Headlines
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Smart seniors' guide to flu season (11/20/2009)Getting immunized against seasonal flu is the most important step most people over 50 should take this flu season. Older people who come down with flu-like symptoms should call their primary care physician promptly, because they may be priority candidates for antiviral drugs. Meet the expert: Karen Hall, M.D., Ph.D.
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Sculpture of football legend Bo Schembechler unveiled (11/19/2009)A bronze sculpture of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler will be unveiled Nov. 19 at the U-M Cardiovascular Center. Long after Schembechler led the U-M football team to prominence, he was working tirelessly to do the same for heart health. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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Chances of surviving a cardiac arrest at home or work unchanged in 30 years (11/19/2009)The chance of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has not improved since the 1950s, according to a report by the University of Michigan Health System. The analysis shows only 7.6 percent of victims survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Meet the expert: Comilla Sasson, M.D.
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Study shows mixed results in comparing surgeries for infant heart defects (11/17/2009)Infants born with a severely underdeveloped heart are more likely to survive to their first birthday when treated with a new shunt procedure — yet it may not be the safest surgery long term, according to research by the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center.
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Half of eligible patients not getting aortic valve replacement surgery (11/11/2009)Fear about the risk of surgery is among the reasons half of eligible patients are not getting aortic valve replacement surgery, according to a study by physicians at the University of Michigan Health System. Two-thirds of the patients who did not have valve replacement were suffering symptoms such as shortness of breath that would have improved if they had undergone surgery.
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2 from U-M elected to Institute of Medicine (10/27/2009)Two University of Michigan faculty members have been elected to the Institute of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. Meet the expert: Arul Chinnaiyan, M.D., Ph.D.
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U-M heart expert available to discuss Detroit race deaths (10/21/2009)While the causes of death of three runners in the Detroit half-marathon are unknown, an inherited heart condition makes the top of the list for possible causes. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease which results in a thickening of the heart muscle, accounts for 40 percent of on-the-field sports deaths. U-M has one of seven HCM clinics in the country. Meet the expert: Sharlene M. Day, M.D.
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University of Michigan cardiologist invited to World Health Summit (10/12/2009)Improving health care and medical research will be debated on the world stage this week during the first ever World Health Summit in Berlin. Stevo Julius, M.D., an active professor emeritus at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, will be among 600 invited experts to discuss global health care challenges during the summit held Oct. 14-18. Meet the expert: Stevo Julius, M.D.
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Patients who received donated pacemakers survived without complications (10/8/2009)The argument for pacemaker reuse has been debated for decades. But the idea is gaining ground as experts at the U-M Cardiovascular Center report promising results of providing donated pacemakers to underserved nations. A series of 12 patients in the Phillippines who received donated pacemakers survived without complications from the devices. Meet the expert: Hakan Oral, M.D.
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U-M diabetes center explores use of arthritis drug to control diabetes (9/30/2009)Can an anti-inflammatory drug used for years to manage arthritis help control type 2 diabetes? University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center will collaborate with investigators nationwide on the clinical trial that may one day lead to an inexpensive way to treat the most common form of diabetes.
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A New Era in Medicine symposium Oct. 16 features White House advisor (9/23/2009)Ezekiel Emanuel, a health care and bioethics expert who advises the Obama administration on health care reform, will give the keynote address at the New Era in Medicine symposium Oct. 16 at the U-M Health System.
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Black patients experience worse cardiac care, lower chances of survival (9/15/2009)Black patients have lower rates of successful resuscitation and are less likely to survive an in-hospital cardiac arrest compared to white patients. The problem appears to have more to do with the hospitals where black patients are commonly cared for rather than the patients themselves. The facilities tend to have less intensive care experience and infrequently use the aggressive therapies that can save lives.
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Half of eligible patients not getting mitral valve surgery (9/11/2009)Repairing a leaking mitral valve is safer than ever, but half of eligible patients are not getting the heart surgery, according to a new study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center. The longer the leak continues the more likely there will be permanent damage to the heart. But fears about surgical risk and lack of awareness - even by physicians - about guidelines for treating mitral regurgitation contribute to a lack of referrals. Meet the expert: David S. Bach, M.D.
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Wide awake: U-M gets national recognition for sleep science (9/8/2009)U-M is only one of three institutions nationwide to be named a Comprehensive Academic Sleep Program of Distinction by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Meet the expert: Ronald D. Chervin, M.D.,
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Inhaling a heart attack: How air pollution can cause heart disease (9/8/2009)It’s well known that measures such as exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking can help reduce high blood pressure, but researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have determined the very air we breathe can be an invisible catalyst to heart disease. Inhaling air pollution over just two hours caused a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure, the lower number on blood pressure readings, according to new U-M research. Meet the expert: Robert D. Brook, M.D.
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Radiation from medical imaging can accumulate over time (8/26/2009)Radiation from medical imaging such as x-rays and nuclear medicine can accumulate to substantial doses for American adults, according to a study in this week's New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers at Emory University, University of Michigan Health System and Yale University authored the report that shouldn't scare patients away from procedures. But authors warn the tests have a cost in dollars and exposure. Meet the expert: Brahmajee K. Nallamothu, M.D., MPH
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Free U-M event at Cabela's aimed at hunters' hearts (7/30/2009)Free event Aug. 22-23 at Cabela's in Dundee provides free health screenings from doctors, nurses and nutritionists from U-M Cardiovascular Center Meet the expert: Eric Good, D.O
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Bigger is not better in catheter use for angioplasty (7/27/2009)When it comes to choosing a catheter to reach trouble spots in the arteries, bigger is not better, according to a University of Michigan study. Patients who had coronary interventions, such as angioplasty, performed with larger catheters had worse outcomes and higher death rates than those who underwent the procedures with smaller catheters. Meet the expert: P. Michael Grossman, M.D., clinical assistant professor of internal medicine at U-M Medical School
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Poor blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes can worsen depression (7/21/2009)Complications can arise from uncontrolled diabetes such as cardiovascular problems and nerve damage. But new research from the University of Michigan shows depression may worsen among those with poor blood sugar control and Type 2 diabetes. Meet the expert: James E. Aikens, Ph.D.
