Category: All
February is Heart Month: Wear RED Friday Feb 3, 2012
February is Heart month: to increase awareness and prevention of this Number 1 killer of Americans. Women are a special category in Heart Disease, and we celebrate to increase awareness that women get heart disease too! Feb 3rd, is National Go Red Day.
How healthy is Wisconsin?
The UnitedHealth Foundation, the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the Partnership for Prevention have put out the 20th annual report of "America's Health Rankings." Vermont is the healthiest state overall and Mississippi in the unhealthiest. Guess where WI is.......
Bellin in Top US Cardiac Hospitals
It was announced today, November 14, 2011, the TOP 50 US Hospitals for Heart Care. Is your local hospital on the list? Bellin Health is!!
Valve Center
The Valve Center at Bellin Health provides a multidisciplinary team of experienced experts to offer the most complete and fully integrated care in the region. It is designed to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with symptomatic and complex valvular heart disease.
7th grader collapses from heart problem. AED saves the day!
Did you see this amazing video on Fox News? I caught it on Yahoo! News last night and I just have to tell you about the story. A 7th grader collapsed because of a heart condition and she is living to tell her story about it.
Anatomy of the heart
The AmeriHeart is an extreme example of the heart anatomy. But it is such a useful tool. How better to see the heart, learn what each part of the heart does and remember the importance of taking good care of your heart, than to walk through a GIANT anatomically correct heart? It has a lasting impression. Let me walk you through it.
Faces of Stroke from National Stroke Association
The Faces of Stroke is a public awareness movement that aims to show the personal side of stroke and educate about important stroke facts through people’s experiences.
Lowest death rate after heart attack at Bellin Hospital
Just featured in the Green Bay Press Gazette, an article about Bellin Hospital having one of the lowest death rates after heart attack in the Nation! Way to go Heart Care Team at Bellin and EMS!
Heart Walk 2011
Get ready to WALK for the Green Bay Heart Walk 2011. September 17th at NWTC.
Join a team of walkers or make your own team:
www.greenbaywiheartwalk.org
Doante and raise funds to help support research and education on America's Number 1 Killer!
festival foods: Nutrition made easy!
Have you seen it yet? The NuVal Nutritional scoring system is now available at your local Festival Foods store. Help take the confusion out of choosing healthy things to eat when you are at the store. The scoring system has done it for you!
Introducing you to MerckEngage for a Healthier You
Check out this great resource at Merckengage.com
MerckEngage is a free resource that supports your choices for healthier living. MerckEngage has a range of offerings to help you take steps toward better health, including:
• Help with managing health conditions
• Ideas for healthier eating
• Suggestions to help you become more active
• Ways to better communicate with your health care professionals
The AmeriHeart and The Bellin Run Expo
I hope you all came to see the AmeriHeart at the Bellin Run expo on Friday! It was great! We received lots of very positive feedback on the AmeriHeart tours. It is the most fun, interactive and educational exhibit we have had!! Thank-you to all who toured and also to those who completed a survey!
Heart health with John Jones, Running the Bellin 2011
John Jones is an advocate for heart heart, especially men's health. See his blog called The Bulletproof Myth at http://www.bulletproofmyth.com/blog/
2011 marks the anniversary of a medical emergency for John, that changed his life. This year, he is participating in the Bellin Run as part of his heart health journey. Watch his video.
Legislative update from the American Heart Association
Legislation
An update from the AHA, topics include:
- Tobacco purchases by minors
- Option for no physical education in schools
- Worksite wellness programs
- CPR and AED awareness week
Students to learn about the heart
What better way for kids to learn about their hearts and how it works, then to get an official tour through BellinHeart's AmeriHeart?! The 21x17 foot, walk through heart will be at Kennedy School in Green Bay, WI on Tuesday May 24th, 2011!
BellinHeart's AmeriHeart
The AmeriHeart is coming! The AmeriHeart is coming! You saw pictures of this enormous heart back in January of this year, when Bellin Heart and Vascular brought it to the Super Bowl of Safety. Now we have one of our own!!
Prevent, halt and reverse heart disease
A book by Jospeh C. Piscatella and Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D.
The first thoughts that came into my mind when I began reading this book on the 109 things you can do to prevent, halt and reverse heart disease, was "that's exactly what I say to people when I am giving heart healthy talks!" My first impressions of the authors, is then credible, because I know the sources of where I get my information to increase awareness and educate the general public. As I read through this book, I noted it was very well referenced with many reliable sources and credits found through out the book as well as listed at the end. Ok good. The information I am going to find in this book, is valuable, evidenced-based, and the recommendations are based on the most current literature.
Managing your cholesterol
Why is cholesterol important when we talk about heart disease?
Cholesterol is found in the blockages that causes heart attacks. Less cholesterol in the body means less cholesterol to form blockages. Take a look at this picture.
Get Tough on Angina
Do you have angina? Do you know what angina is? Find out the key things you need to know here. The Get Tough on Angina program was developed by the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association. www.pcna.net
Do you snore?
Angela Kelly from Fox 11, visited the Bellin Sleep Center last week. Why you might ask? She wanted to show you what it is like to sleep overnight in a Sleep Center. Watch this video and learn some common sleep and breathing disorders that are discovered and treated in the Bellin Sleep Center.
