A high body mass index, or BMI, and a sedentary lifestyle increase your risk for heart disease. It’s important to understand how these two factors impact your heart and what you can do to decrease your risk for developing heart disease. What is BMI? BMI is a screening tool used to measure body fat. You…
Tobacco smoke does plenty of damage to the lungs, eyes, bones, bladder … every organ in your body. But why is smoking a risk factor for heart disease? It’s the chemicals in tobacco smoke that damage blood cells and can harm how your heart pumps and the structure of your blood vessels. “It’s the toxic…
Heart disease is the most common cause of death for adults with diabetes. Discover the link between diabetes and your heart, and learn what actions you can take to decrease your risk. What is Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body has trouble…
Phil Hayes celebrated his 77th birthday this year. It was a milestone he wasn’t sure he would get to see more than 30 years ago when a heart attack permanently damaged his heart muscle. After having a heart attack in 1987, Phil spent the first 10 years of his recovery from emergency bypass surgery struggling…
Twice as many women will die from stroke than breast cancer. Not only are women more likely to have a stroke compared with men, they also are less likely to recognize the symptoms. Understanding what’s happening is critical to getting lifesaving treatment as quickly as possible. Stroke symptoms in women Stroke symptoms in women sometimes…
Stroke continues to be a leading cause of death in Kentucky. In fact, the number of young people hospitalized due to stroke has increased 44 percent over the past decade. “The numbers are alarming,” said Gauhar Chaudhary, M.D., neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “Fortunately, most stroke risk factors can be identified and changed, treated or…
Conventional surgery to clean stroke-causing plaque buildup from carotid arteries often comes with risks ranging from infection to heart attack and nerve damage. Now, a minimally invasive surgical approach to treat carotid artery disease can speed recovery, lower risks and help prevent future strokes. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute physicians are using an innovative procedure…
Heart disease knows no boundaries. Women of all ages experience various forms of heart disease — a disease that can leave you feeling helpless and alone. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, in coordination with WomenHeart, is hosting a Sept. 29 retreat for women living with heart disease. The retreat, titled “Healing the Heart – Mind,…
As a young medical resident, Vipul R. Panchal, M.D., brought hot coffee and a stack of electrocardiograms to the hospital bedside of a cardiologist who was undergoing dialysis. Each morning, the doctor shared his hard-earned wisdom with Dr. Panchal, forming a mentorship that helped cement his own journey to become a heart specialist. Dr. Panchal,…
Norton Healthcare is the first hospital system in the Louisville and Southern Indiana region to make the Remote Dielectric Sensing (ReDS) system part of a patient’s care plan. This equipment allows Norton Heart & Vascular Institute providers to collect data on a patient’s congestive heart failure faster. The device is in a vest that allows…
Ferenc P. Nagy, M.D., credits his parents for where he is today — a successful vascular surgeon doing a job he loves. They encouraged him to get the education they didn’t have. His father was a toolmaker for Ford and General Motors. His mother was a hairdresser. They viewed education as a way for their…
As medical director of Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s Advanced Heart Failure Program, Kelly C. McCants, M.D., says his mission is to serve patients facing difficult health challenges. “I think that’s the greatest gift — to serve. That’s what I try to do,” Dr. McCants said. “I’m at the end of the line. When the…