Overall “high performing” ratings were given in the following specialties:

• Back surgery (spinal fusion)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Gynecologic cancer surgery
• Heart bypass surgery
• Hip replacement
• Kidney failure
• Knee replacement
• Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
• Pacemaker implantation
• Prostate cancer surgery
• Stroke

“This No. 1 ranking is a testament to our caregivers and support staff who work tirelessly to provide care for the community,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “While this is certainly a great honor and reflects the work we have done, we constantly look for opportunities that give people access to the health care and services they need.”

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“If you have diabetes, you either need a cardiologist now or you likely will need one in the future,” said Catrina R. Hancock, PA-C, physician assistant with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Diabetes has the potential to affect nearly every part of the body, but its impact on the heart is especially serious. The good news is that with proper cardiac care, we can significantly reduce your risk of heart complications.”

How diabetes causes heart disease

People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease and often have other conditions that increase heart disease risks: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney and liver disease, and obesity.

Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar. Over time, high blood sugar acts like sandpaper in your bloodstream, causing damage to arteries. High glucose levels can also cause inflammation throughout the body, making it easier for cholesterol to stick to artery walls and block blood flow to your heart.

Diabetes also can damage the nerves that control your heart rate and blood pressure. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, can mask typical warning signs of heart issues. Diabetes-related heart damage often happens silently and slowly, making it difficult to detect without regular cardiac monitoring.

Symptoms of diabetes and heart disease

Not everyone with diabetes experiences clear warning signs of heart issues. While chest pain can still occur, many symptoms of diabetes with heart disease can be subtle or mistaken for fatigue, aging or other conditions.

Important symptoms to watch for include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with normal activities
• Chest discomfort, pressure or tightness
• Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

If you have diabetes and are experiencing any of these symptoms, even occasionally, it’s time to talk to a cardiologist about your risks related to diabetes and heart disease.

Benefits of a cardiologist in diabetes care

Managing heart disease in people who have diabetes extends beyond glucose control. A cardiologist plays an essential role in identifying and helping to control silent cardiovascular risks before they can become major, life-threatening complications.

“Many patients don’t realize how significantly a cardiologist can enhance their overall diabetes management and provide peace of mind regarding their cardiovascular health,” Catrina said.

When you consult with a cardiologist at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, they will evaluate your cardiovascular health using advanced screenings, imaging and lab tests, specifically designed for diabetes patients.

More advanced diagnostic testing: Cardiologists use specialized tests that can detect cardiovascular issues before a person shows symptoms. These might include coronary artery calcium scoring, advanced lipid panels or cardiac imaging that can reveal early signs of heart disease in patients with diabetes.

Personalized treatment plans: Every person with diabetes has a unique risk profile. A cardiologist can develop a customized treatment plan that considers how long you’ve had diabetes, glycemic control, family history and other individual factors that influence cardiovascular disease development.

Based on your condition, a cardiologist may recommend:

• Medicine that protects the heart and complements your diabetes treatments
• Lifestyle modifications specifically designed to reduce your cardiovascular risk
• Regular monitoring with cardiac imaging or stress testing
• Blood pressure and cholesterol management to address risk factors
• Coordination with your diabetes care team for comprehensive treatment

With appropriate cardiac care, people living with diabetes can dramatically reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke or other long-term disability. Early detection and preventive treatment can minimize diabetes-related cardiovascular complications and improve your overall quality of life.

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“Your heart works 24/7 to keep you going, so it’s worth taking some time to know some basics about your heart,” Dr. Zhou said. In a recent “Medical Minute” video, she explained that when it comes to heart health, some simple measurements provide crucial insights into cardiovascular function and heart disease risk that everyone can monitor.

Blood Pressure: Your Circulation’s Report Card

Blood pressure is fundamental to understanding cardiovascular health. “Blood pressure tells us how well your blood is moving from your heart to your arteries,” she notes. The ideal target number to aim for is less than 120 over 80.

The importance of monitoring this metric cannot be overstated, as “high blood pressure can quietly damage your heart and arteries” without obvious symptoms. Blood pressure is different from your heart rate, which measures how often your heart beats. Blood pressure measures how much force your blood pushes against blood vessels.