Heart Calcium Scoring: What is it?
Don't wait for symptoms! Find out fast if you already have heart disease!
Wear Red on Friday, Feb 4th
One Day a Year,
What You Wear speaks volumes. Wear Red and Speak Up!
We learned so much walking through that heart!
Look at the size of that HEART! The AmeriHeart was presented by Bellin Heart and Vascular Center at the Superbowl of Safety on Saturday Jan 29th, 2011. If you didn't get a chance to see it, take a look at these pictures.
Children's Superbowl of Safety Jan 29th, 2011
Join the fun on Saturday, January 29th at Lambeau Field Atrium! FREE!
Fire safety, the dangers of electricity and the importance of staying away from household chemicals are important lessons for children. And as the fight against childhood obesity rages on, heart health and physical fitness have become important topics as well.
BellinHeart presents the Ameriheart
BellinHeart is pleased to present the AmeriHeart. A 21 foot by 17 foot large, walk through heart. Come see it in person on January 29th, 2011!
Stress women at increased risk
Are you in a high strain job? Defined as a demanding job, with time pressures and little opportunity for decision making or person growth.
Do you consider your job to have active job strain? This means high-demand work with with a high sense of control.
MD consult reports that job-stress women are faced with increased cardiovascular risk.
Transparency in Health Care
On March 9, 2010, the Wisconsin Legislature adopted 2009 Wisconsin Act 146 to ensure that health care facilities provide easy-to-access information regarding health care charges and quality.
What does this mean for you? You can find how much a hopsital or clinic charges for services and you can also find out how well that health care service is doing in quality measures. All this great information, to help you make a good decision when choosing what provider or system to use for health care.
Could calcium supplements increase heart attack?
A recent review of 15 different trials, suggests that treating 1000 people with calcium for 5 years would prevent 26 fractures but cause an additional 14 heart attacks. This information comes from the article: "Rethinking Calcium: Bone Health or Heartache?" by Sandra A. Fryhofer, MD in Medscape Internal Medicine 10-25-10.
Top new scientific studies from AHA Scientific sessions 2010
The American Heart Association (AHA) 2010 Scientific Sessions took place in Chicago, Illinois, November 13-17, 2010. The following information is a summary of trials that were presented as reported by HeartWire.
Key trials presented at the sessions include:
New blood test to detect heart disease
ABC world news just reported a new blood test that can find microscopic injury to heart muscle cells. This blood test is a protein known as cardiac troponin T (cTnT). The less sensitive cardiac marker Troponin, is what is used in the Emergency Department to see if a person is having a heart attack.
Heart risk identified at age of 9
Screening can begin as early as 9 years old, to find those people who could develop heart disease when they are older. This information comes from a newly published report in Circulation 2010.
The formula for good health
Follow this formula to achieve healthy life-style goals. You can do it, I know you can.
0-5-10-30-150
What it feels like to have a stroke
This video clip is truly amazing about having a stroke. A brilliant scientist, neuroanatomist to be exact, realizes she is having a stroke and is now able to tell us all about it. This is a spectacular perspective of the reality of stroke.
A blockage in your arteries: See how it forms
I would like to show you a great video that will help you to understand how build-up occurs in your arteries. Plaque, build-up or blockages can happen in any artery in your body and can lead to heart attack, stroke or the need for amputation of a toe or foot. Watch and see how this happens inside you!
Who wants a heart attack?
Who's next in line for a heart attack? Step right up, don't be shy, you've worked so hard on the risk factors.....nows the time to cash them in! Right? Well I sure hope not. We need to be working harder on preventing our risk factors, but it seems so easy to smoke, be overweight, not watch what we eat and have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I don't really have to worry, do I?
What's resveratrol?
So if you have ever heard me give a presentation on being heart healthy, you may remember a slide talking about wine. Or maybe you heard through some other source, that drinking wine is healthy for you. Did you ever wonder why?
How your heart gets oxygen
Your heart gets oxygen from the blood brought to it through three major arteries. These arteries are called teh right coronary artery (RCA), the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the circumflex artery.
High triglycerides and low HDL
If you are over the age of 20, you should have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. This test should be done after you have been fasting (nothing to eat) for 12 hours, to get accurate results.
If you have had elevated cholesterol and are making changes to your diet or with medications, it is important to know, that you should not have your cholesterol repeated sooner than 3-4 months after a change. It takes this long to see the changes happen in your values.
Smokeless tobacco is not safe
Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes! Says the American Heart Association
Diet pill increasing heart attacks?
Meridia: a weight loss medication for those individuals who need to lose more than 30 pounds of weight.
Being overweight is not healthy for us for many reasons, we all know that. It can be very difficult for some people to lose weight, we know that too. So some need to turn to medications to help accomplish that goal. Meridia is one such a medication. But what about when the medication you take, to lose weight, to prevent things like heart attack and stroke, actually increases your risk of the exact thing you hope to prevent?
Certified Wound Care Physicians
The Wound Healing Center at Bellin Hospital, has a physician driven model of care. All providers have been trained and certified in the Principles of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine through the National Healing Institute at Ohio State University.
Please meet our providers:
Meet the Wound Center Staff
Meet the Wound Healing Center's GREAT Staff. If you have a wound that will not heal, please call 920-445-7272 to be evaluated.
