Heart Care in the 21st Century: Innovations and Discoveries

In the July 23, 2001 issue of U.S. News & World Report, which ranked America's best hospitals overall and by specialty, the Cleveland Clinic posted a very respectable fourth place in general healthcare nationwide and edged out the prestigious Mayo Clinic to take best of show, so to speak, for outstanding cardiac care. In this "Health Talk," produced by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a quintet of cardiologists offer a series of visuals-enhanced presentations on cutting-edge treatment and research in terms suitable for the largely layperson audience (sample quote: "the heart pumps five liters per minute, which means nothing to you people, but take my word for it: that's a lot of blood"). Responsible for 500,000 deaths annually, heart disease remains the number one killer today (with dreaded "cancer" a significantly distant second), but huge strides in knowledge and techniques have greatly enhanced the medical community's ability to help prevent, treat, and--in the future--potentially reverse cardiovascular-related illnesses. Here, viewers will learn about: how the heart works, the modifiable (eating habits, etc.) and non-modifiable (genetics) risk factors for heart problems, anti-hypertensive and lipid lowering drugs, pacemakers and other treatments for arrhythmias, combating arteriosclerosis with angioplasty and stents, and various prevention options (the systemic benefits of exercise, healthy eating, etc.). While not the flashiest of presentations, this teleconferenced seminar offers current information from respected authorities at an excellent price. Definitely recommended. Other recent titles available in the "Health Talk" series include: Osteoporosis: Minimizing the Risk and Common G.I. Disorders: Digesting the Facts. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)