After caring for hearts in Louisville for more than three decades, Joseph A. Lash, M.D., is preparing to close a remarkable chapter in medicine. As executive medical director of Norton Heart & Vascular Institute and Rounsavall Family Foundation endowed chair, Dr. Lash witnessed and contributed to transformations in cardiovascular care that have fundamentally changed what…
When patients present with cardiac symptoms, choosing the right cardiac diagnostic test depends on risk stratification, symptom frequency and clinical context. Here is a practical guide to navigating cardiology testing in primary care, adapted from a continuing medical education presentation by Mostafa O. El-Refai, M.D., interventional cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. Chest pain:…
Sports preparticipation exams are critical opportunities to identify young athletes at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sports. While sudden cardiac arrest in children is less common than in adults (3 to 8 per 100,000, compared with 52 per 100,000), the stakes remain high when…
Cardiometabolic care is undergoing a transformation that includes the rise of prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists as multisystem therapeutics. “Treating diabetes, cardiovascular disease and renal or hepatic dysfunction as isolated conditions is now an outdated approach in cardiometabolic care,” said Catrina R. Hancock, PA-C, physician assistant with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Instead, treatment has shifted…
This continuing medical education presentation features Norton Heart & Vascular Institute electrophysiologist Megan E. Gruber, D.O., discussing critical updates in atrial fibrillation (A-fib) treatment based on the latest guideline revisions. Dr. Gruber provides clinicians with practical insights into the evolving approach to A-fib management, including refined classification systems that mirror heart failure staging, enhanced focus…
The patient An active 60-year-old male with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) had been seen by Norton Heart & Vascular Institute cardiothoracic surgeon Steven M. Peterson, M.D., and after endocardial ablation was still symptomatic. His condition limited his ability to exercise and engage in his role as a soccer referee and long-distance runner. The challenge Despite five…
Hypertension management continues to evolve as new evidence reshapes diagnostic thresholds, treatment goals and therapeutic options. Now available as an on-demand continuing medical education presentation, “Hypertension 2025: What Is New – Updates in Diagnosis, Management and Renal Denervation,” given by Matthew J. Sousa, M.D., interventional cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, reviews key updates…
The patient A 33-year-old male with heroin use and an abscess to left arm: Workup revealed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with tricuspid endocarditis and pulmonary septic emboli with cavitations and central nervous system septic emboli. This condition is common with intravenous drug use and increasing in prevalence. His course was complicated by COVID-19. The challenge…
Chest pain is one of the most common presenting complaints in primary care, yet determining which patients need specialist referral versus reassurance remains challenging. Recent guidelines have fundamentally changed the approach to these patients, and understanding the current evidence can help primary care physicians make more informed decisions about testing and referral. The initial step…
Arrhythmias represent one of the most significant challenges in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), constituting the leading cause of morbidity, mortality and hospitalization in this population. Understanding the appropriate use of anti-arrhythmia medications is critical for clinicians managing these complex patients. Shelby Mangeot, DNP, APRN, presented “Anti-arrhythmia Medications: A Necessary Evil” during a continuing…
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized six Norton Healthcare hospitals for demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Norton Healthcare has the most facilities across Louisville and Southern Indiana with the ability treat a life-threatening heart attack. “This accreditation is based on national standards ensuring patients receive specific treatment in…
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute specialists made history on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as they performed a first-of-its-kind transcatheter tricuspid heart valve replacement, offering new hope for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. This is the first use of the EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system in Kentucky. It’s a minimally invasive procedure designed for patients with debilitating…