Bellin's New Wound Healing Center
Have you heard the great news? Bellin Hospital has a brand new Wound Healing Center!! This center offers the most advanced healing technology including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy! Call 920-445-7272 if you have concerns about a non-healing wound.
A challenge and solution
The Green Bay START! Heart Walk for 2010 will be held on September 18th at NWTC. Are you taking the challenge?!
Are you ready to Walk?
Have you been walking this summer? Are you getting out and being active? Or are you still sitting on the couch? Well, let me tell you a few of the benefits to keeping your body moving.
Cranberry Flax Muffins
This lush muffin is heart-smart, made with 100% whole grains, and full of healthy flax Omega-3.
Zucchini Bread
3 eggs
1 cup corn oil
2 cups sugar or splenda
2 cups peeled and grated zucchini
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla
3 tsp cinnamon
½ cup nuts or raisins
Banana Nut Bread
Each year Bellin Heart and Vascular Center does some fund raisers to donate to the American Heart Association in honor of the Green Bay Heart Walk. Look for lots of great Heart Healthy recipies to follow.
Freedom from smoking
It's time to stop smoking in Wisconsin!
July 2010, marks the time when you are no longer allowed to smoke in public places in Wisconisn. Ahh, the freedom to breath fresh air.
Are you ready to quit?
Having PVCs?
Ask Kelly Question:
I am a 59 year old female. About 30 years ago I was diagnosed with PVC's and told not to worry about them. Ever since then, I've had them off and on.
10 Risk factors equal 90% of stroke
A recent study has shown that there are 10 risk factors associated with 90% of the risk of having a stroke. And these risk factors can be modified!
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
A-Fib is a type of irregular heartbeat that causes the heart to quiver instead of completing a full compression and release. When this occurs, blood isn't fully expelled from the upper chambers of the heart and it can pool. Sometimes these blood pools can clot within the heart and can cause stroke. More than 70 percent of A-Fib patients who suffer stroke die.
HeartCaring program
HeartCaring® “Your Heart is in Your Hands”
This program works to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases and conditions in high-risk, under-diagnosed populations like women.
Southwest pasta salad
Healthy Carb living with Dreafields Pasta: Southwest Pasta Salad
Make the right call
Effort Encourages Use of 9-1-1
“Make the Right Call” campaign will also recognize EMS workers
It can mean the difference between life and death. Calling 9-1-1 for medical emergencies may seem clear if it’s a catastrophic event. But, when it’s less clear, like when the less obvious symptoms of a stroke or heart attack occur, many people aren’t sure if they should call 9-1-1. However, the decision to make that call at the onset of symptoms can have a dramatic effect on a person’s recovery or survival.
controllable stroke risk factor
Atrial fibrillation (AF):
- is a major risk factor for stroke
- makes a person five times more likely to have a stroke
- 15 percent of all people who have strokes have AF, too.
- Three out of four AF-related strokes can be prevented
- Most Americans over the age of 40 are at risk for having AF.
- Take preventive steps by self-testing for an irregular heartbeat
Common AF symptoms:
Most important risk factor for stroke
High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.
What is a blood pressure reading?
Stroke myths
Stroke myths, what to believe, what not to? Learn the facts here.
Brain attack
Did you know? Stroke is a "BRAIN ATTACK."
Stroke requires emergency treatment. Fewer than 5% of stroke patients receive t-PA, a life-saving clot-buster treatment. You only have 3 hours from the onset of stroke symptoms to receive t-PA. Get help FAST.
act FAST for stroke
What does it mean to act FAST for a stroke? Learn the signs to look for and recognize when someone close to you is having a stroke. Then cal 911.
Stroke awareness month
May is American Stroke Month
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.
Easy switches and smart choices
For a healthier diet, here are some examples of easy switches and smart food choices.
Meat, Fish and Poultry
Limit:
- fatty meats
- sausage
- bacon
- organ meats
- tuna packed in oil
- bologna
- hot dogs
- salami
- lunch meats
Smart substitutes: lean cuts of beef
the dentist and antibiotics
Ask Kelly Question:
I am a 55 year old women with a murmur. Should I be taking antibiotics before going to the dentist?
Call to action on Atrial Fibrillation
I recently learned about a program whose purpose is to improve awareness, understanding and management of an electrical heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation.
AF Stat™: A Call to Action for Atrial Fibrillation, is a collaboration of healthcare leaders and organizations working to improve the health and well-being of people affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib).
BellinHeart is blogging into social media
BELLINHEART IS BLOGGING INTO SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT AND EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY This is the title of the abstract and poster that I recently took to the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association. I thought that I would share my abstract with you here.
The importance of Blood Pressure
What should my blood pressure be? Why does it matter how high my blood pressure is? Is this something that I should monitor?
Lots of questions about blood pressure measurement. Let's talk about why it is important.
Tracy's story
Tracy is an advocate for the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women. Listen to her story, as a young women of 40, needing to go through heart surgery.
Are you having sleepless nights?
This blog is dedicated to those of you who experience sleepless nights on a regular basis. We call this insomnia and many of us experience this. Those of you that experience this frequently can find it to be debilitating.
