DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.                                                  >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.                                                                                  Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

Welcome back to "Ditch the Labcoat," where today we debunked heart health myths with the remarkable Dr. Michael Ward. Did you know stress can literally break your heart? Dr. Ward broke down the realities of Takatsubo cardiomyopathy, stressed the importance of timely intervention in heart attacks, and shared his insights on the Mediterranean diet for cardiac wellness. Plus, we got a glimpse into the high-stakes world of interventional cardiology—straight from the operation room. Stay heart-smart and catch the full episode for a deep dive into the art and science of keeping your ticker ticking! Remember, a healthy heart is a healthy start. Don't miss it!

00:00:03 Understanding Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Broken Heart Syndrome with Dr. Michael Ward

Dr. Mark Bonta discusses Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, with Dr. Michael Ward. They explore how the condition is often triggered by emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, leading to acute heart failure.

00:01:03 Discussion on the Heart as a Muscle and Cardiac Conditions

Dr. Michael Ward discusses the heart as a muscle that pumps and the various cardiac conditions patients may face, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and heart rhythm problems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the basic function of the heart for better management of cardiac health.

00:02:26 Discussion with Dr. Michael Ward on Interventional Cardiology and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Dr. Michael Ward is an expert in interventional cardiology who helps people prevent and recover from heart-related issues. He also focuses on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition affecting the heart. With a background in both medicine and research, he is a valuable asset at Western University in London, Ontario.

00:03:50 Interview with Dr Michael Ward, Interventional Cardiologist

Dr. Michael Ward, an interventional cardiologist with both an MD and a PhD, discusses his background in cell-based gene therapy and his interest in cardiovascular medicine. He shares insights on heart health, the importance of vacations for mental health, and his balanced lifestyle.

00:07:18 Insight into the Fascinating Aspects of the Heart from an Interventional Cardiology Perspective

Dr Mark Bonta, an interventional cardiologist, shares his perspective on the intricate nature of the heart, highlighting how it responds to various stimuli and stressors. He emphasizes the role of the cardiovascular system in determining life and death outcomes and the potential for improving quality of life through cardiology interventions.

00:11:14 Discussion on Interventional Cardiology

Dr. Mark Bonta discusses their work in interventional cardiology, including responding to emergencies like heart attacks and performing procedures in the catheterization laboratory. They describe the challenges faced by patients with heart conditions and the range of cases they handle.

00:13:26 Understanding Cardiovascular System with Dr. Michael Ward

Dr. Michael Ward talks about atherosclerosis as the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart issues like angina and heart attacks. The discussion also touches on the difference between chronic accumulation of plaque and acute blockages causing heart attacks.

00:18:01 Understanding Acute Heart Attacks and Plaque Ruptures in Arteries

Acute heart attacks can occur when plaque ruptures inside an artery, leading to a clot that blocks the artery and causes the heart attack. Platelets play a crucial role in responding to the rupture and forming clots to heal the affected area.

00:19:44 Importance of Timely Intervention in Heart Attacks

During a conversation between Dr. Mark Bonta and Dr. Michael Ward Interventional Cardiology, they discussed the critical importance of timely intervention in heart attacks. Dr. Bonta mentioned that when a heart attack occurs, time is of the essence as the muscle of the heart is deprived of blood flow. Historically, patients were given aspirin and blood thinners but no interventional procedures were done immediately.

00:21:20 Advanced Cardiac Care Protocols in Canada

In Canada, there are advanced protocols in place for managing ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases, including direct ambulance transportation to hospitals with cath labs. Time is crucial in treating cardiac emergencies to minimize heart muscle damage.

00:23:51 Patient Experience in the Cath Lab: What to Expect

The patient experience in the cath lab involves inserting a needle with a wire into their arteries, either through the wrists or groin. Patients may not feel much during the procedure, but there might be some sensations of discomfort or awareness of the procedure taking place.

00:26:56 Understanding the Process of Opening Blocked Heart Vessels

In the conversation between Dr Mark Bonta and Dr Michael Ward Interventional Cardiology, they discuss the process of opening blocked heart vessels during angioplasty procedures. They talk about using topical lidocaine for anesthesia and how temporary discomfort may be felt when the blockage is being opened up. Dr Ward explains that a stent is not a rigid pipe but a meshwork that is placed in the living system of the coronary artery.

00:29:41 Understanding Interventional Cardiology and Stenting

Interventional cardiology involves using contrast dye and x-ray cameras to map arteries and identify blockages. Stents are used to provide support and prevent arteries from narrowing, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. The decision to place a stent is based on the degree of blockage and the impact on blood flow.

00:34:10 Discussion on Heart Health Interventions and Medical Management

The conversation between Dr. Mark Bonta and Dr. Michael Ward Interventional Cardiology delves into the topic of heart health interventions and the importance of medical management in cardiac care. They discuss the limitations of interventions like stents in treating moderate blockages and emphasize the significance of lifestyle changes and medications in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

00:38:32 Preventing Cardiovascular Disease Through Exercise and Medications

Dr. Mark ...