Reviewed by Anupama Raghuram, M.D., and Julio A. Ramirez, M.D. Norton Infectious Diseases Institute researchers are challenging the traditional view of pneumonia as a self- limited acute lung infection, revealing that the disease may be associated with chronic complications affecting multiple organ systems for years after initial diagnosis. Julio A. Ramirez, M.D., and Anupama Raghuram,…
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 direct current cardioversion treatments…
Hypertension management continues to evolve as new evidence reshapes diagnostic thresholds, treatment goals and therapeutic options. Understanding the scope of hypertension Hypertension remains one of the most common chronic conditions affecting Americans, with approximately 47% of the population living with high blood pressure. This translates to roughly 116 million people, though it is important to…
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…
The patient A 13-year-old female presented with bilateral shin pain that began after she increased her gymnastics training from nine to 21 hours per week around nine months prior. Her right leg pain was worse than left. She was seen by an outside sports medicine specialist clinic in August of 2024 and treated with rest…
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…
Norton Cancer Institute’s gynecologic oncology research program continues to expand rapidly, helping address a critical regional gap in specialty treatment and clinical research access. Nationally, gynecologic oncology is heavily driven by early phase trials, underscoring the need for programs that advance novel therapies and accelerate progress in treatment options. Our current gynecologic oncology studies include…
As more children with congenital heart disease survive into adulthood, primary care physicians are managing a growing population of adults with these conditions. Chief among the new challenges presented by these patients is an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Sudden cardiac death accounts for about 25% of all mortality in patients with congenital heart…
The patient A 54-year-old man with chronic severe pulmonic regurgitation due to history of valvar pulmonary stenosis, the patient had a Brock procedure at age 8. Right heart failure symptoms included dyspnea, early satiety, ascites and peripheral edema, qualifying as New York Heart Association Class III heart failure. A cardiac MRI showed a severely dilated…
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