If you suffer from insomnia there is help.
Go Red for Women - Green Bay Luncheon
The 2010 Green Bay Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 5th at Oneida Gold and Country Club. Call 920-205-8717 for tickets!
March is DVT awareness month
Learn the facts about deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Almost anyone can get them. In most cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) develops in a person who has an inherited blood clotting disorder or other risk factor, and who experiences a triggering event. Are you at risk? Find out.....
Sudden Cardiac death in teens
Every year you read about young, healthy teens and adolescents dying after physical exertion. How do you keep your child from being one of them?
Dark Chocolate is good for your heart
Why is Dark Chocolate Healthy?
So you like chocolate? Well, it can be good for you, but remember to eat it in moderation and make sure it has greater than 70% cocoa in it. The higher the % of cacao, the more benefits and better nutritional value the chocolate contains.
Heart Stents more commonplace
Former President Bill Clinton's heart condition and recent hospitalization highlights the use of stents in treating blocked arteries around the heart.–
This story was published this morning on WBAY Channel 2 News
I think my heart skips a beat
Ask Kelly Question:
I am a healthy 45 year old with good cholesterol etc. However, both my parents died of heart disease in their 50's and 60's. I have had SVT's in the past but have found them hard to record. Just recently I did a heart calcium scoring(which was 0) and a cardiac monitor. This was because I can feel my heart doing something at times but thought maybe it was my SVT's. Now however, I am beginning to narrow down that when I feel the big flutter in my chest it is an actual heart beat I skip. Is this serious and is there a different test I should ask for? It is very uncomfortable when it happens.
Looking for someone to take the time with me
Ask Kelly question:
Hi,
14 years ago I had a spontaneous dissection of the LAD descending. August 23rd of this year I had horrible building pain in my upper back. Shortness of breath, nausea and sweating. I thought it was just my back. Before I got upstairs to lie down my chest started hurting. So, I took an aspirin, because that happens often. However, in several minutes ALL pain was gone. I was shocked because the back pain had me in tears, I had taken a T3 two hours earlier to no effect. I have pain in my back daily now and an aspirin usually takes care of it. My cardiologist wants me to get a CT scan, but I am not insurable because of my first attack. I am, female and 55 years old. It seems my symptoms indicate a dissection of the aorta, is this possible? What exactly does it mean? My doctor was too busy berating me for not quitting smoking and not having insurance to explain. Also, I am under stress because my husband has a few mental illnesses with BIG control issues. Thank you.
Does drinking caffine affect my calcium scoring?
Ask Kelly question:
Hi Kelly,
In early August this year, I had a calcium sreen. I am 49. The results came back very good. My question is the effect caffine would have had on the results. The appointment was late morning, and I had a diet cola before hand. My wife thinks that's cheating, and it probably skewed the results. Did it??
Thank you.
Ask Kelly answer:
Have you heard of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia? Not at Bellin!
On Sunday, Jan. 17, Bellin Health celebrated two years without a case of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). This is a phenomenal achievement!
Art meets Heart
A juried art exhibition celebrating the human heart will take place February 4-27 at the ARTgarage on Main Street in Green Bay.
The exhibition – showcasing works by artists across northeast Wisconsin – will feature media by artists that, in some way, refer to the human heart, metaphorically, physically, abstractly or emotionally.
Meet the Director
Bellin Heart and Vascular is in the news again. This time, highlighted for the smart, strong and articulate women who leads the charge. Andrea Werner, is the Director of the Heart and Vascular Team at Bellin Health. A full article on Andrea can be found in the Green Bay Press Gazette: http://tinyurl.com/yg42ymg
National Wear Red Day
Wear red day helps to save lives! How you ask? This is the day that millions of people will choose to wear red and help to increase awareness of women and heart disease.
Brittany Murphy's heart related death
My sympathy goes out to the family. A tragic loss, related to heart disease, at such a young age. Heart disease comes in many shapes and sizes, not just build up in the coronary arteries. What do we know so far, that could have contributed to her death?
320 slice CT scanner
It's arrived! The new Toshiba Aquilion One 320 slice CT scanner has been installed this week in the new Bellin Emergency Department!
This is the FIRST and the ONLY 320 slice CT scanner in Wisconsin. Read about the great advantages this advanced technology will bring to patients in the community.
Sleep: your heart health depends on it
Sleep occupies a third of our lives according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine entitled, Sleep-A New Cardiovascular Frontier.
Can you believe that? Do you think that is too much time for sleep? Well, our bodies need sleep to rejuvinate so we can live our lives to the fullest when we are awake. So when we have disturbed sleep or sleep apnea, this can have ill effects on the cardiovascular system.
Why is smoking bad for you?
Overall, about 47 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. It makes me wonder if everyone really knows why they are bad for us. It makes me wonder, what the barriers are to get them to quit smoking. Read on for some facts and some tips.
Fast, high quality heart attack treatment
When that moment of crisis hits you: your husband, father, wife, grandparent or some other person that you love is having a heart attack. What do you do? Where should you go?
Wouldn't it be nice if you already knew which hospital had the best outcomes and quality measures around heart attack? So there would be no question in your mind. Call 911 and tell them you want to go to Bellin Hospital. And this is why....
