Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME

CT Scan for Coronary Artery Calcification Window

Guest: Thomas C. Gerber, M.D., Ph.D.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) scanning can help improving our assessment of the risk of heart attack or stroke in thoughtfully selected patients. Not everyone needs a CAC scan! The results of a CAC scan can be particularly helpful in deciding whether a patient should start medications to reduce their risk. ...

Management of Postoperative Pericarditis.

Guest: Melissa Erdman, P.A.-C.

Guest: Juan Crestanello, M.D.

Host: Sharonne Hayes, M.D.

In this podcast, Mayo Clinic experts explore the complexities of diagnosing and managing postoperative pericarditis, a condition that presents unique challenges compared to other forms of pericarditis. The discussion delves into how this complication differs in presentation and progression, outlines ...

How a Years Worth of Experience of PFA for AF has Revolutionized My Practice

Guest: Christopher DeSimone, M.D., Ph.D.

Guest: Abhishek Deshmukh, M.B.B.S.

Host: Anthony H. Kashou, M.D.

Patients most commonly have undergone traditional catheter ablation for AF via a thermal energy source. A newer energy modality is called Pulsed Field Ablation – using very high energy pulsation of strong voltages to destroy tissue responsible for ...

Lipoprotein (a) Elevation: What Does it do to CV Risk and What do You Need to Know About Treatment

Guest: Vlad Vasile, M.D., Ph.D.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Lipoprotein (a) is a blood biomarker that poses independent risk of heart attacks and stroke when elevated. All patients should be screened for this biomarker. Currently, there are no efficient treatments for lipoprotein (a) elevations, but likely the scenery will chan...

How to Tell Patients about Adding in Intervals to Their Physical Activity Program

Guest: Kate Russell, C.E.P.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Intervals are a hugely beneficial addition to any exercise program. As with any exercise topic, finding good information can be difficult and overwhelming. We will discuss how to modify intervals to fit patients of all ages, fitness levels, and limitations

Topics Discussed:

• How do I...

Role of Thrombophilia Testing in Venous Thromboembolism

Guest: Ana Casanegra, M.D., M.S.

Host: Kyle Klarich, M.D.

Thrombophilia testing identifies inherited or acquired conditions that increase the risk of abnormal blood clotting. Sometimes it can help us guide management decisions for patients, but who and when to test are key questions to address before making this decision.

Topics Discussed:

• What is thrombophilia, wha...

Electrophysiology Considerations in Oncology Patients

Guest: Nicholas Tan, M.D., M.S.

Host: Anthony H. Kashou, M.D.

In today’s episode of ECG Making Waves, Dr. Anthony Kashou interviews Dr. Nicholas Tan on how clinicians should consider electrophysiology in the patient with cancer. After listening to this episode, learners will understand the relationship between cancer and heart rhythm disorders, as well as begin to appreciate...

Chronic Total Occlusion in 2025

Guest: Gregory Barsness, M.D.

Host: Malcolm Bell, M.D.

Chronic (>3 months) complete epicardial coronary obstructive lesions, often referred to as CTOs, are recognized in a large minority of those referred for coronary angiography yet historically represent <5% of coronary intervention attempts.  Improving tools, techniques and strategies have allowed greater access to percutaneous managemen...

Supplements for Cardiovascular Prevention

Guest: Lisa M. Gilman, APRN, C.N.P.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Supplement use is a growing industry in which patients seek additional potential benefit of reducing disease burden and improving overall health.  This presentation will be an overview of supplements used to address cardiovascular disease prevention

Topics Discussed:

• Our patients will often inquire if there are an...

Role of Genetics in the Heart Failure Clinic

Guest: Naveen Pereira, M.D.

Host: Kyle Klarich, M.D.

Genetic testing for heart failure is most beneficial for patients with cardiomyopathies. It aids in personalized treatment, early diagnosis, and family risk assessment, although its uptake has been slow due to costs, access, and interpretation challenges. Ongoing research into genetic mutations and their role in cardiomyopathy path...

Assessing Recurrence Following Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Guest: Nicholas Tan, M.D., M.S.

Host: Anthony H. Kashou, M.D.

Pulsed field ablation has been rapidly adopted across the United States since FDA approval was granted 1 year ago, due to its excellent acute efficacy, favorable safety profile, and fast workflow. However, recurrences post-ablation are comparable to that of previously established modalities,...

Hybrid Procedures Collaboration with Interventional Cardiology

Guest: Jason Anderson, M.D.

Guest: Elizabeth Stephens, M.D., Ph.D.

Host: Malcolm Bell, M.D.

Increasingly, collaboration between interventional cardiology and congenital cardiac surgeons has been used to optimize care for patients with congenital heart disease. Multi-disciplinary care is key, and “hybrid” procedures can be part of that collaboration. Effective use of...

Interval Training – What Does the Science Tell Us About the Benefits Versus Continuous Activity

Guest: Amanda R. Bonikowske, Ph.D.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Learners will gain insights into the health and fitness benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). They will explore various approaches to HIIT and learn strategies for integrating it into a well-rounded exercise program. Additionally, the podcast will offer ...

Secrets to Achieving CAD Regression

Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D.

Host: Sharonne Hayes, M.D.

Coronary artery disease regression can occur in lipid rich plaque. Calcified and fibrotic plaque are essentially scars and cannot regress; however, they also are not associated with plaque rupture, which can lead to myocardial infarction. Studies with invasive angiography or CT angiography that have shown successful regression of CAD hav...

Association Between COVID-19 Vaccination and Atrial Arrhythmias in Individuals with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Guest: Malini Madhavan, M.B.B.S.

Host: Anthony H. Kashou, M.D.

In a study of over 7000 individuals with a cardiac implanted device in the Biotronik CERTITUDE registry, the burden of device detected AF was noted to be higher in the 3 months after covid vaccination compared to the 3 months preceding vaccinati...

Updates in Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Guest: Ammar Killu, M.B.B.S.

Host: Sharonne Hayes, M.D.

In today’s episode of “Interviews With the Experts, listeners will learn how to select patients that may benefit from left atrial appendage occlusion.  Listeners will understand the major differences between currently available commercial devices. 

Topics Discussed:

• What is left atrial appendage closure?
• Who may benefit from ...

Lifestyle Modification in the Setting of New Prevention Therapies

Guest: R. Scott Wright, M.D.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Cardiovascular prevention has largely focused on new pharmaceutical therapies over the past several decades. Often overlooked are the critical roles of diet, exercise, sleep and other individual behaviors which underpin all of preventive measures for improved health. The podcast will discuss how busy cli...

Latest Developments in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension 

Guest: Robert P. Frantz, M.D.

Host: Kyle Klarich, M.D.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious disease manifested by vasoconstriction and obliteration of the pulmonary arterial vasculature resulting in rise in pulmonary artery pressure and resistance and culminating in right heart failure. Listeners will learn more about traditional treatments f...

Exploring New Frontiers in Rhythm Monitoring Technology

Guest: Suraj Kapa, M.D.

Host: Anthony H. Kashou, M.D.

After listening to this podcast, the learners will be able to confidently identify areas of advancement in cardiac rhythm monitoring. Additionally, listeners will learn specific areas of future research around technology to support the future of cardiac rhythm monitoring.

Topics Discussed:

•  What is new in technol...