Blog

Can Yoga Relieve Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) affects as many as 5 million Americans, making it the most common heart arrhythmia diagnosed. More than just an interruption in normal heart rhythm, AFib can have serious health risks including stroke and sudden cardiac death. Treatment for AFib can vary depending on the severity and regularity of episodes or symptoms, but may include medication therapy to reduce the risk for stroke, cardiac ablation, lifestyle modifications or surgical intervention.

Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. David Sandler says treating AFib is not a cookie... Read More »

Are You and Your “Sweetheart” Cardiovascularly Safe?

You exercise regularly. You eat a healthy diet. Your stress level is under control. As far as you know, you are perfectly healthy. But do you know what’s going on inside your heart? Are you arteries clear and healthy or is a potential cardiovascular event hiding around the corner? 1 in 4 heart attacks strike with little to no warning or symptoms. Today, we have the technology and the tools to prevent many heart attacks from happening and we do every day. From patients with a family history, to those with risk factors or none at all, life-saving screenings allow you to know if you and your... Read More »

Life Interrupted: Heart Disease

“I wasn’t ready to retire,” says 60-year-old WPX Energy Human Resources Executive Marcia MacLeod of learning she had a heart arrhythmia. Diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2011, MacLeod finally had a reason to explain why she had been feeling so tired and coming home early from work exhausted.

“It was very debilitating to me,” she says.

MacLeod talked with health care providers, but felt they brushed off her diagnosis to getting older. However, when one provider mentioned there was a procedure that might help, she was referred to Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiac... Read More »

Do you need a sleep study?

More than 40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, however as many as 70 percent may not realize they have one or have had an evaluation to begin treating their sleep disorder. As researchers continue to confirm strong connections between our quality of sleep and our overall health, Oklahoma Heart Institute is expanding sleep care services throughout Oklahoma to bring state-of-the-art screening and evaluations to help diagnosis and treat sleep problems before the onset of major illness like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke, among others.

Do you have a... Read More »

Handling the Holidays with Heart Failure

Holidays can be hard on the heart. The top days for heart attacks throughout the year are Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. Americans also have a tendency to eat and drink too much this time of year, triggering “Holiday Heart Syndrome.” For heart failure patients, the holidays can be an especially tricky time. Limiting fluid and salt intake is essential every day of the year for those living with heart failure. The holidays present certain challenges and considerations that can be overcome if you are prepared.

Traveling? If your holiday travels are taking you to the skies, be sure to... Read More »

Prevent Holiday Heart Attacks

Research shows Americans have more fatal heart attacks during the holiday season than any other time of the year. In fact, according to a study published in Circulation, the top three days for heart attacks are December 25, December 26 and January 1, respectively.  Regardless of where we live, researchers have found, we are more susceptible to heart attacks in the winter months, even if it is 72 and sunny in California.  “A seasonal pattern to deaths from heart attack is well documented with more fatal events occurring in the winter in comparison to the summer,” says Oklahoma Heart... Read More »

Oklahoma Heart Institute In the News: Holiday Heart Syndrome

KTUL-TV News Channel 8

Reporter: Kim Jackson

 

The holidays can pull on your heart strings, literally. More people die from heart disease during December, according to numerous studies. So if you think you have heart illness, now is the time to listen to your body.

Hospitals and doctors are seeing more patients because of colds and virus. Heart patients are more susceptible to illness, particularly this time of year. But anyone including you, can have issues. Doctors say the holidays can weigh on almost anyone's heart.

Already the winter months force... Read More »

Oklahoma Heart Institute Expands Sleep Care Services to Five Regional Locations

Sufficient sleep is increasingly being recognized as an essential aspect of chronic disease prevention, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, one in six Americans - roughly 40 million people - are living with a sleep disorder, which puts them at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, obesity and decreased quality of life.   

Oklahoma Heart Institute, the state’s largest hospital dedicated exclusively to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, is expanding their sleep medicine service line to improve... Read More »

Share Your Story - Judy Marshall

Judy Marshall is making a difference in her community as a result of surviving two heart attacks. When her heart took her off the road, Marshall decided to channel the energy she put forth into driving a truck across the country into her hometown one project at a time. Here is her Oklahoma Heart Institute story.

 

 

Oklahoma Leads New Cases of Diabetes

The news stories seem to be running together these days on the latest findings on the prevalence of diabetes in America. We have reported on the latest in diabetes management and how this growing epidemic will affect not only our country, but specifically our state in the very near term. We know that by 2050, 1 in 3 adults will have type 2 diabetes. We now know that proportion will be even higher in Oklahoma. The work of endocrinologists like Oklahoma Heart Institute’s Dr. Cristin Bruns is critical in treating patients today and preparing for patients of tomorrow. Worldwide, it is... Read More »