Taking Aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke
Taking aspirin (ASA) to prevent heart attack and stroke. Should I do it? Here is an "Ask Kelly" question. The answer refers to the most recent guidelines, specific to women, to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Mummy's CT scan shows Heart Disease
A recent article by Steve Sternberg from USA Today entitled: Mummy's CT scans show heart disease came before fast food. Very interesting!
Diabetes equals heart disease
Diabetes is becoming more common in the
Sleep Content coming soon!
This new category is under construction! Come back soon to learn more about sleep medicine and how it relates to heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, exercise and all of the categories you find on the heart blog!
What is cholesterol?
What is cholesterol?
It is a soft, fat-like substance found in the body. Cholesterol comes from two sources
– Food we eat
– Made in your liver
Heart Healthy Hunting
Did you know?
In the early days of the American Frontier the skin of a male deer was worth a dollar -- which is how we got the term "buck" for a $1 bill
Cardiac CT
“Recent advances in CT technology have transformed Cardiac CT from an interesting new technology into a “game-changing” technology that will revolutionize the care of patients with chest pain and change the way we practice medicine.” – Christopher Wolfram, MD, FACC - Cardiology Associates of Green Bay
Cardiobesity
Cardiobesity: a new epidemic in the United States?
Obesity is the central problem contributing to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, altered lipoproteins, prediabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Engineering a "cheaper" healthcare system
From the Wall Street Journal: Opinion Journal. October 6th, 2009
The War on Specialists
ObamaCare punishes cardiology and oncology to finance GPs.
A wonderfully written article about payment issues around healthcare. Specifically targeted for 2010, are decreased reimbursements for the specialties of cardiology and radiation oncology. These areas are targeted for an 11% and 19% cut on reimbursement because the specialists in these areas are highly trained and use expensive technology.
What a Cool thing to do for people!
In October of 2007, Bellin Hospital began offering therapeutic hypothermia to patients who had suffered cardiac arrest. This "cool" new therapy, actually cools the body temperature, and helps to save your brain if you have had a heart attack.
Bellin earns Kudos for Stroke Care
Bellin Health recently earned recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” stroke program for providing superior service in the treatment of stroke patients.
Bellin joins 15 other hospitals statewide scheduled to be featured in the 2010 “America’s Best Hospitals” issue of U.S. News & World Report. Bellin also will be recognized at an International Stroke Conference scheduled for February of 2010.
Chicago Museum's Interactive Heart
Get an up-close look at the human heart like you’ve never seen before when Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry debuts its newest permanent exhibit: YOU! The Experience, opening Oct. 8. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 13-foot high and eight-foot wide interactive structure that uses cutting-edge technology to virtually and physically re-create the human heart (see photo below).
Fundraising wine event
Wine & Chocolate Tasting
Join us for an evening of fun and help fight heart disease!
Wear red to show your support of women fighting heart disease.
Red yeast rice: video
Please watch this Discovery Health video on Red Yeast Rice.
I only caution you that the physician mentions that there are no side effects of taking red yeast rice. The FDA in the United States has no safety profile on this nutritional supplement. We do not really know what side effects it could have, but we do know it is very similar to a statin medication.
Please see additional articles at the end of the page for more information on safety.
Can red yeast rice lower my cholesterol?
So you don't want to have to take a medication for your high cholesterol? What are the alternatives? Of course, you can watch what you eat and start to exercise, that will be very helpful. What about nutiritonal supplements? Let's talk a little bit about red yeast rice.
Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death
The C.A.R.E. Foundation: http://tinyurl.com/npan95
The C.A.R.E. Mission: To formulate, promote and lead initiatives to prevent sudden cardiac death due to acquired and heritable heart rhythm disorders by:
- Advocating increased support for comprehensive scientific research and clinical trials.
- Educating patients, the public and healthcare professionals to increase awareness.
- Advancing strategies to identify, protect and support at-risk individuals and their families.
Understanding atrial fibrillation
As defined by the National Heart, Lund and Blood Institute:
Atrial fibrillation (A-tre-al fi-bri-LA-shun), or AF, is the most common arrhythmia (ah-RITH-me-ah). An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. A disorder in the heart’s electrical system causes AF and other types of arrhythmia.
Heart Healthy Pecans
I found this wonderful article about the heart healthy benefits of pecans from the National Pecan Shellers Association. Click on any of the following links, to read more about how good these nuts are for you!
Getting enough omega-3s in your diet?
It seems like just about everybody these days is aware that a generous intake of omega-3 fatty acids is necessary for optimal heart health. But day to day, how much do you need?
FREE vein health screening
Call to schedule your FREE vein health screening today:
920-433-7373
Physicians from Surgery Specialists of Green Bay and General & Vascular Surgery of Green Bay will be performing these FREE screenings in September, October, November and December.
'Smart Choices' Food Labels Are Deceptive
New 'Smart Choices' Food Labels Are Deceptive
is an article by Christopher Wanjek, LiveScience's Bad Medicine Columnist. He points out one of the biggest problems in the world today: how can we make good food choices, when processed foods, with lots of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils, are made to look like they are healthy?