Cholesterol: Understanding Arterial Health

When discussing cholesterol, Dr. Zhou emphasized its connection to arterial wellness. “Cholesterol levels tell us about the health of your arteries,” she said. The recommended targets are clear: “Keep total cholesterol under 200 milligrams per deciliter. And LDL, the bad cholesterol, under 160 milligrams per deciliter.”

Blood Sugar: A Window Into Metabolic Health

Your blood glucose level provides another critical piece of the heart health puzzle. “Your blood sugar levels help us understand how much glucose is present in your blood,” Dr. Zhou said. She recommends that “fasting blood glucose should be under 126 milligram per deciliter,” warning that levels above this threshold could indicate increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Body Mass Index: Weight and Heart Health Connection

The final metric Dr. Zhou discusses is body mass index (BMI). “Your body mass index matters and tells us if your weight is healthy for your age and the body,” she explained. The healthy range she recommends is 18.5 to 24.9.

BMI considers your weight relative to your height. The basic formula is your body weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a simple online BMI calculator you can use.

The Bigger Picture

Dr. Zhou emphasized that these measurements work together to provide a comprehensive view of cardiovascular health. “These numbers tell a story and help us understand your heart health,” she said.

Her advice for maintaining heart health is straightforward: “Check them, track them, talk to your doctor, and your heart will thank you.”

People with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, which encourages people to “Know Your Numbers” when it comes to heart health.

Understanding these four key numbers — blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar and BMI — represents a simple yet powerful way to monitor heart health and potentially prevent serious cardiovascular complications. 

Staying up to date with these heart numbers is as easy as getting your annual checkup, which is covered by health insurance. Blood pressure is measured by gently squeezing and then releasing blood vessels in your arm. A blood pressure cuff wraps around your arm can easily capture this key number. Cholesterol and glucose are measured as part of a blood test and you can calculate your BMI yourself.

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“The room started spinning. I was trying to get my balance. I couldn’t think of anything,” he said, describing the moment he received his diagnosis.

To a lifelong athlete who lived a healthy lifestyle, the news was especially shocking. Coach had always been the picture of health — a runner who took care of his body and lived what he thought was all the right ways. Now, he was playing a game against the most powerful opponent he’d faced in his life.

Treatment kickoff

“My girlfriend did some research,” Coach said.

That research led them to seek myeloma treatment in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The initial treatment was grueling: a stem cell transplant that kept him hospitalized for over a month. His hair fell out, including his eyebrows, and his strength waned. But Coach approached his cancer battle with the same discipline and determination that defined his coaching career.

A friend who also had faced a cancer battle advised Coach to walk every day.

Coach took this counsel seriously, starting with small laps around his hospital bed, then venturing into the hallway, and eventually throughout the hospital.

Doctors told Coach that recovery typically takes 100 days, but he set a more ambitious goal: 64 days — the time remaining until the first day of fall practice at Western Kentucky University, where he was coaching at the time. Against the odds, he made it.

Multiple myeloma can be particularly challenging, because it adapts to treatments.

According to Coach, “This cancer about every three years figures out the regiment and it comes back.”

During one recurrence, his arm snapped in half while working out, requiring a steel rod insertion. Another time, during his second stem cell transplant, a childhood virus resurfaced, creating a life-threatening situation.

Coach remembers that harrowing moment, packed in ice as medical staff rushed around him.

“I closed my eyes and said, ‘Please, Lord, give me more time on this earth to help others,’” he said.

A blitz for Coach

In 2019, facing another recurrence, Coach was offered a new option: an immunotherapy drug called talquetamab that was still in clinical trials. He was initially skeptical.

“That sounds like last-ditch effort,” he said.

But he decided to try it after his Norton Cancer Institute oncologist, Don A. Stevens, M.D., in Louisville, Kentucky,, assured him that he could return to traditional chemotherapy if needed.

The results transformed his life. Instead of exhausting chemotherapy regimens that left him fatigued and bloated from steroids, Coach now receives a simple shot every two weeks and occasionally a 20-minute infusion of a bone-strengthening drug.

“I’ve lost the weight from the steroids. I’ve got more energy, and it’s really been a blessing to me,” he said. “The immunotherapy is a way of conquering cancer, extending life. It greatly increased my quality of life.”

