Heart-wrenching data to consider for marijuana users was recently released in two separate studies.

In the journal JACC Advances, researchers found that cannabis users under 50 were in grave risk of severe cardiovascular events, even though these participants were relatively healthy individuals.

This is on par with what Michael Grzeskowiak, MD, a cardiologist with OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, has seen in recent years. Dr. Grzeskowiak says he’s seen more young people having heart attacks.

"They found that those that use marijuana had a six-time increase of heart attack. They had a four-time increased risk of stroke, and in general, they had a three-time increased risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or any cardiovascular disease," Dr. Grzeskowiak says.

To add to the startling news, JAMA Cardiology released findings at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session that chronic marijuana smoking and THC-edible use is associated with endothelial dysfunction. This means the cells in the endothelium, the thin layer of cells inside our blood vessels, don’t work properly. In turn, this can block blood flow to your heart, causing a heart attack.

This meta-analysis took 12 previously published studies that collected data from over 75 million people, with an average age of 41.

Add inflammation from marijuana use to inflammation built up from ultra-processed foods, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle; it’s a recipe for disaster.

"Inflammation, in general, in our current Western diet affects us a lot. A lot of the things I see in cardiology are due to that and if we fixed a lot of things in our diet and lifestyle, heart disease would go down," Dr. Grzeskowiak says. "Unfortunately, it's been the leading cause of death for 100 years."

Outside of work, more than 25% of the U.S. population live sedentary lifestyles, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Additionally, roughly half of the American diet is made up of ultra-processed foods.

This comes as 48 states plus Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for medicinal use, and 24 states allow cannabis for recreational use, and nearly 200 million people worldwide are regular marijuana users, according to a United Nations report in 2018.

"It's concerning. A lot of people have the perception that marijuana is safe. It's natural and it's being legalized in many states for either recreational or medicinal use," Dr. Grzeskowiak says. "The common perception is that marijuana is better than tobacco and alcohol and is safer. But more studies are coming out that are making us take a pause on that thought and show that maybe there are some risks involved."

With this clear data on the risks that marijuana use brings, it adds another important topic for doctors and patients to discuss. He encourages patients to be upfront and honest about their marijuana usage with their doctors.

For overall heart health, Dr. Grzeskowiak says it's important to make healthier choices in terms of diet, exercise and lifestyle. 

He calls sodas and most juices "liquid sugar," and says if you just cut out one drink a day, in one year you'll lose up to 12 pounds. 

Aside from commitments to 150 minutes of exercise per week (which is recommended by the American Heart Association), focus on the "little things." If you're on the second floor for work, take the stairs more often. 

To learn about the services offered at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, or to get in touch with the OSF cardiology team, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

Video Interview Clips

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Hello darkness, my old friend

Every year, about 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside of a hospital setting with almost 90% of all cases being fatal. 

While there is an underlying belief that heart problems such as SCA tend to be more of a concern for men, that’s not the case. In fact, women make up almost 40% of SCA episodes. Just as women may experience different symptoms of heart disease than men, their risk of SCA is somewhat different too.  

According to Nancy Dagefoerde, an advanced practice registered nurse with OSF Cardiovascular Institute, SCA can happen to any adult 30 and older, depending on risk factors, family history and other issues such as a heart birth defect.  

Dagefoerde says SCA is different than a heart attack, which occurs when there is a blockage in a coronary artery on the outside of the heart. Many times, a heart attack is the cause for the sudden cardiac arrest.  

 “Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when there's an irregular heartbeat," she says. "We call it an arrhythmia that causes the heart not to beat or have electrical activity anymore. So in general, there'll be no breathing and no pulse when you come upon a person that's having a sudden cardiac arrest.”  

“The thing that may be different with women is oftentimes their symptoms are portrayed differently and they often can get missed," says Dagefoerde. "A woman may come to an emergency room or a health care provider and say ‘I'm more tired’ or ‘I'm more short of breath.’ It's not the typical elephant on my chest type of chest pain that a man may have. And so working them up for their symptoms, although they're more vague, is important to be preventive to catch these things early before there's damage.” 

Another reason why women are at a higher risk for SCA is because they are more likely to delay seeking care for their symptoms since women tend to prioritize the health of other family members first.   

“As all of us get older, the risk is higher for any of these conditions as far as heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, so we need to be aware that maybe our numbers were okay, or we were doing pretty good when we were in our 20s and 30s," says Dagefoerde. "But as we age, we need those regular checkups and do that good preventive care, because things do change. And women are caring for husbands and parents, even children and grandchildren and they don't often take the time to care for themselves.” 

