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A Truly Patient-Centered, Team Approach to Health Care

“I can’t believe I’m having more heartburn,” I said to my wife as she lay beside me in bed. “I’m going to go downstairs for a bit and take some Tums.” Here it was flaring up again I thought. Just like last weekend when we walked five blocks to the drugstore and picked up all sorts of “remedies” - antacids, Pepto-Bismol and whatever else, thinking it would give me some relief.

“Are you going be okay?” she asked.

“Sure, no problem," I replied, but in actuality, I was feeling a bit nauseous. “I’m just going to go downstairs and watch a little bit of TV. It helps to sit up while... Read More »

What You Need to Know About Compression Socks Before You Buy

Vein specialist Dr. Eugene Ichinose is a firm believer in compression socks – not only for patients but also for himself. He once stood on a chair during a presentation to model the compression socks he wears to help improve circulation as he stands throughout the day.

Compression socks work by promoting improved blood flow in your legs. The compression of the socks gently pushes blood flow up the leg, helping to prevent swelling and even blood clots. If you have noticed your legs swelling or the appearance of varicose veins, for example, you may wonder if compression socks would be... Read More »

Eat, Drink and Be Merry? Managing AFib During the Holidays

Holiday tunes on the radio, strings of lights brightening the neighborhood and a scent of pine and cinnamon transport us to one of the “most wonderful times of the year.” The holidays are the time we see more evergreen, spiced lattes and booked nights on the calendar. They are also the time of the year health care providers see more people suffering from what is now known as “holiday heart syndrome” as more patients present to the hospital with episodes of atrial fibrillation (AFib). For those familiar with the irregular heartbeat or quivering, and even those who have never felt their... Read More »

Oklahoma Heart Institute Regional Clinic - Grove

With more than 14 regional clinics throughout Northeastern Oklahoma, Oklahoma Heart Institute offers patients and communities access to top quality providers close to their own home. Today, we are going inside one of those clinics - Grove - to introduce you to the people who are changing our patients' lives. From Registered Medical Assistant Specialist Mary Parker who grew up with a mother who referenced medical books to help care for her four children to Kati Shoenrock, who is often stopped out and about in the community by patients appreciative of their care at Oklahoma Heart Institute,... Read More »

Mitraclip to Repair Mitral Regurgitation at Oklahoma Heart Institute

Oklahoma Heart Institute performed the first successful percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve repair procedure (MitraClip) in Tulsa November, 18, 2014. This procedure helps patients with mitral regurgitation who are too high-risk for surgery. Go inside the case at the hybrid lab.

 

Quality of Life Through the Ages - TAVR Program at Oklahoma Heart Institute

More than 100 patients throughout the region have received Trancatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) at Oklahoma Heart Institute since the program began May 2, 2012. In honor of the first 100 patients, a reception was held October 16, 2014 attended by several patients and their families, along with Tulsa's most experienced TAVR team - Oklahoma Heart Institute physicians, nurses and staff. Patients shared their own stories and revealed what a difference this procedure has had on their quality of life from 95 to 57. 

Baby Delivered at Oklahoma Heart Institute Saves Two Lives

“I thought this is serious,” says Andrea Eppley of the day she was admitted to the ICU at Oklahoma Heart Institute. She was pregnant with her second son and still five weeks before his due date. “I was really scared. What if I die?” Andrea had called her OB/Gyn Monday morning complaining of shortness of breath, inability to lay down to sleep and swelling of her legs and feet so severe she was not able to walk more than a few feet. Later that afternoon, at her appointment with her OB/Gyn, she was sent to Hillcrest Medical Center’s Peggy V. Helmerich Women’s Health Center for further... Read More »

Oklahoma Heart Institute Performs 55th Transcaval TAVR Worldwide

Oklahoma Heart Institute performed the 55th Transcaval TAVR procedure in the world Tuesday, September 23, 2014. The TAVR team was led by Dr. Kamran Muhammad, Dr. Wayne Leimbach and Dr. Michael Phillips. 

5 Ways Men Can Cut their Heart Attack Risk

Cardiologists and health care providers agree that there are things within our control and things outside of our control when it comes to reducing the risk of having a heart attack. These modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors give us our own individual risk for having a heart attack. While some of us may work really hard to control modifiable risk factors like hypertension, none of us are able to control getting older, for example. Together with our health care team, we work to change what we can, reduce our risk and stay on top of any changes to help prevent a cardiovascular event.... Read More »

World AFib Awareness Day Returns to Tulsa

In 2013, Oklahoma Heart Institute joined institutions from around the world celebrating World Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Day at our AFib and Yoga seminar and yoga session. It was a great success and this year we are happy to announce cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. David Sandler is taking the Oklahoma Heart Institute AFib and Yoga seminar to the outdoor stage at Lululemon Community Yoga at Guthrie Green Wednesday, September 10, 2014. Dr. Sandler will talk about the benefits of yoga for those who suffer from AFib and the latest research, led by colleague and friend, Dr. DJ... Read More »