VCU news

By Carissa Etters

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center presents its free educational seminar series this month featuring experts who provide important heart health information and answer questions on a variety of current topics in health care.

The following seminars will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Education and Library Complex, 1800 Lakeside Ave. All seminars are free and open to the public, but registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 804-828-0123 or visit vcuhealth.org/seminars.

Thursday, Feb. 5
“Everything You Wanted to Know About a Woman’s Heart”
A woman’s heart is somewhat smaller than a man's. Its physiology is different too, especially when it comes to heart disease. Join Phoebe Ashley, M.D., one of the new doctors at VCU Pauley Heart Center, who will talk about the anatomy of a woman’s heart and how the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease in women are subtle and very different.

Tuesday, Feb. 17
“Getting Back in Shape After a Heart Attack”
Many patients develop heart failure after a heart attack, or from severe coronary disease. Join Zachary Gertz, M.D., and Daniel Tang, M.D., from VCU Pauley Heart Center, as they discuss the latest treatment options — from coronary stents to implantable heart pumps — that can help the heart recover.

Thursday, Feb. 26
“New Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation”
Despite the fact that atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder, it remains complicated to treat. VCU Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in the country to use a new procedure — hybrid ablation — that combines a surgical procedure and catheter ablation to treat a-fib. Join Kenneth Ellenbogen, M.D., and Vigneshwar Kasirajan, M.D., from VCU Pauley Heart Center, who will talk about hybrid ablation and its benefits.