January 31, 2014

Dear Friend of the Texas Heart Institute,

We are now entering February, American Heart Month. It is the time of year, of course, that we all focus on cardiovascular disease and prevention.    

It is good to have such a focus on what remains the No. 1 threat to the health of every man, woman and child in the country. The wearing of red and lots of events planned throughout the month are good ways to remind us about this threat and what we can do about it.

But, as I have often said, cardiovascular disease doesn’t keep a calendar. It can affect anyone, at any time, in any month. That fact is among the many good reasons why the physicians, scientists and staff of the Texas Heart Institute are ALWAYS focused on how to prevent and combat cardiovascular disease.

One excellent example of that is the remarkable work of Dr. Mehdi Razavi, Dr. Abdi Rasekh, Dr. Ali Massumi and our electrophysiology team to bring advanced treatments to our patients suffering from arrhythmias (heart rhythm) problems. The story recently featured in the Houston Chronicle is well worth the reading.

Also, the cutting edge work of Dr. Doris Taylor and her team and others in our Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research departments is the subject of a special program set to air on the Science Channel at 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3. This program, Stem Cell Universe, will be hosted by noted physicist Stephen Hawking. I hope you will tune in. Here is a preview behind the scenes look at the filming at THI. 

And finally, we recently reached a milestone with
Dr. Bud Frazier and his team having implanted its 1,000th mechanical heart assist device (VAD), more than any other institution. These devices, largely developed here at THI, give new hope to and  relieve the suffering of thousands of patients with severe heart failure. It is another area in which we are leading the world.
                       
We are proud of these and many other accomplishments of our doctors, nurses, scientists and others. As we kick off American Heart Month, we are also very grateful to you for your support of these efforts.

For other Heart Month activities and information about how we and you can take better care of your heart, please visit the THI website.

With my gratitude and respect,

 
James T. Willerson, MD
President and Medical Director

P.S. The generosity in your hearts has changed the lives of others. THI can continue as a world leader in life-saving medical research and advanced treatments with your support. Your heart, our minds, together change lives. Here we share some of our stories.

Contact Dr. Willerson.