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U-M report raises question about role of obesity in severe H1N1 infections (7/16/2009)H1N1 (swine flu) cases at the University of Michigan Health System are raising questions about the role of obesity in why people with the flu infections become seriously ill. Out of a series of 10 patients seen at the U-M surgical intensive care unit in late May and June, nine were obese or extremely obese. Clinicians need to be aware that severe complications can occur in patients with the swine flu virus, particularly extremely obese patients. Meet the expert: Lena Napolitano, M.D., chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgery
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U-M Hospitals & Health Centers rank 14th in the U.S. (7/16/2009)U.S. News & World Report honors U-M among the country's finest
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Fight or flight? Barriers hinder paramedics from using best CPR practices (6/30/2009)CPR can be performed as well in the field as it can be in an emergency room. But a new University of Michigan study finds that paramedics are more likely to provide CPR while flying down the road in the back of an ambulance. Getting a pulse prior to transport increases the chance of survival for cardiac arrest patients, but local laws, insurance reimbursement and public misconceptions hinder best resuscitation practices. Meet the expert: Comilla Sasson, M.D., M.S.
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Sleep treatments improve fatigue and tiredness (6/17/2009)A University of Michigan study answers the question that many rundown adults often ask themselves: "Why am I so tired?" Patients with complaints of fatigue, tiredness or lack of energy improved with nightly use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or related devices that are often prescribed for those with obstructive sleep apnea. The new findings suggest that fatigue in addition to sleepiness can also be important reversible symptom of sleep apnea. Meet the expert: Ron Chervin, M.D., M.S. Director of the U-M Sleep Disorders Center
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Breaking a sweat good for strengthening bones, U-M expert says (6/10/2009)It's well-known that exercise can provide a variety of benefits for the heart and lungs. A scholarly review by U-M experts appearing in the July/August issue of Sports Health shows weight-bearing exercises like dancing, running and jumping rope boosts skeletal tissue and overall bone heath too. Learn more: U-M Bone & Joint Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Center
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Heart surgery no better than drugs for patients with Type 2 diabetes (6/8/2009)A landmark study shows bypass or angioplasty is no better than drug therapy in reducing deaths among patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The University of Michigan was one of 49 sites in the international study led by the University of Pittsburgh.
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Study shows rare good news about aortic dissection (5/26/2009)Aortic dissection is often overlooked among patients who go to emergency rooms with sudden chest pain, but a study perfomed by an international team led by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center suggests a simple blood test can help with diagnosis. Meet the expert: Kim Eagle, M.D., director U-M Cardiovascular Center
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U-M vascular surgeon volunteers to treat soldiers (5/20/2009)As Memorial Day approaches, and the nation recognizes the sacrifices of its military, John Rectenwald, M.D., leaves to treat soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rectenwald, a U-M vascular surgeon, will volunteer May 23-June 7. He joins 51 other members of the Society of Vascular Surgery who are relieving the limited number of vascular surgeons in the military. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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The D. Dan and Betty Kahn Foundation gift expands cardiovascular study (5/14/2009)A gift to the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center will establish the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Cardiovascular Medical Engineering Research Fund. It will support research in biomedicine and bioengineering, particularly research to treat irregular heartbeats, called arrythymia. To honor the donor, the auditorium at the BSRB will be named in honor of the Kahns. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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Triglycerides implicated in diabetes nerve loss (5/14/2009)A common blood test for triglycerides – a well-known cardiovascular disease risk factor – may also for the first time allow doctors to predict which patients with diabetes are more likely to develop the serious, common complication of neuropathy. Results from a new study suggest that diabetes patients with neuropathy should control lipid counts as rigorously as they do glucose levels. Meet the expert: Eva L. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., U-M neurologist and director of the Program for Neurology Research & Discovery |
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U-M Cardiovascular Center lays groundwork for pacemaker reuse in underserved countries (5/14/2009)Recycle your pacemaker? In U-M surveys reported Thursday at the Heart Rhythmn Society's Annual Scientic Sessions, patients and funeral directors say they'd be willing to donate pacemakers to patients who needed them. The U-M Cardiovascular Center is laying the groundwork to distribute used pacemakers to heart disease patients across the globe. Meet the expert: Kim Eagle, M.D., U-M cardiologist and director of the U-M Cardiovascular Center
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Enzyme on white blood cell surface reduces tissue damage in stroke (5/7/2009)A new line of research at the University of Michigan Health System shows the damage that occurs in the early hours after a blood clot has lodged in the brain can be blocked by an enzyme on the surface of white blood cells. These white blood cells are normally protective during emergencies such as cuts and infections, but their accumulation in the brain in stroke can be devastating.
Meet the expert: David J. Pinsky, M.D., U-M cardiologist and Taubman scholar
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Women more likely to experience non-traditional stroke symptoms (5/4/2009)Each year 800,000 Americans have a stroke and it's the third leading cause of death in the United States. But University of Michigan researchers have found that women's stroke symptoms are different than men, and not recognizing these differences could cost women treatment options. Meet the expert: Lynda Lisabeth, Ph.D., MPH
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Benefit of grapes may be more than skin deep, U-M animal study finds (4/23/2009)Research by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center shows antioxidant-rich grapes reduced cardiovascular risks by altering cellular activity.
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Blueberries make their mark on cardiovascular and diabetes risks, U-M animal study finds (4/19/2009)Could eating blueberries held get rid of belly fat? And could a blueberry-enriched diet stem the conditions that lead to diabetes? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests so. Meet the expert: Steven Bolling, M.D.
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U-M cardiologist Kim Eagle earns Master of American College of Cardiology designation (3/30/2009)Only one or two of the 15,000 members of the American College of Cardiology earn the Master designation each year, and on Monday the honor will go to Kim Eagle, M.D., director of the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center.
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Are dangerous blood clots lurking in your legs? (3/13/2009)
Blood clots that form in the veins of the lower body strike more than a million people every year, most of them out of the blue. Doctors at the Cardiovascular Center are preparing to launch a new specialized Venous Disease Clinic for people with DVTs, or vein problems that might make them prone to DVTs. They’re also holding a free DVT screening 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 20.
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U-M launches new embryonic stem cell research consortium (3/10/2009)The University of Michigan today announced the formation of a consortium to create new embryonic stem cell lines that will aid the search for disease treatments and cures. Learn more: A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute
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Three strikes, three procedures save girl with half a heart (2/12/2009)An ultrasound showed Katie Larrison's little girl had a heart defect that most children don't survive without treatment. Doctors at the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center are experts are caring for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, but other risk factors made the traditional surgeries risky. A series of procedures, as a fetus and immediately after birth, have given her new life. Meet the expert: Aimee K. Armstrong, M.D.
