News

2022 News

April 2022

ABCNews.com and CNN.com – Updated guidelines do not recommend daily aspirin for heart health for most adults. Dr. Steven Nissen comments.
Read the ABCNews.com Story
Read the CNN.com Story
U.S. News & World Report – New research says calcium supplements might significantly increase an aging person's risk of heart valve problems that contribute to heart failure. Dr. Samir Kapadia comments. Read the Story
WKYC-TV 3 – One of the symptoms of long haul COVID which has been prevalent in young women has been POTS. Drs. Tamanna Singh and Robert Wilson review what it is and how it can be treated. Watch the Story
WJW-TV 8 – Recent study finds link between alcohol consumption and heart health. Dr. Marc Gillinov explains. Watch the Story
TCTMD – Several who attended ACC 2022 were called to help with in-flight emergencies when they left the conference including Dr. Heba Wassif. Read the Story
KABC (Los Angeles, CA) – Dr. Tamanna Singh reviews the effects that COVID-19 has had on cardiovascular health. Watch the Story
CNET – Dr. Grant Reed explains the importance of calling 911 if experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Read the Story
WJW-TV 8 – A new study found that drinking any amount of alcohol can lead to heart disease. Dr. Stanley Hazen comments. Watch the Story
The Washington Post – Dr. Leslie Cho explains how gender impacts atrial fibrillation. Read the Story
Eat This Not That! – Drs. Lee Kirksey, Michael Tran and Ali Aminian review the five signs of a blood clot. Read the Story
EverydayHealth.com – Experimental gene therapy may help fight inherited high cholesterol. Dr. Steven Nissen discusses the research. Read the Story
Everyday Health – Study finds consistent exercise linked to more heart health benefits for people who suffer from anxiety and stress. Dr. Michael Emery comments. Read the Story
KTVX-TV (Salt Lake City, UT) – A medication used in a clinical trial is showing some promising results for people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dr. Milind Desai comments. Watch the Story
HCP Live – Dr. Steven Nissen is interviewed at the American College of Cardiology 2022 conference where he presented his findings of the phase 1 APOLLO trial. Watch the Story

January 2022

CNN – Can weight loss help protect against COVID-19? Dr Stephen Nissen’s recent study is cited and he is quoted. Read the Story
WKYC (TV-3) – Dr. Luke Laffin offers tips on how to safely shovel snow. Watch the Story
WJW-TV 8 – Dr. Patrick Collier talks about the field of cardio-oncology. Watch the Story
Washington Post – What is lipoprotein(a)? Dr. Leslie Cho is among a group of physicians trying to spread awareness of this ‘bad’ cholesterol.
WJW (TV-8) – What can you do to improve your health in 2022? Julia Zumpano, RD gives several tips to make the new year healthier. Watch the Story
USA Today – At what age should you stop shoveling snow due to heart concerns? Dr. Luke Laffin is part of a panel which answers this question. Read the Story
TCTMD – Healthcare systems are gearing up for the commercial availability of inclisiran, a therapy given just twice a year in the doctor’s office to lower LDL-cholesterol levels. Dr. Leslie Cho comments. Read the Story
WJW (TV-8) – Julia Zumpano, RD joins Dr. Marc Gillinov to discuss how to detox from sugar. Watch the Story
WMBC (New York, NY) – A new report states that drinking alcohol has no positive effect on heart health. Dr. Steven Nissen weighs in. Watch the Story

2021 News

December 2021

WKYC - Cleveland Clinic performs world's first implant of leadless pacemaker defibrillator system. Watch the story
WKYC TV-3 – A local man runs the Boston Marathon only 5 months after his heart surgery with his family and cardiologist Dr. Tamanna Singh waiting for him at the finish line. Watch the Story
ESPN.com – Meet one courageous athlete who is set to compete in this year’s NCAA women’s division 1 volleyball championship less than two years after life-saving heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Hani Najm, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, comments. Read the Story
ESPN – University of Texas volleyball star Asjia O’Neal shares the story of her comeback from open heart surgery. Dr. Hani Najm is quoted. Read the Story
WKSU.org – Cleveland Clinic implants the first wireless pacemaker defibrillator system. Dr. Daniel Cantillon comments. Read the Story
WELL+GOOD – Experts share tips for keeping your heart healthy. Dr. Tamanna Singh comments. Read the Story
KPRC (Houston, TX) – The ongoing pandemic has caused a spike in blood pressure across the board. Dr. Luke Laffin reviews the results of this recent study. Watch the Story
Cleveland.com – A new study from the Cleveland Clinic shows that blood pressure went up during the pandemic especially among women. Dr. Luke Laffin comments. Read the Story
TODAY – Just in time for Christmas comes the story of an infant who had in-utero surgery to remove a tumor which was compressing his heart. Drs. Darrell Cass and Hani Najm share Rylan’s heartwarming journey. Watch the Story
WJW (TV-8), Medpage Today and Newsweek – New research shows a 60% decreased risk of severe COVID outcomes in patients who had bariatric surgery. Caregiver Elizabeth Zehe shares her story while Dr. Ali Aminian explains the study’s methodology. Dr. Stephen Nissen is also quoted. Read the Story

November 2021

WYZZ (Peoria, IL) – A Michigan cardiologist was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic for a double lung transplant after a difficult battle with COVID-19. Dr. James Yun details his medical journey. Watch the Story
Cardiovascular Business – Dr. Amar Krishnaswamy discusses the past, present and future of drug eluting stents. Read the Story
WebMD – Dr. Leslie Cho talks about coronary artery disease. Read the Story
Cleveland.com - In an op-ed for diabetes awareness month Dr. Lee Kirksey warns of the epidemic of diabetic limb amputations among poorer communities. Read the Story
Cardiology Today – Recently released research concludes that women present later, receive less aggressive care and experience a lower quality of life after cardiac surgery. Dr. Leslie Cho comments on what can be done to correct these disparities. Read the Story

October 2021

FOX8 – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is changing its recommendation on taking aspirin to prevent heart disease and stroke. Dr. Steven Nissen states that this decision has been a long time coming. Watch the Story
NPR – Dr. Steven Nissen joins Hear and Now to discuss the recent changes that the US Preventive Services Task Force released this week regarding the cardiac benefits of low dose aspirin. Listen to the Story
WJW (FOX8) – Dr. Marc Gillinov discusses recently revised guidelines around taking low dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Watch the Story
WKYC.com – A bystander saved the life of a local man when he went into cardiac arrest at the gym. Dr. Amar Krishnaswamy is quoted on the importance of learning CPR. Watch the Story
Parade.com – How much exercise do you need to live a longer life? Dr. Tamanna Singh comments on the results of new studies which examine this question. Read the story.

August 2021

WebMD – Experts discuss risky myths about heart health. Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann comments. Read the Story
Everyday Health – New research finds drinking eight glasses a water a day throughout your life could reduce the risk of heart failure 25 years later. Dr. Maria Mountis comments. Read the Story
The Washington Post – Dr. Daniel Cantillon explains what your heart rate can signal. Read the Story
Cardiovascular Business – Dr. Tamanna Singh shares heart-healthy diet and exercise recommendations. Read the Story
Medpage Today – Recent studies have demonstrated a lower recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with cryoballoon ablation compared with patients treated with drug therapy. Dr. Oussama Wazni comments. Read the Story
WEWS-TV 5 – Dr. Oussama Wazni talks about results of his recent research examining the use of cryoballoon ablation to treat AFib. Watch the Story
Medscape – New study suggests delirium is more common in patients undergoing surgical rather than transcatheter aortic valve replacement (SAVR, TAVR) but predicted worse in-hospital outcomes after both procedures. Dr. Amar Krishnaswamy discusses the findings. Read the Story
TCTMD – Patients in cardiogenic shock with significant mitral regurgitation (MR) appear to fare well in the short term when treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. Dr. Medhat Farwati comments. [See paper by Dr. Kapadia and team at https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jcin.2021.04.052 ]. Read the Story
Medical Xpress – Dr. Umesh Khot discusses his study that examined the outcomes of patients who suffered a second heart attack. Read the Story
WJW-CLE (Cleveland, OH); WDTN (Dayton, OH) – First patient in the world to undergo a stopped-heart operation at Cleveland Clinic shares his story. Dr. Lars Svensson comments. Watch the Story
Medscape – Dr. Steven Nissen comments on results of recent study linking statins to lower COVID-19 mortality. Read the Story