This improvement allowed Coach to return to the sidelines after a four-year retirement. Though he acknowledges he’s not “perfect,” the immunotherapy has given him back the energy to pursue his passion and live life fully.

Trusting the team

Throughout his cancer journey, Coach has developed deep relationships with his care team at Norton Cancer Institute. From the registration staff to the nurses on the fifth floor to Dr. Stevens., he knows them all — their stories, their families, their lives.

“I’ve been to three other facilities, and — don’t get me wrong — they all treated me great,” Coach said. “But when I came here and met the team, they got to know me.”

Mindset matters

Coach credits his survival not just to medical advances, but to his unwavering positive attitude — a mindset he’s instilled in his three sons and one daughter throughout their lives.

“When you wake up in the morning, you don’t control gas prices, grocery prices. But what you do have control over is your attitude,” he said. “And no matter how bad a night I might have, I’m going to wake up the next day with positive attitude.”

Coach approaches each day with gratitude and purpose, whether he’s coaching, hunting, fishing, or exploring Louisville’s bourbon tours with his girlfriend Karen during their “Sunday fun days.”

“All of us have an hourglass with sand running through,” Coach said. “I don’t know how long yours is, mine is, or anyone else’s. But tomorrow morning will be the first day of the rest of your life. What are you going to do with it?”

For Coach, the answer is clear: Keep fighting, keep coaching, and keep inspiring others with his story of perseverance and hope.

The post Mike Cassity: A coach’s playbook for fighting cancer appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

The plan covers hospital-based emergency or other medically necessary care. As an added benefit for those who qualify, Norton Healthcare also assists with office visits with Norton Healthcare providers and with medications from Norton Healthcare pharmacies.

“Our mission calls on us to provide health care that meets the needs of our community,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “We want to help as many individuals as possible benefit from the program so their focus can be on getting well, staying well and being healthy.”

Households with total income equal to or less than 350% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for financial assistance. This percentage equates to $112,525 in combined household income for a family of four. Those who qualify can apply for financial assistance before they plan to seek health care services, and the assistance amount is approved for a full year. After qualifying, financial assistance can be applied to past medical bills up to two years old.

Anyone can apply online in the patient resources area of NortonHealthcare.com; request a paper application, which is available in several languages; apply with a representative over the phone at (502) 479-6300; or visit a hospital in person to speak with a financial counselor. Those taking part in the program can re-apply every year.

The program requires three months of bank statements, which may include prepaid bank card statements such as those offered through Chime or Direct Express.

Those who are preapproved for financial assistance will receive a verification letter. Residents of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Tennessee can be preapproved for financial assistance for an emergency or medically necessary care.

Eligible families can apply for assistance, even if they haven’t been to a Norton Healthcare facility in the past and regardless of whether they have insurance. Using a third party, Norton Healthcare will continue to assist uninsured patients in applying for Medicaid.

For those whose household income excludes them from this program, Norton Healthcare has additional avenues for financial assistance.

*Norton Healthcare includes Norton Children’s services.

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Lifestyle changes

The first option is an easy one, and something everyone should do regardless of their blood pressure reading: Lower sodium (salt) in your diet. While this mineral is needed by your body, it’s not needed in the amounts that most Americans consume.

“We know that eating a lot of sodium can increase your blood pressure over time,” said Matthew J. Sousa, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Instead of using salt to flavor what you eat, look at different spices that can add some zest, and try sodium-free marinades on meat. Pay special attention to processed and packaged foods you purchase, as some have a great deal of sodium.

“While the guideline is 2,300 mg of sodium per day total, a better aim is 1,500 mg a day if you want to reduce blood pressure.”

While reducing sodium alone can help with blood pressure, a few other things also help, according to Dr. Sousa:

• Exercise regularly: Aerobic exercise and strength training have been shown to lower blood pressure.
• Lose weight: When your weight increases, so does your blood pressure. A larger waistline also increases your risk for high blood pressure.
• Quit smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol: Alcohol can raise blood pressure, so it’s best to quit drinking. If you do consume alcohol, set your limit to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

“Making these lifestyle changes can really lower your blood pressure, and you may not need to do anything else,” Dr. Sousa said.

