James L. Vacek, MD

Professor of Medicine - Cardiology
Medical School, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha NE
Residency, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
Fellowship, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO

Clinical Interests

• Cardiac Prevention and Wellness
• Cardiac CT Angiography
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Consultative Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Clinical Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Research
• Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors and Public Education

Research Interests

• Cardiac Prevention and Wellness
• Information Technology Application
• Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factor Modification
• Clinical Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Consultative Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peer Reviewed Journal Activities

Editorial Consultant - American Journal of Cardiology, CHEST, American Heart Journal, Catheterization and Cardiovascular Diagnosis, Postgraduate Medicine, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Heart and Lung, Southern Medical Journal

Research Projects
Active projects

• Investigation of calcitonin analogues in rat and primate models. Sponsored by Vasogenix.
• Investigation of diabetic rat model related to exercise modulated changes in electrocardiographic parameters as well as cardiac lymphatic presence and function. Original research project.
• Statin influence on atrial fibrillation occurrence in post cardiac surgery patients. Original research project.
• Study of carotid intimal medial thickness in noncaucasian population. Original research project.
• Hypertensive medication use in the Kansas Medicaid population. Original research project.
• Omega 3 fatty acid use and impact on cardiac outcomes derived from the CV master database. Original research project.
• Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Use on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. Original research project.
• Potential interaction between protein pump inhibitors and clopidogrel. Original research project.
• Development of Visual3DxTM ischemia markers using digital ECGs obtained from patients being evaluated for acute chest pain. Sponsored by NewCardio.
• Impact of Bisphosphonate Use on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiovascular Patients. Original research project.
• Coumadin management: study of factors which promote therapeutic outcomes. Original research project.
• Vitamin D levels and cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. Original research project.
• Ezetimibe in Combination with a Statin Does Not Reduce All- Cause Mortality and Failure of Ezetimibe to Raise HDL in a Community Based Population. Original research project.
• Coronary stent outcomes comparing bare metal vs drug eluting stents and the impact of statin and other lipid lowering therapy. Original research project.
• The Impact of Amiodarone Therapy Duration on Thyroid Function. Original research project.
• Prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence from clinical risk factors. Original research project.
• Survival Factors and Effect of Medications in Subjects with Diastolic Dysfunction Who Do Not Have Cardiomyopathy or Heart Failure. Original research project.
• The Impact of Particulate Matter and Air Pollutants on Cardiovascular Events. Original research project.

Selected Publications

• Porter I, Vacek J. Single ventricle with persistent truncus arteriosus as two rare entities in an adult patient: a case report. J Med Case Reports. 2008 May 30;2:184.
• Simmons A, Vacek J, Meyers D. Anthracycline induced cardiomyopathy. Postgrad Med. 120(4):67-72.
• Porter I, Vacek J. Cardiovascular health delivery system in Belarus contrasted to the United States. Kansas J Med. 2008;2:13-18.
• Biria M, Howard P, Vacek J.  Current Opinion Article: Do statins have a role in the management of diastolic dysfunction? Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2008;8:297-303.
• Vanga S, Biria M, Berenbom L, Vacek J, Lakkireddy D. Skin burn at the site of indifferent electrode after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AV node for atrial fibrillation. Journal of Atrial Fibrillation. Online publication 7/16/08: 10.4022/jafib.v1i1.406.
• Biria M, Batrash A, Emert M, Vacek J. Underutilization of warfarin in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of Atrial Fibrillation. Online publication 9/23/08: 10.4022/jafib.v1i1.393.
• Dalton K, Reeder K, Elyachar A, Staley J, Spaniol R, Ellerbeck E, Vacek J, Smith C. Screening and enrollment in clinical trials: essential relationships for success. The Monitor. August 2009, 29-33.
• Vanga S, Vacek J, Berenbom L, Lakkireddy D. Ventricular tachycardia storm - an atypical presentation of sarcoidosis exacerbation. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2009;9(6):351-354.
• Howard PA, Vacek JL. Potential interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2009;9(6):353-9.
• Mbogori J, Vacek J. A man with a worried heart: transient left apical ballooning and rhabdomyolysis. Am J Med. 2010 Feb;123(2):e11-2.
• Nagavalli S, Vacek JL. Approach to incidentally diagnosed isolated ventricular noncompaction of myocardium. South Med J. 2010 Jun 4 [Epub ahead of print]..
• Solomon S, Vacek JL. Invited article: Practice Pearls. Prasugrel versus clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Postgrad Med. 2010 Jan;122(1):198-200.
• Sheik A, Vacek JL. Invited Article: Moving towards the future of dyslipidemia management. South Med J. 2010 May;103(5):392-393.