July 2021

U.S. News & World Report – Julia Zumpano, RD, talks about the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities. Read the Story
Medscape – The relative risk of death or myocardial infarction went down with statin therapy in a cohort study of patients with either nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) or no CAD at computed tomographic angiography. Dr. Steven Nissen comments. Read the Story
Consumer Reports – It’s important to have an erratic heart rhythm checked out by a doctor. Dr. Daniel Cantillon comments. Read the Story
WELL + GOOD – Dr. Tamanna Singh explains the best foods to eat before working out. Read the Story
Medpage Today – An FDA advisory committee rejected an oral anemia drug for dialysis and non-dialysis patient populations. Dr. Leslie Cho comments. Read the Story
WebMD – Experts discuss risky myths about heart health. Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann comments. Read the Story
HCP Live – Dr. Dennis Bruemmer discusses new agents and perspectives on care in treating patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of CV, renal complications. Watch the Story

June 2021

WJW-TV 8 – Dr. Marc Gillinov shares important information about COVID-19 and other health concerns. Watch the Story
WOIO-TV 19 – Father of three is thankful to celebrate this Father’s Day after receiving life-saving heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Daniel Burns comments. Watch the Story
The News-Herald, Medical Xpress, News-Medical and several other media outlets – New findings from Cleveland Clinic researchers show for the first time that the gut microbiome impacts stroke severity and functional impairment following stroke. Read the Story
WKYC-TV 3 – Former Cleveland State volleyball player shares about the long-haul symptoms she experienced post-COVID. Dr. Tamanna Singh comments. Watch the Story
Everyday Health – Study finds statins do not improve COVID-19 outcomes. Dr. Michael Tran comments. Read the Story

May 2021

NBCNews.com and TODAY.com – Doctors offered reassurance Tuesday following several dozen reports of mostly mild heart problems after COVID-19 vaccinations, but suggested recipients and their families pay close attention to possible symptoms. Dr. Steven Nissen comments. Read the Story
Eat This, Not That! – Registered dietitian Kate Patton talks about one major side effect eating sugar has on your heart. Read the Story

April 2021

HealthDay – Dr. Tamanna Singh comments on study results showing how red or processed meat affects heart health. Read the Story
Cardiology Today – Recent Cleveland Clinic study found a vegetarian diet was associated with reduced risk for ischemic heart disease mortality compared with a nonvegetarian diet but had no effect on all-cause and cerebrovascular mortality. Dr. Ankur Kalra discusses his research. Read the Story

March 2021

Consumer Reports – Dr. Bo Xu comments on the health benefits of eating chili pepper. Read the Story
Fox8 - Cleveland Clinic honored with surgery award from American Heart Association. Dr. Gillinov accepts award. Read the Story

February 2021

WJW-TV 8 – Dr. Serge Harb explains how the technology of 3D printing helps surgeons and patients prepare for heart surgery on Dr. Marc. Watch the Story
Cleveland.com – Cleveland Clinic study finds vitamin C and zinc supplements don't help COVID-19 patients recover from their illness. Read the Story
WELL+GOOD and MSN.com – Julia Zumpano, RD, shares the important questions she asks patients during their first visit. Read the Story
WKYC-TV 3 – Dr. Lee Kirksey talks about the history of medical mistrust within minority communities. Watch the Story
WKYC: Power of Healing – Combating COVID-19 vaccine mistrust within the Black and Latinx communities 2/9/2020 Leon Bibb. Dr. Lee Kirksey is featured. Read the Story
LIVESTRONG.com – What happens to your body when you have a heart attack? Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann explains. 2/2/2021 Read the Story
WKYC – Cleveland Clinic’s annual heart survey finds concerning trends around heart health and COVID-19. Patient shares about the heart attack he suffered during the pandemic after avoiding seeking treatment. Dr. Heba Wassif comments. 2/2/2021 Read the Story
The Huffington Post – Experts share habits that can drastically improve your heart health. Dr. Dennis Bruemmer comments. 2/1/2021 Read the Story
Prevention.com – Dr. Christine Jellis explains what you need to know about heart attack symptoms, causes, recovery, and prevention. 2/1/2021 Read the Story
Prevention – Dr. Deirdre Mattina explains important things everyone should know about cholesterol. Read the Story

