Opening Remarks

Denise M. Sorrentino, MD
Chief Medical Officer, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

Keynote: State of Heart Health in Iowa

Lezlie Mestdagh
Executive Director, Iowa Heart Foundation 

Dani Bixby, MPH, CHES
Cardiovascular Health Program Manager, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

1. Summarize recent epidemiologic trends in cardiovascular disease prevalence, mortality, and risk factors across the state.
2. Integrate team-based care, patient engagement, and community partnerships to enhance prevention and disease management.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Basics

Sydney Anderson, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, CCK, AACC
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Describe the fundamental physics of computed tomography imaging and how they apply to coronary angiography.
2. Recognize normal coronary anatomy and common anatomic variants on coronary computed tomography angiography.

The Great Debate - Ischemic Evaluation of Patients: Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Stress Test

Justin Berger, MD
Fellow, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

Anthonia Ijeli, MD, MBA
Fellow, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Identify the technical, clinical, and logistical limitations of each modality, including radiation exposure, contrast use, image quality issues, and patient-specific barriers.
2. Apply evidence-based guidelines to determine which patients benefit most from anatomic evaluation with cardiac computed tomography angiography versus functional ischemia testing.

Lipoprotein(a) Management

Kyle Ulveling, MD
Cardiologist, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Summarize how Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] differs from LCL-C and other lipoproteins in terms of risk contribution.
2. Review guidelines supported recommendations for when to measure Lp(a) in adults and high-risk populations.

Break

General Track

Strategies for Individualizing Lipid Management and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: Non-Statin Therapies 

Jana Galbreath, ARNP-DNP
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Summarize current guideline recommendations for incorporating non-statin agents into Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk reduction strategies.
2. Discuss the role of non-statin therapies in addressing residual cardiovascular risk.

One Circulation, Two Vital Organs: The Heart-Brain Connection in Preventing Cognitive Decline

Yogesh Shah, MD, MPH, FAAFM
Geriatrics Section Chief, Broadlawns Medical Center 

Jessica Nelsen, MPA
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Engagement Coordinator, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

1. Recognize early cognitive changes and mild cognitive impairment.
2. Review the clinical utility and limitations of plasma biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Discuss implementing multimodal dementia risk-reduction strategies, integrating lifestyle, cardiovascular, and social health interventions aligned with the 2024 Lancet Commission framework.

General Track

Physiologic Pacing

Denise M. Sorrentino, MD
Chief Medical Officer, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Discuss the history of cardiac pacemakers, including all types of devices, with a review of indications.
2. Review new locations for both atrial and ventricular pacing leads, including a complete understanding of “physiologic” pacing.

Know Your Numbers: Empowering Community Health

Jimmy A. Reyes, PhD, DNP, AGNP, RN, FRE
Executive Director, MyHealthIowa – MiSaludIowa

1. Evaluate evidence-based strategies to enhance individual and community engagement in monitoring and improving key health indicators through culturally responsive education and lifestyle coaching.
2. Explore best practices for implementing community health screening programs, including workflow development, staffing considerations, cultural and linguistic adaptation, partnership coordination, and data processes that facilitate appropriate follow-up care.

General Track

Atrial Fibrillation: Surgical Ablation Toolbox

Hashim Hanif, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Describe the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and how surgical ablation targets arrhythmogenic substrates.
2. Summarize key clinical trials and guideline recommendations supporting surgical ablation in various patient populations.

Food is Medicine 

Diane McIlhon, RDN, LD, CCMS
Retired, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Discuss how dietary patterns and specific foods influence the prevention and management of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
2. Identify practical strategies for incorporating nutrition-focused interventions into patient care that improve key cardiometabolic indicators while supporting patients in monitoring and understanding their numbers.

General Track

Resistant Hypertension

Rakshak Sarda, MD
Cardiologist, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

1. Define resistant hypertension.
2. Review the work-up of resistant hypertension.
3. Discuss the management of resistant hypertension.

Wellness in the Workplace: Exploring Strategies and Offerings

Keely Woods-Guy, MPH
Program Manager, Iowa Heart Foundation

Amy Ziegler
Client Relations Manager, MercyOne Business Solutions

1. Summathe thee common services of worksite wellness programs.
2. Discuss ways clinical staff can encourage patients to use the wellness services offered at their place of employment.

1:00 pm

Cardiovascular Innovations: The Role of Engagement as a Driver of Change

Frances Johnson, MD
Member of the Board of Directors, Iowa Heart Foundation

1. Summarize the relationship between engagement, quality improvements, and improved cardiovascular outcomes.
2. Illustrate how engagement strategies can be used to implement new cardiovascular therapies, technologies, and care pathways.