Published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American College of Cardiology’s scientific meeting, “Left Atrial Appendage Closure or Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation” positions left atrial appendage closure as a viable first-line alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation in eligible patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (A-fib). This publication is a conclusion to…
The patient A 60-year-old male with no prior cardiovascular diagnoses presented for routine preventive care. The patient was an active runner, including in ultramarathons, with no reported symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance or fatigue. His medical history was notable for elevated cholesterol and a significant family…
People living with heart arrhythmias in Kentucky and Southern Indiana now have access to next-generation, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology that could make treatment of dangerous heart rhythm disorders faster, safer and more precise. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is one of only 12 health systems in the United States selected to evaluate and help launch…
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute has joined a select group of North American centers in a landmark randomized clinical trial aimed at reducing one of cardiac surgery’s most common and consequential complications: postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). About the trial Postoperative atrial fibrillation affects more than half of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, depending on individual risk…
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute continues to expand its role in advancing cardiovascular clinical research, joining a global clinical trial that potentially could redefine treatment for one of heart failure’s most challenging patient populations: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or HFpEF. Why it matters HFpEF patients retain normal left ventricular pumping function (LVEF ≥50%)…
When it comes to cardiac disease diagnosis in the primary care setting, choosing the right cardiac diagnostic test depends on several factors, including 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…
Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is pleased to announce that Felix W. Tsai, M.D., MBA, has joined the pediatric cardiothoracic surgery team. Dr. Tsai’s arrival expands our surgical team to three dedicated pediatric heart surgeons, increasing access and capacity while ensuring continuity of care for the complex pediatric cardiac…
Reviewed by Bassel Alkhalil, M.D., Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Norton Heart & Vascular Institute has been selected as one of only two sites in Kentucky to participate in TEAM-HF, a pioneering clinical trial that could fundamentally change how advanced heart failure is treated. The study, sponsored by Abbott and led locally by principal investigator…
The patient Patient is a 61-year-old male with a past medical history significant for mitral valve prolapse (diagnosed at age 14). He presented to a Norton Immediate Care Center location with complaints of rash on his lower legs. He had been having shortness of breath for several months after a back injury left him with…
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…