Heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky, accounting for 11,808 deaths or approximately 30% of the state’s deaths in 2001 (the most recent year for which data are available). Stroke is the third leading cause of death, accounting for 2,557 deaths or approximately 6% of the state’s deaths in 2001. In Kentucky, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in every county. Seventy-three of Kentucky’s 120 counties have CVD mortality rates above the national average, and 20 counties that exceed the national average by 25%. In 2000, the American Heart Association ranked Kentucky 48th in the nation for its age-adjusted CVD death rate. Nationwide death rates from CVD have declined significantly in the past 2 decades. From 1980 to 1985, Kentucky’s CVD death rates declined by 2.2% per year, and from 1985 to 1990, they declined by 2.5% per year. However, from 1995 to 1997, this decline had slowed—during that period, the state’s CVD deaths dropped by only 1.5% per year.
One of the most common and damaging myths about CVD is that it is primarily a “man’s disease.” In 2001, 6,085 women in Kentucky died from CVD compared with 5,723 men. Statewide, women comprise 53% of all CVD deaths. The risk of heart disease and stroke for women increases steadily with age, particularly after menopause, when protective estrogen levels are diminished.

•  Discuss adult congenital heart disease and surgical management
•  Review percutaneous device management of septal and valvular cardiac lesions
•  Describe cardiovascular surgical devices
•  Discuss robotic coronary artery surgery and newest A. Fib techniques
•  Describe cardiac rehabilitation programs
•  Present the latest in percutaneous coronary interventions and cardiovascular imaging

Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.