Health Topics /

Heart Health

Heart disease runs in my family. What does that mean for me?

Health Topics

Dec 27, 2021

Recently, a man visited his doctor with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. “Does heart disease run in your family?” his doctor asked.“Doc,” the man replied, “No one runs in my family!”We may have a good chuckle about...

How TED hose help prevent blood clots

Health Topics

Dec 22, 2021

Those tight white knee-highs or hose your doctor may prescribe during a hospital stay may not make a fashion statement, but TED hose are often a must-have accessory for your health.TED hose are specially designed knee-high, thigh-high or waist-high stockings...

How controlling AFib can help you prevent a stroke

Health Topics

Dec 14, 2021

It accounts for more than a quarter of all ischemic, or clot-related strokes. It increases your risk of having such a stroke fivefold. And, maybe most shockingly, for many people, having a stroke is the first time they learn they...

17 causes of chest pain (other than a heart attack)

Health Topics

Dec 9, 2021

Chest pains are the second-highest reason adults visit the emergency department. And it makes sense why—chest pain can signify one of the most serious conditions: a heart attack.Yes, heart attacks are serious and pervasive. But I’ve found that most often,...

How exercise can improve your blood pressure

Health Topics

Nov 8, 2021

If you have it, this article concerns your least favorite subject. The ever-looming elephant in many of our rooms—high blood pressure.The medical condition known as high blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, is simply when the long-term force of blood against...

The heart disease risk factor you probably haven’t heard of: Lipoprotein (a)

Health Topics

Oct 21, 2021

True or false? If you’ve eaten “heart-healthy” your whole life and exercise daily, you’re not at any risk for a heart attack. The answer: False.  A few years ago, Bob Harper, a trainer from reality TV show “The Biggest Loser,” had a heart attack at 52 years old. But...

How to use CPR or an AED to help save a life

Health Topics

Oct 2, 2021

Would you know what to do if someone around you went into cardiac arrest? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are critical for a person who experiences sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. More than...

Respiratory rate: The neglected vital sign

Health Topics

Aug 12, 2021

During or after a patient undergoes surgery, the way they breathe can be one of the most important indicators of their medical status. Physicians closely monitor the rate which air passes through the lungs. Good breath flow is a good sign...

What if we could stop heart problems before they start? With preventive cardiology, we can

Health Topics

Jul 29, 2021

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in both men and women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 36 seconds, an American dies from cardiovascular disease. But lifestyle modifications, like diet...

Too much of a good thing? Competitive athletes face higher risk of irregular heartbeat

Health Topics

Jul 9, 2021

Every two years, we watch world-class athletes compete in the Olympic Games. These superb competitors are at the top of their game physically. They are role models for competitive athletes who dedicate themselves to intensive exercise to achieve personal fitness...

The alarming heart disease crisis facing the South Asian community

Health Topics

Jul 2, 2021

It’s well known that heart disease is a major health issue across the U.S. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for all Americans. But you may be surprised to learn that South Asians are more likely to die...

How electrophysiology has revolutionized care for heart rhythm disorders

Health Topics

Jun 15, 2021

Many patients diagnosed with arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) are referred to an electrophysiologist for evaluation and treatment. You may find yourself asking, “What is an electrophysiologist and what do they do?” As an EP—the term commonly used to refer to electrophysiology—I...

Women and heart disease: The surprising links you may not know

Health Topics

Apr 6, 2021

If you asked the average person to describe what a heart attack looks like, chances are they would picture a middle-aged man grabbing his chest. This is the quintessential image of a person experiencing a heart attack, and while this...

How quintuple bypass surgery changed my outlook on life

Health Topics

Feb 25, 2021

When I woke up on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, little did I know that my life was about to take a major detour. The pain in my chest was mild, but the heaviness in my chest was more pronounced. I’m...

This heart rhythm disorder affects more than 3 million Americans. Are you at risk?

Health Topics

Feb 19, 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder in the United States and affects more than 3 million Americans. It is a chaotic, abnormal rhythm of the upper chambers of the heart. The abnormal rhythm causes...

5 common myths about heart failure

Health Topics

Dec 2, 2020

About 6.2 million adults in the U.S. are living with heart failure. Considering how common it is, you may think you know heart failure, but let’s put your knowledge to the test. It’s time to bust the five most common myths and misconceptions...

Understanding your family history: 6 questions to ask your family during the holidays

Health Topics

Dec 1, 2020

The holiday season looks a little different for everyone. Some travel, some stay home. Some continue longstanding traditions, some like to try new ways to celebrate. Regardless of your plans, this time of the year is always about family. And...

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): What happens when blood can’t flow to your legs

Health Topics

Sep 29, 2020

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is one of the most common circulatory issues for Americans. According to the American Heart Association, more than 8.5 million people have PAD. People with the worst form of PAD are at risk for an amputation.“Peripheral”...

Worried about high cholesterol? 11 ways to start lowering it today

Health Topics

Jun 25, 2020

Today, more than 95 million American adults are living with total cholesterol levels above the healthy range. 29 million of those are at high risk for heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.We often hear about...

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): What you need to know

Health Topics

Jun 16, 2020

If you have ever seen a bulge in the side of a bicycle tire, you already have a good idea of what an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) looks like inside the body.The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the...