Heart & Vascular Institute Videos

Heart and Soul of an Athlete

Laura Becker was a patient at Hartford Hospital not too long ago and today she was honored at our annual event Celebrating Achievements of Hartford Hospital. She is a determined triathlete who was faced with a limb-threatening condition called Iliac Endo-Fibrosis, she almost lost both of her legs. She experienced this when she was competing in an intense trail race last year. Laura would become the first documented case of a female athlete where the iliac arteries in both legs were completely blocked of blood flow. Dr. Thomas Divinagracia, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular surgery at Hartford Hospital and his team would become the first to do an extraordinary surgery to reconstruct the arteries in both legs using veins. Through it all, Laura never lost hope.

Honoring an amazing patient

Laura Becker was a patient at Hartford Hospital not too long ago and today she was honored at our annual event Celebrating Achievements. She is a determined triathlete who was faced with a limb-threatening condition called Illiac Endo-Fibrosis, she almost lost both of her legs. She experienced this when she was competing in an intense trail race last year. Laura would become the first documented case of a female athlete where the iliac arteries in both legs were completely blocked of blood flow. Dr. Thomas Davinagracia, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular surgery at Hartford Hospital and his team would become the first to do an extraordinary surgery to reconstruct the arteries in both legs using veins. Through it all, Laura never lost hope.

The heart of an athlete

Laura Becker was a patient at Hartford Hospital not too long ago and just recently she was honored at our annual event Celebrating Achievements. Laura is a determined triathlete who was faced with a limb-threatening condition called Illiac Endo-Fibrosis, she almost lost her both of her legs. She experienced this when she was competing in the Xterra Trail Race last year. Laura would become the first documented case of a female athlete where the iliac arteries in both legs were completely blocked of blood flow. Dr. Thomas Davinagracia, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular surgery at Hartford Hospital and his team would become the first to do an extraordinary surgery to reconstruct the arteries in both legs using veins. Through it all, Laura never lost hope.

What to do to help people with heart disease

Preventative Cardiologist, Waseem Chaudhry, MD, talks about steps to keep your heart healthy and the upcoming Heart Walk in Hartford.

A game changer when it comes to open heart surgery

We talk with David Yaffee, MD, about how TAVR is helping patients who have aortic stenosis

What are the latest treatments in Atrial Fibrillation?

Nearly 3 million Americans have Atrial Fibrillation, a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to serious health concerns. Today we are talking with Steven Zweibel, MD, Director, Electrophysiology, Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute, about the latest advancement in treatments.

Amazing story of survival

A high school football player nearly lost his leg and his life. Find out how one doctor was able to not only save his life, but return him to the game he loves!

TCAR Procedure helping Stroke Patients

Dr. Divinigracia discusses how TCAR helped save a patient with a unique condition.

Medical Rounds live from the Travelers Championship

Dr. Antonio Fernandez, Sports Cardiologist, discusses staying healthy while on the course. He also discuss the Hartford HealthCare Sports Zone at the Travelers Championship.

Dr. Thomas Divinigracia discusses a safer procedure for patients on FOX 61

The TCAR procedure offers patients a safer method for a stent procedure.

TAVR Method, A Game-Changing Procedure

Hartford Hospital surgeons are discussing the less-invasive TAVR method, a game-changing procedure for open heart surgery.

A Stroke Survivor's Story

One patient nearly lost it all. But thanks to the amazing teams at Hartford Hospital and the Heart & Vascular Institute, she is here to share her story.

Reconsidering Aspirin for Heart Health

An aspirin a day keeps heart disease away? New studies don't support this and it is no longer necessarily a recommendation for all older, at-risk adults. Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Waseem Choudhry has the details.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Tallwood Men's Health Center

On average, men have a shorter lifespan than women. The reasons are myriad, but not going to the doctor doesn't help. The Tallwood Men's Health Center in Farmington provides men with a comfortable place to see clinicians across many specialties and help prevent or manage chronic issues.

Medical Rounds with Dr. Howard Haronian

There is new device for those dealing with heart failure - and it is now available here at Hartford HealthCare. Dr. Howard Haronian from the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute has details.

Antonio Fernandez, Director Medico de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiacos

Men's Health: Signs of Heart Disease

Heart disease presents differently in men than in women. Here's what the guys should look for from Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular cardiologist Dr. Waseem Chaudhry.

Medical Rounds with Dr. Abhishek Jaiswal

Heart failure is an extremely serious condition – but there are treatments. Plus, there’s a not-well-known condition called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Dr. Abhishek Jaiswal is a cardiologist with the Center for Advanced Heart Failure with the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.