Symptoms of SCA include:  

·         Fainting  

·         Dizziness  

·         Racing or irregular heartbeat  

·         Chest pain  

·         Shortness of breath  

·         Nausea  

Risk factors for SCA include a previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, a prior episode of SCA, family history and personal or family history of abnormal heart rhythms, among others.  

Dagefoerde has a simple message for any patient who is experiencing any potential cardiac symptom.  

“This is another area that your health prevention will benefit you. So seeing your physician on a regular basis, having regular checkups, checking your labs, knowing your family history, knowing your own history, and doing all those things on a regular basis and don't ignore any symptoms that you may be having.”  

If you see someone drop to the ground and think it could be SCA, call 911 immediately. The faster CPR is started and defibrillation is administered, the better the chances of survival. 

For more information on cardiovascular health, visit OSF HealthCare.  

Interview Clips 

If you've ever felt your heart flip flop, skip a beat or feel like it's banging against your chest wall, it could be signs of atrial fibrillation. 

NFL coach Jim Harbaugh knows the feeling all too well. Coaching his San Diego Chargers on October 13, Harbaugh left the sidelines during the first quarter of the Chargers win against the Denver Broncos with arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat.  An arrhythmia is when the heart beats too fast, too slowly, or is out of sync. Symptoms include palpitations, low blood pressure, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Harbaugh has had similar episodes in the past. He's had a cardiac ablation procedure and says he may need another one for his current situation. 

Cardiac ablation is a procedure where thin wires called catheters are threaded into a blood vessel from the groin and guided to the heart. Radiofrequency (heat) or cryotherapy (cold) treatment is used to destroy the cells causing the arrhythmia. Once the abnormal electrical signals are interrupted the normal heart rhythm can take over again.

Farhad Farokhi, DO, is an adult cardiac electrophysiologist with the OSF Cardiovascular Institute, who treats patients with Afib on a daily basis. He says medication can be the first line of defense when it comes to treating Afib, but sometimes medication doesn’t work or cardiac ablation may be deemed the most effective method of treatment.

Dr. Farokhi says the procedure has become more common among both men and women, even children who experience Afib.

“The first thing we do is talk to the patient, get a history and see what kind of symptoms the patient experiences, and then document the abnormal rhythm with an EKG or longer-term heart rhythm monitors," says Dr. Farokhi. "We look at 24 hours, 48 hours to one week, two weeks or a month to document what kind of rhythm the patient has, and then we can correlate the rhythm with their symptoms. Then we can prescribe medications, or we can discuss and consider the option of cardiac ablation.”

A successful outcome depends on the type of arrhythmia, any abnormality within the heart chamber, the patient’s age and other irregularities the patient may have such as congestive heart failure or high blood pressure.

Within a few weeks after surgery, the patient should experience significant improvement.

“The patient will feel better, they won’t have as much palpitation or fatigue, or shortness of breath," says Dr. Farokhi. "The heart will function more efficiently and long term the patient is going to feel better and have less chance of having heart rhythm issues or other heart complications. There is a significant benefit in terms of a patient’s ability to exercise, having a better lifestyle and being on fewer medications.”

The procedure takes anywhere from one to three hours. With any procedure there are potential risks including bleeding, infection and blood clots.

According to Dr. Farokhi, advancement in technology has also helped improve the cardiac ablation procedure.

“Technology has significantly changed. We now have very sophisticated mapping systems and ablations to treat abnormal rhythms. And it is very promising that in the near future, we can do very complex, abnormal rhythms with almost no risk of complications.”

Dr. Farokhi adds that if you experience any heart-related symptoms, do not delay and seek help immediately. That's what Harbaugh did. He left the sidelines and was checked out by medical staff before returning to the game. Now, he will wear a heart monitor for the next two weeks. 

“When patients experience palpitations or abnormal sensations in their chest they should seek medical attention, talk to a doctor and do not minimize their symptoms because with any abnormal rhythm if they're diagnosed earlier, and treated earlier, you have a higher success rate with less chance of complications," adds Dr. Farokhi. 

For more information, visit OSF HealthCare. 


 

Interview Clips 

Heart valve disease, which happens when one or more of your heart valves don’t work properly, is becoming an increasing problem among older adults.

According to the American College of Cardiology, every year about five million people in the country are diagnosed with valvular heart disease (VHD), with nearly 25,000 people dying from it.

February 22 is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a day during American Heart Month to raise awareness of the risks, symptoms and treatment options available for patients.

