Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Heart failure remains a major health concern in the United States, affecting patients across all age groups, including athletes. Craig Thomas, an acute care nurse practitioner at the UVA Health System, joined Morning News to discuss emerging treatments and the role of advanced technology in improving patient outcomes. “In cardiology, we have a lot of unique technology that helps us manage and supervise our patients and improve their outcomes,” Thomas explained.  

One of the latest advancements is remote defibrillator monitoring, which allows doctors to track a patient’s heart function in real time and respond proactively. “Arrhythmias that cause sudden death can occur, and defibrillators are a technology that can help prevent that in patients that we know about it ahead of time,” Thomas said, noting that these devices can detect warning signs weeks before a patient experiences symptoms. 

Another promising innovation, Barostim, is designed to counteract the chronic stress response in heart failure patients. By generating a small electrical impulse, it activates baroreceptors in the large artery of the neck, signaling the brain to reduce the body’s elevated state. This process helps calm the heart rate, relax blood vessels, and alleviate the effects of heart failure. 

Beyond technology, UVA Health also provides home-based care to help patients manage their condition. Licensed practical nurses visit patients to ensure they follow dietary and medication guidelines, reducing hospitalizations. Thomas emphasized the importance of lifestyle choices, recommending a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity. “Pick up walking, do something to stay active… those lifestyle changes can mean a lot in the long term,” he advised.  

Listen here for the full conversation: