Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Kathryn del Valle, M.D.  Chronic liver disease can result in a variety of complications which can involve multiple organs. One of these complications can occur in the pulmonary vascular system. Two of the most clinically significant include hepatopulmonary syndrome and Portopulmonary hypertension. Patients with these syndromes may present to their primary care provider and if the medical condition…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Ansell, M.D., Ph.D.  Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a group of hematologic malignancies originating in the lymphatic system. There are over 60 subtypes of lymphoma with varying degrees of aggressiveness. It can present with a variety of rather subtle symptoms, often making the diagnosis challenging. Although Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is typically managed by a hematologist or…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Ansell, M.D., Ph.D.  Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is an uncommon but very curable malignancy involving the lymphatic system. It most commonly presents in young adults as well as middle-aged and older individuals. Although Hodgkin’s is generally managed by hematologists or oncologists, the primary care provider plays a major role in its recognition, hopefully leading to a timely diagnosis…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guests: Jae K. Oh, M.D., Tahir S. Kafil, M.D.  Diastolic heart failure is also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Although we don’t hear the term all that often, it actually represents a fairly large percentage of all cases of heart failure. Some studies suggest it represents the majority of heart failure cases. Older adults are most commonly affected with symptoms similar to those…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Balaji Tamarappoo, M.D., Ph.D.  With advances in oncology, patients are living longer than ever following a diagnosis of cancer. Newer treatments have dramatically improved survival. However, we’re also seeing an increasing number of cancer survivors who are at risk for cardiovascular complications; at times during treatment, and sometimes years later. Complications such…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Hema Narayanasamy, M.B.B.S.  Pericardial disease represents a spectrum of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders which involve the pericardium, with acute pericarditis being the most common disorder. Although not often seen in a primary care practice, we still need to consider pericarditis as it can masquerade several other more commonly seen conditions. It’s important to recognize…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D.  We have a variety of pharmacologic options and lifestyle changes we recommend to our patients to reduce their cardiovascular risks. One frequent recommendation is participation in a regular exercise program. One specific type of exercise is high intensity interval training. It’s been shown to improve a variety of…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: George Wang, M.D.  Bicuspid aortic valve is a relatively common congenital heart disease. It can be associated with other genetic disorders such as Turner’s Syndrome or exist as an isolated entity. In most cases, patients with a bicuspid aortic valve are initially asymptomatic; however later in the course, they may develop symptoms related to…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Julie Rosenthal, M.D.  Cardiac amyloidosis is not a common condition, but it is important for primary care clinicians to recognize it in our patients. It’s commonly underdiagnosed as the symptoms are often assumed to be due to other, more common cardiac problems. Early recognition is important since this can result in improved treatment…

 Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Matthew B. Anastasi, M.D. Patients with concussions are commonly seen in primary care practices and concussions don’t spare any particular age group. Children, young adult athletes and older individuals are all at increased risk. They’re a form of traumatic brain injury and while most are self-limiting, they require an…