“Valvular heart disease is an important issue to recognize and treat, given the repercussions they may have for patients’ health," says Dr. Alejandro Aquino, a structural heart specialist with OSF Cardiovascular Institute. "We currently estimate more than 2% of patients have some degree of valvular heart disease, and it’s a growing problem and a problem that we understand is unrecognized and undertreated.”

Anyone can experience a heart valve issue and the risk increases as you get older. You may be at a greater risk if you’ve had a heart attack or heart failure, or have a risk for coronary heart disease.

“There are four valves in the heart," says Dr. Aquino. "The tricuspid valve, pulmonic valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve. And they function as one way doors keeping the blood going from chamber to chamber as it returns from the body, travels to the lungs to exchange for oxygen, and then returns to the heart and then ultimately is pumped to the body to deliver oxygen to all the tissues.”
 

HVD can develop quickly or over a long time. Symptoms may include:

·         Shortness of breath

·         Chest pain

·         Fatigue

·         Dizziness or fainting

·         Fever

·         Rapid weight gain

·         Irregular heartbeat

“Oftentimes, these changes are subtle, and the first people to notice are actually the patients' families," says Dr. Aquino.  "And when they come to visit they might be the person to say ‘hey, you know my dad or mom is not quite moving as well as they did six months ago, or last time I saw them. They were doing a lot more around the house or a lot more for fun or going out of the house for hobbies.’ So, again, it’s important to recognize that some of these symptoms can be quite subtle. Often a lot of my patients come and they say ‘well, I thought I was just getting older.’ When in reality it is their valve encroaching on their ability to do certain activities.”

HVD is treated either by medication or if it’s causing severe symptoms, surgery may be the better option. Dr. Aquino says recent advancements have given patients the option of replacing a valve by catheter instead of surgery. He adds that it’s best to be seen by a cardiologist to make those determinations.

"From my personal perspective, I think the earlier is better," says Dr. Aquino. "Most of my patients or a lot of patients that are referred to me have only mild or moderate forms of valvular heart disease. However, it's important for them to recognize exactly what's going on with their heart. And it's important for us to establish a surveillance plan so that when the time comes for there to be a fix, the patient is fully engaged and understands the process.”

The bottom line is to listen to your body. If you notice or experience any abnormal symptoms, contact your physician as soon as possible.

“The most important message is awareness," says Dr. Aquino. "Awareness of the prevalence of valvular heart disease, awareness of the important repercussions they may have to your health, of the importance of being tied into a cardiovascular specialist to perform initial evaluation and determine an appropriate surveillance or treatment plan. If you have any concerns, please contact your primary care provider.”

For more information on heart care, visit OSF HealthCare. 


 

Interview Clips 

It’s no secret that walking is good for you. In fact, medical experts say it’s better than running. Walking improves fitness, reduces pain, eases depression and fatigue, and helps with circulation and posture, and more.

It’s especially good for older adults.

According to a study published in the journal Circulation, older adults who walk three to four miles a day — 6,000 to 9,000 steps — are 40 to 50% less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those who walk a mile (2,000 steps) a day.

This study focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and the findings were the result of eight studies using data from 20,000 people in the United States and 42 other countries. Their average age was 63 with 52% being women.

For years, the targeted goal was 10,000 steps, which originated in the 1960s from a marketing campaign to promote the Tokyo Olympics. While the American Heart Association still recommends 10,000 steps a day, the organization says that just a mile of walking can also provide health benefits.

For people 60 and older, the more steps taken, the lower their risk for CVD. The study found no connection between steps taken and the risk of CVD in younger adults.

“Heart health or cardiovascular risk increases as we age," says Nancy Dagefoerde, a nurse practitioner with OSF Cardiovascular Institute. "So, if a person is sedentary, they're adding to that risk, and it's also important for balance and movement in general and just overall health and reduction of health problems. That's why it is especially important for older people.”

If 6,000 steps still seems like a lot, don’t worry. Dagefoerde says the important thing is to get started and work your way up gradually. 

“If you start at 2,000, and you just start adding on 1,000 steps, you're showing health benefit, which I think is really important because many people can’t do that many steps in a day for several reasons," says Dagefoerde. 

You can choose between a slow walk and a more brisk pace. Dagefoerde says the benefit of walking slowly is it burns more calories and is easier on the joints. Brisk walking helps fight developing heart disease, cancer and dementia.

And if walking isn’t your thing, don't sweat it. Dagefoerde recommends other exercises that are just as helpful including water programs, dance classes, chair exercises, using a recumbent bike or try walking in place indoors.