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Valentine's Day indulgences can be heart healthy (2/9/2009)Valentine’s Day can be a time of indulgence... chocolate, wine, romance. It turns out, many of those indulgences, if taken in moderation, can be good for your heart! A University of Michigan cardiac surgeon shares some advice on setting the mood for a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day! Meet the expert: Steven F. Bolling, M.D.
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'Wake up' to the health risks of heavy snoring (2/2/2009)Heavy snoring can be far more than a nuisance. It can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea and possibly heart disease. So ‘wake up’ to the possible health risks that heavy snoring may signal. Meet the expert: Melvyn Rubenfire, M.D.
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MICHR consolidates two of its MCRU performance sites (1/6/2009)Two Michigan Clinical Research Unit performance sites have consolidated and moved their facilities to the Cardiovascular Center, into newly designed space to provide enhanced support for clinical research. Meet the expert: John W. Wiley, M.D.
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Women double fruit, veggie intake with switch to Mediterranean diet (12/17/2008)In a new study led by the University of Michigan Health System, women more than doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes and dramatically increased their consumption of “good” fats when they were counseled by registered dietitians and provided with a list of guidelines on the amount of certain foods they should eat each day. Meet the expert: Zora Djuric, Ph.D.
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Two-drug blood pressure therapy lowers heart attack risk (12/3/2008)An international blood pressure study led by a University of Michigan Health System researcher challenges the way the condition is treated worldwide. The ACCOMPLISH study shows single-pill combination drugs have the potential to control blood pressure for more than 75 percent of patients. But more important, the combination pill was more effective than the recommended diuretic strategy at reducing heart attacks and strokes. Meet the expert: Kenneth Jamerson, M.D. |
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Story ideas for the holidays and winter months (11/24/2008)Looking for a heart-warming story about a young mother who is now able to pick up her son after spinal surgery or a young woman who overcame cancer with the help of music therapy? How about ideas for healthy yet economical gifts? You’ve come to the right place. Reporters, producers and editors, here is our holiday gift to you: Story ideas that relate to the holidays, and some evergreen ideas that can help you fill the newspaper or broadcast during the slow-news month ahead.
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U-M receives $3.7 million grant for blood clot disorder research (11/18/2008)The National Institutes of Health has given the University of Michigan Health System Department of Surgery/Vascular Surgery a five-year, $3.7 million research grant. Meet the expert: Thomas Wakefield, M.D.
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Grapes may aid a bunch of heart risk factors, U-M animal study finds (10/29/2008)Could eating grapes help fight high blood pressure related to a salty diet? And could grapes calm other factors that are also related to heart diseases such as heart failure? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests so. Meet the expert: Steven Bolling, M.D.
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Massage therapy now offered at patients' bedsides (10/27/2008)Patients at the University of Michigan Health System can now request bedside massages, thanks to the new Massage Therapy Program, where nationally certified massage therapists provide a healing touch to inpatients. Massage sessions are designed to enhance wellness through physical and mental relaxation and reduce pain by alleviating muscle tension. Meet the expert: Steven F. Bolling, M.D.
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New guidelines to reduce GI risks from antiplatelet and NSAID use (10/6/2008)The American College of Cardiology in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Heart Association today announced guidelines for reducing the risk of ulcers and GI bleeding among patients taking NSAIDs along with antiplatelet agents. Meet the expert: James M. Scheiman, M.D.
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Aspirin, acid blocker a-day keeps GI bleeding at bay (8/11/2008)In a new study, U-M researchers reveal that over-the-counter acid-blockers are worth the price for coronary heart disease patients taking low-dose aspirin as a preventative measure. Meet the expert: Sameer Dev Saini, M.D., M.S. |
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Physical activity benefits Parkinson’s patients (8/7/2008)Parkinson’s is known as a disease that causes the progressive decline of physical and cognitive function, but recent research suggests that regular exercise may impede the disease’s progression. MFit personal trainers have seen their clients with various stages of Parkinson’s improve joint mobility, posture, coordination and balance. Meet the expert: Eric Breitenbeck, Wellness Coordinator
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First U.S. patient to receive new heart device doing well at U-M (8/5/2008)Anthony Shannon made history on July 30. That’s when he became the first person in the United States to receive a new type of experimental and very high-tech heart-assist device. Called a DuraHeart, it was implanted in his chest at the U-M Cardiovascular Center, and connected to his failing heart, to help pump his blood and keep him alive. Meet the expert: Francis Pagani, M.D., Ph.D.
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Train like an Olympian (8/4/2008)Do the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics have you inspired to get fit? University of Michigan Health System fitness experts say there are many ways you can get off the couch and get moving without hurting yourself — even during commercial breaks. Meet the expert: Colleen Greene, wellness coordinator with MFit
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Free U-M event at Cabela’s aimed at hunters’ hearts (7/31/2008)In just a few weeks, the first of Michigan’s hunting seasons will begin, and tens of thousands of camouflage-clad hunters will head for the woods and the shorelines, with bows and shotguns in hand. The U-M Cardiovascular Center will help them - and other outdoors enthusiasts -- get ready, with a free health fair on August 23 and 24 at Cabela’s in Dundee, Mich. Meet the expert: Eric Good, D.O.
