Why empathy matters in healthcare
In times of heartache or confusion, empathy can make the difference. I experienced this firsthand when my father was days away from dying. My mother, with great feeling, spoke to my dad’s doctor about how she believed wholeheartedly my dad was going to be healed and come back home with her. The doctor could have … Continue reading Why empathy matters in healthcare
Why do women wait longer to get help during a heart attack?
Toward the end of my internal medicine training at Baylor Scott & White and just two months before starting my cardiology fellowship training at the University of Oklahoma, my 29-year-old cousin died of cardiomyopathy a week after giving birth. This was not only devastating, but it also made a huge impression on me. It was … Continue reading Why do women wait longer to get help during a heart attack?
After heart attack, woman thanks firefighters who saved her life
Cheryl Sepmoree remembers she didn’t want to go into downtown Dallas to work one Saturday in September 2018. But she had made a commitment, so Cheryl drove into the office. Little did she know that just blocks away, two Dallas firefighter paramedics had an equally strong commitment to their work that day: saving lives. On … Continue reading After heart attack, woman thanks firefighters who saved her life
9 ways to practice self-love for your mental health
In this fast-paced world, we are always on, always going, always doing — and always feeling the pressure to do more. But as we grapple with a growing mental health crisis, it’s time to prioritize self-care and self-compassion. Here are 9 simple ways to show yourself some love today. 1. Take a break. For many … Continue reading 9 ways to practice self-love for your mental health
Is your heart racing from anxiety or an arrhythmia?
Heart palpitations. Chest pain. Sweating. A strange fluttering sensation in your chest. These are common symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, but they are also signs of a dangerous heart condition called atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat. Although we all experience moments of heightened stress or excitement — when our hearts seem to “skip … Continue reading Is your heart racing from anxiety or an arrhythmia?
How a routine physical detected this man’s dangerous heart blockage
Gary Aspelin has lived a life of wonder and adventure, traveling to almost 40 countries with his wife of over 50 years by his side. After a shocking discovery at his annual physical, Gary was faced with a new kind of adventure — fixing his heart. Gary noticed that while doing yard work, he would … Continue reading How a routine physical detected this man’s dangerous heart blockage
Could your toothbrushing habits predict your risk of heart disease?
From an early age, your parents probably instilled in you the importance of brushing your teeth. Every day, twice a day, for two minutes. After years of their encouraging (and sometimes nagging), it became a habit like any other. Research suggests there may be some logic to this “twice a day for two minutes” rule … Continue reading Could your toothbrushing habits predict your risk of heart disease?
How a patient’s heart attack inspired his heart surgeon to get better
As a heart surgeon, Baron Hamman, MD, is often the inspirer and encourager for his patients to take better care of their hearts. But something about one patient’s story made him stop and think — was he practicing what he preached? “I saw a little bit of myself in him,” Dr. Hamman said of Dwayne … Continue reading How a patient’s heart attack inspired his heart surgeon to get better
Is coffee good for your heart?
Every day, I get up and make myself a cup of coffee. I used to drink instant, moved on to pods and then ultimately graduated to grinding my own. I drink about 2-3 cups during the day, sometimes more if I’ve been on call the night before. As a cardiologist, I’m asked nearly every week … Continue reading Is coffee good for your heart?