The term cardiomegaly usually refers to an enlarged heart as seen on imaging tests, usually the chest X-ray. The heart is composed of four chambers, and an enlargement of any of the chambers can result in cardiomegaly. A patient with an irregular heartbeat, such as atrial fibrillation, can have a severe enlargement of the heart's…
Dementia and Exercise: Prevention Through Exertion
How can exercise aid in the prevention of dementia? Dr. Alain Bouchard is joined by Dr. Louis Bherer, an expert in the neuropsychology of aging, in a lively discussion of what people can do to potentially aid in the retainment of cognitive function as they age. Find out more about Dr. Bherer's work at Centre…
Disparities in Healthcare
In this episode of the MyHeart.net podcast, Dr. Alain Bouchard discusses disparities in healthcare with Randy Granata, RN-BC, DNP, who is Vice President of Population Health at Ascension. Subscribe to the MyHeart.net Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Please comment below if you would like us to include a transcript of this episode!
COVID-19 and the Heart
Previously recorded May 10, 2020. Please note that due to the ever-changing nature of information surrounding COVID-19, some statements in this podcast episode may be outdated. Dr. Alain Bouchard, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, and Dr. David Fieno discuss the effect of COVID-19 on the heart as well as current studies into therapies to combat coronavirus. Subscribe…
What to Expect: Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear Stress Test: What is it? A nuclear stress test is a minimally invasive diagnostic imaging procedure designed to evaluate the perfusion of blood through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle. Images of the heart are acquired when the heart is in a baseline resting state and again after the heart has been exercised,…
Stroke: What You Need to Know
What is a Stroke? A stroke is a medical emergency. It is similar to a heart attack for the brain. It occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is interrupted, resulting in oxygen starvation to the brain cells which can no longer perform their task whether it is memory, vision, or muscle control.…
My Watch Told Me to Go to the Hospital
The role technology plays in our lives is rapidly evolving. The rise of wearable technology from fitness trackers to the Apple watch has been made possible by the technology getting smaller and faster. Technology is becoming part of us. As these technologies are being developed and tested, there is a need for guidelines to address…
Cardiac MRI Scans in Patients with Pacemaker Defibrillators
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a completely noninvasive test that uses a magnetic field and radio frequency waves to create detailed pictures of the heart and blood vessels. It depicts the heart wall and valves structure and displays its function. It provides information on the regional and global heart function, valves and their function…
Women and Stress Cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo
Points to Remember:- Stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo was initially regarded as benign but can be associated with severe clinical complications including death.- Most common symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath similar to a heart attack.- 5 - 6% of female present with suspected STEMI.- Women are frequently affected by emotional stress such as…
Gene Therapy for Heart Failure
The use of gene therapy for heart failure is currently being investigated. Heart failure is a major public concern which affects an estimated 1% of the Western world, including over 5 million Americans with over half a million new cases each year. The current medical treatment of heart failure includes proven beneficial medicine such as…
