Winter 2007
Summer 2006 Spring 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005

November 2004
June 2004
March 2004
December 2003
September 2003

May 2003
Winter 2003
November 2002
September 2002
Summer 2002
Spring 2002

Winter 2007

For over 40 years, Congress has collaborated with the American Heart Association (AHA) to declare February American Heart Month. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the United States and also to educate the public about steps people can take to decrease their risk of heart disease and stroke. Read on...

Also in this issue:

• Mother/Son Patients Seek Penn Expertise
• Penn Heart Rescue: Rapid Referral for Cardiac Emergencies
• Search Online to Find Cardiovascular Clinical Trials
• Clinical Researchers Test New Tool to Halt Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation
• Penn in the News
• Recent Awards and Recognitions
• Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Ricotta & Goat Cheese

Summer 2006

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills 930,000 Americans each year, which is more than the next five causes of death combined. In fact, someone dies from heart disease every 34 seconds. An organ with this much importance obviously deserves extra special care and attention. Read on...

Also in this issue:

• Penn Research Highlights Treatment Differences for Men and Women
• America’s First Baby Boomer Turns 60 While Fighting Heart Disease
• Recipe: Spinach Pinwheels

Spring 2006

Diabetes affects millions of Americans already diagnosed with heart disease. Read more about how diabetes is becoming a major risk factor for those with cardiovascular disease.

Also in this issue:

• Penn Study Finds No Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Mild Thyroid Underactivity
• Penn Heart Transplantation Program
• Dispelling the Myths Behind Organ Donation
• Fast Facts about Fast Food
• Recipe: Rustic Chicken Soup

January 2006

Go Red for Women
This February, everyone was invited to raise awareness for women and heart disease by wearing red from their lips to their toes. Find out more about women and heart disease...

Also in this issue:

• Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center Meets Needs of Unique Population
• A Patient's Story: How the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center Gave One Man a New Lease on Life
• The Link Between Migraines and Heart Disease
• Recipe: Pepper-Rubbed Beef Dijon

December 2005

Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease
It might seem like a simple nightly nuisance, but sleep apnea — irregular breathing patterns during sleep — can have a huge impact on your heart health. Learn to recognize the symptoms and what you can do to minimize your risk for heart disease.

Also in this issue:

• Simple Steps to Have a Heart-Healthy Holiday Season
• Cardiologists Implant the First Cancion® Device at Penn
• Heart Tip of the Month
• Recipe: Clam and Potato Chowder with Fresh Herbs

November 2005

Lipids: Common Risk, Extraordinary Care at Penn
Lipid disorders, or problems with cholesterol, are common risk factors for heart disease and often require specialized treatment and management. Learn more about the program at Penn and what services our experts offer you.

Also in this issue:

• UPHS Breaks Ground on Center for Advanced Medicine
• Penn Cardiologists win Awards of Excellence
• Get a Jump Start on an Exercise Program Before the Holiday Rush
• Spicy Green Beans

November 2004

Technology Provides Hope to Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. As the leading cause of hospital admissions in the country today, heart failure poses a serious threat to a person's quality of life. More cases, particularly of chronic heart failure, are expected to increase as the population continues to age. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• New Initiative Closes Treatment Gap in Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Primary Prevention of Stroke
• Chili with Adobo Pork and White Beans

June 2004

Routine Tests Help Detect Heart Disease
Many patients often experience feelings of fear and anxiety when their doctor recommends that they have an echocardiogram or echo. It is important for patients to know what to expect with this routine, non-invasive procedure. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• American Heart Association's 'Go Red for Women' Campaign
• Heart Healthy Recipes

March 2004

Awareness of Symptoms of Heart Attack is Critical to Survival
“Sometimes the sickest patients receive the most benefit from surgery,” states Hans M. Haupt, MD, director of cardiac surgery at Phoenixville Hospital, in reference to his patient Eric Cheever*, a 64-year-old grandfather of 13 children and great grandfather of two who recently had bypass surgery. Read more...

