Episode #45: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP):

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) has been misunderstood for decades — but the diagnosis has changed dramatically over the last 20 years.

In this episode of Living HeartSmart, board-certified cardiologists Dr. Carolyn Lacey and Dr. Matt Devane break down everything you need to know about mitral valve prolapse: what it actually is, how it's diagnosed today with echocardiogram imaging, the difference between MVP and mitral regurgitation, whether it gets worse over time, and whether you'll ever need heart surgery.

If you were diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse 10, 20, or even 30 years ago, this episode is for you — diagnostic criteria have tightened significantly since 2000, and what used to affect 10-15% of the population is now closer to 2%.

In this episode, we cover:

• What mitral valve prolapse is and how the mitral valve works

• How MVP diagnosis has evolved since before 2000 (from stethoscope exam to echocardiogram)

• The real difference between mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation

• Does MVP get worse over time? (the 90/10 breakdown)

• Will you need heart surgery for mitral valve prolapse or mitral regurgitation?

• Do you need antibiotics (SBE prophylaxis) before dental work if you have MVP?

• Why regular echocardiograms matter for long-term monitoring

Hosted by Dr. Carolyn Lacey and Dr. Matt Devane, board-certified cardiologists bringing you clear, reliable heart health education every episode.

#heart health, #coronary artery disease, #calcium score, #stress test

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Episode #44: Dad's Take Charge of Your Heart!

Discover 5 actionable challenges to keep dads heart-healthy this Father's Day. Learn why each is crucial and how to implement them effectively.

Father's Day is not just a day for celebration but also a reminder of the importance of health, especially for fathers. In this post, we’ll dive into five essential challenges designed to help dads maintain a healthier heart.

Each challenge presents a straightforward action that can lead to long-term benefits. By taking these steps, you’re not only enhancing your health but also ensuring you’re around for many more Father’s Days to come.

Taking on these five challenges this Father's Day can set you on a path toward better heart health.

Remember, it’s not just about living longer but living better. By investing in your health now, you ensure you’re around for your loved ones for many more years to come. So grab that blood pressure cuff, get moving with your family, and make your heart health a priority!

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

#heart health, #coronary artery disease, #calcium score, #stress test

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Episode #43: Feeling lonely? You're not alone.

Let's talk about the hidden dangers of loneliness for your heart. 💔

Tag someone who needs to hear this!

Loneliness is more than just an emotional experience; it has real health consequences.

We’re seeing a rise in loneliness, especially among seniors. Research shows it can be as harmful as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day!

If you know someone feeling isolated, reach out! A simple call or a walk can make a world of difference. ❤️

Let’s break the stigma around loneliness—it's time to care for our hearts and minds together.

#LonelinessAwareness #HeartHealth #LivingHeartSmart #MentalHealthMatters #Cardiology

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

#heart health, #coronary artery disease, #calcium score, #stress test

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Ep #42: Are Your Arteries Blocked? Find Out | Living Heart Smart

Coronary artery disease is a major killer in the US. Heart attacks are avoidable if you take the right steps.

Early detection is KEY and we have the tools you need to learn how your arteries are doing.

00:00 Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

01:28 The Importance of Early Diagnosis

01:52 Proactive Testing for Heart Health

02:27 Identifying High-Risk Individuals

03:28 Coronary Artery Calcium Test Explained

04:43 Understanding Coronary Artery Health

07:06 Identifying Symptoms of Blocked Arteries

09:47 Testing for Heart Health

13:49 Common Tests and Their Limitations

14:51 Proactive Heart Health Strategies

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

#heart health, #coronary artery disease, #calcium score, #stress test

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Ep# 41: Heart Failure Starting Kit: Living Heart Smart

Diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

What is heart failure? How do you deal with eat? Can you drink fluids, have salt???

Cardiologists Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey walk you through everything you need to know —

#CHF

#heartfailure

#ejectionfraction

#congestiveheartfailure

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Ep#40: Need a Heart Catheteriazation? Start Here | Living Heart Smart

Our 40th Episode!

Cardiologists Dr. DeVane and Dr. Lacey explore the heart catheterization (angiogram), including indications, outcomes, and risks.

How do you know if your arteries are blocked? Do you need an angioplasty or stent or bypass surgery?

CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding the Procedure of Heart Catheterization

01:55 Indications for Heart Catheterization

03:34 Emergency Situations and Heart Attacks

04:59 Introduction to Heart Catheterization

05:12 Understanding Angiograms, Angioplasties, and Stents

06:37 Interpreting Heart Catheterization Results

09:10 Potential Complications of Heart Catheterization

10:57 Conclusion and Patient Preparedness

RESOURCES

Living Heart Smart Podcast - https://example.com/living-heart-smart

American Heart Association - https://heart.org

Cardiology Procedures Explained - Mayo Clinic - https://mayoclinic.org

Coronary Angiogram - MedlinePlus - https://medlineplus.gov

Dr. Matt DeVane - Twitter - https://twitter.com/drmattdevane

#HeartCatheterization

#CoronaryAngiogram

#angioplasty

#stent

#CardiacProcedure

#HeartAttack

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Epi#39: Prevention WORKS. Latest Tips and Tricks | Living Heart Smart

Protecting your heart and preventing heart attacks may be easier than you think.

Just know your ABC's!

Cardiologists, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey give a nice brief summary of what you need to know.

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

#livingheartsmart #heartcondition #cardiology #heartcondition #heartdisease #preventivecardiology

Ep#38: How's Your Cholesterol? New Guide Alert | Living Heart Smart

Cardiologists use expert guidelines to help direct our treatments. The first cholesterol guidelines were just released in early March, 2026.

Dr. DeVane and Dr. Lacey summarize the key points you need to know to keep your heart healthy

Talk to you doctor about your cholesterol levels.

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Ep#37: Top Heart Questions: Cardiologist Answers | Living Heart Smart

What is the best diet I can eat?

What type and how much exercise do I need to do?

What are the cholesterol numbers I need to know?

If I have a family history of heart disease- am a I doomed???

What are the symptoms of a heart attack I need to know?

Now you have board-certified cardiologist answering these for you!

Thanks for watching--

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Ep #36: Save A Life Today: Act in an Emergency | Living Heart Smart

What would you do if someone collapsed right in front of you?

We break it down into three simple, lifesaving steps:

1️⃣ Call 911 — or assign someone specifically to do it. Don’t assume someone else has called.
2️⃣ Get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) — they are more common than you think.
3️⃣ Start hands-only CPR — immediately.

You’ll also learn:

• What an AED actually does and how simple it is to use

• The difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest

• Why you cannot “make it worse” by using an AED

• How Good Samaritan laws protect you

• What to expect while waiting for EMS (average arrival time is about 10 minutes)

If this episode builds your confidence, share it with someone you care about.
And don’t forget to subscribe to Living Heart Smart for more practical, evidence-based heart health guidance.

#CardiacArrest #CPR #AED #HeartHealth #SuddenCardiacArrest #BystanderCPR

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.