Cardiovascular Health & Technology

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grunge stethoscopeDuring my search on cardiovascular health and the new technology that is being put forth in order to decrease the dramatic occurrence of heart disease, I came across an extremely unique study currently being conducted by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). The principal investigators of the study include Dr. Jeffrey E.Olgin, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at UCSF; Dr. Mark J. Pletcher, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Medicine at UCSF; and Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Clinical Research for Cardiology at UCSF. According to the University a heart attack happens every 34 seconds here in the United States and although medical advancements in preventing poor cardiovascular health are arising, there is still tons of contributing factors about the heart that we still do not know (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014). This study known as the Health eHeart study is different from others in that it relies on what they call BIG data. In other words this study plans on gathering more data about the cardiovascular system and its association with health from more people than any previous research has ever done before. How you might ask? TECHNOLOGY!

The original recruitment for the Health eHeart study is done through the website health-eheartstudy.org, which is supported by both UCSF and the American Heart Association. The study calls for all kinds of participants, those completely healthy, those who have heart disease, and even those that have heart disease that science is unable to treat, as long as they are over the age of 18 (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014). Once members join and are participants of the study, they are then able to invite others to join the study through social media (Facebook or Twitter, etc). According to the University, “We’ve made it easy to ask friends and family to join the effort and, if you want, eventually you will be able to post information about the study and let people know how you’re helping to cure heart disease” (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014).

In order to gather relevant data from the population within the Health eHeart study multiple gadgets, smartphones and other innovations of the latest technology will be utilized. The first being electronic study visits, in which all data is collected over a secure website allowing data collection to be easier and less time consuming for the participants. Another interesting facet of data collection is the utilization of mobile apps that allow you take surveys, achieve real time measurements, track various behaviors and send in medical information (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014). Some participants will even be given sensors to wear in order to monitor the health of their hearts. These sensors will then link up to their smartphones and take blood pressures, heart rate, ECG monitoring, sleep patterns, activities, and heart arrhythmias (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014).

In addition to the goal of understanding the causes of heart disease and finding new ways of its prevention, the study also has set out to develop new and more accurate ways of predicting heart disease through measurements, genetics, behavior patterns and family and medical history (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014). Additionally, the Health eHeart study has also established the goal of creating personalized tools for patients to use when the development of heart disease is already established (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014). Listed below are seven main aspects of heart disease taken from the Health eHeart study that will be further evaluated over its course.
1. Can heart disease be predicted based on measurements, behavior patterns, and family and medical history? Can we look at everyday habits in real time to determine how they affect our cardiovascular health (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?
2. Can we use technology to develop ways to improve cardiovascular health and rigorously test them to determine their effects on health? Or can we use technology to help people live a more heart-health lifestyle (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?
3. Can we determine what causes episodes of atrial fibrillation? How do behaviors, diet, other diseases and genes interact to cause it (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?
4. Can we use mobile technology and sensors to keep people with heart failure out of the hospital (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?
5. Does being more connected with people improve heart health (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?
6. Can we predict when heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary disease, or hypertension, will get worse before someone needs hospitalization (and even before the patient knows something is wrong)? Credit card companies use Big Data to alert you when your card has been stolen before you even realize it’s gone; Netflix can recommend movies you’ve never heard of before. Can’t we do something similar for heart disease (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?
7. Are people with different kinds of genes more vulnerable to particular heart disease risks (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014)?

In conclusion to the findings on the Health eHeart study being conducted through UCSF, the success of the study ultimately depends on the participants sticking with the study for many years in order to see who out of those involved become diagnosed with heart disease and who does not. Based on these results and the data collected on the comparing individuals health care professionals can better understand what affects our hearts when compared to others. As their motto states “it only take a few minutes to make a big difference” (Olgin, Pletcher & Marcus, 2014). Visit https://www.health-eheartstudy.org/ to learn more!

