Atrial fibrillation, also known as A-fib, affects between nearly 3 million to 6 million peoplein the United States. The condition causes the upper chambers of the heart(atria) to beat quickly and in an uncontrolled manner (fibrillation), resultingin irregular and often rapid heart rate. This can impact blood flow throughoutthe body. The symptoms can include: On-demand…
When Matthew Stone was 3, he had surgery at the children’s hospital to repair two holes in his heart and remove his pulmonary valve — both known as congenital heart defects. For 31 years he had no issues and simply saw his physicians for check-in visits. But that began to change. “Early this year, I…
At age 51, Chris Pryor of Louisville led an active life, volunteering with his church, watching his grandchildren play baseball and going to the gym. Though sometimes it took him longer to catch his breath after a hard workout, he didn’t worry about his health. But over the summer, Pryor developed a persistent cough. Sometimes,…
If you had to choose between having a stroke or losing your eyesight, which would you pick? It was not quite that black and white for Arlene Hampton, but close, when she was prescribed a daily pill to avoid having a stroke — a pill that caused her to permanently lose vision in her right…
Norton Heart Care is the first in the Louisville region to offer patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (A-fib) an alternative to taking warfarin medication long term with the newly approved Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) implant. The first Watchman procedure was performed earlier this year, and now several local patients are seeing the full…
A huge thank you to the Center for Courageous Kids for offering the opportunity to allow children with heart conditions to participate in summer activities just like other kids get to do. Want to help more kids have a summer camp experience? To support other children who depend on financial support from the Children’s Hospital…
Being an “average kid” may not seem like something to strive for, yet it can mean everything for children who yearn to do things that other kids do. Camp BraveHearts gave these children that chance during a week at the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Kentucky. Children ages 6 to 16 who have congenital…
Your work “to-do” list needs to include cutting hours. Experts say working over 40 hours a week for an extended period of time increases your risk for heart disease — and even a deadly heart attack. Most Americans who work full time report being on the job an average of 47 hours per week. According to…
Medical experts stress the importance of calling 911 if you think you are having a stroke. Unfortunately, research has found that about one-third of people experiencing symptoms do not arrive by ambulance or air ambulance. But did you know that the paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are in constant communication with the emergency department…
Serving as the nurse manager of the emergency department at Norton Audubon Hospital keeps Renée Cecil, R.N., on her toes, but it’s taking on the personal challenge of teaching Hands-Only CPR that keeps her hopping. “As a nurse I see the devastation caused by a heart attack and empathize with family and friends who wish…
Norton Hospital employee Jeannie Cox is a champion for her patients. Just like a good coach, she helps them help themselves. But Cox is not a doctor or nurse. She’s a nationally certified counselor who works in the care management department. She meets with patients to determine what type of ongoing care or services they…
Molly Ann Lessig, a junior at Western Kentucky University, has a full course load this semester, yet never misses a beat with her outgoing personality and life on campus. She looks at challenges as opportunities. Lessig participates in various organizations on campus, but one — Dance Big Red — stands out and holds a special…