Facebook LIVE: Ask the Expert with Dr. Abhishek Jaiswal

Heart failure is an extremely serious condition - but there are treatments. Plus, there's a not-well-known condition called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Dr. Abhishek Jaiswal is a cardiologist with the Center for Advanced Heart Failure with the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.

Go Red For Women 2019

Meet Paras Bhatt, MD, Co-Director, Hartford HealthCare A-Fib Center

Advances in Health with Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Jain

Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Jain explains the basics of an abdominal aortic aneurysm - and how a simple exam can discover it for early treatment.

Meet Parth Shah, MD, Director, Vascular & Endovascluar Surgery, The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Blood Pressure Medicine Recall

If you take blood pressure medications, you may want to know about this recall. Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Paul Thompson explains.

Facebook LIVE: Ask the Expert with Dr. Mark Marieb

Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Mark Marieb answers your questions about heart rhythm disturbances, including their causes and symptoms.

Medical Rounds with Dr. Mark Marieb

There have been advancements made in the evaluation and treatment of heart rhythm disturbances, otherwise known as cardiac arrhythmias. Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Mark Marieb has details.

Medical Rounds with Dr. Dina Darsaklis

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. Learn more from Dr. Dina Darsaklis, Cardiology Director of Pulmonary Vascular Disease at Hartford Hospital.

Electrophysiology For the Win

When heart patient William "Jeff" Morris needed a pacemaker, it took a team of dozens at two different Hartford HealthCare hospitals to help get him back on track.

TAVR Surgery Puts Putnam Man Back on the Road

Download your FREE TAVR guide here: http://bit.ly/2xAxNHP

Meet David Underhill, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Meet Jonathan Hammond, MD, Cardiac Surgeon

Meet Chester Humphrey, MD, Cardiac Surgeon

Running Again

Facebook LIVE: Ask the Expert with Dr. Steven Zweibel

The world's only pacemaker that can communicate directly with a patient's smartphone or tablet is available at the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford Hospital.  Cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Steven Zweibel has the details.

Medical Rounds with Dr. Steven Zweibel

The world's only pacemaker that can communicate directly with a patient's smartphone or tablet is available at the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford Hospital.  Hartford HealthCare cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Steven Zweibel has the details.

Advances in Health: Malcom Chapman

Right Place. Right Time. Right Team.

For Howard Gaynor of North Granby, being in the right place at the right time with the right team saved his life as he experienced a heart attack.

Accessible Expertise: Vascular Services

Medical Rounds with Dr. Francis Kiernan

The Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford Hospital has been selected as one of 35 hospitals nationwide participating in a study that allows low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis to receive a replacement aortic valve in a minimally invasive procedure using catheters instead of conventional open-heart surgery. Learn more from Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Francis Kiernan.

Heart of the Matter

Cindy Sypher is alive today because of a generous organ donor and the skill and expertise of the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford Hospital.

Larry Allen

A Mother's New Heart

Carey Taylor is grateful to the team from the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute for bringing her back from the brink of death.

ECMO: Saving Lives During Flu Outbreak

With the number of flu-related deaths on the rise in the U.S. and here in Connecticut, Hartford Hospital doctors are using a device that is saving the lives of patients who experience respiratory failure because of the virus. ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygentation) is a bypass device that directly oxygenates the blood so failing hearts and lungs can rest and recover.

ECMO: Saving Lives During Flu Outbreak

With the number of flu-related deaths on the rise in the U.S. and here in Connecticut, Hartford Hospital doctors are using a device that is saving the lives of patients who experience respiratory failure because of the virus. ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygentation) is a bypass device that directly oxygenates the blood so failing hearts and lungs can rest and recover.

ECMO: Saving Lives During Flu Outbreak

With the number of flu-related deaths on the rise in the U.S. and here in Connecticut, Hartford Hospital doctors are using a device that is saving the lives of patients who experience respiratory failure because of the virus. ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygentation) is a bypass device that directly oxygenates the blood so failing hearts and lungs can rest and recover.

Technology is Saving the Lives of Severe Flu Patients

With the number of flu-related deaths on the rise in the U.S. and here in Connecticut, Hartford Hospital doctors are using a device that is saving the lives of patients who experience respiratory failure because of the virus. ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygentation) is a bypass device that directly oxygenates the blood so failing hearts and lungs can rest and recover.

The Heart of a Runner

It's a runner's life for Larry Allen, and he wouldn't have it any other way - not even when a major blockage of the heart nearly took it all away. How a Hartford HealthCare cardiologist - and fellow runner - helped get him back on track.

Hands-only CPR

What is hands-only CPR? Dr. Paul Thompson, co-physician-in-chief at the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular institute, has the details.

Hands-only CPR

Doing hands-only CPR is easy. Here's how!

