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Cardiology

Making hearts healthier

Heart research at Regions Hospital focuses on clinical research with the potential to improve care outcomes. We have shared the results of our work through 27 peer-reviewed publications since 2009 and are actively involved in large industry-sponsored trials to test the use of new drugs and medical devices.

Investigators

Key projects

Using blood clot prevention drug in patients undergoing medical device implantation

We found that continuing to use warfarin (a drug to prevent blood clots) during pacemaker/defibrillator implantation was better than not taking it. Patients who continued to take warfarin had the shortest hospital stay. This study helped change the care of patients who take blood clot-prevention drugs and are having a medical device implanted.

Comparison of ejection fraction calculations in different software programs

Ejection fraction is a measurement of the percentage of blood leaving your heart each time it contracts. This study found that the four methods of calculation tested provided very different results. One software program greatly overestimated ejection fraction compared with the other methods. This was important for clinicians to know when working with patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to help normalize heart pumping function and cardiac rhythm in patients with heart failure: preventing sudden cardiac death

We studied patients with heart failure who received an ICD to prevent sudden death. In some patients, heart function improved to normal over time. In those normalized patients, no device therapy was delivered to correct a life-threatening rhythm for the 2.5 year monitoring period. In contrast, 15 to 20 percent of patients whose heart function remained reduced did receive therapy from their device.

Clinical role of effective orifice area index (EOAi) charts

EOAi charts are often used in operating rooms to help find the correct-sized valve for a patient. The manufacturers of prosthetic heart valves give the EOAi charts to customers. Through this study, we found that the charts do not accurately predict EOAis after surgery.

Cognitive function testing in heart rehabilitation patients

We are studying whether significant cognitive impairment in patients receiving heart rehabilitation affects hospital readmission and death rates.

Key publications