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For Kathleen Marshall, life has always had a rhythm, and that rhythm was dance. Whether it was a ballroom waltz, a lively salsa or just spinning around the kitchen with her boyfriend, dance was her passion. Marshall’s infectious energy and love for movement made her the heart of every party. “It keeps you young!” said…

The phrase “just in the nick of time” can be traced back to 16th century England when the word “nick” meant “the critical moment.” For Jeff Cowan, a 63-year-old medical transport driver, that phrase also describes the care he received at Oklahoma Heart Institute (OHI) that saved his life. The Tulsa resident was visiting his doctor…

Do you know the warning signs for a stroke? Would you recognize them in someone else? What about yourself? We often think if something like a stroke has occurred, we would realize it immediately, right? As it turns out, nearly 70 percent of people who have suffered a minor stroke don’t recognize the symptoms at…

After 20 years of guiding patients to maintaining healthy hearts at Oklahoma Heart Institute (OHI), cardiologist David Sandler, M.D., decided it was time to take care of his own health in 2023. His cholesterol levels were trending a little high, so he opted to take advantage of OHI’s $499 heart scan special in February. Dr. Sandler is a…

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…

It was Mark Nichols’ care and concern for his wife’s health, given her family history of heart attacks, that led him to join her for a cardiac CT angiogram scan at Oklahoma Heart Institute. “Her brother passed away at age 50 from a sudden heart attack even though he never smoked and was a healthy guy,” said…

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…