The Role of Genetics in Cardiovascular Conditions
The Cardiovascular Genetics Program provides genetic counseling coupled with cardiovascular care to help families identify the underlying genetic cause of their cardiovascular condition. The genetic team works with patients and their family members to ensure that the right genetic diagnosis is made to identify and reduce cardiovascular risks.
“This is a remarkably exciting time for genetics and medicine,” says Elizabeth M. McNally, MD, PhD. "We have developed a good deal of experience using genetic information for inherited forms of cardiovascular disease and the next steps are to apply those practices across other areas of medicine." |
Clinical Continuity from Pediatric to Adult Care
In early 2015, physicians at Northwestern Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago launched the Cardiovascular Bridge Program that helps to ensure clinical continuity as patients with congenital heart disease transition from pediatric to adult care. This collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes through transformative clinical programs, innovative scientific research and national advocacy for pediatric and adult cardiovascular patients.
“In the end, the ultimate goal of the Cardiovascular Bridge Program is a positive patient experience as we strive to help our young adult cardiac patients become knowledgeable, empowered and accountable for their cardiovascular health,” says Bradley S. Marino, MD. |
Going Red for Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease may manifest differently in women than in men. The Program for Women’s Cardiovascular Health educates women about the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease and the ways that it can be prevented.
“It is important for all of us to raise awareness regarding women’s cardiovascular health in the community. Through our partnership with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiatives, we empower women in the community to educate themselves and become advocates for heart disease and stroke prevention,” says Marla A. Mendelson, MD. |
Giving Back to the Cardiovascular CommunityYears ago Allus Brown underwent a simultaneous heart–kidney transplant. Now fully recovered, Brown is laughing it up, playing board games and sharing accounts of his heart disease struggles as a volunteer for the S.M.A.R.T. (Stress Management And Recreational Therapy) Heart program for cardiovascular hospital patients at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.
“What I like most about being a S.M.A.R.T. Heart volunteer is that the program truly focuses on being happy and doing things that can bring about happiness,” says Brown, a Marine Corps veteran and former athlete. “If talking to patients and sharing my journey eases their minds about having a transplant or bouncing back after heart surgery, then I have done my job.” |
Cardiovascular Care for Athletic NeedsYour heart adapts in different ways depending on your sport, your age, your unique performance goals and whether you are strength- or endurance-focused. No matter what your age or level of competition, the Sports Cardiology Program can help you to work towards heart and vascular health and safe athletic participation.
“The Sports Cardiology Program works within the broader context of sports medicine at Northwestern Medicine,” says R. Kannan Mutharasan, MD. "We work closely with our Northwestern Medicine colleagues in sports medicine, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, neurology and nutrition to help provide comprehensive care for all your athletic needs." |
Heart Disease and PregnancyHeart problems during pregnancy may develop because of the cardiac changes associated with pregnancy or the pregnancy itself may be affected by the underlying heart problem. The Heart Disease and Pregnancy Program has developed strategies that are specific for the different types of heart disease. The goal is a successful outcome for both mother and baby.
“For nearly 30 years, the Heart Disease and Pregnancy Program has managed all forms of heart disease during pregnancy,” says Marla A. Mendelson, MD. "A successful pregnancy for women with heart disease requires specialized care, preconception evaluation, continuation of select medications and close observation during the pregnancy." |
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