Kansas City, KS – Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, but its warning signs aren't always obvious. On All Things Heart, meet an 82-year-old woman who participated in a groundbreaking clinical trial involving nearly 400 women. How an innovative treatment helped open her blocked coronary artery and why researchers are focusing on women to improve heart care.
Dawn Moore, Patient and EMPOWER-CAD Clinical Trial Participant
- Dawn experienced a racing heartbeat in September 2024 and was referred to interventional cardiologist Dr. Prasad Gunasekaran, who diagnosed her with calcified coronary artery disease.
- She underwent a catheter-based procedure using ultrasound waves and a balloon to treat hardened calcium in her coronary artery and help allow stent placement.
- She hopes her participation helps researchers better understand heart disease and improve treatment options for women, particularly older women.
Dr. Prasad Gunasekaran, Interventional Cardiologist, The University of Kansas Health System; Principal Investigator, EMPOWER-CAD Clinical Trial
- Dr. Gunasekaran explains calcified coronary artery disease and why hardened calcium deposits can make blocked arteries particularly difficult to treat.
- She discusses how intravascular ultrasound-based technology is used with a balloon to fracture calcium and prepare a coronary artery for stent placement.
- She explains how Dawn was treated and how the procedure differs from more traditional approaches to coronary artery blockages.
- She discusses the significance of conducting a cardiovascular clinical trial involving exclusively female participants.
- She addresses why additional research focused on women is important, including differences in symptoms, disease presentation and treatment needs.
Ankita Tiwari, Clinical Research Coordinator, The University of Kansas Health System
- Ankita discusses the importance of increasing women's participation in cardiovascular clinical trials and addressing gaps in research.
- She describes how research coordinators guide patients through enrollment, treatment and follow-up appointments.
- She addresses common misconceptions about clinical trials, including questions about treatment groups and patient safety.
- She discusses the importance of ongoing communication and monitoring throughout a clinical trial.
- She explains how studies focused on women can contribute to a better understanding of cardiovascular disease and future treatment approaches.
