-transplant patients avoid frequent biopsies, researchers reported Thursday. Randall Starling, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic and a co-author of the study, said the findings suggest that whether a gene test is used or not, doctors perform too many biopsies in monitoring low-risk patients for rejection. By Ron Winslow, The Wall Street Journal *, 4/23.
It takes more than breakfast to lower cholesterol. Leslie Cho, MD, director of the Cleveland Clinic's Women's Cardiovascular Center, comments. By Elena Conis, Chicago Tribune *, 4/21.
Heart Donor Gives Valley Man Gift of Life. A Cleveland Clinic heart transplant patient tells his story. WYTV *, 4/21.
FDA Weighs Halting Avandia Safety Study. The Food and Drug Administration is weighing whether to halt a safety study involving thousands of patients taking GlaxoSmithKline PLC's Avandia diabetes drug, a decision that could also determine whether the drug stays on the U.S. market. A May 2007 study by cardiologist Steven Nissen is mentioned. By Alicia Mundy and Jennifer Corbett, Wall Street Journal *, 4/19.
Monica Roberts interviews a patient on his way to fighting fat. A story on the go!FIT program mentions Gordon Blackburn, MD, and dietician Julia Zumpano from Preventive Cardiology. WKYC.com, Watch the Story *, 4/13.
Focus on High Fiber Foods and Good Carbs. New research shows that women who eat food with a high glycemic index may be at greater risk for heart disease. Betul Hatipoglu, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic comments. WEWS-TV 5, Watch the Story *, 4/12.
Disadvantaged Have Worse Cardiac Surgery Outcomes. Socioeconomic status, and not race, appears to be a main driver of differences in survival after cardiac surgery, Colleen Koch, MD, MBA, and colleagues reported online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. By Todd Neale, Staff MedPageToday.com *, 4/6.
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Gender and Cardiovascular Disease. David Frid, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic shared information on the differences between heart disease in men and women. Los Angeles Times*. By Kendall Powell, 4/5.
It takes more than breakfast to lower cholesterol. Research shows that more dietary changes are needed for significant benefits. Leslie Cho, MD, director of the Women's Cardiovascular Center comments on components of a healthy breakfast. By Elena Conis, Los Angeles Times *, 4/5.
When chest pains mean you have a week to live. A family turns to ABCNews.com during travel emergency nightmare. Sudish Murthy, MD, a staff surgeon in the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, comments. By Lauren Cox, ABC News *, 4/2.
March 2010
Daily Chocolate May Keep the Heart Doctor Away. Eating as little as a quarter of an ounce of chocolate each day—an amount equal to about one small Easter egg—may lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, a new study has found. Julia Zumpano, a registered clinical dietitian in Preventive Cardiology, says the benefits come from flavonoids mainly found in dark chocolate. By Denise Mann, Happy News.com *, 3/31.
Robin Williams is seeing more clearly after surgery and rehab. Williams, 58, has recovered from the aortic valve replacement he underwent at the Cleveland Clinic last year. USA Today and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
F.D.A. Says Millions Got Unapproved Heart Pills. U.S. physicians wrote more than 4 million prescriptions for nitroglycerin tablets, but the majority of drugs sold had not been approved for sale. Harry Lever, MD, and Steven Nissen, MD, comment in this story. By Natasha Singer, New York Times *, 3/26.
Journals should set tougher standards, editors say. An editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that editors of medical journals should require independent statistical analyses of industry- sponsored clinical trials. Steven Nissen, MD, agreed in a commentary in the same issue. By Todd Neale, MedPage Today *, 3/26.
Cleveland Clinic Physician Named to National Organ Transplantation Board. Randall C. Starling, M.D., M.P.H, to Serve as Heart Transplant Representative on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Board of Directors. Cleveland Clinic, 3/19.
Lowe’s Home Improvement and Heart Surgery. The program allows Lowe’s employees and dependents enrolled in their self-insured medial plan to have heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic without any deductible or co-payments. By Jonathan Serrie, FoxNews.com *, 3/19.
Fit fiber in your diet. In today's Living Well video, Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian in Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation, explains that fiber not only lowers your risk for heart disease and helps control blood sugar levels; it can also help you eat less. Cleveland.com *, 3/18.
ACC: Radial Artery Matches Saphenous Vein for CABG. Coronary artery bypass grafts taken from the radial artery may provide short-term patency that is just as good as standard saphenous vein grafts, researchers found in a randomized trial. Joseph Sabik, MD, a panelist at the late-breaking clinical trials session, cautioned about surgical bias in the use of these grafts. By Crystal Phend, MedPage Today *, 3/18.
To cut diabetes heart risks, diet and exercise may beat drugs.
Those with diabetes need to remember the importance of lifestyle factors in controlling diabetes and decreasing risk of heart disease. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Deborah Kotz, U.S. News Health *, 3/15.
