Wyoming, Mich.-based UM Health-West and Livonia-Mich.-based Trinity Health partnered to create an open-heart surgery operating room in the Grand Rapids, Mich., area, MLive reported Oct. 13.

Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine named Douglas Johnston, MD, surgical director of its Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and chief of the department of cardiac surgery at its medical school and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. 

Livingston, N.J.-based Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center cardiologists recently completed their 500th left atrial appendage closure device implant for patients with atrial fibrillation, TapIntoLivingston reported Oct. 12.

Washington, D.C.-based MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute appointed Keki Balsara, MD, as surgical director of heart failure and transplantation.

A review paper found several common heart medications have potential drug-drug interactions with Paxlovid, an antiviral commonly prescribed to patients with mild or moderate COVID-19, according to an Oct. 12 news release.

Minnesota reports the lowest heart disease deaths among middle aged adults at 71.5 deaths per 100,000, according to a report released Feb. 7 by personal finance site ValuePenguin.

Cleveland Clinic researchers found metformin, a common diabetes medication, could treat atrial fibrillation.

Here are five hospitals and health systems currently hiring cardiology leaders:

Here are five recent cardiology grants Becker's has covered since Aug. 25:

Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Wake Forest School of Medicine received a $30 million, five-year federal grant to study cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure, the Winston-Salem Journal reported Oct. 10.

Here are four cardiologists who have stepped into new roles since Oct. 6:

Tulsa-based Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiologists were the first in the world to use a new heart valve implant, News on 6 reported Oct. 7.

Here are six cardiologist firsts Becker's has covered since Sept. 8:

Decatur, Ga.-based Emory Heart and Vascular Center completed its 500th left ventricular assist device implantation.

Christ Hospital Health Network launched its new heart transplant program at Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute in Cincinnati on Oct. 6.

Harvard researchers found particle radioactivity may be a cause of pollution-associated heart attacks and strokes, the American Heart Association reported Oct. 5.

The American Heart Association's Social Impact Funds reached $32 million in donations to address health disparities.

Bernard Lown, MD, inventor of the direct-current defibrillator, will likely be featured on the U.S. dollar coin in 2024, the Sun Journal reported Oct. 4.

Historically, cardiologists have conducted most cases in a hospital setting.

University of Chicago Medicine's heart transplant program was rated one of the best in the country for low heart transplant waits and high survival rates, according to an analysis of Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data.