Love Your Heart: A Cleveland Clinic Podcast

Patients often ask why they need to be on an anticoagulant after ablation – or – if they can have a Watchman device at the same time as an ablation. Drs. Saliba and Wazni discuss the answers to these questions. The OPTION trial is looking at the safety and effectiveness of the Watchman device (left atrial appendage closure) vs. oral anticoagulant medications in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Steve Nissen talks about three trials presented at the 2020 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions: the STRENGTH trial, which looked at omega 3 fatty acid’s impact on cardiovascular events, the STOP AF trial that studied medication vs. ablation in treating patients with new onset atrial fibrillation; and the RHAPSODY trial, which looked at the drug rilonacept in the treatment of recurrent pericarditis. He also provides his take on a couple additional trials looking at statin intolerance and a polypill for heart disease.

This two part program answers questions sent in by participants about coronary artery disease. This session answers questions about treatments for coronary artery disease including when certain procedures should be done, what is the best type of procedure for different patients and what you should know post procedure for the best outcomes.

This two part program answers all your questions about Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Part 1 answers questions about what is coronary artery disease and microvessel disease; symptoms of CAD; how this disease is diagnosed (and what you should know about the different types of tests); and medical management of CAD including medications and risk factors for primary and secondary prevention

Having an aneurysm can be a scary diagnosis. Vascular surgeon Dr. Sean Lyden and vascular medicine specialist Dr. Scott Cameron answer many questions patients have about aortic aneurysm

Patients with pericarditis may be on various medications to prevent episodes from recurring. Dr. Allan Klein, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Pericardial Disease Center, provides the results of the RHAPSODY trial that looked at a new medication (Rilonacept) vs. placebo for patients with pericarditis. He talks about the exciting results of this study and what this may mean for patients in the future.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Cleveland Clinic specialists talk about symptoms of lung cancer, how lung cancer is detected, what diagnostic tests are used to stage lung cancer or determine best treatment, and what patients should know about treatment options. 15 percent of patients who have lung cancer never smoked – so it is important to know the symptoms and talk to your doctor. Early detection is important – as well as a team approach for best outcomes.

Clinical research is important to make progress in medicine. Dr. Nissen, Chief Academic Officer of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, describes what you should know about randomized clinic trials and how they are being conducted during the time of COVID. When your provider approaches you about clinical research, take a moment to listen. Ask questions about the benefits and risks of trial participation. Dr. Nissen talks about benefits you may not have thought of.

This two-part program answers all your questions about Atrial Fibrillation. Part 2 provides answers to questions about medications used to treat atrial fibrillation, efficacy related to stage of disease and what you should know about blood thinner medications and alternatives. In addition, the doctors discuss cardioversion, types of ablation, the hybrid convergent procedure and the WATCHMAN device.

This two part program answers all your questions about Atrial Fibrillation. Part 1 covers types and progression of afib; causes and risk factors; symptoms; and diagnostic tests, including personal monitors or devices. The doctors then discuss how these factors are taken into account when deciding on ablation and the use of blood thinners.