Fenofibrate (Tricor) lowers triglycerides and boosts good cholesterol, but no heart benefit seen in Type 2 diabetics. A study showed that the addition of Fenofibrate to statin therapy did not provide any added benefit to people with type 2 diabetes in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and death. Steven Nissen, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic comments, 3/14.
The Quest to Boost Good Cholesterol. Steve Nissen, MD, is again testing a new drug to attack plaque by raising HDL. Steven Nissen, MD, says he's "cautious but optimistic.” By Ellen Gibson, Business Week *, 3/11.
Metabolic Syndrome: Its Component Risk Factors and Progression of Coronary Artery Disease. A new intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) study has found that the metabolic syndrome is associated with accelerated plaque progression, but this is attributed to the individual component risk factors rather than the presence of the syndrome itself. Ozgur Bayturan, MD, and colleagues report their findings in the March 8 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Arch Intern Med *. 2010;170(5):478-484, 3/8.
Should lung transplantation be performed for patients on mechanical respiratory support? The US experience is published by thoracic surgeon David Mason, MD, and team. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg * 2010;139:765-773, 3/5.
Avoid weight gain when on-the-go. Registered dietician Julia Zumpano comments on clever ways to avoid packing on the pounds. By Camille Noe Pagan, Forbes.com*, 3/2.
Statins for prevention. Taking a cholesterol-lowering drug when cholesterol is normal. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Lindsay Lyon, USNews.com *, 3/1.
February 2010
Glaxo Gets Aggressive on Avandia. A massive document released late last week, the result of a two-year investigation into rosiglitazone (Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline) by the Committee on Finance of the U.S. Senate, once again highlights the health risks associated with the use of the drug but provides very few surprises or new information to those familiar with the controversial thiazolidinedione (TZD). Dr. Nissen’s study is mentioned. By Mike Huckman, CNBC *, 2/24.
Medicine and “luck” on multiple heart attack survivors’ side. A fifth heart attack, such as the one suffered this week by former Vice President Dick Cheney, is not rare because of advances in modern medicine, cardiologists say. Randall Starling, MD, MPH, vice chairman of the Tomsich Family Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, comments. By Madison Park, CNN *, 2/23.
A face-Off on the Safety of a Drug for Diabetes. Three years ago, Steven Nissen, MD, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, conducted a landmark study that suggested that the best-selling diabetes drug Avandia raised the risk of heart attacks. He met with executives of GlaxoSmithKline to discuss the drug. By Gardiner Harris, New York Times *, 2/22.
Additional stories discuss The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s of documents examining whether the type 2 diabetes drug Avandia raises users’ odds for heart attack and heart failure and should be removed from the market. Read the HealthDay Story *, Read the Reuters Story *, Read the NPR Story *, 2/22.
Research tied diabetes drug to heart disease. Confidential studies by Food and Drug Administration officials recommend that GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia, a diabetes medicine, get pulled from the market because it is linked to heart attacks. A 2007 study by Steven Nissen, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic is mentioned, and Dr. Nissen comments in broadcast interviews. The New York Times, HealthDay, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, CNN, CBS Evening News, ABC World News Tonight and The Plain Dealer, 2/19.
Lowe's will bring its workers to Cleveland Clinic for heart care. Lowe's has announced an alliance with the Cleveland Clinic to take the burden off their employees who need heart surgeries. Michael McMillan is the executive director of market and network services at the Cleveland Clinic and comments, 2/17.
Increased risk of diabetes observed among statin treated patients. New data from a large meta-analysis of major statin trials suggests the LDL-cholesterol-lowering drugs slightly increase the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Steven Nissen, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic comments. By Michael O’Riordan. Theheart.org *, 2/16. Free login required.
Former President Bill Clinton is recovering at his suburban home with his wife after leaving a Manhattan hospital where he underwent a heart procedure. Steven Nissen, MD, comments on the procedure. NBC Nightly News, Watch the Story *, 2/16.
Fact or myth: Coughing could save you during a heart attack. Steven Nissen, MD comments. Fox 8, Watch the story *, 2/14.
President Clinton Released from Hospital after Cardiac Procedure. Steven Nissen, MD, discusses President Cliniton’s cardiac disease, cardiac catheterization and stenting. Bloomberg.com Live on Five. Watch the Story on WEWS-TV 5 Live on Five, 2/14. Also reported 2/12 on Bloomberg.com *.
Heart Transplant Recipient Speaks About Organ Donation. Cleveland Clinic patient Ron Johnson speaks about his heart transplant. Watch on WSAZ-TV *, 2/15.
Fox 8 and Cleveland Clinic physicians and nurses phone bank for Heart Month. Cleveland Clinic physicians and nurses answer viewers’ questions about heart disease in a phone bank. Drs. Joseph Sabik, MD, Gordon Blackburn, MD, Leslie Cho, MD and Julia Zumpano RD are interviewed. Cleveland Clinic patient Linda Durica is also interviewed about her experience with heart disease. WJW-TV 8, 2/8.
