MUSChealth.org/heart | 7 MUSC HEALTH HEART & VASCULAR CENTER Dr. Daniel Silverman will be the first to assure you that “it’s a good time” to be practicing as a cardiologist. “We are finally understanding and targeting therapies to underlying causes when something goes wrong in someone’s heart,” said Dr. Silverman. “There are more potent medications to control blood pressure, better ways to detect fluid retention, devices that might help change the structure of the heart, medications to control weight loss and more devices to lower pressures on the heart,” he added. “When I first started in training, these tools didn’t exist.” Dr. Silverman and the team of experts at the MUSC Health Heart & Vascular Center are changing what’s possible as they trial treatments that involve placing an atrial shunt device between the upper chambers of the heart to improve blood flow. “Some patients have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or HFpEF,” Dr. Silverman explained. “Their heart doesn’t relax appropriately. Pressure rises on the left side of the heart so when there is a hole, the flow is closer to normal, which reduces pressure on the heart.” “I’ve had a chance to work in some great centers dedicated to studying this syndrome,” said Dr. Silverman. “We have the right team of experts with interests that dovetail with each other. Collectively, we have all the tools necessary so our patients have exposure to the most cutting-edge clinical trials available.” “We know, however, one of the biggest causes of heart issues – our unhealthy habits and sedentary lifestyles,” said Dr. Silverman. “But opting for healthy food and an active lifestyle is not the path most people have chosen. I struggle with that. Aren’t we just ignoring the low-hanging fruit?” “Yes, it’s a good time to be a cardiologist,” Dr. Silverman added, with the reminder of the importance of patients making lifestyle changes to supplement medical intervention. IMPROVING BLOOD FLOW Atrial Shunt Helps Heart Relax Dr. Dan Silverman “It’s a good time” to be practicing as a cardiologist. To schedule an appointment, call 843-792-1952
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