You already know you need to have your cholesterol checked regularly—that’s common knowledge. But you may need to know your triglyceride numbers, too. According to Catherine McNeal, MD, an internist on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, a high triglyceride count can be a marker for a lifestyle that …
Triglycerides: What your levels mean and how to lower them Read More »
Nearly 6.5 million people visit America’s emergency rooms each year for chest pain. Additional millions of people seek out cardiologists to evaluate their chest pain, concerned they may be at risk for heart disease. If that’s you, it’s important to know what to expect when you do see a cardiologist or undergo evaluation for chest …
Every day, I’m amazed at how many of my patients own smartwatches or wearable devices. In fact, a recent study by Pew Research found approximately one in five Americans owns and wears a smartwatch. That translates to 66.5 million people. Young and old alike are wearing them for different reasons. In my practice, I’ve seen …
My smartwatch EKG says I have an irregular heartbeat. Now what? Read More »
If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), your doctor may have mentioned the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) procedure. An alternative to blood thinners, this minimally invasive treatment option is helping many people get back to living a happy, healthy, active life—unrestricted by many of the worries that often come with AFib. Let’s walk …
LAAO procedure for AFib: An alternative to blood thinners Read More »
Your home has many systems that keep it running smoothly, such as electrical, mechanical, structural, chemical and plumbing—and the same holds true for your heart. When all your heart’s systems are running as they should, it functions normally. But when one or more of these systems isn’t working correctly, it can lead to many different …
Living with heart failure: When to consider advanced care Read More »
You’ve heard of hypertension and you get your blood pressure checked regularly at your doctor’s visits, but what is high blood pressure, and why is it worrisome? Here’s what you need to know, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. “Your heart is a muscle—but it’s not like the other muscles in …
Why is hypertension (aka high blood pressure) dangerous? Read More »
Heart stents are a potentially lifesaving treatment in preventing heart damage during and after a heart attack. The procedure opens arteries that are causing the heart attack and can relieve other blockages that may be causing chest discomfort called “angina.” But before getting stents in your heart, you’ll want to consider both the risks of heart stent treatment …
Life changes quickly with a diagnosis of heart disease. Whether the doctor says your coronary artery is filled with plaque or your heart muscle isn’t pumping as well as it should, your survival will require treatment. And it’s more than just taking a pill—living with heart disease requires lifestyle changes not just today, but for a lifetime. While …
7 healthy habits to help you thrive with heart disease Read More »
Your heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body depends on a number of complex functions. The heart’s four valves allow blood to flow through your heart in the right direction. When they don’t open or close properly, the flow of blood throughout your body is disrupted. Heart valve disease is diagnosed when one or more …
Understanding your heart valve disease diagnosis Read More »
If you’ve received a diagnosis related to the heart or blood vessels, it’s normal to be frightened and a little confused. The information out there on heart conditions can be overwhelming. “Heart disease can be confusing at first,” said Michael Mack, MD, heart surgeon and the chair of Baylor Scott & White Health’s cardiovascular governing …
So, you were diagnosed with a heart condition. Now what? Read More »