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Heart Health

Wayne Germano

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...

Cardiac arrest v heart attack

Heart attack vs cardiac arrest: Recognizing the warning signs

Health Topics

Feb 8, 2024

Many of us have heard the terms “heart attack” and “sudden cardiac arrest.” Both are serious medical emergencies and can be life threatening, but there are key differences between them. In order to know the right ways to help in...

decade-by-decade guide to women's heart health

A decade-by-decade guide to women’s heart health

Health Topics

Feb 2, 2024

Taking care of your heart is a lifelong responsibility—and it’s never too early to start! From your 20s to your 60s and beyond, you can incorporate heart healthy habits into your daily routine so you can live well for many...

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How's your heart? Ways to assess and lower your risk of heart disease

Health Topics

Jan 23, 2024

Having open conversations with your doctor is a vital part of your well-being. And when it comes to heart health, communication is key to preventing conditions and addressing your cardiovascular risks. At your appointment or annual checkup, your doctor may...

4 discoveries that are transforming heart failure care

Health Topics

Nov 30, 2023

Current estimates are that nearly 6.5 million Americans over the age of 20 have heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition. It occurs when the heart stops being able to pump properly. It doesn’t stop immediately, but, over time,...

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Heart-smart workouts: The importance of exercise in heart health

Health Topics

Sep 6, 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Today, many of us live sedentary lifestyles. This, combined with poor dietary habits, means that incorporating exercise into our lives is more important than ever for...

Two brothers, two hearts and two life-saving procedures

Health Topics

Mar 15, 2023

Like most brothers, Don and Keith Elam shared many things: a boyhood spent in small-town Texas, family milestones and celebrations, and starting their own lives with their own families. But one day in 2020, they shared the same startling news....

After heart attack, John has a new outlook on life

Health Topics

Mar 10, 2023

You’ve probably heard that time is priceless if you’re having a heart attack. That certainly proved to be true for Dallas resident John McKay. The 67-year-old husband and father of two started Saturday, Aug. 20, with his regular workout routine...

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6 simple exercises to improve your heart health

Health Topics

Feb 27, 2023

Your heart is one of the hardest-working muscles in your body. It pumps about 100,000 times a day, pushing blood throughout the rest of your body. Just like your other muscles, your heart needs exercise to keep it strong. And...

Understanding your options for advanced heart failure treatment

Health Topics

Feb 21, 2023

Advanced heart failure. It can be a scary diagnosis. It’s normal to worry about the idea of needing a heart transplant and wonder what you can do to avoid it. That’s the ultimate goal of our heart transplant teams, like...

What to expect at your first appointment with a cardiologist

Health Topics

Feb 17, 2023

Keeping your heart healthy is critical to living your best life. And if you have a family history of cardiac problems or risk factors for heart disease, you or your primary care doctor may want your heart to get some...

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How a workout injury revealed my rare heart condition and saved my life

Health Topics

Feb 14, 2023

Hello! I’m Matt Howerton. I’m a Texan, a television news reporter and a unicorn. That’s an odd introduction, right? But it’s true. And I promise, there’s a good story behind it all—one that begins with me hitting the gym to...

5 ways to show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day

Health Topics

Feb 10, 2023

Some people love to celebrate Valentine’s Day with extravagant pink and red celebrations. Some just see it as any other day. And for some, it can be a source of stress and pressure, especially if you’re in a romantic relationship.Regardless...

5 tips for heart-healthy eating at home (and 5 simple recipes to get you started)

Health Topics

Feb 9, 2023

Thankfully, when it comes to heart disease, many risk factors are things we have control over, including our diet and the meals we choose to prepare at home. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease, these healthy habits...

9 women’s health conditions linked to heart disease that may surprise you

Health Topics

Feb 6, 2023

Heart disease is often underdiagnosed in women, and its risk factors are often overlooked. That’s why it’s so important to take charge of your own health and your own risk factors.So, what are your risk factors, you ask? You’re probably...

The truth about 6 popular “heart health” supplements

Health Topics

Feb 3, 2023

If you’re looking to improve your heart health or manage a condition like heart disease or high cholesterol, you may have come across supplements claiming to improve heart health. But do these supplements really work as they claim? Here’s what...

What to expect in the cath lab and how to prepare for your procedure

Health Topics

Feb 2, 2023

Getting scheduled for a medical procedure can create some anxiety in the best of us. No matter how many times a hospital team has done the procedure, it’s new to you—and new means unknown.“We see this often where cath lab...

20-year-old runner experiences “sudden death,” saved by neighbors doing CPR

Health Topics

Feb 1, 2023

It started off as a normal Sunday like any other for 20-year-old Landon Wyrick. After church, lunch and some errands, he went for a run. For years, running has been his way to stay active after high school.He knew he...

Does dietary cholesterol matter? A cardiologist’s perspective on diet and heart health

Health Topics

Dec 15, 2022

Most people know that too much cholesterol is bad for the heart. But that’s where understanding stops, and confusion about food sets in—the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and heart health isn’t as simple as it may seem.Logic may tell...

Triglycerides: What your levels mean and how to lower them

Health Topics

Sep 8, 2022

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...