MedBlog

Fighting heart failure with ‘Fantastic Four,’ new guidelines

New AHA guidelines highlight the benefits of SGLT2i medications for patients with heart failure and advances in diagnosing and treating ATTR amyloidosis.

Mark Drazner, M.D.

February 15, 2023

Commotio cordis: NFL player’s collapse spotlights rare heart phenomenon

Commotio cordis is the rarest form of cardiac arrest – when a healthy heart is stopped by a blow to the chest in between heartbeats. Mark Link, M.D., the country's foremost expert on commotio cordis, explains how athletes can protect themselves from the risk.

Mark Link, M.D.

February 8, 2023

Enjoy a heart-healthy Diwali with these tips and tasty recipes

South Asian Americans are at increased risk of heart disease. This Diwali, try these recipes that benefit heart health without sacrificing sweet, savory flavor.

Parul Sharma, Ph.D.

October 12, 2022

How caffeine affects heart health in kids

Caffeine is a daily habit for many U.S. kids and teens. Pediatric cardiologist Colin Kane, M.D., discusses how caffeine affects kids’ health, plus tasty beverage swaps.

May 12, 2022

Advances in cardiac imaging open big window into the heart

UT Southwestern's Kartik Agusala, M.D., explains how advanced heart imaging, such as cardiac CT and MRI, benefit patients.

Kartik Agusala, M.D.

March 29, 2022

How ‘diabetes drugs’ became valuable tools in treating heart failure

A surprise finding in SGLT2 inhibitor drug research has revealed a potentially groundbreaking heart failure treatment. Learn more from Darren McGuire, M.D.

Darren McGuire, M.D.

February 24, 2022

Study uncovers link between two key risk factors for first-time heart attack, stroke

New research led by UT Southwestern's Parag Joshi, M.D., shows a direct tie between high heart attack risk and dual diagnoses of coronary artery disease and high LP(a) cholesterol.

Parag Joshi, M.D.

February 23, 2022

Helping the heart heal itself: The science of regeneration

The concept of regenerating or growing heart tissue is not far-fetched. Ongoing research by UT Southwestern's Hesham Sadek, M.D., Ph.D., may potentially change the future of care for patients with mild to moderate heart disease.

Hesham Sadek, M.D.

February 16, 2022

Video visits offer high-quality heart failure care from the comfort of home

Video visits are an effective, high-quality alternative to in-clinic visits for patients with advanced heart failure. Find out what to expect and how remote care can benefit patients.

Jennifer Thibodeau, M.D.

February 18, 2021

Transradial angioplasty – a handy fix for blocked coronary arteries

Transradial angioplasty is a "handy" way to fix blocked heart arteries – by way of the wrist. It's safer than the standard approach for some patients. Dharam Kumbhani, M.D., Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at UT Southwestern discusses the benefits and the procedure. Learn more.

Dharam Kumbhani, M.D.

February 26, 2020

Why fatal heart disease is striking middle-aged patients younger and more often

After years of steady decline, heart disease death rates have increased 1.5% among the 45-60 age group – right in the prime of their personal and professional lives. In this MedBlog, Amit Khera, M.D., discusses the major causes and how preventive cardiology can help reverse this alarming trend.

Amit Khera, M.D.

February 19, 2020

10 questions to test your heart-health knowledge

How much do you know about heart disease risks? Take this 5-minute quiz to find out what you know – and don't – about heart health.

Amit Khera, M.D.

February 13, 2020

Can breastfeeding increase heart disease risk?

While breastfeeding is known to benefit babies, recent research suggests it might worsen symptoms of two types of heart disease. In this Your Pregnancy Matters MedBlog, Shivani Patel, M.D., discusses these risks and the potential heart-health benefits of breastfeeding.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

July 16, 2019

New AFib trials show an effective way to improve patients’ outcomes

Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia, might lead to heart failure, stroke, and other serious conditions. But new trials show reduced mortality and hospitalization rates are possible for patients who undergo catheter ablation treatment.

Mark Link, M.D.

September 24, 2018

Heart of the Matter: A Two-Sided Tale

Desperately ill heart patient Davy Hobson came to UT Southwestern for treatment on – of all days, Valentine’s Day – seemingly short on options. But his odds increased considerably when UTSW specialists took a creative approach to save his life while they awaited a heart for transplant.

Mark Drazner, M.D.

January 17, 2017