Ask Kelly question about back pain and aortic dissection
Ask Kelly question:
Hi, 14 years ago I had a spontaneous dissection of the LAD descending. August 23rd of this year I had horrible building pain in my upper back. Shortness of breath, nausea and sweating. I thought it was just my back. Before I got upstairs to lie down my chest started hurting. So, I took an aspirin, because that happens often. However, in several minutes ALL pain was gone. I was shocked because the back pain had me in tears, I had taken a T3 two hours earlier to no effect. I have pain in my back daily now and an aspirin usually takes care of it.
My cardiologist wants me to get a CT scan, but I am not insurable because of my first attack. I am, female and 55 years old. It seems my symptoms indicate a dissection of the aorta, is this possible?
What exactly does it mean?
My doctor was too busy berating me for not quitting smoking and not having insurance to explain. Also, I am under stress because my husband has a few mental illnesses with BIG control issues. Thank you.
Video: The Artery Explorer
Watch this great educational video from AstraZeneca to increase awareness and knowledge about cardiovascular disease.
What is most important during your heart attack?
It’s called door-to-balloon time.
Women who did six things right had 80% lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
Living right can help people live healthier, and researcher John Forman of Brigham and Women’s Hospital can back that up with the experiences of women who did it.
What is adequate healthcare?
What does "Adequate" health care mean for heart disease and stroke patients?
• It means a stroke survivor won't find himself without coverage for the rehabilitation he needs to walk and talk again after leaving the hospital.
• It means that a baby born with a congenital heart defect won't reach his insurance plan's lifetime cap on benefits before his second birthday.
How to Reduce Stress in Your Daily Life
No one wants to be stressed out all the time. Being in a constant state of tension and anxiety can really take a toll on our physical health. Stress has been linked to headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, alcohol and drug problems, mood swings and many other ailments. Essentially, stress can be overwheliming and just wears us out.
Follow these simple steps to keeping your stress in balance.
3 Things Every Woman Should Know About Heart Attacks
There are three things every women should know about heart attacks.....watch........
How a low vitamin D level leads to clogged arteries, heart disease
Low levels of vitamin D are known to nearly double the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes, and researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis now think they know why.
Follow this link to read the full article on ihealthbulletin.com:
http://bit.ly/12Zqd4
5 top healthiest food choices for your heart
The following article is from the Heart and Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.com
Read about the basics to remember: eat food that is high in fiber and lower in fat and salt.
Heart Healthy Benefits of Wine
What are the heart healthy benefits of wine?
Wine is FULL of antioxidants: flavonoids and resveratrol!
30 day mortality rate after heart attack improved nationally
30-Day Acute Myocardial Infarction Deaths
Down Since Mid-1990s
Bellin Memorial Hospital 30-day mortality after AMI
lower than national rate
Caregiver tips after a stroke
15 Tips Caregivers Should Know After A Loved One Has Had A Stroke
from the American Stroke Association and ChoiceEldercare.com
Video: See mitral valve repair surgery in real life
Ever want to see what heart surgery is really like? Well get ready to take the journey with Dr. Steven Gerndt from Green Bay Cardiothoracic and Vascular!
Benefits of Mitral Valve Repair
Watch this video with Dr. Steven Gerndt (Green Bay Cardiothoracic & Vascular).
Listen as he discusses the benefits of having a repair over a replacement of the mitral valve. See video clips of an actual heart surgery.
Mitral Valve Repair: How long is it good for?
Ask Kelly Question:
I have had a mitral valve repaired about 6 years ago or more . My question for you, is how many years before you have to have that valve replaced?
Question about a heart murmur in a child
Question:
My son is 2 years old and has a slight heart murmur. Should I be concerned about it with him?
Video: Prevention of heart disease and stroke
Click on this link to watch the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) video on reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.
http://www.pcna.net/about/photos/index.php
Watch the heart's electrical system
Have you ever wondered how the heart's electrical system worked? Watch this great animation of the heart's electrical system from the American Heart Association:
Watch an animation of the normal heart's electrical system
Heart Rhythm Problems
Do you have an arrythmia?
Are you asking yourself: what is an arrythmia?
An arrhythmia is a change in the steady, regular beat of your heart. You may notice a skipped beat, beating irregularly, or beating very fast or very slowly.
Blood Pressure Tips
5 great tips to lower your blood pressure from Healthy Hearts with Heartstrong. Click here for article:
http://ow.ly/iQY8
Question about improving heart function in CHF
Question by Heart Blog viewer:
My father is 80 years old and suffers from advancing stages of congestive heart failure. He has recently worn a 48 hour heart monitor and underwent a chemical stress test to help determine his course of treatment. He had six bypasses a decade ago and has been on Warforin for 2 years. He's been told the the top of heart is functioning at an acceptable level but the bottom of his heart is not working efficiently and is currently operating at 20%.
We're wondering if there is a treatment option or medication that will strengthen the lower heart muscle?
Bellin Heart Care is the Best in the area!
Bellin's report is BETTER than US National rate for death after heart attack according to a recent report from the Hospital Quality Alliance www.hospitalqualityalliance.org
In a reporting period from July 2005 through June 2008, Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, is the only area hospital to be ranked BETTER than the US National rate in mortality (death) after Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI or heart attack). See this link: http://tinyurl.com/l6dhxx
Question: Should I be concerned about Atrial Fibrillation?
