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Understanding Who is at Risk for Aggressive Heart Disease

Recorded on 7/15/2007

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Heart disease is a serious problem for a number of Americans, but this disease is not just a domestic issue, it continues to claim lives around the globe. More often, it is being referred to as an epidemic. Factors like cholesterol build-up and plaque in arteries are major contributors to heart disease and for some, aggressive heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than any other illness. Barry Holloway was almost part of this statistic, that is, until he acted quickly and made some very necessary changes in his lifestyle.

Barry Holloway, an air force mechanic found himself on his knees in excruciating pain. As his heart picked up speed, Barry had no idea of what was going on inside his body. Mr. Holloway was immediately transported to University of Washington Medical center and after extensive testing, he was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia. Experts at the University of Washington Medical Center were able to treat Barry successfully, but this was not the end of his problems. Several years later, Barry once again found himself with severe chest pains. He was later diagnosed with aggressive heart disease. Listen to Barry tell his unbelievable story and his advice on why not to "pull a Barry.”

Expert Dr. Eugene Yang is also featured on the program to give us insight as to who is at risk for aggressive heart disease, and what new imaging techniques are playing a vital role in detecting cardiovascular abnormalities. As a cardiologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center, Dr. Yang helps us understand where research is headed, early prevention methods and what it means to have good heart health. Dr. Yang emphasizes that prevention starts with the patient rather than the physician. He also talks about how technologies like the 64-slice CT scan, and CAT scan technology are allowing doctors to focus on target areas.

In the words of Dr. Yang: “…in addition to understanding about your disease processes and your illnesses, taking your own initiative to try to improve upon those illnesses by watching your diet, exercising regularly, all of those things will improve your cardiovascular health in particular, and really there's no medication that will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke more so than adhering to a good diet and exercising regularly.”

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Eugene Yang, M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, UW Medicine
Dr. Eugene Yang is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Yang received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowships in cardiovascular medicine and cardiac MRI at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Yang is board certified in internal... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Barry's Story
  3. New Technologies for Diagnosing Heart Disease
  4. Good Heart Health Starts with Diet and Exercise
  5. Who Should be Screened?

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