A pacemaker is a device put inside the body to help support the electrical system of the heart. Sometimes, allergic reactions can happen because of a compound in the device. Drs. Tom Callahan and Bruce Wilkoff from electrophysiology talk to Dr. John Anthony, Dermatology and Dr. James Taylor, Clinical Professor of Dermatology about what to do if someone has an allergy but needs a lifesaving device.

A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) occurs when air gets inside the chest cavity (outside the lung) and creates pressure against the lung which can make it hard to breathe. Natalie Salvatore, RN speaks with Dr. Alejandro Bribriesco, thoracic surgeon, about how doctors care for patients with a collapsed lung.

For patients with heart valve disease who need a replacement, the choice between a bioprostetic (tissue) or mechanical valve can be challenging. Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, explains the good, the bad, and the ugly for each type of valve.

To celebrate Heart Month, Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey and found out about Americans' thoughts on heart healthy diets. People said they believe low fat (37 percent) and low carb diet (35 percent) to be heart healthy. Only 15 percent said the Mediterranean diet, which has the most evidence of benefits for heart health. Dr. Dennis Bruemmer and Julia Zumpano, RD discuss these different diets and how they affect your heart.

February is Heart Month! American diets are notoriously unhealthy for your heart, but why? Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey to find out the most common barriers to a heart healthy diet. Natalie Salvatore, RN and Julia Zumpano, RD talk about some of the responses about why eating healthy is so hard.

Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. Dr. Doug Joseph, one of the medical directors of the multi-disciplinary lymphedema clinic, provides an overview of lymphedema including diagnosis and treatment options.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or is not beating sufficiently to maintain adequate blood flow and life. This can happen to anyone. Dr. Michael Emery and Dr. Tamana Singh, Co-Directors of the Sports Cardiology Center, talk about what happens to an athlete who experiences sudden cardiac arrest and everything that happens after.

Ventricular arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart called the ventricles. Dr. Oussama Wazni talks with Dr. Pasquale Santangeli, the Director of the Ventricular Arrhythmia Center, about treatment and management for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

A common question our heart doctors get asked is "Can I do anything to prevent a leaky heart valve or anything to keep it from getting worse?" Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, explains that a leaky heart valve cannot be prevented and that routine monitoring is a great way to catch if it becomes worse.

The new year often brings resolutions to improve your health and wellbeing. Natalie Salvatore, RN, speaks with Dr. Dennis Bruemmer about adopting lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy in the new year.