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U-M Health System named one of 2008 "Most Wired" and "Most Wireless" hospitals and health systems (7/17/2008)At the University of Michigan Health System, information technology continues to play an increasing role to enhance the delivery of patient care, research and education. According to a study released this week in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, UMHS has been named to the nation's Most Wired and Most Wireless hospitals and health systems. Learn more: Read about U-M CareLink |
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U-M Hospitals & Health Centers rank 13th in the U.S. (7/11/2008)A new national ranking of American hospitals again places the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers among the country’s finest, with a rank of 13th over all and recognition for excellence in 15 areas of specialized care. The new rankings, compiled by U.S.News & World Report and released online today, mark the 13th year in a row that U-M has been named to the honor roll of “America’s Best Hospitals.” Meet the expert: Doug Strong
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Stroke study reveals a key target for improving treatment (6/22/2008)For over a decade, the drug called tPA has proven its worth as the most effective emergency treatment for the most common kind of stroke, but bleeding risks and a limited time window for treatment have held it back. Now, a new study reveals why tPA has these limitations and gives tantalizing evidence about how those problems might be overcome using a drug that’s also used to treat leukemia. Meet the expert: Daniel Lawrence, Ph.D. |
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Changing your diet, improving your heart (6/13/2008)Some people think once they are diagnosed with a heart-related condition, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, that they will have to simply rely on prescriptions alone to manage their health. However, U-M cardiovascular dietitians say that taking certain steps to monitor eating habits also can aid in the treatment of heart-related conditions. Learn more: Cardiovascular Medicine program at Domino's Farms
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Women, Mexican-Americans at higher risk of ruptured brain aneurysm, U-M study finds (6/11/2008)A type of bleeding stroke that can strike at any age, and kills one-third of its victims, appears to be more common in women and Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic white men, according to a new study. The new research on subarachnoid hemorrhage may help public health officials reach out to higher-risk groups with information on prevention and the importance of rapid treatment. Meet the expert: Lewis Morgenstern, M.D. |
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Vitamin D findings point to new treatment for heart failure (6/11/2008)Activated vitamin D protects the heart against avoid overwork and enlargement, two of the hallmarks of heart failure, U-M studies in animals show. The results, the first to show vitamin D can prevent the damaging effects of heart failure, add heart health to the growing list of vitamin D’s benefits. Meet the expert: Robert Simpson, Ph.D.
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Having heart surgery? Watch your blood sugar, especially if you’re overweight or older, U-M study finds (6/7/2008)Nearly half of all heart surgery patients may experience blood sugar levels high enough to require temporary insulin treatment after their operation, even though they’ve never had diabetes, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Health System. And a significant minority of those patients might need to take medicines for days or even weeks after they leave the hospital. Meet the expert: Roma Gianchandani, M.D.
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Sweatin’ with the oldies (6/4/2008)Despite misconceptions some senior citizens may have, such as exercise will make them more tired or that it will hurt them, U-M fitness experts say working out can act as a preventative measure and assist with treatment for many conditions.
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Could heart transplants become a thing of the past? (6/2/2008)Heart transplants save the lives of more than 2,100 Americans every year. But many more patients are still waiting for a new heart to become available, and hundreds will die without ever getting a second chance at life. Could technology be the solution – whether temporary, or permanent – for many of these people? Could heart transplants ever become a thing of the past? Meet the expert: Francis Pagani, M.D., Ph.D.
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U-M opens new sleep research center to explore links between sleep, biological rhythms & mental health (5/29/2008)One of the world’s first laboratories devoted solely to research on how sleep and biological rhythms influence depression, substance abuse and other aspects of mental well-being has opened at UMHS. Based at the U-M Depression Center, it welcomed the first research volunteers to its new eight-bed facility this month, and is seeking many more participants for a number of research studies. Meet the expert: Roseanne Armitage
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UMHS to observe anniversary of Transplant Survival Flight team tragedy (5/28/2008)On June 4, UMHS will pay tribute to the six Transplant Survival Flight crew members lost one year ago. Plans include a private memorial for U-M employees, and at 5 p.m., a simultaneous bell tolling by 10 bell towers in Ann Arbor. Bells will toll for six minutes in honor of the memory of David Ashburn, Richard Chenault II, Dennis Hoyes, Ricky LaPensee, Bill Serra and Martin Spoor. Learn more: Remembering our team
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Women and heart attack: Study finds failure to recognize symptoms, failure to treat appropriately (5/6/2008)The gender gap is alive and well in heart disease, a new international study finds, with women differing from men on everything from symptoms to treatment. One of the most striking findings was that women were twice as likely as men to have “normal” or “mild” results on an exam of their heart’s blood vessels, with no single blockage taking up more than 50 percent of any one blood vessel. Meet the expert: Kim Eagle, M.D. |
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Calm the heart to stop a stroke? (5/5/2008)Researchers estimate that about 20 percent of all strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation, a chaotic electrical heart rhythm that occurs in as many as 2.2 million Americans. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for people with AF, including a new device under investigation at the U-M Cardiovascular Center. Meet the expert: Eric Good, D.O.
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Laugh your way to wellness with yoga trend (5/5/2008)Laughter yoga - part of a growing trend in parts of the United States, India and other countries – can really make a difference in your overall health. While it shouldn’t replace other types of exercise, laughter yoga is fun and it can help to reduce stress, enhance the immune system, and even tone muscles, say U-M experts. Learn more: MFit Health Promotion
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Patient safety project complete as entire U-M Health System offers online ordering of lab tests, medications, procedures and more (5/2/2008)After nearly three years and thousands of hours later, patient safety received another boost at the University of Michigan Health System as the institution completed implementation of its online order entry system in the University Hospital and the Cardiovascular Center this week. The project, begun in 2005, improves the quality and safety of inpatient care in the Health System by moving from what was once a cumbersome paper process to one handled electronically in a faster, safer and more standardized fashion. Even before it was complete, the system -- which has been rolled out in various parts of the institution -- has resulted in a 29-percent reduction in medication errors and has cut by 40 percent the time between the ordering and administration of urgent medications. Meet the expert: Robert P. Kelch, M.D.
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Covering the uninsured - Who has the will and who has the way? (4/24/2008)News from the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation On Friday, May 2,the CHRT will convene a panel of experts to explore the problem of America’s 47 million uninsured. This free public event will feature speakers from U-M, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Washtenaw Health Plan. Learn more: Cover the Uninsured Week in Michigan
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Exciting times for heart-assisting devices at U-M (4/23/2008)Once, people whose hearts were failing had two choices: hope their own heart kept pumping until they could receive a transplant, or face a certain death. But the last decade has brought incredible advances in technologies that help a failing heart keep pumping. New devices and programs are giving patients a better chance at receiving a transplant, or even helping them survive without a new heart. Meet the expert: Francis Pagani, M.D., Ph.D.
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Working out while injured (4/17/2008)A strained muscle, sprained ankle or foot injury can make even the most motivated exerciser feel discouraged when it comes to working out. But MFit experts say that by speaking with a professional and finding a plan that will work as you heal, you can still hit the gym while recovering. Learn more: MFIT
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Opening of nation’s 2nd depression center gets national network under way (4/14/2008)For decades, cancer centers and heart centers across the country have worked together to improve patient care, set national standards and foster new research for all types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Now it’s depression’s turn. Meet the expert: John Greden, M.D.
