University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center

08/03/2026

More than 6 million Americans are living with heart failure, yet far too many patients still don't receive guideline-recommended care.

That's why the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2), hosted at Michigan Medicine, has launched the BMC2 Heart Failure Quality Improvement Program to help patients across the state receive the right care at the right time.

"By leveraging data, we can identify opportunities to extend the highest-quality care to a population of patients that is growing in our state," said Dr. Jessica Golbus, heart failure and transplant cardiologist at U-M Health and Director of BMC2 Heart Failure.

Click this link to learn more about the program: https://michmed.org/RMnWn

07/30/2026

A DANCER’S HOPE: Bruce Bradley was preparing for a summer tap intensive with his dance and community outreach organization, Tapology, when he suffered a life-threatening aortic dissection.

After undergoing emergency heart surgery at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Bruce developed a rare complication: dry gangrene in the toes on his left foot. After other treatment options were exhausted, the toes had to be amputated.

Surgeons were able to save 70% of his left foot while restoring blood flow and preserving his right foot.

During recovery, Bruce is focused on one goal: tap dancing again.

"I have been dancing since I was 30 years old, and I have never thought that I couldn't or wouldn't," Bruce said.

Click the link to learn more about Bruce's journey back to dance: https://michmed.org/3W8xG

[📸: Bradley, Shawny Neubecker of TruHeart Photo]

07/27/2026

What does a heart surgeon’s day look like? Follow Dr. Barbara Hamilton, a cardiothoracic surgeon, through one of hers at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

Dr. Hamilton is the Cheryl Huey, M.D., Early Career Professor of Cardiac Surgery. She completed surgical residency at UCSF and stayed for her fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery before joining U-M for advanced training in aortic surgery, where she stayed as faculty.

Learn more about Dr. Hamilton: https://michmed.org/DAyk8

07/22/2026

If you've been diagnosed with aortic valve disease, you have more treatment options than ever before.

In a recent livestream, Frankel Cardiovascular Center experts discussed TAVR and SAVR, how they help patients choose the right treatment, and how the latest advances in valve technology are improving care.

Click this link to watch the full conversation: https://michmed.org/4N7n5

07/20/2026

Heart failure treatments can be highly effective, yet many patients never receive the full combination of recommended medications.

New research from Michigan Medicine and UT Southwestern Medical Center, published in Nature Medicine, found that a single daily "polypill" combining multiple heart failure medications was associated with improved cardiac function and fewer hospitalizations.

The study, led by Drs. Ambarish Pandey and Thomas Wang, suggests a more practical way to deliver recommended therapies and help more patients receive potentially life-saving treatment. https://michmed.org/W3Ayk

07/18/2026

Earlier this week, it was reported that Senator Lindsey Graham died of an aortic dissection. This tear that occurs in weakened layers of the body's largest artery is a medical emergency.

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors can be lifesaving.

Click this link to learn key information from Frankel Cardiovascular Center experts: https://michmed.org/Ny2rw

[📸: Getty Images]

07/16/2026

Congratulations to Drs. Venkatesh Murthy and Sascha Goonewardena of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center for receiving research funding to improve understanding and diagnosis of women’s heart disease.

As part of the Wellcome Leap VISIBLE program, Murthy and Goonewardena will work to develop inexpensive and scalable diagnostics for coronary microvascular dysfunction, a complex condition that affects the smaller vessels embedded in the heart muscle. They will also research the distinct mechanisms which promote coronary artery disease in women.

“We are proud to participate in this initiative to address the leading cause of death among women,” Murthy said. “This initiative builds on the team strengths at Michigan and will hopefully allow us to bring those same strengths to the world.”

Click this link to learn more: https://michmed.org/XGwGv

07/15/2026

Heat and air pollution can increase the risk of heart-related emergencies. Follow the information below to learn more about air quality in your area, and stay safe!

Please, Michiganders, take the double warnings about hot weather and poor air quality seriously.

Even if you don't fall into one of the high-risk groups, someone you care about does. Reach out to them to make sure they know this is a time to take extra care.

Use the link in the comments to get further information about air quality in your area in real time.