Blood Test Predicts Risk of Cardiac Events
A simple blood test for the protein NT-proBNP accurately predicts the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease, according to a study led by a researcher at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

White Blood Cells in Lung Produce Histamine
In a surprise finding, scientists have discovered that histamine, the inflammatory compound released during allergic reactions that causes runny nose, watery eyes, and wheezing, can be produced in large amounts in the lung by neutrophils, the white blood cells that are the major component of pus.

Forces at Work in Heart and Vascular Medicine

There are forces at work in heart and vascular medicine that may tear practitioners apart or bring them together. Changes in technology and training have created serious competition for patients and discord among physicians in medical centers across the country.

Progress in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Care and Research

The UCSF Pulmonary Hypertension Program has been designated a center of excellence for the evaluation and treatment of the disorder. Recent research has produced a number of useful therapies and rapid progress in basic research is pointing to promising therapeutic strategies.

Venous Disorders Widespread and Undertreated

Despite the very widespread and sometimes serious nature of venous disorders, they are not aggressively diagnosed or treated. The UCSF venous center has been growing rapidly, addressing the dearth of care through rapid diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to special-needs patients.

Stem Cells May Repair Injured Myocardium

UCSF interventional cardiologist and researcher Yerem Yeghiazarians, M.D., hopes that stem cells may offer a way to repair damage to the heart that results from heart attack.

Early Mitral Valve Repair Beneficial

UCSF cardiac surgeon Scot Merrick, M.D., regularly sees the benefit of performing mitral valve repair early, before the appearance of gross symptoms such as orthopnea or cough becomes manifest.

Dual Heart-Kidney Transplants Improve Outcomes

Traditionally, significant kidney disease has been a contraindication for heart transplantation. Transplant cardiologists and surgeons at UCSF are aggressively taking an alternative approach by performing simultaneous heart and kidney transplantation. In the process, they are helping those who did not seem to have much hope of ever getting a new heart.

CME Courses

See information on upcoming continuing medical education courses.

Referral Liaison Service

The UCSF Referral Liaison Service provides assistance and information to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. Please call the Referral Liaison Service or visit www.ucsfhealth.org/healthprofessionals.

Transfer Center

The UCSF Transfer Center is open 24 hours daily to coordinate the transfer of your patients to UCSF Medical Center from hospitals throughout the region.

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