University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center

10/30/2025

Amid an interruption to a major food assistance program, we put together a roundup of recent research by U-M teams, some led by director of preventive cardiology Dr. Eric Brandt, about how a lack of consistent access to food intersects with health — and the impact of efforts to address food insecurity.

Read more: https://michmed.org/JDX3m

10/27/2025

Last Friday, we hosted our 20th annual National Advisory Board meeting for the Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

Leaders in medicine and other industries met for a day of discussion and brainstorming to determine the best ways the center can evolve and improve. From discussions over service line integration to community health initiatives, our board members provided our teams with tremendous insight for advancing the CVC’s mission. We also appreciate Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) for joining a robust panel discussion about an evolving climate regarding health and related research.

10/23/2025

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Uncontrolled and untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

In Michigan, our health system was designated as the state's first Comprehensive Hypertension Center Certification by the American Heart Association. The award is given in recognition of a commitment to follow proven, research-based treatment guidelines to care for people with the most complex cases of hypertension.

Read more: https://michmed.org/nDBMk

10/21/2025

"Dr. Bartlett changed the care of adult and pediatric patients with severe cardiopulmonary disease more than anyone. He standardized the application of ECMO, transforming the therapy from complex to routine. ECMO is now performed in countless centers and saves thousands of lives across the globe — thanks to Dr. Bartlett's innovation, leadership and passion. He was a tremendous mentor and friend to so many of us at University of Michigan," said Dr. Jonathan Haft, surgical director of the heart transplant program and medical director of the ECMO program at U-M Health.

Read more about Dr. Robert Bartlett's remarkable life and career⬇️

10/16/2025

10/16/2025

Every minute counts.

On World Restart a Heart Day, it’s important to remember that CPR saves lives. When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, immediate action as a bystander gives that person the best chance to survive with a good neurologic outcome.

Earlier this week, the Frankel Cardiovascular Center and Department of Emergency Medicine celebrated six cardiac arrest survivors. They were all joined by health care providers and first responders who played key roles in their care.

Learn more: https://michmed.org/XWQAq

[📸 Dieu-Nalio Chery, Michigan Photography]

10/14/2025

On his way to pick up groceries for a Super Bowl party, Ron Abbott lost consciousness and crashed his car. When first responders found him without a pulse, they delivered 16 minutes of CPR and six shocks to restart his heart before transporting him to Michigan Medicine.

“So many people were put in my life with their skill, knowledge and expertise at the precise time for me to survive, and everything lined up without fail,” Abbott said.

“If one of those dedicated individuals were not there, I would not be here today.”

Abbott describes his road to recovery like hiking out of the Grand Canyon. Through many setbacks and challenges, Abbott has transformed his lifestyle and is soaking up experiences, including meeting some of the first responders from his cardiac arrest.

“Laughing and hugging those I love, watching a beautiful sunset over a lake, hitting an awesome golf shot, playing a silly game with my granddaughter,” he said.

“Simple stuff, but there are so many things that are easily taken for granted that I now cherish in a deeper way.”

Abbott says not enough people understand the difference between sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack — and how immediate CPR is crucial for survival.

October 16 is World Restart a Heart Day, a global initiative to increase awareness about bystander CPR. Later this evening, the Frankel Cardiovascular Center and Department of Emergency Medicine will celebrate Ron and other recent survivors of cardiac arrest, along with several providers who participated in their care.

10/13/2025

Looking forward to celebrating our survivors and the heroic actions of those who provided lifesaving intervention!

10/09/2025

RESEARCH IN ACTION: Last week, the Frankel CVC hosted its second annual Cardiovascular Research Network Symposium. The event celebrated the dedicated staff, students, trainees, and faculty who confront research challenges and identify areas of exploration in cardiovascular research.

In addition to a keynote address from Dr. Barry Coller of Rockefeller University, researchers from across U-M shared more than 60 posters in a vast display of the broad nature of CV research. Leaders of the Frankel CVC signature programs shared updates and offerings, and several exemplary individuals were honored for their contributions to research excellence.

10/03/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Nicole Bhave, who was named American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session vice chair for ACC.27 and ACC.28! She will then become chair for ACC.29 and ACC.30.

"I look forward to building on the impressive work [of current chairs], leveraging innovative educational formats to deliver actionable clinical knowledge to our colleagues here and throughout the world," she said in a release.

Read more: https://michmed.org/w4GXr

09/30/2025

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, chronic condition that has a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.

But a recent study led by a Frankel CVC cardiologist found that prescribing the biologic drug sotatercept alongside standard treatment for PAH significantly reduces the likelihood of worsening disease early after diagnosis.

Read more: https://michmed.org/Vd3NZ

09/24/2025

Want to learn more about peripheral artery disease? PAD affects nearly 12 million people in the U.S., but it often goes undiagnosed until it becomes serious.

Check out this Q&A and livestream with three experts from the Frankel CVC:
https://michmed.org/ByM98