As we celebrate Juneteenth this June, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, it’s essential to reflect on both the historical significance and the ongoing challenges faced by the African American community. Among these challenges is the issue of heart health, which disproportionately affects African Americans. This Juneteenth, let us celebrate freedom while also acknowledging the importance of prioritizing heart health in the African American community.
While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it’s crucial to recognize that disparities in health, particularly heart health, persist within the African American community. According to the American Heart Association, African Americans are at a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to other racial or ethnic groups. They are more likely to have high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, African Americans tend to develop heart disease earlier in life and experience more severe outcomes.
Several factors contribute to these disparities, including socioeconomic conditions, limited access to healthcare, cultural influences, and genetic predispositions. Structural inequalities, such as restricted access to healthy foods, safe recreational spaces, and quality healthcare services, exacerbate these issues.
This Juneteenth, let’s emphasize the importance of heart health in the African American community by:
- Understanding risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, and getting regular check-ups.
- Adopting healthy lifestyles with balanced diets, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol.
- Supporting policies that address social determinants of health, improve healthcare access, and promote preventive care.
- Educating and empowering others to prioritize heart health and seek preventive care.
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom and the journey towards equality and justice. By addressing health disparities and promoting healthy choices, we can work towards ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Happy Juneteenth!
NAPERVILLE, IL – Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.
This award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process which includes an extensive employee survey. This means that the survey answers from MCI employees earned this designation for the practice. Initiatives such as employee engagement help to create MCI’s unique culture that fosters employee satisfaction.
It’s an honor to be recognized by Modern Healthcare,” said Dr. Mark Goodwin, MCI interventional cardiologist. “Our staff means everything to us at MCI! Their energy and passion to take care of patients makes MCI a special place.”
“With all the economic uncertainty, staffing challenges, and folks wanting more flexible work setups, every company has to get clever about how they attract and hold onto talent,” noted Dan Peres, President of Modern Healthcare. “The winners of the 2024 Best Places to Work awards really get it. They show us how vital it is to understand what employees want and need right now. With healthcare shifting so much, finding the right people is a top priority, and the winners know that keeping their team happy is the key to business success.”
MCI will be recognized at the 2024 Best Places to Work in Healthcare Awards Gala taking place October 10 in Nashville, Tennessee.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions worldwide, posing significant health risks such as heart attacks, stroke, and kidney disease. Despite medication and lifestyle changes, many struggle to manage their blood pressure effectively. However, a groundbreaking solution known as the Symplicity Spyral™ Renal Denervation (RDN) procedure, is now an option for patients. MCI is proud to offer this treatment option and provide hope for those with resistant hypertension.
Trenna Townsend, a patient of MCI interventional cardiologist Dr. Mark Goodwin, was one of the first patients to undergo the procedure at MCI. Before the procedure, she battled fatigue and high blood pressure, but Dr. Goodwin’s recommendation offered hope. Trenna’s post-procedure experience has been transformative, with increased energy and decreased headaches. Her advice to others considering the procedure is overwhelmingly positive, and she states, “Do it – it saved my life.” Trenna expresses her gratitude that she can now get back to doing what she loves – dancing and spending time with her family.
Dr. Goodwin elaborates, “This is for patients with resistant hypertension, who require multiple medications. It’s done as an outpatient procedure, with patients going home the same day.”
The Symplicity Spyral™ RDN procedure targets overactive nerves near the kidneys, which play a crucial role in blood pressure regulation. Administered under sedation, this minimally-invasive technique involves inserting a thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. Through ablation, excess nerve activity is calmed, leading to reduced blood pressure without the need for implants.
The Symplicity Spyral™ RDN procedure represents a shift in hypertension management. Dr. Goodwin envisions broader applications, especially for patients unable to tolerate medications. Studies continue to explore its efficacy, with the goal of improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to take the opportunity to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of women in cardiology, particularly here at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI).
According to the American College of Cardiology, there are more women in cardiology now than ever. This trend reflects both the growing interest among women in cardiology and the recognition of their capabilities in this challenging discipline. Across the globe, women in medicine are making significant strides in breaking barriers, bringing new innovations, and advancing health equity.
