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Heart Health

Genetic heart conditions could cause sudden death

Health Topics

Feb 13, 2017

The human body is composed of between 20,000 and 25,000 different genes that make us into who we are today. Some of the genes we inherit determine the color of our hair, while others are responsible for the development of the...

Leading the nation in healing hearts: The evolution of heart surgery

Health Topics

Feb 10, 2017

Sternotomies — the medical term for splitting open the chest to reach the heart — get the headlines. Transplants, bypasses and other open-heart surgeries are amazing, dramatic and lifesaving, the stuff of riveting documentaries and poignant narratives. By many measures,...

A physician trained in space medicine brings skills to wound care

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Jan 24, 2017

As far back as she can remember, Laurie Aten, MD, wanted to be part of the space program. Instead, she pursued a career in medicine.Then opportunity knocked.After practicing family medicine for four years, Dr. Aten applied for a residency in...

An aspirin a day: Clinical trial aims to find cheaper ways to research medicine

Health Topics

Jan 18, 2017

For four decades, people have been taking aspirin to ward off strokes and heart attacks. But is the commonly used “baby aspirin” dose of 81 milligrams better, or the regular dose of 325 milligrams?To help settle the issue, an unusual...

6 ways game day can hurt your heart

Health Topics

Jan 1, 2017

If you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, chances are you’ve had your heart broken more than once over the years. Watching your favorite team on game day can be stressful — but can it literally hurt your heart? Fan: Cowboys’ “Heart-Stopping...

Holiday heart syndrome: Seasonal celebrations can cause irregular heartbeat

Health Topics

Dec 31, 2016

This time of year, many of us are worried about putting on pounds from all those holiday treats and cocktails. But we should also consider how we could be harming our hearts.A phenomenon called “holiday heart syndrome” — alcohol-induced atrial...

Could twice-a-year shots replace daily cholesterol medication?

Health Topics

Dec 20, 2016

What if a twice-a-year injectable medication could replace popping a pill every day to help fight high cholesterol?According to new research presented at the November 2016 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, a clinical study suggests that a...

New technology repairs art teacher’s ‘hole in the heart’ to reduce stroke risk

Health Topics

Nov 30, 2016

Heidi Easley was going over her Monday morning to-do list when suddenly letters and full words were missing off the page. Terrified, she grabbed her phone to search the internet for a cause, but couldn’t read anything.“One of my biggest...

New guidelines expand advice on who should take statins

Health Topics

Nov 28, 2016

If you’re older than 40 and have certain risk factors for heart disease, you might need statins to prevent a stroke or heart attack. New guidelines published in the Journal of the American Medical Association are expanding recommendations on who...

67-year-old volunteer chaplain given new youth after heart surgery

Health Topics

Nov 26, 2016

“I’m 67 years old, but I feel like I’m a teenager,” said Bobby Bridges, who pastors Arlington’s Mayfield Road Baptist Church, and serves as a volunteer chaplain for Arlington Police Department.Bobby didn’t always feel this young. In fact, he had...

Lifesaving heart valve surgery restored triathlete’s active life

Health Topics

Oct 28, 2016

Bill Ruth can’t imagine a lifestyle that doesn’t involve physical activity — biking, running and swimming are his passions. As a former professional triathlete and 24-year high school track coach, he and wife Sherry start almost every day with a...

Shock to the heart brings life’s rewards

Health Topics

May 31, 2016

One day in 1994, the doorbell rang at Fred and Linda Smith’s home. To their surprise, a familiar police officer’s face greeted them with a big smile as he pointed to a red bar pinned to his uniform. That red...

Professional skydiver dives head-first into cardiac rehab

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Apr 15, 2016

As a skydiver, you live life on the edge. The exhilaration of free falling at speeds above 100 mph is the dream job for many thrill-seekers.Brazilian Paulo Marinho Gesta de Melo is one of the fearless who lives for that soaring...

Young mom’s rare heart attack was triggered by pregnancy

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Apr 1, 2016

Leslie Zeigon just finished nursing her 10-day-old newborn when she felt a strange sensation.“It felt like someone had knocked me over the head with the worst stomach flu,” the 39-year-old mom of three said. “It came on so suddenly. I...

Heart conditions are not just for adults

Health Topics

Feb 28, 2016

When a mother is preparing for her new baby, there are hundreds of questions swirling around in her mind. One of the most important questions in prenatal care is if the baby is developing properly. We know the heart is...

There is no shame in taking care of your heart

Health Topics

Feb 26, 2016

I want to speak to my guys here. (Actually, it also applies to ladies…but guys are more mule-headed).About two weeks ago, I started feeling something I had never felt before — a fluttering in my chest, somewhat akin to strumming my...

After heart attack, woman thanks emergency team who saved her life

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Feb 24, 2016

Garland resident Dana Corley knew she didn’t feel quite right one evening last November as she relaxed at her home.  Because she had already experienced one heart attack, Mrs. Corley, a retired nurse, kept a blood pressure cuff handy at...

Ain’t no mountain high enough for 85-year-old Marilyn Mendro

Health Topics

Feb 23, 2016

Marilyn Mendro, 85, loves the outdoors and singing. For 30 years, she sang for the Dallas Symphony Chorus and enjoyed day hikes with her husband. Slender, active and ageless in spirit, one would never know she’s had heart problems. Fortunately,...

Do you know how much exercise is best for your heart?

Health Topics

Feb 16, 2016

According to a recent survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, many Americans don’t know how much exercise is best for your heart.Exercise is one of the keys for preventing heart disease, but the nationwide survey reveals that only 20 percent...

Heart disease stopped Florence from teaching but led her to her calling

Health Topics

Feb 1, 2016

What do you do when a heart disease diagnosis abruptly takes away the job you love and almost swallows your life? Florence Hawkins-Criss made art.Last November, Florence’s painting series, “Listen to Your Heart,” hung in a juried show at Janette...