Selected Abstracts Presented at National Meetings

• Biria M, Pillarisetti J, Annapureddy C, Baryun E, Newton D, Kreighbaum K, Murray C, Staley J, Berenbom L, Pimentel R, Vanga S, Vacek J, Emert M, Nath J, Rosamond T, Raxwal V, Mulhern K, Gupta K, Verma A, Lakkireddy D. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Alters Progression of Diastolic Dysfunction. Presented at the 2008 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting, May 14-17 2008, San Francisco California.
• Nath J, Lakkireddy D, Mulhern K, Rosamond T, Vacek J, Wilson D. Gender and Severity of Left Atrial Enlargement Predict Long-Term Survival. Presented at the 2008 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting, May 14-17 2008, San Francisco California.
• Biria M, Pillarisetti J, Annapureddy C, Baryun E, Newton D, Kreighbaum K, Murray C, Staley J, Berenbom L, Pimentel R, Vanga S, Vacek J, Emert M, Porter C, Genton R, Nath J, Gupta K, Lakkireddy D. The Impact of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) Score in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure. Presented at the 2008 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting, May 14-17 2008, San Francisco California.
• Barnes B, Howard P, Chen W, Vacek JL. Impact of Biophosphonate Use on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. Presented at the American Heart Association Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Conference 2008, April 30-May 2 2008, Baltimore Maryland.
• Kumar A, Dalton K, Ellerbeck EF, Vacek J, Smith CE. Methodology of Self Management and Care of Heart Failure through group therapy trial (SMAC-HF). Presented at the American Heart Association Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Conference 2008, April 30-May 2 2008, Baltimore Maryland.
• Raxwal V, Verma L, Lakkireddy D, Vacek J, Tadros P. Is Hyperdynamic Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction a Poor Prognostic Factor? Presented at the 57th Annual ACC Scientific Sessions, March 29-April 4 2008, Chicago Illinois.
• Simmons A, Rosamond T, Nath J, Lakkireddy D, Wetzel L, Vacek J, Pimentel R, Emert E,  Berenbom L, Biria M. 64 slice Cardiac CTA in the Diagnosis of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus:  Comparison to Transesophageal Echocardiography. Presented at the 14th World Congress on Heart Disease - International Academy of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions 2008, July 26-29 2008, Toronto Ontario, Canada.
• Biria M, Annapureddy C, Newton D, Pillarisetti J, Baryun E, Berenbom L, Pimentel R, Vanga S, Vacek J, Emert M, Nath J, Verma A, Khaykin Y, Natale A, Murray C, Staley J, Lakkireddy D. Leukocytosis Post Atrial Fibrillation Ablation - Is There A Reason To Worry? Presented at the 14th World Congress on Heart Disease - International Academy of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions 2008, July 26-29 2008, Toronto Ontario, Canada.
• Biria M, Baryun E, Vacek J, Dalton K, Earnest M, Emert M, Pimentel R, Lakkireddy D, Berenbom L. Outcomes and Cost Analysis of Transvenous vs. Prophylactic Intraoperative Implantation of CRT Leads (PROPEL study). Presented at the 14th World Congress on Heart Disease - International Academy of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions 2008, July 26-29 2008, Toronto Ontario, Canada.
• Reddy N, Seim N, Pillarisetti J, Boc K, Chen W, Ryschon K, Dendi R, Berenbom L, Vacek J, Lakkireddy D. Accurate Measurement of QT Interval During Administration of QT prolonging Anti Arrhythmic Drugs: Is the tangent technique more appropriate? Presented at the 2009 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting, May 13-16 2009, Boston Massachusetts.
• Maugans C, Grier B, Humera D, Jones C, Sheldon S, Vacek J, Wiley M. Correlation of Fluctuating Ozone Levels with Hospital and Emergency Department Admissions for Chest Pain or Acute Coronary Syndromes. Presented at the 2009 Combined Annual Meeting, Central Society for Clinical Research, Midwestern Section American Federation for Medical Research, April 23-24 2009, Chicago Illinois.
