Health Topics /

Heart Health

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Faith over fear: How a lipoprotein(a) test sparked one man’s mission to save others

Health Topics

Feb 5, 2025

Bryan Harding may now be retired but he is still working hard—this time, to get the word out about heart health. Bryan had a long career in marketing and communications, working with organizations such as the American Heart Association and...

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What is a cardio-oncologist? Why protecting your heart is crucial on your cancer journey

Health Topics

Jan 8, 2025

When you’re faced with a cancer diagnosis, your first concern is most likely, “What is the best way to fight this?” But it’s also crucial to consider how cancer treatments can affect your heart—and how heart issues could influence your...

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Does caffeine raise blood pressure? What every coffee drinker needs to know

Health Topics

Dec 10, 2024

Most of us rely on the jolt that a morning cup of coffee provides. In fact, it’s estimated that 85 to 90% of US adults consume at least one cup of coffee daily. But if you have hypertension, you may...

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When to worry about heart palpitations

Health Topics

Sep 30, 2024

Have you ever woken up feeling like your heart is going to pound out of your chest? Heart palpitations are often harmless, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. Here’s a guide to help you understand...

Heart palpitations: Is my heart racing from anxiety or arrhythmia?

Health Topics

Sep 24, 2024

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 (AFib), the most common type...

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My hidden aortic aneurysm: How a visit to my PCP saved my life

Health Topics

Aug 23, 2024

Clay B. Paulson always looked after himself and felt good, but when his wife encouraged him to schedule a checkup with his primary care provider, he realized he hadn’t seen a doctor in over a decade. The visit that followed...

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How does pregnancy affect your heart? What every expectant mother needs to know

Health Topics

Jul 23, 2024

Expecting a baby is one of the most joyous times in a woman’s life, but it’s one that comes with a lot of change. Pregnancy and parenthood change you on all levels—physically, emotionally and spiritually. But one change you might...

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Beyond weight loss: Could GLP-1 agonists improve your heart health?

Health Topics

Jun 13, 2024

Could a popular weight loss medication help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke? You’ve likely heard the buzz around a weight loss drug called semaglutide, a type of GLP-1 agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. But...

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The heart-brain connection: How a common heart defect affects your stroke risk

Health Topics

May 23, 2024

People are often surprised to learn that 1 in 4 adults have a small hole in their heart. While that may seem serious, most people don’t know they have this common heart defect, and it usually isn’t a cause for...

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What are the 4 stages of heart failure?

Health Topics

May 7, 2024

You may have heard about different stages of conditions like cancer. But stages are also important when it comes to another common condition—congestive heart failure. Many people don’t realize that they may be at risk for heart failure or how...

How autoimmune conditions can be a factor for heart disease—it's not just smoking

Health Topics

May 2, 2024

Most of us are aware that smoking is bad for your heart. Along with diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure (hypertension), it’s one of the highest risk behaviors that can cause heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Your doctor may have...

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Choosing a heart-healthy diet after a heart attack

Health Topics

Apr 30, 2024

When you’re recovering after a heart attack, you want to take steps to improve your heart health. And that often includes making changes to your diet. Along with medical treatments, diet can play a pivotal role in your ability to...

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5 foods that lower your risk of stroke and heart attack

Health Topics

Apr 15, 2024

Even small changes can make a big impact on your heart disease or stroke risk. Whether you have risk factors or want to prevent another stroke or heart attack, you have the power to control your risk. And your diet is a...

Larry Gambone with his dog

Larry’s story: Unbreakable spirit in the face of adversity

Health Topics

Apr 15, 2024

Lawrence “Larry” Gambone’s life has been defined by resilience. With the odds stacked against him, Larry's positive mindset, energy and remarkable will to survive have allowed him to overcome health issues that could have stopped him in his tracks. Now...

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The power of listening to your body: How Darrell’s “off” feeling led to a lifesaving heart surgery

Health Topics

Apr 10, 2024

In November 2023, Darrell Adams, 62, showed up for work in Dallas at 6:30 AM as usual. Little did he know, this ordinary day would unfold into a life-changing event.  Just after arriving, he started feeling an unusual pain and...

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High diastolic blood pressure: 4 ways to stay in control

Health Topics

Mar 27, 2024

Keeping your blood pressure under control is a great way to care for your heart and vascular health. When you get your blood pressure taken, your doctor will look at two numbers to determine if you have high blood pressure....

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Veteran thriving with new heart implantable defibrillator

Health Topics

Mar 20, 2024

In his 40 years of life, retired veteran James Norman has overcome more health challenges than most people do in an entire lifetime. He has also made Texas health history. This is his story. Making heart history in Texas James’...

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One man’s courageous battle to save his heart and his life

Health Topics

Feb 21, 2024

Parker Pierce has always been inquisitive and creative—that’s why he became a 2-D animator. At 32, he was healthy and looking forward to an exciting future. Little did he know he was about to face a health battle of more...

Active man living well after a heart attack

5 strategies to live well after a heart attack

Health Topics

Feb 13, 2024

Although thankful to be alive, people don’t always find life after a heart attack easy. It’s not uncommon to feel confused, overwhelmed and even a bit fearful. The good news is, by implementing simple habits and working closely with your...

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A transplant story spans continents: A Texas man’s remarkable heart journey

Health Topics

Feb 9, 2024

Wayne Germano had his first cardiac bypass procedure when he was 43 years old. Following more than 23 years of heart-stopping cardiac episodes that nearly cost him his life, in October 2023, the 66-year-old received a new heart at Baylor...