At MCI, these exceptional women lead the charge in cardiovascular care:
Dr. Maria Rosa Costanzo is a trailblazer in heart failure management, with an impressive background in advanced heart failure therapies and cardiac transplantation. Throughout her career, she has contributed to more than 275 publications, including peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and manuscripts. She is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, and the European Society of Cardiology, along with being a Gold Member of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, showing her high standing in the medical field. Her contribution to the field of heart failure paved the way to make her an inspiration to all women in medicine.
Dr. Ann Davis stands out as an expert cardiologist on the team at MCI, with a keen focus on prevention, lipidology, and a comprehensive approach to treating heart disease. She is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, and she is also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Her passion is to build meaningful connections with her patients, helping them to achieve healthy outcomes and live their fullest lives. Her technical and compassionate care as a female cardiologist is inspiring, contributing to the progression of women in cardiology around the world.
Julie Kozlowski, APRN serves as the Chief Nursing Officer at MCI in Naperville. With a Master of Science degree in nursing from Loyola University in Chicago, she has worked as an adult acute/critical care clinical nurse specialist. Now in an administrative role, Julie’s responsibilities include the oversight of clinical practice and the advancement of nursing protocols. However, what she is most known for is her passion for education, encouraging the professional development of her nursing staff. At the center of everything that she does is the patient, and she strives to improve all aspects of patient care. She is a true role model for women in nursing and in cardiology.
These women are true leaders in their field, and we are proud to have their expertise at MCI. Their work is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in advancing heart health for all. We honor all of the extraordinary women who are paving the way for a brighter future of female leadership in medicine.
NAPERVILLE, IL –Dr. Mark Goodwin and Dr. Anand Ramanathan, interventional cardiologists at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI), are 
the first in the Midwest to use the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system to treat patients with high blood pressure. The procedure took place on December 20 at Edward Hospital, part of Endeavor Health℠.
Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system by Medtronic involves a minimally-invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. The procedure is approved for use as an additional treatment in patients with high blood pressure when lifestyle changes and anti-hypertensive medications are not adequately controlling blood pressure.
Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death, (1) and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. (2) Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control. (3)
The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, (4-6) which can lower serious health risks. (7) After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.
“High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Goodwin. “Patients with high blood pressure or hypertension now have a new, innovative option when drugs and lifestyle changes aren’t enough. It is important to work closely with your cardiologist to manage blood pressure.”
- Hypertension fact sheet. September 13, 2019. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension. Accessed February 15, 2022. 2. Kandzari DE, Böhm M, Mahfoud F, et al. Effect of renal denervation on blood pressure in the presence of antihypertensive drugs: 6-month efficacy and safety results from the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED proof-of-concept randomised trial. The Lancet. 2018 Jun 9;391(10137):2346-2355.
- S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2020.
- Facts about Hypertension. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm. Accessed August 10, 2023.
- Kandzari DE, Böhm M, Mahfoud F, et al. Effect of renal denervation on blood pressure in the presence of antihypertensive drugs: 6-month efficacy and safety results from the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED proof-of-concept randomised trial. The Lancet. 2018 Jun 9;391(10137):2346-2355.
- Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial. The Lancet 2020; Published online March 29, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30554-7.
- Townsend RR, Mahfoud F, Kandzari DE, et al. Catheter-based renal denervation in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED): a randomised, sham-controlled, proof-of-concept trial. The Lancet. 2017;390:2160–2170.
- Ettehad D, Emdin CA, Kiran A, et al. Blood pressure lowering for prevention of cardiovascular disease and death: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. 2016;387:957-67.
David, age 79 of Chicago, suffered a heart attack, and is grateful for his second chance at life because of the physicians at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute. “I know how close I was to not being here,” he said. “But I have no visible or internal awareness of that now.”
Hear from David, Dr. Mark Goodwin, and Dr. Anish Amin, and watch the heartfelt reunion between David and Dr. Goodwin.
To see a cardiologist at one of our locations, click here to request an appointment.
NAPERVILLE, IL- Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) has received the Target: BP™ Gold Award from the American Heart Association for its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke through blood pressure management.
Eighty-one percent of MCI’s hypertensive adult patients have controlled blood pressure, surpassing the target of 70%. High blood pressure is the nation’s number one risk factor for heart attack and stroke, but out of 116 million U.S. adults living with high blood pressure, less than half have it controlled to target level.
“MCI is committed to managing blood pressure in our patients to lower their risk of heart attacks and strokes,” said MCI CEO Jacob Corbell. “To do this, MCI educates and trains our team and implements evidence-based guidelines to provide our patients the highest-quality cardiovascular care available.”