Adding medication

If diet, exercise and weight changes do not improve your blood pressure, your provider may recommend medications.

“Different medications are available to help by reducing extra water and sodium in your system, lowering your heart rate, or relaxing or opening blood vessels,” Dr. Sousa said. “Your provider will look at your age, blood pressure reading and other health indicators to determine what type of medication may work best.

“It may take trying different medications to determine what works best in your body, but they can work quickly and effectively to lower blood pressure.”

Renal denervation procedure

Some people continue to have high blood pressure despite using medications and making lifestyle changes.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute now has a new option called renal denervation, which calms overactive nerves near the kidneys that can cause high blood pressure.

“We take a very thin tube into the artery that goes to the kidney and send electrical pulses to calm those nerves,” Dr. Sousa said. “It’s a simple, minimally invasive procedure that only requires minimal sedation, and the patient can usually go home the same day.” Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is the first in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to offer the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system.

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New knee replacement technology is allowing surgeons to create a more natural-feeling joint, while getting you home sooner and started on your recovery. 

A total knee replacement, sometimes called total knee arthroplasty, may be necessary after arthritis has developed to the point that too much cartilage has worn away and you have bone-on-bone contact causing knee pain. A partial knee replacement describes having just one side of the knee joint replaced, often to treat an injury.

“While the aim of knee replacement surgery remains unchanged — relieving pain and helping patients return to an active life — today’s technology makes the procedure more precise and personalized,” Dr. Khalily said. “We still replace the worn joint surfaces, but now use advanced robotics, custom 3D-printed implants and smart sensors to optimize each patient’s results.”

Dr. Khalily was the first person in the world to perform a Food and Drug Administration-approved cementless total knee replacement with the CORI robotic-assisted system.

Today’s advances

Robotic-assisted surgery

Think of it like GPS for your surgeon. Using real-time imaging and computer guidance, surgeons now can plan and perform total knee replacement surgery with greater precision, tailored to your exact knee anatomy. This helps ensure better alignment and implant positioning, potentially improving longer-lasting results.

3D printed custom implants

Just like getting a custom-fitted suit, your knee replacement now can be made specifically for you. Using 3D printing, surgeons can create implants that match your knee’s unique shape and size. This is especially helpful for complex cases or revision surgery.

Smart knee implants

These high-tech implants contain tiny sensors that track how your new knee is working. Your doctor can monitor your recovery remotely, adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed and spot potential issues early. This means fewer in-person follow-up visits and more personalized recovery care.

On the horizon

Augmented reality

Surgeons are beginning to use augmented reality technology — similar to what’s used in some video games — to see detailed 3D images of your knee during surgery. This technology helps them place implants with even greater accuracy.

More outpatient surgeries

Thanks to these advances and better pain management, many knee replacements are now done as outpatient procedures. This means you may go home the same day as your surgery. By 2026, more than half of all shoulder, knee and hip replacement are expected to be outpatient procedures.

The post The latest knee replacement technology in 2025 appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

The offices feature roughly 6,000 square feet of space and 14 exam rooms split among Norton Community Medical Associates primary care, a Norton Immediate Care Center and, eventually, a Norton Orthopedic Institute office. The new location also will have laboratory testing and X-ray capability to help providers accurately diagnose a variety of illnesses and injuries.

“Norton Healthcare is committed to expanding access to health care throughout the area,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “The comprehensive care that will be provided in this new space will make it easier for so many more people to receive the care they need.”

The new space, located at 10798 Dixie Highway, is Norton Healthcare’s southernmost primary care office and immediate care center in Louisville. The building is just off the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265/KY 841), allowing easy access for those using the city’s highway system, while also supporting population growth in the southwestern part of Louisville. The location also provides access to care for people just outside the city limits, including parts of Meade and Hardin counties.

“It’s very exciting to see the growth in this part of our city,” said Stephanie Harmon, practice manager for the new Norton Community Medical Associates office. “As someone who grew up in the south end of Louisville, I know this is something we’ve needed. To be a part of the team providing that care is extra special.”

The primary care practice will be led by Arilennis Medel Leyva, APRN, family nurse practitioner, who will move from Norton Community Medical Associates – Fairdale. Her diverse, bilingual experience as a clinician enables her to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Her philosophy emphasizes empathy, compassion and respect, focusing on individualized patient needs and holistic care.