“During an hour-long TV show, there's 20 minutes of commercials, and they're three to four minutes at a time," says Dagefoerde. "So, if you can't do a lot of walking at once, get up and walk for those three-to-four-minute intervals, then you’re getting some activity in.”

The bottom line is to get moving. Start by having a conversation with your doctor about the best way to begin any type of walking program. 

“Do small amounts. It doesn't have to be a great deal," says Dagefoerde. "Many people think if they can't do a half hours or 45 minutes at once, they might as well not exercise, but you can actually break it up into three 15-minute workouts or three 15-minute walks. Even if you're working, you can take a 15- minute break and do a little now and a little more later. Something is better than nothing.”

For more information about leading a healthier lifestyle, visit OSF HealthCare. 


 

Interview Clips 

B-Roll

Mark Pohl never gets sick. That’s why when he suffered a massive heart attack last year he went into a funk.

“I was depressed and kept thinking, ‘Why me?’ It was an emotional roller coaster.”

But Pohl survived that turbulent time, and thanks to excellent care from his medical team at OSF HealthCare and life-saving technology, he’s getting a second chance at life.

Pohl, who lives in Mendota, Ill., was honored April 25 during a special luncheon hosted by OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and Abiomed, Inc., at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

A Navy veteran, Pohl was marching in a parade for the VFW in August of 2022, when he began to feel ill and went home. Later, he became unresponsive and his wife, Melody, called 911. Paramedics arrived and performed CPR before rushing Pohl to OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota. He was then transferred to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

“I really don’t remember much,” Pohl says. “Four days later, I woke up at OSF.”  

Pohl’s medical team determined his left anterior descending artery (nicknamed the widowmaker) was 100% blocked. A stent was placed but Pohl needed additional CPR. Once he was stabilized, Dr. Samer Mowakeaa, a cardiologist with OSF Cardiovascular Institute, implanted an Impella CP to allow Pohl’s heart to rest.

“He would not have survived without the support of these technologies that we used,” says Dr. Mowakeaa. “This was a life-threatening condition.”

Developed and manufactured by Abiomed, Impella heart pumps allow the heart to rest and recover by temporarily assisting the pumping function of the heart to efficiently deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body. The Impella has been helping patients in the United States since 2008.

Additional testing revealed that Pohl was also experiencing right heart failure, so Dr. Mowakeaa implanted an Impella RP to provide biventricular support. Two days later, Pohl’s heart function began to improve and eventually the Impella RP and Impella CP were removed.

Pohl spent 11 days in the hospital before he was released. He has returned to work where he manages an office supply company. He also works out several times a week and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men in the United States. Dr. Mowakeaa says situation’s like Pohl’s should serve as a wakeup call to others.

And Pohl agrees, saying there’s a lesson in the journey he’s traveled. “Don’t give up. Grab the bull by the horn as they say and plow through it.”

Interview Clips 

B-Roll

In her new role, which is effective September 26, Rogers will lead OSF Heart of Mary in aligning with the overall OSF HealthCare strategy. She will be responsible for directing internal operations at OSF Heart of Mary and ensuring that high-quality and cost-effective health care is always delivered.

“I look forward to carrying forward a culture of collaboration and integration that provides a safe and supportive environment for patients and Mission Partners [employees],” Rogers said. “I’m excited about the vision for the future at OSF Heart of Mary and am committed to embracing the Catholic health care heritage and supporting the Sisters’ Mission of serving with the greatest care and love.”

Rogers has been part of OSF HealthCare since 2017, most recently as regional director of business development. Prior to joining the OSF HealthCare Ministry, Rogers spent many years in operations and maintains certification as a Medical Practice Executive. Rogers is skilled at building and growing strategic relationships and looks forward to further growing services at OSF Heart of Mary, including the Blessed Beginnings Birthing Center and the Cardiovascular Institute.

Rogers earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University. She went on to pursue a Master of Education in early childhood special education administration from the University of Illinois and then a Master of Business Administration from Illinois State University.

B-Roll

 Researchers used data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, combined with 2020 U.S. Census counts for years 2025-2060 to make these projections. Using these two data points, researchers estimated the rates of cardiovascular risk factors and rates of cardiovascular disease. They estimate that by the year 2060, compared with the year 2025, coronary heart disease will increase by 31%, heart failure by 33%, heart attacks will go up by 30%, and stroke by more than 34%.

“It's eye opening,” remarks Darrel Gumm, M.D., an OSF HealthCare cardiologist and vice president of the OSF HealthCare cardiovascular service line. “And I think we, in the cardiology community, over the last 50-60 years have been seeing a steady decline in deaths from heart attack because of our rapid response to people who come in with a heart attack. So to now see that even though we're reducing the death rate, the total number is going to keep going up, it's a big deal.”

