The program begins with Robert’s story. Robert’s first symptom was fatigue and wheezing. His doctor diagnosed him with congestive heart failure. After many years on medication, changing medications and going through medications that diminished his quality of life, Robert wanted something new. He found out about the catheter ablation procedure and his wife did the research that led them to Dr. Knight at Northwestern. Robert speaks candidly about his experience and how he’s doing now, after having ablation.

Dr. Knight goes on to explain exactly what atrial fibrillation is, including the symptoms and risk factors. He speaks in detail about the medication that is available for treatment and what to do when these medications stop working. Dr. Knight helps listeners to understand how the catheter ablation procedure works and the recovery period. If you or someone you know is considering catheter ablation, this program is a must-listen.

Ms. Harwood, a world traveler, woke up one night with an irregular heartbeat, which later landed her in the emergency room. She underwent a cardio version - a procedure that did it not seem to fix the problem. Joan saw two cardiologists and both recommended she visit Dr. Feld at UC San Diego Medical Center, and that she did. Joan received treatment for the atrial fibrillation at UCSD, which she describes as “saving her life.” Hear more of Joan’s story, her experience with the procedure that involved two small holes in her groin and how she is back to traveling around the world with confidence.

Dr. Feld begins by thoroughly explaining the differences between the atria, the upper chamber of the heart and their respective functions. He also talks about dramatic cases of atrial fibrillation and those with no warning sign. Dr. Feld then shifts the discussion to talk about getting patients in normal rhythm through medications or electrical shots to establish normal rhythm, and how treating arrhythmias early is optimal for success. Finally, he helps the lay listener to understand effective approaches for curing atrial fibrillation. If you or someone you knows lives with arrhythmias and ignores subtle symptoms, hear how consulting with an electrophysiologist might save your life.

The program begins with Matthew telling the story of how his son’s life was spared by Dr. Langley and the use of advancing technology. Matthew’s son Espen was born with transposition of the great arteries. These problems were diagnosed earlier through a routine ultrasound, but nothing could prepare Matthew and his wife Melissa for what was to come. Espen had surgery within 1 hour of birth and just seven days later had a major surgery that kept him in the hospital for 22 days. Hear more of Espen's journey from critical to stable care and how Dr. Langley was instrumental in Espen’s recovery.

Dr. Langley breaks down key terms related to conditions requiring heart surgery and the advantages of pediatric and adult congenital heart care at a major medical center like OHSU. He helps the lay listener understand how new techniques from pediatric cardiac surgery to adult cardiac surgery are offering safer strategies for looking after babies who often have very complex problems. He also talks about the causes of congenital heart disease, various imaging techniques and research in developing pediatric heart and lung machines. This program has a great deal of information for anyone searching for the latest in treating and monitoring mild to severe heart conditions from childhood to adulthood.

Nancy, a 49-year-old travel executive, had arrhythmias for over 4 years, with heart palpitations leaving her out of breath. She was told her condition was a result of high stress. After an attack that lasted nine hours, leaving her disoriented, Nancy decided it was time to visit an expert. Nancy had an ablation in November 2008 at OHSU. Thanks to expert care, Nancy is doing well, but encourages others to seek attention sooner and not wait for the worst.

Hear more about clinical trials for arrhythmias and how OHSU experts are making sure patients with arrhythmias are safe, while still alleviating symptoms. You’ll understand how experts are diagnosing, treating and monitoring this condition. If you have dismissed an arrhythmia without evaluation, this heart pounding discussion will surely make you think twice.

Both experts discuss the types of long term issues that commonly arise in those with congenital heart disease such as endocarditis or an infection of the heart or valves. People with heart defects are more prone to such infections, which can be hard to detect clinically and are often missed. Dr. Broberg also talks about complications during non-cardiac surgery and how heart disease tends to make routine procedures more risky. He also talks about evaluating the associated risks that can have a significant impact on decisions about reproduction, their approach, and difficult situations that can be avoided with some forethought.

Dr. Broberg and Dr. Weiss help listeners to understand long-term issues, the role of congenital heart disease in pregnancy and simple to severe complications of this disease. Listen to these highly knowledgeable experts for a closer look into a condition many people are living with.

Bruce was 34 years-old, and very fit, when he began experiencing a racing heartbeat and lightheadedness. He made several trips to the doctor, had normal EKGs and was finally referred to Northwestern. You?ll hear his full story about the different diagnoses he received, how his case was unique and his partnership with Dr. Goldberger that helped him to get the treatment he needed.

