Go Red/American Heart Month story sheet
February 2008
For more information, contact Mike Ferrari at Mike.Ferrari@UHhospitals.org (216) 844-7239
New surgical technique developed for dissected aorta
A dissected aorta – a tear in the wall of the aorta – can mean death in minutes. Patients who come to the hospital with a dissected aorta have only close to a 10 percent chance of surviving. University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Alan Markowitz, MD, has pioneered and is teaching a revolutionary technique that aids in aortic dissection surgery.
The main hurdle in the operation is the need to interrupt blood flow to the entire body.
In most instances, profound hypothermia is induced to slow, or in some cases, stop blood flow. However, the hypothermia often results in trauma to the brain and organs because of inadequate blood flow.
Dr. Markowitz’s new technique reroutes the blood flow allowing blood to continue to the brain and organs while letting the surgeon repair the dissection. As a result of Dr. Markowitz’s innovation, patients have been able to recover from surgery at a much faster rate and suffer fewer neurologic and internal organ complications.
Phase II stem cell research in the works
Adult stem cells have the promise of growing new blood vessels to help people with blocked arteries in their hearts. University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Institute will soon begin accepting patients for enrollment in Phase II of a stem cell research study to treat heart disease. This first-of-its-kind study promises to change the face of cardiac care by using non-embryonic stem cells to regenerate the heart.
The clinical trial, known as SEACOAST (Safety and Efficacy of Autologous Intracoronary Stem Cell Injections), will be led by principal investigator Marco Costa, MD. University Hospitals was the first to use adult stem cells in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. The SEACOAST trial at UH completed enrollment of nine patients in a Phase I study in June 2006 with promising results. At the conclusion of the six-month study, no cardiac events were seen and the treatment was found to be safe. In the majority of patients, heart function improved.
The study’s next phase will test nearly 100 patients’ tolerability levels of the stem cell infusion and how the body reacts. The researchers aim to ultimately offer a promising new way to treat heart disease.
Exercise for cardiac rehab is mandatory, but also mentally sound
Excercise has long been known to help the heart but researchers at University Hospitals Case Medical Center now believe that working out can also benefit the brain. A new research study, led by Richard Josephson, MD, has been exploring the benefits of exercise in heart failure patients as it relates to muscle groups and cognitive brain function.
Initial findings have been promising. Heart failure patients follow an exercise regimen to improve their heart failure condition. Through his research, Dr. Josephson has been able to prove that the structure and function of blood vessels adapt and improve in muscle groups due to exercise regardless of whether or not the heart condition improves. Additionally, Dr. Josephson’s research has proven that cognitive brain function is enhanced as a result of the exercise regimen.
American Heart Month
February 2008
A hearty topic…debunking diet fads and product claims
Will eating organic foods make you healthier? What is the real truth about trans fat, and when is cholesterol good for you? University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s dietician Lisa Cimperman, RD, has the practical answers and can suggest the subtle and sensible changes to your diet that will improve the way you feel and help your heart health.
As part of National Health Month, Ms. Cimperman shares a list of heart healthy foods along with tips on food preparation. You’ll be surprised to learn how easy it is to keep a balanced diet and healthy heart.
Healing the “broken” heart, saving the pysche
It is unproven whether one can actually die from a broken heart, but being spurned by someone you care about can develop into serious medical problems such as depression, fatigue and obesity. University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Psychologist Jeff Janata, PhD, specializes in behavioral psychotherapy and health psychology and can provide advice on the topic of almost any relationship–from breakups to communication issues to conflict resolution.
Dr. Janata can discuss exactly what the psychological effects are as a result of a broken heart as well as provide tips for healing the pain of a difficult relationship. Additionally, Dr. Janata can provide insight on the cathartic value of sharing your story of pain with another and how it can improve your health.
Cleaning up after the crush
Valentine’s Day is a special day for many, and emotionally challenging for others.
Being forgotten or not getting a return on your outward show of affection is hard enough to deal with as an adult, but what about your teenagers who could be suffering from an unfulfilled crush?
University Hospitals Case Medical Center Adolescent Psychiatrist Felipe Amunategui, PhD, can help parents recognize the signs of rejection and provide some tips on how to talk with your teenager about appropriate relationships and how to ease the pain of a young love gone wrong. Additionally, Dr. Amunategui can help your teenager learn to handle rejection and give advice to parents on how to turn the negative experience into a positive life lesson.
Exercise your heart, educate your brain
Brenda Swain, University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Vascular Program Manager, is passionate about exercise and energized to share that message because she sees first hand how it can transform and invigorate lives.
Whether you are trying to shed unwanted pounds or are working out competitively, the effects of exercise are bountiful and tangible. But what exactly does a well-balanced exercise workout do for the body?
Ms. Swain can educate you on what chemical and medical changes take place within the heart during and after a workout. She can discuss the effects of exercise on the vascular system as well as describe the benefits to the immune system.
Rekindling the flames of the smoldering relationship
Flatlining is medical jargon for no pulse …sadly, some couples also use it to describe their love lies.
This Valentine’s Day, give your loved one the gift of rekindled passion. University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD, is a relationship specialist who can provide you with some easy advice to revive a relationship that has gone a little stale.
Dr. Kingsberg understands that rescuing a stale relationship is similar to going to the gym for your workout. “Very few people like to put the time in at the gym, but they like the results once they have…it’s the same for relationships. Sometimes you have to put in some work but the end results are enjoyable as well.”
If your love life seems to have taken a back seat to the children, career, or other commitments, Dr. Kingsberg can discuss some proven solutions that can jumpstart your sex life as well as provide tips that allow couples to refocus on each other instead of the daily rigors of children and career.