Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guests: Jae K. Oh, M.D., Tahir S. Kafil, M.D.  Diastolic heart failure is also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Although we don’t hear the term all that often, it actually represents a fairly large percentage of all cases of heart failure. Some studies suggest it represents the majority of heart failure cases. Older adults are most commonly affected with symptoms similar to those...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Balaji Tamarappoo, M.D., Ph.D.  With advances in oncology, patients are living longer than ever following a diagnosis of cancer. Newer treatments have dramatically improved survival. However, we’re also seeing an increasing number of cancer survivors who are at risk for cardiovascular complications; at times during treatment, and sometimes years later. Complications such...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Hema Narayanasamy, M.B.B.S.  Pericardial disease represents a spectrum of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders which involve the pericardium, with acute pericarditis being the most common disorder. Although not often seen in a primary care practice, we still need to consider pericarditis as it can masquerade several other more commonly seen conditions. It’s important to recognize...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D.  We have a variety of pharmacologic options and lifestyle changes we recommend to our patients to reduce their cardiovascular risks. One frequent recommendation is participation in a regular exercise program. One specific type of exercise is high intensity interval training. It’s been shown to improve a variety of...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: George Wang, M.D.  Bicuspid aortic valve is a relatively common congenital heart disease. It can be associated with other genetic disorders such as Turner’s Syndrome or exist as an isolated entity. In most cases, patients with a bicuspid aortic valve are initially asymptomatic; however later in the course, they may develop symptoms related to...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Julie Rosenthal, M.D.  Cardiac amyloidosis is not a common condition, but it is important for primary care clinicians to recognize it in our patients. It’s commonly underdiagnosed as the symptoms are often assumed to be due to other, more common cardiac problems. Early recognition is important since this can result in improved treatment...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Matthew B. Anastasi, M.D. Patients with concussions are commonly seen in primary care practices and concussions don’t spare any particular age group. Children, young adult athletes and older individuals are all at increased risk. They’re a form of traumatic brain injury and while most are self-limiting, they require an...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D.  One of the biggest surprises we’ve seen in medicine in the past several years has been the numerous health benefits realized from the GLP-1 agonists. Originally developed for the management of diabetes, they’ve shown significant potential to improve cardiovascular risks, beyond controlling blood glucose and lowering hemoglobin A1c. Several studies have shown reductions in cardiovascular...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guests: Tamim I. Rajjo, M.D., M.P.H.; Meera Shah, M.B., Ch.B.  The class of medications known as the GLP-1 agonists is very popular with our patients. Although initially indicated for management of diabetes, they’re frequently taken for the weight loss they commonly produce. How long should these medications be taken? Is there anything we can do to help maintain the weight loss achieved...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Tamim Rajjo, M.D., M.P.H.  Using GLP-1 medication for weight loss has become very popular with our patients. In the recent past, this has produced a shortage of these medications available, and those taking them for management of diabetes have found them difficult to obtain. Although in most cases, they are quite successful in producing substantial weight...