Question:
I had Atrial Fibrillation about 3 years ago. I was put on coumadin for 1 week and was back to normal. I have been taking Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg, 2 times a day and I also take blood pressure medications. I had a problem with my heart beat a couple of days ago: was all over the place and it lasted about 3 hrs. Settled down after I took my medication. I am 70 years old. My cardiologist has scheduled me to wear an event recorder for 30 days. Should I be concerned and can this become serious?
Walk for 30 minutes or exercise for heart rate goal?
Question:
Is better to walk for 30 minutes daily or walk for heart rate?
I am a male of 43 years young, 225 pounds, high blood presure (taking meds for it).
My wife is 40 years young,187 pounds, high pressure in the family, she doesn't have high blood pressure though.
Question: Chest pain not from the heart?
Question:
For quite some time now I have been experiancing pain in my chest, it is right under the sternum, when I cough or sneeze it is very painful, the pain spreads across my chest and straight into my back. I have been to the hospital and had a chest xray but they couldn't find anything wrong. I know something is wrong- this is not normal.
Is there anything you can tell me? I would like to find out what the problem is.
If I lower my cholesterol....
Question:
If someone starts with high cholesterol and they work on it and bring it down drastically, what happens to the cholesterol that was there? Does it dissolve, does it pass through normal waste system, what happens to it??
Question about plaque build-up
Question:
If I have had plaque build up in the past is there a way to reduce the amount of it in my vascular system?
Test Topic in August
This is a test to see if topics in August are listed.
Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment
Just found a risk assessment for heart attack and stroke from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Answers the questions and find out your personal health and risks. The report will also provide tips on ways to improve your health. Click on this link:
http://tinyurl.com/mtpayz
Treatment options for varicose veins
Now that you know what varicose veins are and what the symptoms can be, let's talk about what the treatment options are.
First you must decided, "Do these veins bother me enough that I want to have surgery to remove them?" If your answer is yes, then continue to read on. If you decide that you don't want to have a procedure, but want to try to prevent them from getting worse or prevent more from popping out, then you best bet is compression stockings.
Bellin is ranked significantly better than average for heart attacks
The Green Bay Press-Gazette ran a front page story on Friday about the fact that local health centers, especially Bellin Health, are performing as expected or better than hospitals across the nation in terms of keeping death and readmission rates low.
Help! Varicose Veins
First, let's clarify:
Varicose veins affect only the veins, not the arteries. Arteries carry oxygen rich blood away from the heart and to the body. The veins carry blood back to the heart from your finger and toes (all of the body).
There are two systems of veins in your body: deep veins and superficial veins. The deep veins (which are so deep in the muscles that you cannot see them), carry 90% of the blood flow. The superficial veins are just under the surface of the skin, they are weaker and have more of a chance of becoming varicose.
What symtpoms occur with varicose veins?
Do you have a vein problem?
It's summer time! Aren't you excited to be wearing shorts again in this warm weather? What do you mean you don't want to show your legs...... oh, you have bad varicose veins. I understand, they don't look so nice do they? Want to learn more about them? Want to hear some tips for daily living with varicose veins? Want to learn more about the treatment options? Well, if you said yes, read on........
Did Michael Jackson have a heart attack?
By now we have all heard the devastating news of Michael Jackson's death, but with his death comes many questions. At this point, the autopsies have not told us what the true cause of death was. There are many coversations and news articles going on out there that describe him having a heart attack, or maybe cardiac arrest, or was it related to a medication overdose? Prompted from those conversations, I received this question:
Heart Walk 2009
Green Bay Start! Heart Walk is Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Location: NWTC Registration at 8 am, walk at 9 am.
Join us for some physical activity and fundraising to prevent heart disease and stroke. There is a 1 mile route and a 3 mile route.
Bellin Health is an annual participant in this American Heart Association event. For more details, go to the event website:
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/greenbaywi
The Circulatory System
On July 20th, we'll provide an in-depth overview of "The Circulatory System".
Heart Disease Symptoms
Description for the topic "Heart Disease Symptoms".
Cholesterol
Test Description of the topic "cholesterol".
Does ABI = PAD?
I am sure that you are asking: what is an ABI? ABI stands for Ankle-brachial index. This means, we take a blood pressure on each of your arms and we take blood pressures around each of your ankles. The ratio from arms to legs, is the ABI. The ABI is the "gold standard" test to diagnos PAD. If the blood pressures are too low in the legs as compared to the arms, that means the blood is not getting down to your toes as well as it should.
So if you have been diagnosed with PAD, what should you do about it?
An expert on PAD: video
One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD, a condition that raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. We've talked about what it is and what the risks are. What about possible treatments?
Learn more by watching these videos:
Symptoms of PAD
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when arteries become blocked in the legs or arms. It's a silent killer, because often there are no symptoms. Some people may experience:
PAD
A disease called by many names:
PAD: Peripheral Arterial Disease
PVD: Peripheral Vascular Disease
Leg Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Claudication: pain in legs while walking
Poor Circulation
Watch what happens during a stroke
I think this video gives you a great overview of who is at risk, what happens during a stroke, and what happens after. Watch........