These numbers, however, vary depending on race and ethnicity. Predicted cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease are generally expected to rise in racial and ethnic minorities, whereas its prevalence in the white population could decrease.

“These are populations that are underserved. So they're maybe not getting the early screening visits with a physician to be told, you know, ‘Your sugar is too high; your blood pressure, your cholesterol is too high. You're a little bit overweight. We’ve got to work on this.’ So they may not be getting those visits. And instead, they're finding out when it's a full-blown disease, as opposed to very early on when there was really an opportunity to prevent it from becoming a full-blown disease,” says Dr. Gumm.

One possible solution to this disparity, according to Dr. Gumm, involves education and outreach – both by health care providers and communities at large. This could include improving access to quality health care for at-risk individuals, along with educating people on cardiovascular risk factors.

“Education, outreach, and changing habits of people and families really could have a potential huge impact in the future,” he says.

While some risk factors like family history and age cannot be controlled, eating healthily, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can all drastically reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr. Gumm recommends making healthy changes now, starting with learning your numbers.

“If we start prevention today, we then look at how that will have a ripple effect in the future,” explains Dr. Gumm. “So number one is know your numbers. What's your blood pressure? What's your fasting glucose, your fasting blood sugar level? And what is your cholesterol count in your blood? And then step on the scale  - and be honest.  Are you carrying a few pounds too many? So those are really big risk factors. And of course, if you're smoking, we got to quit smoking immediately.”

Because the projection goes nearly four decades into the future, Dr. Gumm also recommends getting the entire family involved. Talk to kids about the importance of eating right, exercising and staying away from tobacco products. Taking these steps now can have a huge impact on our health and the health of future generations.

OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute provides a free online heart health profiler that can help you learn important information about your personal cardiovascular health and risk factors. Go to osfhealthcare.org/heart to learn more.

Interview Clips - Dr. Darrel Gumm

As the old adage goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But the apple may not be alone. A recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session indicates two to three cups of coffee could also do the trick.

Researchers compiled ten years of survey data from nearly half a million coffee drinkers, and discovered that drinking coffee – specifically two to three cups a day – is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, heart arrhythmia and also with living longer. This data held true for both people with and without preexisting cardiovascular disease.

“What they found is that for people who drink two to three cups of coffee a day, it either had a neutral effect – meaning it did not cause harm – or 10 to 20% improvement in cardiovascular health: less risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart failure,” explains Dr. Sudhir Mungee, an interventional cardiologist with OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute. 

Dr. Mungee thinks the reason behind these finding lies in the power of the coffee bean. Coffee beans have multiple biologically active compounds, including some that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can play a role in cardiovascular health.

“A decrease in inflammation in the body and cardiovascular disease or stroke or heart failure or heart attacks are all related to a state of inflammation. So if there is a biologically active product in coffee beans that reduces oxidative stress, oxidative injury, or reduces inflammation in your body, it probably will have an impact on positive heart health,” Dr. Mungee says.

No matter the coffee type consumed – instant, regular or decaf – the benefits were seen across the board in study participants.

While this data is good news for coffee drinkers, Dr. Mungee says it isn’t a sole reason to start a java habit. He says anyone who gets anxiety, palpitations or insomnia from coffee shouldn’t start drinking it for the sole reason of decreasing their heart disease risk.

“What the study is saying is that if you're a coffee drinker, and if you drink two to three cups of coffee a day, you don't have to stop. Even if you had a heart problem, because they actually looked at people who didn't have a heart problem, it benefited those, and people who had heart problems didn't worsen if they were to take coffee. So I think it's an important message that - okay, don't start it for the wrong reason, but if you're taking it, feel good about it. It's not going to hurt you.”

On top of the natural coffee bean benefits, Dr. Mungee believes there is another factor in the study’s findings. People who drink a moderate amount of two to three cups of coffee a day might have tendencies to do other things in moderation as well.

“Coffee in moderation means you're also doing other things in moderation,” he says. “Moderation in exercise, moderation in how much you eat. So I think there is a subtle message about that lifestyle - how you're taking care of yourself.”

If you have questions about your habits and how they relate to heart health you should speak with your primary care physician, or take the free heart risk assessment at osfhealthcare.org/heart.

Interview Clips - Dr. Sudhir Mungee, Interventional Cardiologist, OSF HealthCare

B-Roll - Dr. Sudhir Mungee