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Free concert May 4 concludes U-M Life Sciences Orchestra’s eighth season (4/11/2008)On Sunday, May 4, the U-M Life Sciences Orchestra — made up of amateur musicians from the university’s medical and scientific community — will try to dispel the notion that modern music isn’t fun to listen to. They’ll play a concert of works written in the 20th and 21st centuries that are sure to please classical music fans and novice listeners alike. Learn more: University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra
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Two stroke-prevention procedures are neck-and-neck down the long stretch (4/9/2008)Like horses running down a race track, two different artery-opening treatments appear to be running neck-and-neck when it comes to preventing stroke among people with clogged neck arteries and other health problems. After three years, patients who had a minimally-invasive procedure were just as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack, or to die, as those who had open surgery. Meet the expert: Hitinder S. Gurm, M.D. |
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Tart cherries may reduce factors associated with heart disease and diabetes (4/7/2008)Inflammation, body fat, weight gain and blood cholesterol all lower in rats fed cherries on top of high-fat, Western-style diet Meet the expert: Steven Bolling, M.D.
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A one-two punch: Two-drug blood pressure therapy lowers cardiovascular risk (3/31/2008)An international blood pressure study comparing two single-pill drug combinations has yielded results so significant that the study has been stopped early - and the researchers say their findings might alter the way high blood pressure is treated worldwide. The study is led by a U-M cardiologist. Meet the expert: Kenneth Jamerson, M.D.
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Are dangerous blood clots lurking in your legs? (3/13/2008)Deep vein thrombosis leads to the death of 300,000 people a year - and most of those deaths could be prevented. But most Americans have no idea what DVT is, or how to prevent it. That's why U-M experts are offering information, and new programs, for people with DVT and other vein problems. Meet the expert: Thomas Wakefield, M.D.
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Study: Damaged veins heal faster with heparin treatment (3/13/2008)A commonly used medication that prevents blood clots from forming may also prevent existing clots from damaging delicate vein walls - and may accelerate healing in a clot-damaged area of vein wall, according to new U-M research. The findings lend credence to the current push to improve clot-prevention efforts at hospitals and nursing homes. Meet the expert: Peter Henke, M.D.
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For people with high cholesterol, national study shows importance of nutrition help from registered dietitian (3/4/2008)Worried about your cholesterol? You may want to schedule a few appointments with a registered dietitian, to get some sound advice about how to shape up your eating habits, according to a new national study led by UMHS researchers. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center |
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Good news on gray matter: Memory loss and other cognitive impairment becoming less common in older Americans, U-M study finds (2/20/2008)A new nationally representative study led by the University of Michigan shows a downward trend in the rate of “cognitive impairment” – the umbrella term for everything from significant memory loss to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – among people aged 70 and older. While the reasons for this decline aren’t yet fully known, the authors say it may be linked to the fact that today’s seniors are more likely to have had more formal education, better economic status, and better care for risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking that can jeopardize their brains. Meet the expert: Kenneth Langa, M.D., Ph.D. |
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Big risks for little hearts: Many of today’s kids face heart disease tomorrow if families don’t change diet and exercise habits (2/4/2008)Millions of kids today may face heart disease in the future, especially if heart disease runs in the family. But University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center experts say parents can act now to change their children’s diet and exercise regime to put them on a better path to a healthy heart. Meet the expert: Caren Goldberg, M.D.
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The missing link between belly fat and heart disease? (1/21/2008)By now, everyone knows that overweight people have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and other problems that arise from clogged, hardened arteries. Now, a new study in mice gives the first direct evidence of why this link might exist - and a tantalizing look at how it might be broken. Meet the expert: Daniel Eitzman, M.D. |
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Expansion of University of Michigan Health System services in the Brighton/Livingston area (1/17/2008)To best serve the health needs of the greater Brighton community and meet their increasing need for outpatient clinical and diagnostic services, the U-M Health System is proposing to expand services to the communities in Livingston County. Learn more: Brighton Health Center
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Pedometers help people lose weight even without changes in diet, U-M Health System finds (1/14/2008)People who participate in a pedometer-based walking program can be expected to lose a modest amount of weight even without changing their diet, with more weight loss the longer they stick with the program, according to a University of Michigan Health System analysis of nine studies. Meet the expert: Caroline R. Richardson, M.D. |
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Tips to get into shape without leaving the house (1/2/2008)Don’t have the time, money or the desire to sign up for a gym membership? That shouldn’t keep you from making a New Year’s resolution to get fit. University of Michigan Health System fitness experts say you don’t have to join a gym to develop a successful and sustainable fitness regimen. With the right equipment and motivation, you can start an exercise program at home that will last. Learn more: MFit
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New insights into deadly heart rhythm disorder: Researchers show animal-human similarities in electrical signals underlying the top cause of sudden cardiac death (12/20/2007)Every year, 300,000 Americans die suddenly when, out of the blue, a “storm” of electrical activity arises within their heart muscle – so violent and so abrupt that their hearts just stop beating. These tragic and dramatic “sudden cardiac deaths” strike people young and old, often without warning Learn more: University of Michigan Medical School |
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Over 25 heart researchers leave NY to join U-M Cardiovascular Center (12/19/2007)For nearly 100 years, the University of Michigan has helped lead the world in diagnosing and treating a broad range of life-threatening conditions that cause the heart to beat irregularly. And each year, thousands of children and adults from Michigan and across the country come to U-M’s Cardiovascular Center and Congenital Heart Center for treatment for such conditions, called arrhythmias. Learn more: U-M’s Cardiovascular Center
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Michigan Congenital Heart Center Fact Sheet (12/12/2007)
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Nov. 6: U-M Cardiovascular Center doctors to perform cardiovascular operation live on the World Wide Web (11/5/2007)U-M Cardiovascular Center doctors to perform cardiovascular operation live on the World Wide Web. Meet the expert: Himanshu J. Patel, MD
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Speeding up stroke care: Two new U-M studies emphasize the need to help stroke victims get treated fast (11/1/2007)Sixty-nine percent of stroke victims still don’t reach the hospital in the first three hours after their stroke symptoms begin, a new study finds. More public education about the need for speed in responding to a stroke could help - - including a middle-school education effort shown successful in another new study Meet the expert: Lewis Morgenstern, M.D. |
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$42.9M medical imaging investment will allow U-M Health System to serve more patients & advance research (10/25/2007)Today, the U-M Board of Regents approved three major projects to expand UMHS medical imaging and image-guided procedures. Together with a project approved by the Regents in July, the total investment in interventional neuroradiology, MRI, CT, nuclear cardiology and breast imaging is $42.9 million Learn more: Department of Radiology
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U-M Health System information on heart device recall (10/18/2007)The recall of a wire "lead" from implanted heart-rhythm devices affects about 500 of the 5,000 adults and children who have received such devices as part of their treatment at U-M. This announcement can help patients understand if they might be affected by the recall, and what to do if they are. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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Hunters: Don't let heart trouble ruin your season! (10/1/2007)Every year, an unknown number of hunters never make it back home because their hearts suffer problems brought on by the strenuous exercise and dramatic bursts of activity that hunting can bring. Fortunately, U-M experts says, hunters can take steps now to protect themselves from heart problems during the hunt – and to make sure they know what to do if a fellow hunter goes down. Meet the expert: Eric Good, D.O.
