What is heart failure? If you have heart failure, you’re not alone. About 6 million Americans are currently living with it. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons people age 65 and older go into the hospital. It can take years for heart failure to develop. Heart failure symptoms usually develop over time…

Visiting the doctor can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding how to make the most out of your time with your physician can greatly impact the quality of care you receive. Dr. Tyler Ellington, a seasoned cardiologist at the Oklahoma Heart Institute, shared invaluable insights into preparing for a doctor’s appointment. What Information Matters Most?…

Lauren E. Stegemann, APRN-CNS, is an advanced practice provider in Oklahoma Heart Institute’s cardiac interventional unit. The Tulsa native has worked at OHI since 2010, when she completed nursing school. She started in the cardiac catheterization lab, and then moved into her current role in the interventional unit in 2017 after receiving her advanced practice…

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is frequently characterized by a fluttering sensation in the chest. It is a type of irregular, often rapid heartbeat resulting from the atria beating out of sync with the ventricles. While AFib itself isn’t immediately life-threatening, it can elevate your risk of developing blood clots and stroke. David Sandler, M.D. is an electrophysiologist…

After more than 25 years in cardiology, Georgianne Tokarchik, APRN-CNS, continues her passion in her chosen field. The Tulsa native serves as coordinator of the Valve and Structural Heart Center at Oklahoma Heart Institute (OHI). Tokarchik’s interest in medicine sparked early in her life, when she discovered her love of service to others. “I was always drawn…

In January of 2022, after her doctor brought up concerns about heart problems and breast cancer related to her weight, Virginia Strate started on a journey to lose 50 pounds. “I have struggled with weight and my weight has gone up and down since childhood. I noticed it had become harder to lose and my…

When young nurses, interns and residents need questions answered on the fourth floor of Oklahoma Heart Institute, they will often turn to one person: “Mama Di.” Diana Haley, 68, started working at Hillcrest Hospital in 1974 as a nurse’s aide while enrolled in the Hillcrest School of Nursing. After graduation, she became a registered nurse,…

(March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. Oklahoma Heart Institute (OHI) would like to thank our physicians for the dedication and passion they show for their patients. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we spotlighted cardiologist, Daniel Kupsky, M.D.) Dr. Daniel Kupsky, non-invasive cardiologist and computerized tomography (CT) imaging medical director joined OHI in October of…

Amy Rea is being called a walking miracle. After an hour in cardiac arrest, her pulse returned thanks to a tireless, determined and dedicated team of professionals at Hillcrest Hospital South performing non-stop CPR. After she collapsed at work, first responders brought her to Hillcrest, where she went into cardiac arrest. Ankit Chothani, M.D., an interventional…

There are eight ways you can improve your heart health and decrease your risk of heart-related illnesses and complications, no matter your age or lifestyle. Christopher Allen, M.D., interventional cardiologist at Oklahoma Heart Institute, shares these tips. 1. Stop or decrease smoking Risk factors from smoking include heart disease, chest pains, heart attack, arrhythmias, high blood…