Reference
Olgin, J., Pletcher, M., & Marcus, G. (2014). Join the study to end heart disease. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from https://www.health-eheartstudy.org/

Bio

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IMG_8679Amber Kramer grew up in Northern Indiana. Earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Finishing Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from California State University Channel Islands, in Camarillo, California. Currently involved in undergraduate research determining the mercury content in fish. Will pursue a Doctoral Degree in Atmospheric Chemistry after undergraduate degree is finished in May of 2015. Desire to research ways of removing harmful chemicals which are anthropogenically being deposited into the atmosphere. Works in Chemistry prep-room as a student assistant prepping laboratory experiments, and tutoring STEM students on campus.

Hello world!

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Self Assessment Reflection

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I took the VIA-IS self assessment test. My top five results were kindness, fairness, spiritually, teamwork, and curiosity. I learned that I know much more about my self than I think I do. I would tell myself I was this type of person, but didn’t believe it with in myself. I have to trust my instincts about myself.  I agree with the results, I think they are very much like me. I’m a simple going girl and I think these traits mirror that. However, I thought curiosity would be higher up between 1 &2.

A Self Reflection On Leadership

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Today I decided to take the VIA-IS self assessment test in order to figure out my strengths and things I needed to improve on. My top 5 strengths ended up being; fairness, kindness, humor, forgiveness, and bravery. I learned that most of my top traits wound up being those that I would attribute to that of a caring person, something I’ve always considered myself to be. For the most part my top traits ended up being things I’ve always considered myself to be, but bravery wasn’t an expected result. Though I would never considered myself a brave person I suppose that my bravery comes from the fact that I enjoy being risking and entertain new ideas.

Personal Statement

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Strength Finder

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I chose to take the Strengths Finder quiz because I was given an unused access code.

I didn’t love the format. It was a 100+ question survey and it had a statement on either end, and in the middle was a neutral option and then either side was “extremely like me” and then “somewhat like me” and then I would choose which option applied most to me.

 

My results gave me my top five strengths which are (in order):

1. Harmony

2. Context

3. Intellection

4. Empathy

5. Individualization

I personally was not surprised by my results after reading up on the different strengths. Each strength is put into a category, and the four categories are: executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Three out of my five strengths were relationship building and I definitely see that as my strong suit. I love taking these kinds of surveys because when I get the results it’s extremely validating, like “Oh yeah! That’s totally me!”.  I do agree with Jaimie that it is a little frustratig to only get my strengths and not things I could work on, especially since it was such an extensive survey. Attached is the breakdown of my 5 strengths for further reference.

 

Strengths

 

1, 2, 3, Values in Action

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Ready, set, action!

Ok, personality tests are not nearly as interesting as a big action blockbuster. However, like most movies they are a kind of journey- a self discovery journey. And at the end you have to make a decision or two. 1-does this really reflect who I am? and 2-If it does, do you like what you see?

 

I took the Values in Action test. (Hence this rather punny post).  It gave me 24 values in a ranked order that correspond with me. I completely agree with the first ten values which are as follows.

1. Creativity Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

2. Fairness Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

3. Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

4. Kindness You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

5. Curiosity You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery

6. Zest Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

7. Gratitude You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

8. Humor You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

9. Teamwork You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

10. Honesty You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a “real” person.

I agree with most of the rest of the values. I think they are a fairly accurate portrayal of what I value.   However I don’t really agree with the order.  I think leadership and love of learning particular should be higher on the list then what they are.  I can’t say that I really learned anything from this experience, but I was surprised by several things. One is the appreciation of beauty quality. It is something I have always sort of seen but had never really put into words before now.  I see magic and beauty in a good book or in a starlight night. I just never thought of that as a value before.

 

As for the second question since I agree with the majority of this assessment, I like what qualities I value. Creativity is one of the things that I do hold dear to my heart. I am glad that is reflected and shines though. And I have been doing all kinds of volunteer work since I was six.  I am proud that this comes across as one of my core beliefs.

 

And as they say in the movies, THAT’S A WRAP.

