The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure — once thought appropriate only for the sickest aortic stenosis patients — increasingly is being used as an alternative to open heart surgery valve replacement. TAVR is an option now for nearly all patients. “With TAVR, we’re able to place the new valve by entering through…
A new study supporting medications for patients with severe but stable heart disease is in line with other evidence suggesting many can hold off on minimally invasive procedures or open-heart surgery, according to a Louisville cardiologist. Lifestyle changes and medications such as statins for cholesterol, blood pressure medicine and aspirin can be just as effective…
Many recipes can be made more heart-healthy, simply by swapping some high-fat, high-salt ingredients for healthier ones. Here are some easy swaps: Replace This With This Regular or reduced-fat peanut butter Natural peanut butter White pasta Whole-wheat pasta, high-fiber white pasta, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash Margarine Real butter Soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce…
For Mostafa El-Refai, M.D., interventional cardiology is the best of both worlds. He gets to perform lifesaving procedures — inserting stents to open blocked arteries after heart attacks. As an interventional cardiologist with Norton Heart Specialists, Dr. El-Refai also gets to develop long-term relationships with patients and their families. “It’s important for patients to understand…
Although the science of studying sleep dates back to the 1920s, it’s only within the past 40 years that physicians have been able to diagnose and treat one of the largest groups of people with sleep disorders — those living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Roughly 10% of U.S. adults — an estimated 22 million…
Larry King’s weekend in Louisville was in full swing. He and his wife, Paula, were enjoying it with family and friends. The mid-July Friday and Saturday included a 5-mile walk and a relaxing evening with friends. But then Sunday came. Larry, who was 51 at the time, woke up feeling a little sluggish, which is…
Living with advanced heart failure can be every bit as scary as it sounds. It means following a strict regimen that includes medication and regularly monitoring for the slightest signs that the condition is getting worse. Heart failure patients need to check their weight daily and report even slight changes to their health care providers….
These no-bake truffles are packed with nutrition! They are made with plant-based ingredients, including flaxseed meal and almond milk. Flaxseeds provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids (i.e., healthy fats). By choosing dairy-free chocolate chips, these can be made dairy-free for those who may have sensitivities, and they are gluten free as well. It’s difficult to…
Left arm pain — and how the pain moves — can be one of the key differences between men’s and women’s heart attacks. In men, the left arm pain will move from the shoulder down the left arm or up to the chin. If the pain comes on suddenly and is unusually severe, or is…
Carrot Cookie Supersnacks Servings: 20 cookies Ingredients 1½ cup gluten-free oat flour ½ cup gluten-free quick-cooking oats 1 cup grated carrots ¼ cup raisins ¼ cup ground flax seeds 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup applesauce ¼ cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Attend a Free Heart Healthy Cooking Class Class themes change each month…
Years ago we were told that eggs were bad for you and high in cholesterol. Now some view eggs as a good source of protein and vitamins. Which is true? Both. When eggs are consumed in an excessive amount per week, they may not be as good as they are cracked up to be. Excessive…
Norton Healthcare hospitals were recognized today during a presentation by the American Heart Association with Mission: Lifeline Gold Plus and Gold awards for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. The American Heart Association also presented Norton Healthcare with the Mission Lifeline: Regional Trailblazer Award. The award recognized Norton Healthcare for serving as…