*name has been changed to protect patient’s privacy

Also in this issue:

• Penn Cardiac Care Earns National Recognition
• Shore Memorial and University of Pennsylvania Health System announce an educational and clinical affiliation agreement
• Chicken Cacciatore

December 2003

Penn Cardiac Care offers Hope to patients with End-stage Heart Failure
Heart failure, the leading cause of hospital admissions in the country, is a condition, which poses a serious threat to a patients’ quality of life and their life expectancy. 400,000 new patients are diagnosed with heart failure each year and as the population continues to age, more cases of heart failure, particularly chronic heart failure, are expected, increasing the burden on an already limited heart transplant donor list. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• Surgeons utilize latest techniques to benefit heart patients
• Chocolate Macaroons

September 2003

Breaking Ground In Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Penn Cardiac Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is the only hospital in Philadelphia performing robotic heart surgery and one of only 12 in the nation participating in an FDA clinical trial. Y. Joseph Woo, MD, director of the Hospital's Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program, has operated on more than 30 patients utilizing the robotic system to repair valves, replace heart valves, close septal defects, and assist in coronary artery bypass procedures. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• Heart, chest and lung surgery offered at Penn Cardiac Care at Phoenixville Hospital
• Cherry Pear Crisp

May 2003

Penn Cardiac Care Performs its 500th Heart Transplant
Four years ago, Kevin Greenfield* was just a typical teenage boy who enjoyed school and spending time with his friends, but one hot summer day his life completely changed. While playing during school recess, he fainted and was rushed to the hospital for what doctors declared as heat stroke. But several months later, Kevin did not feel well and noticed that simple activities like walking up and down steps were extremely challenging for him. Read more...

*name has been changed to protect patient’s privacy

Also in this issue:

• Women's Heart Health: Lives Restored
• Bananas Foster

Winter 2003

Beating Heart Surgery Saves Purple Heart Veteran
Had Matt Williams*, a 51-year old, decorated war veteran, not been in a car accident, he may never have known that he was suffering from the nation's #1 killer, heart disease. Having never experienced any symptoms such as chest pain, he was surprised when specialized heart tests taken after the mishap revealed extensive blockages in the arteries of his heart. Read more...

*name has been changed to protect patient’s privacy

Also in this issue:

• Heart Conditions Treated Without Surgery
• Reducing Recurrence of Blocked Arteries
• Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom with Rosemary

September 2002

Improved Care for Heart Bypass Patients
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are now widely used to provide patients with less pain and faster recovery time. Limitations in surgical equipment have prohibited their use during heart bypass surgery -- until now. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• New Guidelines Suggest More Aggressive Control of Risk Factors
• Sleep Apnea and Heart Failure Connected?
• Poached Salmon with Spinach

Fall 2002

Eliminating Heart Rhythm Disturbances
Penn Cardiac Care electrophysiologists, physicians who specialize in heart rhythm disturbances, have found an effective technique in curing a common, but serious condition known as atrial fibrillation. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• Command Performance: Sophisticated Robotic System
• Stuffed Zucchini

Summer 2002

Risk for Heart Disease Differs by Gender
Most women fear the onset of breast cancer, but surprisingly, heart disease poses a bigger threat. Although one in eight women develop breast cancer in her lifetime, two out of three women suffer from heart disease and stroke. Read more...

Also in this issue:

• Groundbreaking Heart Surgery Helps Pregnant Woman
• Get the facts about women and heart disease
• Chicken and Tortilla Casserole

Spring 2002

Penn Cardiac Care Brings Hope to Patients with Heart Failure
Long known for our role in taking technologies to new heights, Penn Cardiac Care physicians continue to develop and utilize new and existing devices and therapies, which are not only helping to prolong and enhance the quality of a patient's life, but also are bringing hope to patients worldwide, especially those with end-stage heart failure. More...

Also in this issue:

• Know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke
• Do you have muscle pain in your lower legs?
• Heart Healthy Pita Crisps

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