January 2021

Health.com – What is a healthy heart rate? Dr. Daniel Cantillon weighs in. 1/27/2021 Read the Story
.CTSNet – Dr. Lars G. Svensson shares about his career in cardiac surgery. 1/14/2021 Watch the Story
HealthDay and U.S. News & World Report – Researchers report that the risk of dying from heart disease increased during the coronavirus lockdowns. Dr. Samir Kapadia comments on the findings. 1/12 Read the Story
Chicago Tribune – According to a study published Dec. 16 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Black women have the highest risk of pregnancy-related heart problems. Dr. Samir Kapadia comments. 1/7/2021 Read the Story

News Archives

2020 News

September 2020

Medscape – Low-dose aspirin may be considered for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with autoimmune systemic rheumatic diseases who are at particularly high risk because of their individual cardiovascular risk profile. Dr. M. Elaine Husni comments. Read the Story
Healio Rheumatology – Cardiovascular events cause significant morbidity and mortality among patients with rheumatologic diseases. Dr. M. Elaine Husni comments. Read the Story
TCTMD – Brent Whitaker, MS, MSN, RN, shares about his experience traveling to NYC to help COVID-19 patients. Read the Story
The Washington Post – Many health experts worry coronavirus could cause lasting heart complications for athletes. Dr. Michael Emery comments. Read the Story
U.S. News & World Report – New study finds physically fit patients with the irregular heartbeat atrial fibrillation are most likely to benefit from ablation. Dr. Wael Jaber comments. Read the Story

July 2020

U.S. News & World Report – According to a new study, follow-up visits for heart failure patients leaving the hospital can be done just as safely via telehealth as they can in person. Dr. W.H. Wilson Tang comments. Read the Story
WJW-TV 8 – Dr. Marc Gillinov talks about how the coronavirus pandemic impacts the heart.https://fox8.com/morning-show/dr-marc-breaks-down-new-study-that-links-covid-19-with-long-lasting-heart-issues/
Cases of broken heart syndrome have ticked upward since pandemic began, study finds https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cases-broken-heart-syndrome-have-ticked-upwards-pandemic-began-study-n1233347
Health.com – Study finds broken heart syndrome has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drs. Ankur Kalra and Grant Reed discuss the findings. Read the Story
USA Today – New evidence suggests the coronavirus has lasting impacts on the heart. Dr. Paul Cremer comments. Read the Story
Health.com and WJW-TV 8 – Dr. Daniel Cantillon comments on new research linking COVID-19 and myocarditis.Read the Story Watch the Story
Healio.com and WJW-TV 8 – Cleveland Clinic has been ranked as the No. 1 U.S. hospital for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, according to its 2020-2021 Best Hospitals rankings. Dr. Lars Svensson comments.Read the Story Watch the Story
Healio.com – Dr. Daniel Cantillon shares his perspective on the results of a recent clinical trial. Read the Story
Cardiology Today – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for rapid adoption of telehealth to remotely manage and monitor patients with arrhythmias. Dr. Niraj Varma comments. Read the Story

June 2020

NBCNews.com and numerous other media outlets – Dr. Steven Nissen comments on remdesivir. Read the Story
TCTMD – Despite advancements, risk of stroke lingers after TAVR and continues to feed the debate about the need for protection. Dr. Samir Kapadia comments. Read the Story
U.S. News & World Report – Kate Patton, RD, shares heart-healthy foods. Read the Story
Healthline – The emotional, psychological, and financial toll taken by COVID-19 can make it hard for people to dedicate time to make healthy lifestyle shifts. Dr. Luke Laffin comments. Read the Story

May 2020

The New York Times, Cleveland.com and several other media outlets – Dr. Steven Nissen cautions against the use of hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Read the Story

FDA Approves Drug for Heart Failure. - WebMD – The FDA has approved the use of drug dapagliflozin to reduce the risk of a hospital stay or death in people who have a type of heart failure. Dr. Wilson Tang comments. 5/06/2020
We’ve been left to calculate our virus risk on our own. We’re terrible at it. The Washington Post – Dr. Steven Nissen comments on the importance of seeking medical attention for heart emergencies. 5/07/2020
Taking daily aspirin to prevent blood clots in case you get coronavirus is a dangerous idea, doctors say. Cleveland.com Dr. Steven Nissen comments. 5/08/2020

