What’s new on the leading edge of cardiovascular excellence
“Cleveland Clinic is fertile soil for innovative thinkers,” says Dr. Hani Najm. A 3D-printed model of a patient’s heart allows Dr. Najm to plan surgery down to the last detail before the actual procedure. | Photo: Annie O’Neill
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide, claiming 20.5 million lives every year.
Think it’s purely a modern affliction, brought on by poor diet, tobacco use and lack of exercise? Think again. Mummies that are thousands of years old have revealed evidence of atherosclerosis, commonly known as “hardening of the arteries.”
Cardiovascular disease may be nothing new, but at Cleveland Clinic — consistently ranked the best hospital for heart care — new approaches to cardiovascular care, research and education abound.
This is where the first stopped-heart surgery made history (see back cover). This is where the first coronary angiogram was done. This is where the first coronary bypass surgery was performed. This is where the first computerized registry of cardiovascular patients paved the way for data-driven medicine. And this is where, today, one remarkable innovation after the next is promising a brighter future for people of all ages with cardiovascular disease.
Read on, but don’t say we didn’t warn you: Your heart might skip a beat.
Redefining the Possible
Adaya Robinson didn’t need a heart transplant, thanks to a novel approach to treating her rare heart disease.
Remarkable stories such as hers are not uncommon at Cleveland Clinic. Read more.
In Pursuit of Precision
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among people under the age of 30 — affects an estimated 1 in 500 people.
Learn more about promising new treatments for this complex heart disease.
The Beat Goes On
“By working closely together,” says Dr. Amar Krishnaswamy, “we’re able to offer patients treatments that we never could have imagined would be possible.”
Cleveland Clinic continues to build on a history of breakthroughs in repair and replacement of heart valves. Find out how.
Telltale Hearts
Genetic research is broadening our understanding of cardiovascular disease.
Get the story on how biomarkers may help to better predict atrial fibrillation after heart surgery.
Failure? Fore!
Following a life-threatening illness, Eric Zorn is back to playing three rounds of golf a week.