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With $22 million gift from retail pioneer, U-M Health System launches A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute (9/26/2007)A new and extraordinary $22 million gift to UMHS from retail pioneer A. Alfred Taubman is making possible a new and extraordinary institute - one with a mission of supporting fundamental research to advance the understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of human diseases. Learn more: A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute
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U-M study: Device helps heart transplant candidates survive & regain heart function while they wait for donor (8/30/2007)A new generation of implanted heart-assisting pump does very well at helping severely ill heart-failure patients survive, and thrive, until they receive a heart transplant, according to a new study led by U-M Cardiovascular Center experts. The device, called HeartMate II, also helped patients’ original hearts regain function and allowed their other organs to heal by restoring blood flow. Meet the expert: Francis Pagani, M.D., Ph.D. |
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Hunters, get your hearts in shape now, U-M experts warn (8/15/2007)In just a few weeks, the first of Michigan's hunting seasons will begin, so hunters should start getting their hearts in shape now, U-M Cardiovascular Center experts say. They offer tips for hunters and, on Aug. 25 and 26 at Cabela's outfitters in Dundee, they'll offer free screenings and information at the first-ever Heart of the Hunter Health Fair. Meet the expert: Eric Good, D.O.
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A heart pioneer: Total artificial heart patient nears one-year anniversary of receiving high-tech implant at U-M (8/13/2007)A year ago, 42-year-old Phillip Hall was facing near-certain death, perhaps within weeks. But today, he's about to celebrate his birthday, his tenth wedding anniversary - and the one-year anniversary of the day he was rushed into a U-M operating room and implanted with a temporary total artificial heart that saved his life. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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Many heart attack patients still not receiving emergency clot-busting treatment, study finds (8/3/2007)Far more of today's heart attack patients receive emergency angioplasty treatment or clot-busting drugs to re-open their clogged heart arteries than even a decade ago, a new U-M/Yale study finds. But 10 percent of patients who could benefit from this urgent treatment - which is known to save lives and prevent lasting damage to the heart muscle - don't get it at all, the study shows. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center |
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U-M Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announce Marianne Udow as director for joint venture (8/1/2007)The board of directors of the Center for Healthcare Quality & Transformation -- a joint venture between the U-M Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan created as part of the sale of M-CARE -- has named Marianne Udow as the organization's first director. The joint venture is dedicated to improving the quality of Michigan's health care, and transforming the way patient care is delivered in the state and beyond.
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U-M researchers find family of ‘on switches’ that cause prostate cancer (8/1/2007)Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered how genes turn on the switch that leads to prostate cancer. The team discovered that pieces of two chromosomes can trade places with each other and cause two genes to fuse together. The fused genes then override the "off" switch that keeps cells from growing uncontrollably, causing prostate cancer to develop. Learn more: Michigan Center for Translational Pathology
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Study points to new way to predict death risk for patients who suffer a tear in the body's largest blood vessel (7/26/2007)Each year, thousands of Americans suffer a sudden tear in the body's largest blood vessel, the aorta. It's often misdiagnosed, can kill if not treated immediately, and survivors face a high and unpredictable risk of dying. Now, a new U-M-led study points to a new way to predict which patients are most at risk, and introduces a new model to explain why. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center |
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University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers in the black for 11th straight year (7/19/2007)The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers have finished fiscal year 2007 with a positive operating margin, marking the 11th straight year in the black. Meet the expert: Robert Kelch, M.D.
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U-M Hospitals and Health Centers again named among nation’s best on U.S.News & World Report hospital rankings (7/13/2007)The U-M Hospitals and Health Centers once again has earned a place among the best hospitals in the nation, according to rankings compiled by U.S.News & World Report. In its 12th straight year of making the upper echelon of the magazine's honor roll of "America's Best Hospitals," U-M comes in at 14th among the top 18. No other Michigan hospitals made the honor roll, which signifies across-the-board excellence in multiple medical specialties.