April 2020

Alarming drop-off in Cleveland cardiac visits during coronavirus is of urgent concern: Mehdi H. Shishehbor, Samir Kapadia and Sanjay Gandhi. Cleveland.com – Dr. Samir Kapadia explains. 4/17/2020
SCAD Readmissions Common After Acute MI, Especially in Young Women. TCTMD – After hospitalization for acute MI, patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) have higher rates of rehospitalization within 30 days than those without SCAD. Dr. Samir Kapadia comments. 4/20/2020
The world wants answers on Gilead’s Covid-19 drug. Experts worry next studies may increase uncertainty. STAT News – Dr. Steven Nissen comments on clinical trial results for remdesivir to treat COVID-19. 4/27/2020

March 2020

Why older and chronically ill Americans are at greatest risk from coronavirus. The Washington Post – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new coronavirus guidelines saying those suffering from serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, are at greater risk. Dr. Steven Nissen comments. 03/10/20
Improving lifestyle habits may be useful additions to management of atrial fibrillation. News-Medical – Improving lifestyle habits may be useful additions to the management of atrial fibrillation. Dr. Mina Chung explains. 03/09/20

February 2020

Anatomy of a Heart Attack Health Central – Experts explain what happens to the body during a heart attack. Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann comments. 02/28/20
Long-term Changes in Gut Metabolite Predict CHD Risk Medscape – Dr. W.H. Wilson Tang comments on the results of a recent TMAO study. 02/20/20
New treatments, increased awareness shine spotlight on cardiac amyloidosis Cardiology Today – New treatment options for cardiac amyloidosis have emerged recently and there is increasing awareness of this disease. Dr. Mazen Hanna comments.
What to Know About Healthy Blood Pressure Levels Consumer Reports – Experts discuss healthy blood pressure numbers. Dr. Luke Laffin comments. 02/17/20
Here’s Why Heart Attack Symptoms Can Be So Hard to Spot in Women SELF.com – Dr. Heba Wassif talks about the causes and symptoms of a heart attack. 02/14/20
Cleveland hospitals ‘get to the heart’ of new cardiac health innovations The Plain Dealer – Cleveland Clinic’s Central Monitoring Unit is highlighted. 02/20/20
Long-term Evolocumab Safe, Effective for Familial Hypercholesterolemia Treatment TCTMD – Dr. Steven Nissen comments on findings from a recent LDL cholesterol study. 02/12/20
10 Tips for Healthy Living With Heart Disease U.S. News & World Report – Experts share tips for healthy living with heart disease. Dr. Leslie Cho comments. 02/12/20.
At Issue: Early risk identification, addressing disparities key for women’s heart health Cardiology Today – What is the most important issue in women’s heart health today? Dr. Eileen Hsich shares her thoughts. 02/07/20
Cleveland Clinic Survey Finds Lack Of Understanding Of Heart Disease ideastream.org – A Cleveland Clinic survey finds that most Americans don’t know heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Dr. Leslie Cho comments. 02/03/20
Energy drinks: What are the health risks? FoxNews.com – Dr. Steven Nissen comments on the health risks of energy drinks. 02/03/20

January 2020

Coronary Artery Targets Matter in Bilateral ITA CABG TCTMD – Patient survival after CABG with bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafting is partially dependent on the proportion of myocardial mass supplied by the selected target vessels. Dr. Faisal Bakaeen discusses the findings. 01/23/20
Smartwatch band may help spot heart problems, but doctors still required Reuters – Study finds a smartwatch band with integrated electrodes to produce an electrocardiogram might be able to help detect atrial fibrillation, but not as well as a traditional ECG machine used in a hospital. Dr. Khaldoun Tarakji comments. 01/16/20

Health Essentials

To provide patients and physicians with the latest information about cardiovascular health, please visit the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Health Essentials blog, offering free and timely content related to heart, vascular and thoracic topics. The regularly updated blog will explore current topics related to research, Cleveland Clinic physician perspectives on breaking news stories and offer an outlet for Cleveland Clinic heart patients to share their story with readers.

"There's a strong demand for information about the heart and heart health from authoritative sources," says Maan Fares, MD, the medical director for the heart blog. "The Health Essentials blog is the source of breaking news from Cleveland Clinic's cardiovascular program. It provides commentary from our experts on current issues. And it features stories that will enrich and enlarge readers' knowledge and appreciation of the heart in all its complexity. We want readers to check in on the Health Essentials every day."

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