Statin Therapy does not slow growth of AAA. The prescription of statin therapy does not slow the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), according to the results of new study. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Michael O'Riordan, theheart.org *, 2/4. Free login required.
Laser-assisted extraction of implanted heart device leads safer. Laser-assisted extraction of implanted heart device leads appears to have become safer and more successful in recent years, researchers said.
- Transvenous extraction of implanted-device leads using a laser catheter is nearly always completed successfully and poses little risk of death or other major complications. Bruce L. Wilkoff, MD, comments. theheart.org *, 2/5. Free login required.
- Oussama M. Wazni and colleagues gave a report on the study in the Feb. 9 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. By Crystal Phend, MedPage Today *, 2/3.
Numbers you should know to lessen heart risk. Doctors say knowing your blood pressure, body mass index and waistline numbers can help determine your risk for future heart problems. Cleveland Clinic heart expert Doctor Gordon Blackburn says cholesterol numbers are equally as important. OkarksFirst.com *, 2/5.
Questions About High Cholesterol. High cholesterol, the biggest heart risk factor, still mystifies top scientists. Here's what you need to know. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By Matthew Herper, Forbes.com*, 2/3. Also reported in CTV News *, 2/7.
Study supports early mitral valve repair in asymptomatic patients. The authors of a large study of mitral-valve repair in asymptomatic patients argue in favor of early surgery, when the chances of procedural success are highest, instead of waiting for heart-failure symptoms to appear. Lead author Marc Gillinov, MD, comments. theheart.org *, 2/1. Free login required.
January 2010
CDC: 1 in 5 Teens Has Cholesterol Problem. One in five teens in the U.S.—and more than 40% of obese teens—have abnormal cholesterol, whether it’s low HDL (good cholesterol); high LDL (bad cholesterol); or high levels of triglycerides, another type of blood fat, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Richard Lorber, MD, a pediatrician and cardiovascular medicine specialist, comments. By Sarah Klein, Health.com *, 1/21.
Coronary Events Not Uncommon on Cruise Ships. Passengers embarking on cruises who are at risk for cardiovascular events should have a pre-cruise medical evaluation and bring along a copy of their electrocardiogram if abnormal, according to a study. Gian M. Novaro, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston, and colleagues reviewed the disposition of 100 cardiology consultations for patients on cruise ships recorded in the institution's registry during 2004 to 2005. Modern Medicine *, 1/21.
Fish Oils May Slow Genetic Aging in Heart Patients. Steven Nissen, MD, cautions, "Since the study was observational and couldn't prove cause-and-effect, we don't really know whether ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in this 'benefit,'" More research is needed. By John McKenzie, ABC News *, 1/19.
Debate on Composite Endpoints. Composite endpoints ("where a study's main outcome is a combination of two or more different types of events") can obscure the real findings of clinical trials, two researchers charged in a JAMA commentary this week, but others who had led trials using such outcomes defended the practice. Steven Nissen, MD, comments. By John Gever, Senior Editor, MedPage Today *, 1/19.
Cholesterol Drug Lowers LDL-C Levels But Again Fails to Show Clinical Benefit. A small study of two cholesterol-modifying drugs presented at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions prompted comments and questions involving much larger issues, ranging from physician prescribing patterns to the role of clinical effectiveness in drug approvals. Steven Nissen, MD comments. By Mike Mitka. JAMA *, 1/20.
The Mind -Body Connection: The Link Between Depression and Heart Disease. Mark Penn, MD, cardiologist and the director of the Clinic's Heart brain Institute - a relatively recent clinical department, discusses research showing heart healthy patients who suffer from depression are more at risk for heart disease. By Gretchen Cuda, 90.3 WCPN *, 1/15.
Vascular Lab Breaks Record. In December 2009, the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute’s Non-Invasive Vascular Lab Services eclipsed the 30,000 study mark. Read More, 1/10.
Vascular surgeon named Cleveland Clinic's 'teacher of the year." Anthony Rizzo, MD, a Cleveland Clinic vascular surgeon at Hillcrest Hospital, was recently named “teacher of the year” for the Department of Vascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. By Lindsay Betz, Sun News *, 1/7.
Cleveland Clinic top hospital for bypass surgery. Cleveland Clinic recognized as a top hospital for coronary artery bypass surgery in the latest issue of Worth magazine *, 1/6.
Starting a New Year's Resolution. Michael McKee, MD, says losing weight and exercising takes accountability.By Maureen Kyle, WKYC.com *, 1/1.
The Taming of a Heart Attack. Steven Nissen, MD participates in an audio report. He describes the standard of care 25 years ago treating an acute MI. By Peggy Peck, MedPage Today *, 1/1.
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