It may be the most wonderful time of the year – but not always for your heart. “The holidays are a time for being with our families and a time of joy for many,” said Wayne Leimbach, M.D., medical director of Oklahoma Heart Institute. “But, because of the stress, fatigue and frequent overindulgence, the holiday…

Celebrating the season to be merry with too much alcohol can put your heart health at risk. Overindulging in alcohol can result in an irregular heartbeat, according to Wayne Leimbach, M.D., medical director of Oklahoma Heart Institute. “Too much alcohol intake can trigger a holiday heart event,” said Leimbach. “Holiday heart attacks are heart rhythm…

Sandra Tinker was in her mid-40s when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. “It was a surprise, although I knew it ran on both sides of my family,” Tinker said. “I just never thought about it.” Prior to her diagnosis, Tinker was always tired and had little energy. “I wanted to sleep all of…

Deciding to change is hard. It’s even harder to make that decision, stick with it and improve your life. Oklahoma native Wanda Vogel, 68, knew how hard it can be to change your path. She had the warning of prediabetes and a registered dietitian daughter pushing her to change, but none of that was enough…

Millions of Americans have diabetes and yet are unaware of their condition. However, that was not the case for Oklahoma native Robert Amey who had two siblings suffer from this condition. “I’m the oldest of six children and two were diabetic,” Amey said. “I lost both of them.” Amey’s youngest brother was born with both…

Not all, but most. Highly processed foods can be manufactured with ingredients that are not typically used in cooking. Packaged foods can also be loaded with high amounts of sodium, sugar and fat. Susannah McCabe, registered dietitian with Oklahoma Heart Institute, speaks to the negative impact packaged or processed foods have on our bodies. “Processed…

The answer is no, but let’s start by explaining the connection between atrial fibrillation and stroke. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is generally not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to serious medical complications, such as stroke. An irregular heart rhythm allows blood to pool in the heart, which can cause clots to form. According to…

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, can happen to anyone. But can it be passed down from a family member? The answer is yes. Having a family member with AFib increases your chances of being diagnosed. Atrial fibrillation that is inherited is called familial atrial fibrillation. Although the exact incidence of an inherited abnormality of…

It’s that simple. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib). Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. We know that older age increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation — but that’s not all. Other major contributing factors…

Kathleen Marshall is always on the go. “I get up in the morning, hit the ground running and I go all day long,” Marshall said. The 68-year-old stays busy navigating life with her three children, five grandchildren and a booming business, Kathleen’s Kids, to run. Marshall also regularly attends ballroom dance and tai chi classes.…