• Pillarisetti J, Patel A, Boc K, Sawers Y, Vanga S, Sayana H, Vacek J, Gupta K, Chen W, Nath J, Lakkireddy D. Evolution of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation to Persistent or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation: Predictors of Progression. Presented at the 2009 National Clinical and Translational Research Education Annual Meeting, April 14-15 2009, Washington DC.
• Pillarisetti J, Lakkireddy D, Tadros P, Sayana H, Goucher H, Duthuluru S, Patel A, Biria M, Vacek J, Berenbom L, Gupta K, Nath J, Wiley M. Interventional Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists Beware! - Your Job Can Impact the Gender of Your Offspring Too! Presented at the 2009 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting, May 13-16 2009, Boston Massachusetts.
• Barnes B, Howard P, Kumar A, Gorton M, Solomon S, Kramer J, Muehlebach G, Vacek J. Preoperative statin use is not associated with a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, October 19-22 2008, Louisville Kentucky.
• Franano FN, Bland KS, Ding BC, Wiley M, Vacek J, Smirnov I, Henry C. PRT-101 Can Effect Positive Remodeling of the Porcine Iliac Artery. Presented at the 20th Annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Symposium 2008, October 12-17 2008, Washington DC.
• Franano FN, Bland KS, Ding BC, Wiley M, Vacek J, Smirnov I, Henry C. Prt-201 is a locally-acting recombinant human type I elastase that safely and persistently dilates segments of blood vessels in animal models and can be used as a "biological stent". Invited Oral Presentation, 20th Annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Symposium 2008, October 12-17 2008, Washington DC.
• Staley J, Dalton K, Vacek J. Anticoagulation Management: Optimizing INR Levels in a Large Cardiology Practice. Presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009, November 14-18 2009, Orlando Florida.
• Marr J, Pillarisetti J, Lai SM, Chen W, Vacek JL. Ezetimibe in Combination with a Statin Does Not Reduce All-Cause Mortality. Presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009, November 14-18 2009, Orlando Florida.
• Biria M, Vanga S, Lakkireddy D, Howard PA, Vacek JL. Predictive Factors for Survival in Patients with Diastolic Dysfunction of Varying Severity Who Do Not have Systolic Dysfunction or Symptoms of Heart Failure. Presented at the 59th Annual ACC Scientific Sessions 2010, March 14-16 2010, Atlanta Georgia.
• Vanga S, Pillarisetti J, Guda R, Feldkamp M, Rosamond T, Vacek JL, Dawn B, Lakkireddy D. Left Atrial Appendage Far Field Potentials Mimicking Left Superior Pulmonary Vein Potentials After Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Does Proximity Matter? Presented at the 59th Annual ACC Scientific Sessions 2010, March 14-16 2010, Atlanta Georgia.
• Pillarisetti J, Biria M, Emert M, Chotia R, Guda R, Vacek J, Dendi R, Pimentel R, Berenbom L, Lakkireddy D. Reasons for Under-Utilization of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients with Heart Failure. Presented at the Heart Rhythm Society Annual Sessions 2010, May 12-15 2010, Denver Colorado.
• Pillarisetti J, Guda R, Falbe J, Muehlebach G, Vacek J, Lakkireddy D. Long term Incidence of Denovo Atrial Fibrillation in Patients after Open Heart Surgery. Presented at the Heart Rhythm Society Annual Sessions 2010, May 12-15 2010, Denver Colorado.
• Biria M, Pillarisetti J, Reddy N, Murray C, Patel P, Vanga S, Dendi R, Pimentel R, Emert M, Berenbom L, Vacek J, Lakkireddy D. Elevated Beta Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Is it a Predictor of Successful Ablation or a Mere Function of Point in Time Atrial Rhythm? Presented at the Heart Rhythm Society Annual Sessions 2010, May 12-15 2010, Denver Colorado.
• Pillarisetti J, Guda R, Emert M, Biria M, Dalton K, Vacek J, Lakkireddy D. Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Cardiomyopathy: Predictors of Long Term Improvement. Presented at the AHA Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Conference 2010, May 19-21 2010, Washington DC.