“As cardiologists, we understand that controlling blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to prevent and fight cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Mark Goodwin, interventional cardiologist at MCI in Naperville. “High blood pressure can cause damage to your heart, arteries, brain and kidneys, and it accounts for more cardiovascular deaths than any other risk factor, so make sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.”
Click here to schedule an appointment with an MCI cardiologist near you.
About Target, BP
Target: BP is a national collaboration between the American Heart Association and American Medical Association to reduce the number of Americans who experience heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems and patients to prioritize hypertension control. The initiative supports health care organizations to improve blood pressure control rates through use of evidence-based protocols, tools and resources and recognizes organizations for achieving blood pressure control rates within the populations they serve.
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March 13, 2023 | by Mark Goodwin, M.D
Edward Hospital in Naperville is one of only four hospitals in the U.S. to be selected as a site for use of the OpSens SavvyWire, the world’s first sensor-guided TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) wire. This technology enables surgeons to perform TAVR procedures more safely and efficiently.
Edward Hospital, part of NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health, is known as a regional and national leader in cardiac innovation and was selected as one of the nation’s first hospitals to use SavvyWire, in part, because it performs more TAVR procedures than any other healthcare provider in Illinois.
TAVR is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for patients with a condition called aortic stenosis. This is when the aortic valve narrows severely and restricts blood flow from the heart’s lower left chamber, requiring the heart to pump harder. This can damage the heart over time and lead to serious health problems.
“In the past, the only way to fix a severely narrow valve was open heart surgery,” says Mark Goodwin, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute and System Medical Director, Cardiac Innovations & Structural Heart Center, Edward-Elmhurst Health. “Some people still get open heart surgery, but more people get TAVR.”
During a TAVR procedure, surgeons replace the narrow valve by inflating the existing valve and placing the new valve inside it. However, if they inflate the valve while the heart is beating, the heart will “spit out” the new valve. Surgeons must place a temporary pacemaker in the heart to pace it at 180 beats per minute for ten to fifteen seconds in order to deploy the new valve.
Prior to SavvyWire, surgeons accessed the narrow valve through two wires passed through the groin: one to place the pacemaker and the other to place the new valve. With SavvyWire, surgeons can use the same wire that deploys the new valve to also safely and efficiently pace the heart. This means surgeons only need to use one wire to perform the entire procedure.
“We can provide a safer and more efficient procedure,” says Dr. Goodwin. “Anytime you make a procedure simpler, it’s always better for the patient.”
While surgeons are not trying to race through the surgery (“This is not NASCAR,” says Dr. Goodwin), the procedure with SavvyWire only takes 30 to 45 minutes. Patients typically go home the following day.
Approximately 99% of TAVR procedures at Edward Hospital are successful. Through early 2023, the hospital has successfully used the SavvyWire during TAVR procedures on 26 patients.
“Edward Hospital is fortunate to be one of the clear leading innovation centers in the country,” says Dr. Goodwin. “With SavvyWire, our goal is to continue to lead in cardiac innovation, both locally and nationally.”
In this video, Dr. Aman Ali discusses risk factors of heart disease, diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your heart health and protect your heart. This segment was made possible by Edward-Elmhurst Health and televised on NCTV17 (https://www.nctv17.org).
Sudden cardiac arrest was thrust into the national spotlight in January, when Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after a tackle. Thankfully, the team’s medical staff began immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and restored his heartbeat, actions Hamlin’s doctors credited with saving his life. As an elite athlete, is his situation unique? Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public health problem. It’s a condition where the heart stops beating without warning and can lead to death in minutes if the person doesn’t get help right away. Chances of survival are 10-15 percent when it happens outside of a hospital. Yet, early recognition and effective CPR can double or triple the chance of survival. CPR is, quite possibly, the most important skill a non-medical person should know. Are there symptoms or warning signs of a cardiac arrest? Who is at risk?
In Episode 61, Dr. G and his guest Moeen Saleem, M.D., discuss the facts about cardiac arrest, why it’s vital that people learn how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, how to provide effective CPR and how to use an Automatic External Defibrilator (AED). Guest Moeen Saleem, MD – Double board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, Midwest Cardiovascular Institute; Director of the Electrophysiology Lab at Edward Hospital.