Black & Red Gala

A Night of Black and Red 2018

The Black & Red Gala took place last night, raising more than $1 million for the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford Hospital. Relive our NBC Connecticut special, featuring miraculous patient stories - then get your lifesaving CPR song at CPRLifesavers.org.

A Patient's Heartfelt Thanks

It was Mother's Day 2014, and Leigh Pechillo was being pampered by her husband and kids. She woke up four days later at the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute. What happened in between is nothing less than miraculous!

Medical Rounds: Hands-only CPR

CPR without the breathing is preferred to nothing at all. Hartford Hospital's Steve Donahue explains.

Advances in Health: New Hope for Leaky Heart Valves

Some people's hearts are prone to leaky valves. But with the right surgeon - someone with the right experience - repairing the valve might be better for some patients. Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Sabet Hashim is just such a surgeon.

Miracle of the Heart

"Please don't let me die," were the last words Bob Furlong recalls saying to his caregivers at Hartford HealthCare before his treatment for cardiac arrest. He's alive today to tell his story thanks to the lifesaving work of the clinicians and staff at the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.

Hand-only CPR with Ryan Hanrahan

Hands-only CPR with Kaitlyn McGrath

Hands-only CPR with Bob Maxon

HealthCare Happenings - January 2018

We welcome Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and learn more about "hands only CPR."

2017 Blood Pressure Guidance

What do the new guidelines mean for you?

New Hypertension Guidance

Learn more about the new definition of "hypertension."

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: The Silent Killer

Get the basics on a silent killer: the abdominal aortic aneurysm

Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk 2017

It was sneakers (not boots) on the ground as Backus Hospital and Windham Hospital combined forces for the 2017 American Heart Association's Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk at the Mohegan Reservation.

Aortic aneurysm treatment trial

A team of physicians at Hartford Hospital recently became the first in Connecticut to successfully repair a life-threatening aortic aneurysm using a new device as part of a clinical trial approved by the Food & Drug Administration.  Dr. Thomas Divinagracia is the chief of vascular surgery at Hartford Hospital.

Facebook LIVE: Ask the Expert with Dr. Thomas Divinagracia

Dr. Divinagracia is a cardiac surgeon.

The World's Smallest Pacemaker

Dr. Steven Zweibel talks about the world's smallest pacemaker - now an option at Hartford Hospital

Facebook LIVE - Ask the Expert with Dr. Steven Zweibel

Cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Steven Zweibel talks about the world's smallest pacemaker, now available at Hartford Hospital. Tina Varona hosts.

Back-to-School Back Pack Donations

Hartford Hospital cardiology APRNs collected school supplies and packed back packs as back-to-school donations to the Hartford School System!

Leaky Heart Valve? Repair IS Possible - And Preferred!

Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute co-physician-in-chief Dr. Sabet Hashim is a world renowned leader in heart surgery. He has developed an innovative technique to repair leaky heart valves.

Is Coffee The Key To A Long Life?

According to two new published studies, people who drink coffee appear to live longer. Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Paul Thompson breaks it down for us.

New treatments for atrial fibrillation

Heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation (a-fib) are becoming more common as baby boomers age. Dr. Eric Crespo heads up the cardiac electrophysiology lab at Hartford Hospital. He has information on new treatments for such disorders.

Facebook LIVE: Ask the Expert with Dr. Eric Crespo

Facebook LIVE with cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Eric Crespo. He and host Tina Varona talk about new procedures for treating atrial fibrillation (A-fib)

To compress or not to compress?

If someone with a heart pump goes into cardiac arrest, what do you do? Heart failure/transplant specialist Dr. Jason Gluck explains.

Leaky Heart Valve? Repair Is Possible!

Learn all about the new, proven technique to repair (rather than replace) a leaky heart valve, as developed by Hartford HealthCare heart surgeon and co-physician-in-chief of the HHC Heart & Vascular Institute, Dr. Sabet Hashim.

Caffeine Overdose: It's Rare - But It Happens

A South Carolina teen dies of a caffeine overdose. It's a rare occurrence, but it does happen, according to Dr. Paul Thompson, co-physician-in-chief for the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute

The Bloodless Heart Transplant

When Jonathan Henry needed a new heart, he did his research to find a hospital where clinicians had extensive transplant experience, and could both support and respect his religious tenets to perform a bloodless transplant. His research led him to Hartford Hospital.

Facebook LIVE: Ask the Expert Heart-to-Heart with Dr. Azemi

Interventional Cardiology

When cutting the grass becomes a medical emergency of the heart, the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute is ready to help, no matter what it takes. Just ask Bob Furlong.

What is a heart attack?

What is a heart attack? How does it differ from sudden cardiac arrest (it does!). Interventional cardiologist Dr. Tal Azemi answers these and other questions.

Heart Screenings for Women - at 20!

