Northwestern Memorial News Blog

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the country. While stroke often occurs without warning, understanding risk factors and learning to recognize symptoms can potentially save lives and limit damage if a stroke occurs. In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, Northwestern Medicine^® experts encourage consumers learn about their potential risk factors and start making lifestyle decisions that may decrease their likelihood of having a stroke.

A recent study conducted by Northwestern Medicine^® researchers published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, reveals that patients with an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation (A-fib) who are undergoing cardiac surgery, have a lower long-term survival rate compared with patients who are in sinus rhythm, which is the normal beating of the heart. The data also suggests that when surgeons successfully treat A-fib during the previously planned cardiac surgery, the patients’ survival rate levels out and becomes the same as someone who never had A-fib.

“This study indicates that atrial fibrillation should be surgically treated when a patient is undergoing another cardiac surgery procedure,” said Richard Lee, MD, surgical director of the Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders at Northwestern Memorial’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “By fixing two issues at once, we can improve patient outcomes.”

 Earlier this week, between patient appointments and his role training medical students, Clyde Yancy, MD, associate director of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, took time for a special class.  Yancy was invited to present to a group of aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals who are part of the hospital’s Medical Explorers program and host an interactive session where they could learn about the field of cardiology. 

As he entered the room where the 32 high school students waited, Yancy kicked things off by asking the group…“why do you want to be here…what are you passionate about?”

“Think broadly,” encouraged Yancy. “Don’t think only about becoming a physician, surgeon or nurse. There are many fascinating aspects to medicine and endless possibilities for what you can do in this field, such as working in policy, construction, finance or marketing. This is the time to explore your options.”

More than 130 women came together for the 2012 Heart Health: What Smart Women Need to Know symposium on February 3 to learn how to live heart healthy and be proactive about their health. Participants heard from 12 Northwestern Memorial Hospital experts who spoke on topics related to heart disease prevention, awareness and risk education. 

Among the speakers who offered real-world advice and innovative strategies that busy women can put into practice during their everyday lives, was Clyde Yancy, MD, Associate Director of Northwestern Memorial's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.  Yancy opened the event with a key takeaway message – "move more and eat less for better heart health."

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day and if you’re anything like me, you’re still enjoying the abundance of sweet holiday treats. Thankfully, some of those treats may actually support good health. Experts agree that chocolate in moderation can provide certain health benefits for the heart, so we caught up with Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Stephen Devries, MD to learn more. Devries says it’s okay to indulge a bit and explains that dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

“Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in flavonoids, the same compound that gives plants their vibrant color and reduces cellular damage. Flavonoids are also found in grapes, red wine and tea,” said Devries.

Flavonoids aid in cardiovascular health by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and plaque formation on the walls of the arteries. It also improves the ability of arteries to deliver oxygen, increase blood flow, and reduce the risk of blood clotting.