“Access to primary care is essential for a healthy community,” Leyva said. “I’m excited to bring these services to Valley Station. I believe my experience and expertise can add to the level of care and trust we’ve already built in South Louisville, and I’m excited to care for and form relationships with patients in the area.”

The practice will have self-pay options and quick, easy access to the Norton Healthcare financial services teams for assistance with bill payment.

A Norton Children’s Medical Group pediatrician office will remain open in Fairdale at 189 Outer Loop, with plans to expand. Schedule an appointment by calling (502) 629-1234.

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“This collaborative effort continues to elevate Norton Neuroscience Institute to a national stage,” said Gregory E. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and director of Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center. “It’s an affirmation of what we’ve already done, while also incentivizing us to continue pushing the limits of dementia and Alzheimer’s care in our community.”

The program funds a dedicated nurse navigator, Deborah Lockridge, R.N., BSN, CCRC, at Norton Community Medical Associates – Preston, whose job is to collaborate with primary care providers at the practice to identify patients who are at high risk and may be experiencing early symptoms of cognitive decline. The goal is to more quickly connect those patients with treatment at Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center and provide personalized education and support services along the way. The hope is to more efficiently diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in their earliest stages. If the pilot proves successful, this clinical pathway may be used as a worldwide model for future Alzheimer’s care.

“This grant enhances the comprehensive care services we offer here at Norton Healthcare,” Lockridge said. “We all agree having a point of contact who can answer questions, encourage patients and caregivers and point them in the right direction is going to be a tremendous benefit to our community. We will use this opportunity to develop a collaborative, easy-to-navigate care model that can be scaled not just throughout Norton Healthcare, but across the country.”

Alzheimer’s disease is growing into a worldwide epidemic. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 6 million Americans currently are living with Alzheimer’s, and more than 13 million will be living with the disease by 2060. The current care model requires multiple medical providers to coordinate to ensure patients who are eligible for disease-modifying therapies receive them during the early window of opportunity, when they will most benefit.

Yet, there are pathways for prevention, early detection and accurate diagnosis that could change the course of the disease forever. For example, in August 2023, Norton Neuroscience Institute became the first site in Kentucky to administer disease-modifying therapies to patients with mild cognitive decline and mild Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to early treatment, Norton Neuroscience Institute is actively pursuing brain health and prevention strategies.

“We’re very proud of our memory program and what we’ve created so far, but we know there is still much work to be done,” Dr. Cooper said. “We won’t rest until we’ve tried to perfect our system to quickly identify, diagnosis and treat people at the earliest possible stages, when we believe we have the greatest chance to slow this disease in its path.”

The six pilot sites will serve as start-up incubators for the development of materials and best practices for the program’s long-term sustainability and expansion — without the need for external funding. The learnings and resources from the Brain Health Navigator program will be incorporated into Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative’s Early Detection Blueprint.

The other sites included in the program are Dartmouth Health (New Hampshire), Memorial Healthcare (Owosso, Michigan), Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group (California), UC Health (Ohio) and Keck Medical Center of USC, part of Keck Medicine of USC (California). Patients can schedule an appointment by calling (502) 446-4664 or visiting NortonHealthcare.com/MemoryCenter.

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The Aveir DR consists of two leadless pacemakers that are implanted into the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The two pacemakers communicate with each other based on the person’s needs to more effectively regulate heart rhythm. 

“A leadless pacemaker is unique technology that was only available for limited types of patients in the past,” said Sofya Kuznetsov, M.D., electrophysiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Heart Rhythm Center. “The ability to pace upper and lower chambers in sync was only available with conventional transvenous devices.

“The leadless pacemakers are smaller than an AAA battery and can communicate wirelessly with each other to control the heart’s rhythm. They do not require a surgical incision and avoid potential complications associated with conventional pacemaker leads, such as infection or lead fractures. An additional benefit is quicker recovery and fewer mobility restrictions after the procedure.”

Until now, leadless pacemakers have not allowed a dual chamber option, which is needed by nearly 80% of people needing this kind of treatment.

To schedule an appointment with a Norton Heart & Vascular Institute specialist, call (502) 446-6484 (NHVI).

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