Life in South Florida, with the subtleties of its seasonal changes, sometimes seems to mask the passage of time. Thus, we find ourselves at the Florida Heart Research Institute enmeshed in another busy and productive year, only to find that it has nearly passed. In the realm of research and education, where progress tends to be measured more by project and process than by season, we must nonetheless use the opportunity of year end to reflect upon our accomplishments of the past year and focus our energies for the year to come.
- The unique long-term follow-up results of a technique of surgical coronary revascularization that was developed and popularized many years ago at the Miami Heart Institute. Contrary to popular belief, bilateral internal mammary artery grafting may have a particular survival advantage for diabetics with advanced coronary artery disease.
- The remarkably long-term follow-up (up to 17 years) of octogenarians who undergo coronary bypass surgery. In recent years, surgical mortality has dropped to the point where it is comparable to that for younger patients.
- A novel noninvasive mechanism of periodic acceleration appears to protect against the ischemic damage caused by heart attack and stroke; potential future clinical applications could be enormous.
- The risk profile of Miamis Hispanic population is somewhat unique and at variance with what has been reported for Hispanic populations elsewhere. FHRI, in reviewing our screening experience with over 6,000 subjects appears to be defining a unique high risk population with significant health policy implications.
- The mixed results with clinical stem cell studies are largely due to an incomplete understanding of the basic science mechanisms and potentials of the stem cells involved. Research efforts are focusing on further explicating these mechanisms.
- Although progress in genetic knowledge has been explosive in the past decade, the field is basically in its infancy. FHRI has launched a series of projects in this field to better describe the role of genetics in cardiovascular disease.
- Obesity is now a virtual epidemic. FHRI studies are helping to unravel the complex interactions between obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although vital to our future understanding, these research efforts would be incomplete indeed if not accompanied by a very active and dynamic program of education and prevention.
- Follow up results from our grant funded Living for Health that has to date screened more than 2,782 adults in South Miami-Dade demonstrate that community screenings connect the uninsured with medical homes, result in improved clinical values and encourage healthy lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
- Educational interventions within the faith-based Pan African communities of Miami-Dade County led to healthy lifestyle changes and improved clinical outcomes.
- Pilot studies of two worksite wellness programs have lead to improved clinical outcomes, and sustained improvements in lifestyles among participating employees.
- Community activities with the Miami-Dade County Health Departments Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade have led to strategic partnerships, health interventions and educational initiatives and increased awareness of the benefits of health promotion and disease prevention with outreach greater than we could do on our own.
- Heart disease prevention among high risk patients was the focus of the 2009 Callen Lecture to physicians by Dr. Arthur Agatston at the annual meeting of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology.
Although Florida Heart Research Institute is proud of our many accomplishments throughout this past year, we recognize that we still have much work to do. May 2010 provide opportunities for embracing a healthy lifestyle and resulting good health to you and your families.