There are many factors that go into decision making when aortic valve surgery is needed in the young patient – both adults and children. Dr. Hani Najm, Dr. Gosta Pettersson, and Dr Eric Roselli discuss the Ross Procedure, patient selection with shared decision making, surgical techniques to prevent future failure, advantages and considerations, alternative options, the impact of TAVR on surgical choice, considerations when other valves are affected, and what happens if the ross procedure fails over time – how to get the best outcome with a reoperation.

Questions about use of cannabis in heart transplant patients (pre and post) are increasing due to its availability, legalization in some states, and media. What should patients know? Dr. Eileen Hsich, Medical Director of the Heart Transplant Program at Cleveland Clinic, Kathleen Faulkenberg PharmD, University of Kentucky, and Caroline Olt, MD, an internal medicine resident at Cleveland Clinic, co-authors of a recent paper on the topic discuss considerations such as the differences between types of cannabis, edibles vs. inhaled, frequency of usage, dependency, interactions with transplant medications, outcomes and current recommendations.

A calcium score screening heart test (also called coronary calcium scan) is a test that uses computerized tomography (CT) to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries of your heart. A higher coronary calcium score suggests you have a higher chance of significant narrowing in the coronary arteries and a higher risk of future heart attack. Cardiologist Dr. Milind Desai talks about the test and why your doctor may order one, who should and should not get this test, how the test results are used, other information you can find through calcium score testing, and how tests are ordered and results provided at Cleveland Clinic.

The American College of Cardiology completed their 2021 scientific sessions, where many research teams presented trial results. Dr. Steve Nissen, cardiologist and Chief Academic Officer, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, presents the summaries of three trials answering the following questions: Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS III): If you have atrial fibrillation and undergoing heart surgery – should you have your left atrial appendage (LAA) closed during surgery? ADAPTABLE (Aspirin Dosing: A Patient-Centric Trial Assessing Benefits and Long-Term Effectiveness): What is the best dose of aspirin to prevent future cardiac events? Secondary Analysis of STRENGTH Trial: Is fish oil beneficial to reduce cardiovascular risk?

Many patients have questions about diet and medications – and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Preventive Cardiology dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, and Dennis Bruemmer, MD, PhD, Director of the Center for Cardiometabolic Health, discuss modifiable risk factors – and how diet and lifestyle plays a big role. What diet has the greatest success in preventing heart disease? When are medications needed and why? They cover the types of diet, medications, and their approach to care of the patient (and family) and the importance of individualizing the patient’s treatment plan.

Wearable apps and home monitors have provided patients ease in monitoring their heart rhythm at home. Drs. Oussama Wazni and Khaldoun Tarajki discuss the differences in types of remote monitoring and the capabilities of various consumer wearable technologies. They talk about what doctors need when diagnosing an arrhythmia, how to choose a home monitor, and how do you use the data you get from these devices.

Dr. Rakesh Suri talks about the approach to mitral valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic – from mitral valve repair to surgical approach.

Vascular disease experts answer important questions about carotid artery disease:How is it diagnosed?What symptoms require emergency care?What can you do to treat it medically?How do you prevent further blockage?What degree of narrowing requires an intervention?What are the treatment options?What do you do if the carotid artery is completely blocked?

Pacemakers and defibrillators are both cardiac implantable electronic devices and used for different things – depending on the rhythm it is treating. Dr. Wilkoff, Director: Cardiac Pacing & Tachyarrhythmia Devices explains the different devices – and what’s new in pacing, such as leadless options.

This two part program answers all your questions about Aorta Disease and related disorders (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers Danlos, Loeys Dietz). Part 2 provides answers to questions about surgical treatments of aorta disease including when to operate, types of procedures and post-operative outcomes and concerns.