MD Insider provides a unique inside look into medical conditions and treatments to uncover ground-breaking advances that are truly transforming healthcare. The series features insight from acclaimed cardiologist, Dean Kereiakes, MD, breaking down exciting innovations and treatments available right here in the Tristate. In this episode, Dr. Kereiakes; along with Tim Henry, MD, Medical Director of The Christ Hospital's Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education; Odayme Quesada, MD, Medical Director of The Christ Hospital Women’s Heart Center; and host Clyde Gray, discuss cardiac-related chest pain and the many treatment options available at The Christ Hospital.
15 million Americans suffer from cardiac related chest pain despite standard interventions like medication, bypass surgery, or stents. The Christ Hospital is dedicated to solving this medical mystery with special programs for hard-to-treat patients.
Treating chest pain at The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute
Dr. Kereiakes: At The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute, we never want to tell a patient, “There is nothing else we can do for you.” Frequently, we can help patients with the expertise and technology of our coronary revascularization program, but there are individuals who continue to experience chest pain and shortness of breath because their disease remains resistant to treatment. We have several programs specifically for these individuals that offer help for debilitating symptoms, improve overall health, and restore quality of life. We are fortunate to have Dr. Henry, a nationally recognized pioneer in heart attack care, and stem cell and regenerative therapies, as the leader of these initiatives.
Dr. Henry: Every patient is unique and, unfortunately, some patients with chest pain may not respond to standard medications alone, and may not be amenable to further stents or bypass surgery for various reasons. They are told there are “no options” to help them, but we have many novel and advanced treatments, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy, unique interventional techniques, and clinical research trials. This problem is particularly common in women, and we have a specialized women’s heart program led by Dr. Quesada, a nationally recognized expert in women’s heart disease.
Taking care of women's hearts at The Christ Hospital Women's Heart Center
Dr. Quesada: Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. At The Christ Hospital Women’s Heart Center, we have a state-of-the-art program for women who present with chest pain but have no significant arterial blockage on an angiogram. This condition, known as ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease, or INOCA, is caused by abnormalities in the very small blood vessels in the heart. We have the most advanced program in the region, and one of the few programs nationally, dedicated to helping women who are not correctly diagnosed, supported, or adequately treated for chest pain, and we have more clinical research in this area than any program in the country.