Love Your Heart: A Cleveland Clinic Podcast

The possibility of needing heart surgery can be overwhelming. Dr. Lars Svensson, Chairman of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, provides a brief overview of what to expect if you need heart surgery. Cleveland Clinic has an advanced cardiovascular surgery department that offers many resources to make this process easier. 

Having a mass in your chest can be a scary diagnosis.  Dr. Monisha Sudarshan provides an overview of what a mediastinal mass could be and what it means for your care.

In November 2023, the renal denervation procedure received FDA approval in the United States. This procedure works to lower blood pressure by cutting off the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries. Dr. Luke Laffin, co-director for the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders talks about this exciting new option for some patients looking to lower their blood pressure. 

Heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump as well as it should.  During pregnancy, the stress on the heart increases causing potential risks for both the pregnant person and baby. Dr. Karlee Hoffman, a heart failure specialist with an interested in cardio-obstetrics, talks about some concerns and considerations for managing the unique needs of patients with heart failure wishing to conceive.

March is National Nutrition Month. Julia Zumpano, RD, explains the role of a Registered Dietician and tips on eating for heart health. 

Patients have many questions about life before, during and after heart surgery. Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, answers common questions from our patients. 

The aortic valve connects your heart to your aorta. This valve can become stiff and not open correctly or become leaky. Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute gives an overview of treatment and management of these conditions. 

Did you know that cardiac diseases are the leading causes of death around the world? Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve health for those at risk. Cardiac Rehab Week is the second full week in February. Dr. Erik Van Iterson, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Section of Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic, provides an overview of the phases cardiac rehab.

February is American Heart Month. This year, Cleveland Clinic conducted a Heart Health Survey to look at how Americans are using technology to improve their heart health and how they feel about the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in heart care. Dr. Ashish Sarraju, a cardiologist in the department of preventive cardiology, summarizes the findings and highlights the importance that health technology should be used together with your doctor's advice. 

Though the United States is a leader in number of heart tranplatation surgeries completed each year, there are many more people with advanced heart failure who are unable to receive this treatment.  A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps the heart pump better and is a potential treatment option for people with heart failure. Drs. Michael Tong and Anthony Zaki discuss reasons for needing a LVAD, outcomes, and what to expect.