Vincent Bufalino's guest appearances

Vincent Bufalino

Medicare Nation

Melissa Joy Dobbins

Steven Loomis

Alan Grayson

Peter Fitzgerald

Jeffrey Berns

Anne Fredericton

Curtis Bailey

Jim Jenson

OwlTail

Welcome! My guest today is Dr. Vincent Bufalino from Illinois. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. He is the Senior Vice President of the Advocate Heart Institute and the Senior Medical Director of Cardiology of Advanced Medical Group (AMG). AMG is ranked as one of the top five health systems in the US and has 140 physicians in cardiology practice! Let’s hear more from Dr. Bufalino!  Tell us what you do at AMG.  “We care for patients in 12 hospitals in the Chicago area. Last year, over 20,000 cardiac procedures were performed at AMG. We provide expert medical care to those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Our surgical program provides the latest in technology to provide the highest level of quality health care.”    Do you treat patients from all around the US?  “We service most of northern Illinois and have outreach clinics even in the rural communities. Most of our patients are from this area, but some continue to access our care for follow-ups, even after they’ve moved to other states.”    What is meant by the term “heart disease”?  “We look at risk factors, which are not managed as well as they should be. High cholesterol is very common, and we have many tools to treat it although not everyone needs to be on medications. Some people can be treated with diet and exercise, but those over age 35-40 with family risk factors should be evaluated. Those that are experiencing symptoms should be evaluated. The death rate from heart attacks has decreased from about 20% a few decades ago to just 2% today. Unfortunately, some patients develop heart failure and require advanced care, but there are still many treatment options available.”    What are some common signs and symptoms of heart attacks?  “Exertion-related symptoms are common, like discomfort, pressure, tightness, and burning. The two most common symptoms are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. You should also pay attention to rapid heartbeat and fluttering in the chest. Acid indigestion CAN be a symptom, especially if it doesn’t subside when you take an antacid.”    What is a stroke?  “Essentially, a stroke is damage to the brain, usually from a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel. Sometimes a “warning” occurs, known as a TIA (transient ischemic attack). It is accompanied by numbness/weakness on one side, vision loss, and slurred speech. Time is critical since permanent damage can be done. Within the first 60-90 minutes, we can intervene and dissolve the clot.”    What are some procedures that Medicare allows to detect heart disease?  “For those over age 65, an ultrasound is allowed to assess the risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), which is the ballooning of the main artery going down into the abdomen. The ultrasound detects any enlargement of the aorta. Those with a family history of aneurysm, men with high blood pressure, and smokers have an increased risk.”    Can you explain the Cardiac Disease Screening under Medicare?  “There is a ‘Welcome to Medicare’ physical exam that is allowed during the 12-month period after you turn 65. There are also nutritional therapy services available, and most people don’t even know about them or take advantage of them. The purpose is to try to give people tips that can make a difference and help them live healthier lifestyles.”    How is salt tied to heart disease?  “Salt is tied to high blood pressure, and this isn’t just from the salt shaker! Sodium is packed into processed foods, so it’s important to read labels.”    You were president of the American Heart Association in Illinois. How can the AHA help people?  “The AHA supports the work we do at AMG with patient education and research. Their website offers resources and even cookbooks. Find them at www.heart.org.”     Do you have any tips that people can follow RIGHT NOW to prevent heart disease?  “The two most important things are to eat better and exercise more.” Resources: www.heart.org www.advocatehealthcare.com www.meetup.com  (Find walking groups all around the country.)   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)   Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!  www.CallSamm.com

Welcome! My guest today is Dr. Vincent Bufalino from Illinois. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. He is the Senior Vice President of the Advocate Heart Institute and the Senior Medical Director of Cardiology of Advanced Medical Group (AMG). AMG is ranked as one of the top five health systems in the US and has 140 physicians in cardiology practice! Let’s hear more from Dr. Bufalino! <ul> <li>Tell us what you do at AMG.</li> </ul> “We care for patients in 12 hospitals in the Chicago area. Last year, over 20,000 cardiac procedures were performed at AMG. We provide expert medical care to those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Our surgical program provides the latest in technology to provide the highest level of quality health care.” <ul> <li>Do you treat patients from all around the US?</li> </ul> “We service most of northern Illinois and have outreach clinics even in the rural communities. Most of our patients are from this area, but some continue to access our care for follow-ups, even after they’ve moved to other states.” <ul> <li>What is meant by the term “heart disease”?</li> </ul> “We look at risk factors, which are not managed as well as they should be. High cholesterol is very common, and we have many tools to treat it although not everyone needs to be on medications. Some people can be treated with diet and exercise, but those over age 35-40 with family risk factors should be evaluated. Those that are experiencing symptoms should be evaluated. The death rate from heart attacks has decreased from about 20% a few decades ago to just 2% today. Unfortunately, some patients develop heart failure and require advanced care, but there are still many treatment options available.” <ul> <li>What are some common signs and symptoms of heart attacks?</li> </ul> “Exertion-related symptoms are common, like discomfort, pressure, tightness, and burning. The two most common symptoms are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. You should also pay attention to rapid heartbeat and fluttering in the chest. Acid indigestion CAN be a symptom, especially if it doesn’t subside when you take an antacid.” <ul> <li>What is a stroke?</li> </ul> “Essentially, a stroke is damage to the brain, usually from a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel. Sometimes a “warning” occurs, known as a TIA (transient ischemic attack). It is accompanied by numbness/weakness on one side, vision loss, and slurred speech. Time is critical since permanent damage can be done. Within the first 60-90 minutes, we can intervene and dissolve the clot.” <ul> <li>What are some procedures that Medicare allows to detect heart disease?</li> </ul> “For those over age 65, an ultrasound is allowed to assess the risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), which is the ballooning of the main artery going down into the abdomen. The ultrasound detects any enlargement of the aorta. Those with a family history of aneurysm, men with high blood pressure, and smokers have an increased risk.” <ul> <li>Can you explain the Cardiac Disease Screening under Medicare?</li> </ul> “There is a ‘Welcome to Medicare’ physical exam that is allowed during the 12-month period after you turn 65. There are also nutritional therapy services available, and most people don’t even know about them or take advantage of them. The purpose is to try to give people tips that can make a difference and help them live healthier lifestyles.” <ul> <li>How is salt tied to heart disease?</li> </ul> “Salt is tied to high blood pressure, and this isn’t just from the salt shaker! Sodium is packed into processed foods, so it’s important to read labels.” <ul> <li>You were president of the American Heart Association in Illinois. How can the AHA help people?</li> </ul> “The AHA supports the work we do at AMG with patient education and research. Their website offers resources and even cookbooks. Find them at <a href="http://www.heart.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heart.org</a>.”  <ul> <li>Do you have any tips that people can follow RIGHT NOW to prevent heart disease?</li> </ul> “The two most important things are to eat better and exercise more.” Resources: <a href="http://www.heart.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heart.org</a> <a href="http://www.advocatehealthcare.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.advocatehealthcare.com</a> <a href="http://www.meetup.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.meetup.com</a>  (Find walking groups all around the country.) Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/death-series-part-3-living/id1031060767?i=353068553&amp;mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here)</a> Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website! <a href="http://www.callsamm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.CallSamm.com</a>

Preventing and Treating Heart Disease through the Advocate Heart Institute with Dr. Vincent Bufalino