Dr. Goldberger provides a detailed explanation of Bruce?s case and how atrial fibrillation is treated through new procedures and hybrid approaches to treatment. In addition to a discussion of the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) to prevent sudden cardiac death, Dr. Goldberg talks about sinus arrhythmias. He also stresses the importance of beta blockers ?it turns out that beta blockers are also very important medication to treat patients with cardiac disease because beta blockers actually improve survival. It's one of the group of medications that actually for example in dilated cardiomyopathy myopathy or after a heart attack have been shown to significantly improve survival.? If you or someone you know if having heart rhythm problems, this program can provide answers to many of your most pressing questions.

Imagine watching your 12-year-old son at a swim meet, and moments before he touches the wall, he goes under the water and does not resurface. Kristy, the mother of Matthew, details this moment and the actions she took immediately after as she fought feverishly to save her son’s life. CPR and quick thinking helped save Matthew, but they had to wait for the ambulance for access to a defibrillator to restart his heart. Hear the challenge Matthew has brought before the Kentucky legislature to try to ensure this does not happen to another student.

Matthew’s condition was not known until he had a catastrophic experience. Providing another perspective is 28-year-old Joey Michael and his mother, Josephine. They share Joey’s journey, as he was born with a heart problem known as Transposition, which eventually led to him having an implanted defibrillator. Woven throughout this Patient Power program is Dr. Bricker’s perspectives on screening, genetics and long-term treatment for these diseases. The first signs of a heart problem can often be so subtle that even a routine electrocardiogram may miss it.

Dr. Bricker breaks down the most common structural heart defects seen in children. He explains that heart conditions are either a “plumbing” problem or an “electrical” problem. Many young children experience heart murmurs and cardiac arrhythmia - Dr. Bricker helps parents to understand when to be concerned. He stresses the importance of finding a cardiologist who specializes in your child’s particular heart problem because many cardiologists are more familiar with adult congenital heart disease than congenital heart disease in children. He also offers tremendous hope for the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities in the fetus. Overall, this Patient Power program is an extremely important one detailing how America’s number one killer is affecting not only adults, but children too.

Dr. Losordo starts off by explaining what exactly stem cells are, where they come from and how they can be used to benefit patients with chest pain, heart failure and heart damage. He talks about what stems cells can do for individuals with congestive heart failure and individuals with severely blocked leg arteries, as well as a condition known as critical limb ischemia (CLI). Dr. Losordo goes into detail about what makes an attractive candidate for stem cell therapy and the risks associated with treatment.

You’ll hear about the latest studies and research being done in stem cell therapy at Northwestern Memorial and around the country. Dr. Losordo expresses his excitement about how medicine is changing with the inclusion of regenerative medicine. To quote Dr. Losordo: “I think we're going to look back on this time as one of the really golden ages of medicine because I think it stands to benefit patients a great deal.” If you’re searching for information on heart repair, stem cells and an optimistic outlook for the future, this program is for you.

Dr. Lee begins the discussion by giving an explanation of how the heart works and why atrial fibrillation happens. He talks about the therapies used to treat this condition, including medication and surgery. Previously, the only available treatments were medicines and blood thinners that were only partially effective. Dr. Lee goes into detail discussing new procedures that offer patients a chance for a cure, prevention of stroke and a life without blood thinners. One procedure developed at Northwestern Memorial, minimally invasive Hybrid Maze combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with catheter ablation. Dr. Lee reviews the complications of atrial fibrillation and the new treatment advances offered at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. These include using laparoscopes and cameras to operate on the outside of the heart and, if necessary, using ablation to make changes on the inside of the heart.

You’ll also hear from Dr. Lee’s patient, Lowell from Missouri, as he tells his story of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and the path that led him to Northwestern. Lowell speaks highly of Dr. Lee’s team and of his experience having two procedures. He has had no symptoms since November and continues to be monitored by Dr. Lee and his colleagues. If you want to hear about the latest in cutting-edge treatment for atrial fibrillation, this program provides a wealth of knowledge and information about the topic.

The program begins with Dr. Verrier, professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Washington. Dr. Verrier trains new heart doctors. He details the progress being made and what’s new in cardiac care that he is excited about.

Next Dr. Richard Page, head of the division of cardiology at the University of Washington, shares information about the advances being made in heart rhythm problems. He talks about new techniques for treating atrial fibrillation and many complex arrhythmia problems.

Dr. Larry Dean, head of the Regional Heart Center, speaks of the various approaches to treatment of cardiovascular disease. He points out the unique experience available at the UW Regional Heart Center. To quote Dr. Dean “I think the heart center really shines very brightly from the standpoint of the delivery of care because it brings all of the different disciplines together at one place where you can truly get an opinion very rapidly and I think a balanced one as well since we really all work for the same entity, the University of Washington School of Medicine. So I think that's the difference between perhaps what we offer and others would offer in the community.”

If you are in search of information on treating and managing heart problems, this program provides an exceptional look at advances in the field and highlights the latest approaches to treating these complicated conditions.