Mount Auburn Healthcare Connection

“Since cardiac MRI does not involve x-rays or radiation, and is an extremely low risk test, it can be repeated as needed,” says Kyle Pond, M.D., Cardiologist at Mount Auburn Hospital. “This is particularly beneficial for young adults that might need serial testing over time.”

“Most of the time, the cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown,” says Vladimir Birjiniuk, M.D., Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at Mount Auburn Hospital. “However, some cases are related to a gene mutation; family history; a damaged heart valve; or a heart that’s been damaged by a heart attack, high blood pressure or a viral infection.”

“Atrial fibrillation can be easily diagnosed by checking a patient’s heart rate and pulse,” says Peter R. Maggs, M.D., Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Mount Auburn Hospital. “Then, it can be confirmed with an electrocardiogram (EKG).” With electrodes attached to the skin, this simple test measures electrical impulses given off by the heart.

“Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an extension of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) technology and helps people with congestive heart failure by coordinating multiple chambers of the heart,” says D. Michael Farmer, M.D., Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Mount Auburn Hospital. “This technology can help alleviate shortness of breath symptoms and improve quality of life.”