What Is a Transcatheter Mitral Valve In Ring (TMVIR) Procedure? A transcatheter mitral valve in ring procedure, also known as TMVIR, is when a transcatheter valve is placed in to an existing surgically implanted mitral ring to treat a failing mitral valve repair. The TMVIR procedure is used to treat either a leaky or tight…
What is a murmur?
As a pediatric cardiologist, I often get asked, “What is a murmur?” Simply put, a murmur is only a heart sound occurring between the “lub and dub” sounds of the heart. More importantly, a murmur is not a hole or a heart defect. The bigger question to me is if there is something abnormal…
HEART FUNCTION INCLUDING EJECTION FRACTION ( EF )
Heart function including ejection fraction (EF) is important in clinical practice because it is related to prognosis. Whether the patient suffers from valvular heart disease or ischemic heart disease, a measure of heart function including ejection fraction (EF) can predict future clinical outcome and assist in risk stratification. Several approaches to detect patients at…
Echocardiogram vs. EKG – Explained By A Cardiologist
Echocardiogram vs. EKG – What Are They? When considering echocardiogram vs. EKG its important to have a basic understanding of both tests. Both the echocardiogram and EKG are very important and are commonly used heart tests that are instrumental in diagnosing various forms of heart disease. The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that…
Sauna Benefits – Is It Good For Your Heart Health?
Sauna Benefits for Heart Health – Introduction Saunas have been used for centuries and are thought to have many health benefits. In some countries, particularly Scandinavian countries, saunas use is considered a way of life. When it comes to discussing sauna benefits, its important to realize there are different types of sauna. Steam saunas, dry…
What is the best coronary stent for our patients?
Whenever we start a clinical trial to test a new coronary stent we always ask ourself; “what is the best stent for our patients”? Coronary artery disease is a progressive pathological condition that results from atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. As atherosclerosis progresses from damage of the inner layer of the artery, fat or…
Heart Monitors – What every patient needs to know
My job as a cardiologist is to help make a diagnosis when symptoms arise. Once a diagnosis is made, patients can be offered therapy to help with symptoms. Patients experiencing any cardiac symptoms should consult a physician. One of the most common symptoms patients complain of is palpitations. Palpitations are any symptoms of extra hard…
Can heart attack damage be reversed?
One of the most frequent questions our patients ask after surviving a heart attack is: Can heart attack damage be reversed? Every year, over 700,000 Americans have a heart attack. Improvements in the treatment of myocardial infarction, especially with the reopening of the culprit artery with percutaneous coronary intervention, have led to a large number…
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Symptoms and Treatment
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? The aorta is the main blood vessel that leaves the heart and supplies the body with blood. The abdominal aorta is the aorta that starts below the chest and goes down to the hip area. Abdominal aortic aneurysm describes a disease process whereby the abdominal aorta dilates and becomes…
Diet And High Blood Pressure
Does diet play a role in high blood pressure? Are there certain foods that increase blood pressure or are there certain foods that can lower blood pressure or make it easier to control? In this article we will look at some of the studies that have looked at association between diet and blood pressure, and…