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University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center receives gift of $50 million (6/25/2007)Today, the U-M Health System announces that it has received an extraordinary gift of $50 million to recognize and encourage the Centers innovative model of caring for people with cardiovascular disease. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center’s
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A new front door for heart and vascular care:U-M Cardiovascular Center opens June 11 (6/1/2007)A grand-opening celebration will be held on June 7 for the new U-M Cardiovascular Center building, and it will open to patients on June 11. The new building will provide one-stop access to most of the Universitys adult heart and vascular care and allow U-M specialists from different disciplines to work together as never before. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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To get blood pressure under control, combination of medicines may be best, international study finds (5/21/2007)Single-tablet combinations of drugs may be what it takes to get blood pressure under control, even in people with moderate hypertension, according to results from a new international study involving more than 10,700 people with high blood pressure and led by a U-M professor. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center |
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University of Michigan launches Spanish health podcast (5/16/2007)UMHS and the U-M Portal en Espaol Web site today launched the Universitys first Spanish language health podcast - Actualidad Mdica - that provides consumer-oriented health topics such as cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and diabetes for Spanish speakers around the world. Learn more: U-M Portal en Español Web
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A self-fulfilling prophecy? (5/14/2007)Each year, tens of thousands of people receive a dreaded diagnosis: intracerebral hemorrhage, or a bleeding stroke. Caused by a burst blood vessel in the brain, ICH kills a quarter of patients in two days, and up to half of them within 30 days. And theres no approved specific medical treatment for it -- though people can recover with specialized hospital care. Learn more: University of Michigan Stroke Program |
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iPods may interfere with pacemaker function, U-M/Michigan State study suggests (5/10/2007)Portable music players called iPods interfered with pacemakers in 30 percent of patients tested in a new study, though none of the interference was life-threatening. The study was presented here by a high school student who worked with a University of Michigan and Michigan State University team; the presentation took place at the Heart Rhythm Society's 28th Annual Scientific Sessions. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
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What's your "stroke IQ"? (5/7/2007)Stroke is the third largest cause of death and the top cause of disability. Still, studies have shown that Americans don't know enough about why strokes happen, what to do when they happen or how to prevent strokes from happening. So, the U-M Stroke Program is offering a test that can check anyones stroke IQ, and maybe bump it up a few points. Learn more: University of Michigan Stroke Program
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Good news on heart attack and chest pain: (5/1/2007)People who suffer a heart attack or severe chest pain today are much less likely to die, or to experience long-lasting effects, than their counterparts even a few years ago, according to a new international study involving U-M researchers. Its the first time that a study has shown a significant drop in the rate of heart failure and death over such a short time in this population. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center |
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Nobel-winning pioneer in understanding cholesterol to give annual James V. Neel lecture at U-M (4/30/2007)A pioneer in understanding cholesterol will talk about his ongoing research to explore details of lipid synthesis that shed light on heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Learn more: U-M Department of Human Genetics
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A cherry on top: Animal study suggests tart cherries can alter factors linked to heart disease and diabetes (4/30/2007)Tart cherries may be good for more than just making pie, according to new data from an animal study conducted by U-M researchers. The researchers report that animals that received powdered tart cherries in their diet had lower total cholesterol, lower blood sugar, less fat storage in the liver, lower oxidative stress and increased production of a molecule that helps the body handle fat and sugar. Learn more: Cardioprotection Research Laboratory
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Are higher doses of cholesterol-lowering drugs worth the extra money? Only sometimes, U-M/VA study suggests (4/23/2007)When it comes to cholesterol-lowering drugs, more is better. But are higher doses of statin drugs worth the cost? Not always, finds a new U-M study. But for patients with a recent heart attack or what doctors call acute coronary syndrome, the answer is yes, the researchers say. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center |
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University of Michigan Health System named one of the nation’s 100 best hospitals for third straight year (4/16/2007)For the third year in a row, the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health System has been named one of the nations 100 Top Hospitals by Solucient - and one of only 15 major teaching hospitals nationwide chosen for the honor. Learn more: 100 Top Hospitals by Solucient |
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Prescription for exercise: The physician’s role in helping patients become active (4/5/2007)Primary care physicians should play an important role in communicating the benefits of exercise and encouraging physical activity among their patients, says a new paper from the Department of Family Medicine. One suggestion: writing a prescription for the type and duration of exercise the patient should try.
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Leg pain can mean heart danger, U-M expert says (4/2/2007)Most people think clogged artery disease, or arterial sclerosis, only happens in the heart. But it can happen throughout the body. When it does, its called peripheral arterial disease or PAD. And in some people, PAD causes leg pain that can act as an early warning symptom that someone is at high risk for a heart attack or a stroke, say U-M experts. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
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The results are in: Project Healthy Schools gets an A (3/30/2007)America is facing an epidemic. Despite numerous studies showing the negative effects of obesity on everything from heart disease and diabetes to possible links with cancer, one in five American children is obese. However, a collaborative program sponsored by the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community teaches children healthy habits and offers hope for a healthier future. And results from a new study suggest that the program is working. Learn more: Project Healthy Schools
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Engineering the heart piece by piece: (3/27/2007)Some day, heart attack survivors might have a patch of laboratory-grown muscle placed in their heart, and children born with defective heart valves might get new ones that can grow in place. But while these possibilities are all within reach, and could transform the way heart care is delivered, hurdles still remain, according to a new article. Learn more: U-M Cardiac Surgery Artificial Heart Laboratory |
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Type of stem cell found to reside in transplanted lungs; finding could (3/8/2007)A new study from the University of Michigan Health System involving a type of stem cells from the lungs of transplant patients demonstrates for the first time that these progenitor cells reside in adult organs and are not derived from bone marrow, which leads to the possibility that the cells may be able to help with the rejection of donated organs and with various kinds of lung disease. Learn more: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine |
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Do specialty heart hospitals drive up heart care use? U-M-led study su (3/6/2007)Across the country, states are embroiled in a debate over specialty hospitals - physician-owned hospitals that focus on a single area such as heart care. Now a new study shows that these hospitals may drive up the use of non-emergency heart care. Meet the expert: Brahmajee Nallamothu, M.D., MPH |
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BCBSM and U-M Health System launch Michigan HealthQuarters, a new orga (2/19/2007)A new Michigan organization is dedicated to improving the quality of the states health care system, and transforming the way patient care is delivered in the state and beyond. Called Michigan HealthQuarters LLC, it is a joint venture of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System. Learn more: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
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U-M Hospital to open new ‘quick-casual’ restaurants (2/6/2007)In spring 2007, U-M Hospital will open two new food services, bringing greater options in healthy dining to visitors and staff. Learn more: ARAMARK
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9 health issues that can impact sexual satisfaction (2/5/2007)Most (64 percent of Americans, according to one recent study) are satisfied with their sex lives. But many health issues can get in the way of having a good sex life, from prescription medication side effects to depression to sexually transmitted diseases. In most cases, physicians can work with their patients to improve the situation. Meet the expert: Pamela G. Rockwell, D.O.
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Early detection of artery weakening can be a life-saver (2/5/2007)Ruptured aortic aneurysms are the 10th most common cause of death in the country. Thats why U-M experts say routine screening can be a life-saver, especially since patients often have no symptoms. Now, many newly qualified Medicare patients will be able to receive screening for aneurysms as part of their regular physical exam. Learn more: U-M Cardiovascular Center
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Faster heart-attack care coming to Michigan hospitals (2/2/2007)Representatives from dozens of hospitals across Michigan are launching an all-out effort to speed heart attack treatment for Michigan residents -- specifically, to decrease the time it takes to diagnose and treat patients using emergency angioplasties. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
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David Morlock named new chief financial officer of U-M Hospitals and H (2/1/2007)David Morlock, M.B.A., a longtime University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers employee who has helped shape the finances of the institution and to steer many high-profile efforts, has been named the new chief financial officer of UMHHC.