 

 

 

Can A Person’s Character Be Summed Up in 24 Points?

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Today I took a self assessment test titled Values in Action Inventory of Strengths. The test required that I honestly answer 120 questions. From the answers I provided, 24 character strengths were generated – with number 1 being the strongest strength and 24 being the weakest.

My strengths are as follows:

  1. Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
  2. Love of Learning
  3. Humor
  4. Perseverance
  5. Fairness
  6. Honesty
  7. Kindness
  8. Love
  9. Prudence
  10. Curiosity
  11. Hope
  12. Leadership
  13. Social Intelligence
  14. Bravery
  15. Teamwork
  16. Judgment
  17. Zest
  18. Humility
  19. Perspective
  20. Creativity
  21. Self-Regulation
  22. Forgiveness
  23. Gratitude
  24. Spirituality

When I received and reviewed my strengths, I was surprised that I actually agreed with what was generated. I have never been a fan of personality or character quizzes because I have always felt that they never truly nail the essence of who I am. This was the first test that actually got the gist of my character.

I was extremely satisfied with points one, two, and three (Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Love of Learning, & Humor). I feel that those three points alone truly describe me as a person.

In regards to point one, Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, the assessment states that I “notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.” This is completely true! I have always viewed my surrounds and occurrences in an artistic way. My mother always tells me that I romanticize everything. I have always taken pleasure in the simplest things and I always try to find the beauty in everything. Yet, I have never been able to find the exact words to explain this to people, until now.

Point two was not a surprise to me, for I have always known that I love to learn; but I was surprised that it was number two on the list. It made me realize how much I value knowledge and growth in myself and others.

My favorite point was number three, humor. I grew up in a very humorous household led by the king funny man himself, my father. From him I learned my humorous ways. When people first met me, they do not expect such a trait from me. It isn’t until people get to know me that they witness my funny side. It is nice to see that this characteristic is viewed as a strength, for I have never really viewed it in that manner. I have always seen it as a social benefit rather than a character strength.

I think this assessment was fun and beneficial. I loved the results I received. I believe this assessment was able to describe my character perfectly. I would totally recommend it to others.

 

Technology is “Booming” for the Baby Boomers

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      Technology in medicine is evolving faster than ever before. Smaller devices, more effective medications and less invasive procedures are exploding on to the market. One technology on the rise is the use of bioresorbable stents. Up until this point, stents have been made of metal. The drawbacks associated with metal stents is that they are associated with acute and late thromobis, require the use of long-term dual anti-platelet therapy, prevent adequate CT or MRI tests, and interfere with vascular remodeling due to the metal scaffold in the artery. Metal stents also make future coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures difficult, if not impossible (Fornell, 2014). 

      Most bioresorbable stents are made of polylactic acid, a naturally dissolvable material. Bioresorbable stents, as the name implies, break down and are absorbed by the body after a few years (Fornell, 2014). Since the stent is absorbed, it eliminates the risk of inflammation (which occurs with metal stents) that can lead to late-stent thrombosis and restenosis. Furthermore, once the stent disappears, the vessel returns to a natural state of physiologic functioning and does not interfere with any future procedures. Disadvantages to the using polymer include recoil after expansion, stent thickness causing maneuverability, and difficulty visualizing a non-metallic stent on fluoroscopy (Fornell, 2014). 

      There are nearly 15 bioresorbable stent programs in progress, with five in the advanced development stages. Samin Sharma, M.D., director of clinical and interventional cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York stated, “Dissolvable stents may be a future game-changer for the way we treat coronary artery disease and heart attack in the United States if proven to show clinical benefit in this nationwide clinical trial” (Fornell, 2014).
Although clinical outcomes and recent data is promising, experts believe that more development and experience is needed before polymer stents become the primary device. Stay tuned…

Reference

Fornell, D. (2014, September). Bioresorbable stents are the way   of the future. Retrieved February 5, 2015, from http://dicardiology.com/article/bioresorbable-stents-are-way-future