Prevention is key to battling heart disease. New information indicates that women should be screened as early as age 20 for heart issues. Cardiologist Heather Swales has the scoop!

HealthCare Happenings - January 2017

Signs of a stroke, antibiotic over use and the Bone & Joint Institute opens its doors to patients. There's so much happening in this month's Health News Roundup!

Meet Sabet Hashim, MD, Co-Physician-in-Chief, Heart & Vascular Institute

TAVR: A new approach

For the first time ever in Connecticut, a Hartford HealthCare surgeon performed the life-saving TAVR surgery through the carotid artery.

Mitral valve repair

Hartford HealthCare's Dr. Sabet Hashim is a pioneer in mitral valve repair, and patient Malcolm Chapman is one of many whose life and health has benefitted from Dr. Hashim's leading edge work.

Distance Running and the heart

Dr. Paul Thompson co-physician in chief of the Hartford HealthCare Heart and Vascular Institute - himself a distance runner - provides insights on the effects of distance running on the heart.

Employees offer healthcare from the heart

Healthcare from the heart

Heart Walk at Rocky Neck 2015

HeartToHeartweb

A Gift From the Heart

Never Miss a Beat

Malcolm Chapman thought his fatigue was due to growing older. He didn’t know he had mitral valve disease. Scouring the country for the best surgeon to perform this surgery, Malcolm found the best - and not far from his North Haven home: Dr. Sabet Hashim, Chair of Cardiac Surgery, Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.

Mitral Valve Disease: The Basics

Learn the basics mitral valve disease and its treatment from one of the world's leading experts: Dr. Sabet Hashim, chairman of cardiac surgery at the Hartford HealthCare Heart and Vascular Institute.

What is an aneurysm?

What is an aneurysm? How can it be repaired. Vascular Surgeon Dr. Jonathan Hasson answers your questions.

The basics on echocardiograms

A Living Miracle

A grateful Wethersfield family shares the story of its patriarch after he survived a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, thanks, in part, to the experienced, caring and skilled cardiology staff at the Hartford HealthCare Heart and Vascular Institute.

TAVR: Four Years of Saving Lives

Dr. George Paul was too frail for open heart surgery but had severe aortic stenosis that was causing his heart to fail. He was one of Hartford Hospital’s first patients to undergo TAVR, a minimally invasive choice for valve replacement. Four years later, Dr. Paul is an active 97 year old who appreciates his second chance at life.

Exercise for the heart

Exercise is good for the heart, right? Even after a heart attack? Right again!

Awaiting a heart

The inspiring story of Farmington, CT fitness guru Andrew Jones as he awaits a heart transplant

021814 NBCCT Be Healthy Cardiac Fix

Little Hats Big Hearts Fox CT

The grateful husband of a Hartford Hospital patient last evening donated nearly 200 hand-knitted red hats for babies on our maternity floors. This is part of a broader campaign called: “Little Hats, Big Hearts” with the American Heart Association. February is Heart Month. The donor lost his 51-year-old wife to heart failure, yet was so touched by the care she received here that he enlisted the help of family and friends to make this donation in her honor. For more information on "Little Hats, Big Hearts," please visit http://bit.ly/20CWAlg.

081815 FOXCT AJs STORY

Heart Health Dr Donna Polk WFSB Better CT

Heart Health Dr Donna Polk WFSB Better CT

A young mother's life, saved

Chantelle Villanueva thought she had the flu. In reality, her heart was failing. How Hartford HealthCare came together to save Chantelle and her baby.

021411 Heart Month Valentines Day Dr Steve Zweibel The Madisons FOX CT

052715 FOXCT Colby Visit

020714 NBCCT McCullough on stroke guidelines

Women's Heart Health

Did you know that the symptoms of a heart attack are different in women than in men? HHC's Dr. Heather Swales has more.

Little Hats Warm Hearts at Hartford Hospital

The grateful husband of a Hartford Hospital patient donated nearly 200 hand-knitted red hats for babies on our maternity floors. This is part of a broader campaign called: “Little Hats, Big Hearts” with the American Heart Association. February is Heart Month. The donor lost his 51-year-old wife to heart failure, yet was so touched by the care she received here that he enlisted the help of family and friends to make this donation in her honor. For more information on "Little Hats, Big Hearts," please visit http://bit.ly/20CWAlg.

Heart Disease & A-Fib

HHC's Dr. Steven Zweibel with information on treatment for heart disease and A-Fib.

092513 WFSB Zweibel Heart Arrhythmia

052715 NBCCT Colby Visit

031014 WFSB Zweibel new heart implant

Sudden Athletic Cardiac Death Dr Paul Thompson NBC CT

Sudden Athletic Cardiac Death Dr Paul Thompson NBC CT

021315 Healthier Connections Heart Failure