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Are one-third of costly implanted heart devices unnecessary? New study (1/3/2007)Tens of thousands of heart patients have high-tech devices implanted in their chests each year, to protect them against sudden cardiac death. But a new U-M and Cincinnati study finds that while many of these patients will benefit from their ICDs, a large number wont - and a simple heart-rhythm test can tell whos who. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center |
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Spice up your health in 2007 with these savory tips (1/2/2007)This New Year, make the resolution to spice up your health - literally. By adding spices like basil, oregano, garlic and rosemary to your diet, you can fight cancer, lower blood pressure and even maintain a healthy weight.
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For kids with high blood pressure, surgery can help when medicines fai (12/28/2006)High blood pressure may seem like something that only adults get, but children can develop it too - and it can pose serious risks to their hearts, brains and lives. A new study shows that for kids with a rare but especially dangerous form of hypertension, surgery is the best option. Meet the expert: James C. Stanley, M.D. |
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U-M Health System awarded national grant for Interpreter Services (12/13/2006)The University of Michigan Health System has been selected as one of 10 hospitals nationwide to participate in Speaking Together: National Language Services Network, a national program to improve the quality of health care provided to patients with limited English proficiency. Learn more: Speaking Together: National Language Services Network
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U-M Cardiovascular Center again named one of the 100 best in the natio (12/12/2006)The U-M Cardiovascular Center has once again been named one of the nation's best places for heart and vascular care. In fact, the CVC performed better than the average of the other top 30 centers in the country on many measures. Learn more: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
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A new approach to growing heart muscle: (12/8/2006)It looks, contracts and responds almost like natural heart muscle - even though it was grown in the lab. U-M Cardiovascular Center researchers are reporting a new advance that brings scientists another step closer to the goal of creating replacement parts for damaged human hearts, or eventually growing an entirely new heart from just a spoonful of loose heart cells. Learn more: Artificial Heart Laboratory |
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Holiday tip sheet from University of Michigan Health System (11/28/2006)Since December is a notoriously difficult time to fill up the newspapers and news broadcasts, we've collected numerous story ideas that can be done throughout the next month. Some are holiday-related, some are events and others are evergreen features that can come in handy on a slow news day.
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How low should we go with LDL cholesterol? (10/2/2006)Americans have been trying to get their cholesterol levels down for decades, and in recent years, experts have suggested that some people should aim even lower. Not so fast, says a team of researchers from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and the University of Michigan Health System in a new paper. Learn more: cholesterol |
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Annual flu shot may protect cardiovascular disease patients (9/19/2006)The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology are asking heart doctors to do something they may not normally do - give flu shots to their patients. However, patients with cardiovascular disease should not get the nasal-spray flu vaccine.
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Families can fight back against inherited sudden-death heart condition (9/5/2006)A combination of better diagnosis, treatment and genetic testing is starting to help people fight back against hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited condition that has the potential to cause sudden cardiac death. Now, people who have a family history of HCM can get a clearer picture of the risks that they and their children face. And, U-M experts say, that can help shape both treatment and preventive steps. Learn more: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
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$2M gift to U-M Depression Center will fund professorship and research (8/30/2006)An Ann Arbor businessman who watched his wife struggle with depression has given $2 million to support the research of a University of Michigan Depression Center scientist whose work may help explain the diseases roots in the brain. The gift adds to the $2 million previously given by the same donor for a new building that will open this fall to house the Center and other U-M mental health programs. Learn more: University of Michigan Depression Center
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Rising health expenses are a good value, researchers say (8/30/2006)Despite dramatic increases in health expenses since 1960, the return on medical spending is high, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard and UMHS. They conclude that between 1960 and 2000, healthcare in America was cost-effective on the whole, although ballooning costs for the elderly are a cause for concern.
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U-M study: Don’t judge a surgeon by his or her age (8/24/2006)Researchers at the U-M Health System say patients should be less concerned about the age of their surgeon and more focused on a number that really counts - how many times a surgeon has performed a particular procedure. Their study showed that surgeons older than 60 with low surgical volumes had higher patient mortality rates than their younger counterparts, while younger surgeons had similar outcomes to their older, more experience peers.
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U-M study: Don’t judge a surgeon by his or her age (8/24/2006)Low volume surgeons older than 60 had higher mortality rates with certain complex procedures; younger surgeon mortality rates comparable to peers ages 41- 50
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Two strokes, you’re out: (8/22/2006)Having a stroke is bad enough. But having another one after surviving the first one is especially bad, more than doubling a persons risk of dying in the next two years, a new U-M study finds. And Mexican-Americans are more likely than non-Latinos to suffer a second stroke. Learn more: University of Michigan Stroke Program |
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Stroke costs predicated to top $2.2 trillion (8/16/2006)Unless Americans do more to lower their risk of stroke and improve stroke care, the nation will pay $2.2 trillion over the next 45 years to care for people who suffer the most common form of stroke, a new University of Michigan Stroke Program study predicts Learn more: stroke |
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U-M Hospitals and Health Centers end 2006 with 5.5% operating margin (7/21/2006)The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers has finished its 10th straight fiscal year in the black and has completed its fifth consecutive year of increasing its operating margin, a sign of the medical center's strong financial health as it prepares for an increasingly difficult health care finance environment. A positive operating margin is essential to fund continued advances in patient care, education, research, and the facilities needed to support these functions. Learn more: U-M Board of Regents
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Women still get lower-quality heart attack care than men, U-M study (7/10/2006)Women were less likely than men to benefit from hospitals quality-improvement measures and were less likely to get all of the drugs, tests, and counseling about smoking, diet and exercise that have been proven to help heart attack survivors live longer and healthier lives Learn more: heart attack |
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Study shows high survival for patients w/torn aortas who get surgery (7/10/2006)Researchers have published some rare good news about aortic dissection, showing that 90 percent of patients who survive emergency surgery and hospitalization for its most serious form will still be alive three years later. Learn more: aortic dissection |
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Doug Strong named CEO of U-M Hospitals and Health Centers (7/5/2006)Doug Strong, M.B.A., has been named director and chief executive officer of the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, pending approval by the U-M Board of Regents, after serving in the post on an interim basis since October 2005. Meet the expert: Robert P. Kelch, M.D.
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