Stroke equals disability
Stroke equals disability
A stroke is a “brain attack”
If you or a loved one has symptoms of a stroke, call 911
May is Stroke Month
Did you know that May is National Stroke Awareness Month? Well if you didn’t, I am making you aware that it is. Why should we talk about stroke on the heart blog? Those are two different things right? No, they are not. The things that cause heart disease are the same things that cause vascular disease. Stroke is a vascular disease and we need to work on preventing it.
Artery plaque
Well if you had a chance to look at the pictures that were posted, were you able to guess what they were of?
This is an example of what a normal artery, inside your body may look like. Healthy, pink, nice open hole (lumen) in the center for blood to flow through. This is what we all start with in life.
Tell me what this is:
Maybe this will help:
This is normal,
something has started to happen here,
Mystery Picture
Tell me what this is:
Can you figure it out? I will give you hint, it is something that I am passionate about preventing.
Staying out of heart failure trouble
No matter if this was the first episode of heart failure, or one of many, you need to know how to keep yourself out of trouble. Maybe you were not told that you have “heart failure,” but you may have just had a heart attack. You are at risk for having the symptoms of heart failure and that can result in hospitalization. Let’s avoid that!
Are you in the Zone?
If you have been told that you have heart failure, follow these heart failure zones. GREEN is good, YELLOW is a caution area, and RED is the danger zone; as far as symptoms go. Your goal is to keep your symptoms in the green zone.
I am scared! I was told I have heart failure!
The words, heart “failure” can be very overwhelming for someone to hear and understand. I have received some questions about what heart failure is, so I would like to further define this condition for you.
Heart calcium scoring: the quick, painless risk detector
What is heart calcium scoring? Do I have calcium in my heart? These might be some of the questions you have been asking yourself. A heart calcium testing is another way to figure out your risk of heart attack.
Dr. James Rider talks about heart attack risk
Watch this clip with Dr. James Rider about how cardiac health professional determine your risk of heart attack.
It all adds up to your risk
By answering a few questions, we can determine you risk of cardiac disease.
This risk assessment tool uses information from the Framingham Heart Study to predict your risk of developing a heart attack (or possibley a stoke) in the next 10 years. This tool is designed for people aged 20 years and older without known heart disease and who do not have diabetes.
Oh no, my leg is swollen!
One swollen leg. Painful or tender to touch. Warm and red in a specific area. What could this be from? It could be a blood clot, also known as a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is common, but can be a very serious condition of the veins.
See this great video of what a DVT looks like on the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html
Get the skinny on FATs
One of the last postings was a brief introduction to fats: the good, bad and ugly ones too. I hope that it helped you to understand the differences a little bit and that it also prompted more questions. March is nutrition month, so let’s focus a little bit longer on FAT.
Get the skinny of FATs? Contrary to what you may believe, not all fats really make you fat. So let’s review:
- Trans Fat: UGLY BAD
- Saturated Fat: BAD
- Monounsaturated: Good
- Polyunsaturated: Good
Am I eating heart smart?
Take a look to see if you are heart smart
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Fats
Did you ever go on that “Fat-free” diet? A lot of us did. Fat makes us fat, right? Not quite true. Too much of the bad fats, like saturated fat and trans fat, can cause an increase in cholesterol levels and contribute to weight gain. Increasing the amounts of good fats however, can decrease inflammation and our cholesterol levels.
A diet can decrease my risk of heart attack and stroke? You bet!
Through studies like the Nurses' Health Study and the Lyon Diet Heart Study, the importance of a healthy dietary pattern has been linked to a reduction in heart attacks and strokes.
A women and heart disease presentation
I would like to share with you a presentation that I gave to a small group of women just this past February. The topic, of course, is women and heart disease.
The HEART for Women Act
The HEART for Women Act is a bill to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke in women. HEART stands for: Heart disease Education, Analysis and Research, and Treatment for Women Act
Are women treated differently when having a heart attack?
You may have seen one of the recent Bellin Health commercials about women and heart disease. It describes how women, may sometimes be ignored when having a heart attack. Click on the video here to see the commercial I am talking about.
Stories from the heart
I would like to introduce you to Mary Jo Gordon. She is a woman. She is an educated, professional woman, who works for the Cardiac Arrythmias Research and Education Foundation (C.A.R.E.). She also has heart disease. Listen to her story....
The cold, hard facts about women and heart disease
One in Three women dies of Cardiovascular Disease……. Don’t let it be you! The #1 killer of American women is not breast cancer, it is heart disease.
Getting to know Bellin Health Heart and Vascular Center
One of my goals for this blog is for you to feel comfortable and confident in the information that you are receiving. To help establish this level of comfort, it will be helpful for you to know a little bit more about Bellin Health Heart and Vascular Center. You can also click on the "Bellin Health" link in the right hand column to learn more about the vision, mission and philosophy of Bellin Health.
What makes Bellin an expert in the field of cardiovascular disease? Certainly, experience counts. As does proven results. Above and beyond that is a key philosophy - Bellin Health exists to help people live longer, healthier and more fullfilling lives.
Welcome to the Bellin Health Heart Blog
What is Heart Disease?
Welcome to the Bellin Health Heart Blog. My name is Kelly Galler and I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, specializing in cardiovascular disease. To learn more about me, please read my bio. I’ll post information here on a regular basis about heart health, cardiac care and other related subjects.
