MedBlog

After heart attack, this rare procedure can save patients from a hole in the heart

VSD, or ventricular septal defect, is a complication in 1/1,000 patients who don't get ER care for a heart attack – and 97% die within a year of suffering this complication. This procedure is the last chance to save their lives.

Anthony Bavry, M.D.

August 19, 2020

Tragic trifecta: Coronavirus, heart attacks, and empty ERs

Fear of COVID-19 in the ER has led to fewer visits for heart attack symptoms. Unfortunately, the virus itself can cause severe heart damage. Do not ignore chest pains, especially during the pandemic. Get the facts in this week's MedBlog.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

April 30, 2020

Destiny's patient: A heart-stopping story of survival at UT Southwestern

Paul Garner made the right turn, got the right doctors, and UT Southwestern had the right stuff to save him after he had a massive heart attack and died for 30 minutes.

February 28, 2020

Transradial angioplasty – a handy fix for blocked coronary arteries

Transradial angioplasty is a "handy" way to fix blocked heart arteries – by way of the wrist. It's safer than the standard approach for some patients. Dharam Kumbhani, M.D., Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at UT Southwestern discusses the benefits and the procedure. Learn more.

Dharam Kumbhani, M.D.

February 26, 2020

Why fatal heart disease is striking middle-aged patients younger and more often

After years of steady decline, heart disease death rates have increased 1.5% among the 45-60 age group – right in the prime of their personal and professional lives. In this MedBlog, Amit Khera, M.D., discusses the major causes and how preventive cardiology can help reverse this alarming trend.

Amit Khera, M.D.

February 19, 2020

10 questions to test your heart-health knowledge

How much do you know about heart disease risks? Take this 5-minute quiz to find out what you know – and don't – about heart health.

Amit Khera, M.D.

February 13, 2020

LVADs no longer just a bridge, but a long-term alternative to heart transplant

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) can help patients with advanced heart failure live longer and give them a better quality of life. Dr. Alpesh Amin answers four common questions he gets from patients about LVADs.

February 12, 2020

Medication as effective as stents, bypass for treating blocked arteries, major study shows

A landmark study has confirmed that, in certain patients with chest pain and abnormal stress tests, drug therapy can be just as effective as bypass or stents to prevent heart attack. In this MedBlog, James De Lemos, M.D., discusses how the findings can help patients save time and money, plus reduce unnecessary risks.

James de Lemos, M.D.

February 5, 2020

The internet can be hazardous to your health. Really!

One of the most powerful health risks facing all of us in 2019 – and in the foreseeable future – is the proliferation of medical misinformation. Every day, it spreads across the internet through platforms like Google, Facebook, YouTube and other social media, and patients end up making health decisions – sometimes life and death decisions – based on faulty and flat-out incorrect material. Dr. Joseph A. Hill provides a physician's perspective and offers some solutions to root out the fake news.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

December 19, 2019

7 ways to cope with holiday stress

Whether you’re dealing with financial worries, family dynamics, or health concerns, it’s important to keep your holiday stress levels under control. Licensed social worker Rita Smith offers seven easy but effective ways to navigate the pressures of the season in today’s MedBlog.

November 27, 2019

The bitter truth: 25 cups of coffee a day might not be healthy

Is it safe to drink 25 cups of coffee a day like a 2019 study suggests? Wanpen Vongpatanasin, M.D., says probably not. Find out where the confusion comes from and what the experts say in this week’s MedBlog. Learn more.

Wanpen Vongpatanasin, M.D.

July 24, 2019

Considering the keto diet? 3 health questions to think about

Is the keto diet safe? According to Anand Rohatgi, M.D., the answer is not as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Patients should consider these 3 health questions before giving up carbs to lose weight or prevent heart disease. Learn more in this week’s MedBlog.

Anand Rohatgi, M.D.

May 22, 2019

Why daily aspirin therapy for heart disease might not be safe for everyone

A September 2018 study suggests that taking aspirin to lower the risk of heart disease might not be worth the risk of bleeding the drug carries for many people. Sharon Reimold, M.D., discusses what the study results mean for patients.

Sharon Reimold, M.D.

December 20, 2018

2018 cholesterol guidelines: 4 updates patients need to know

In November 2018, the national cholesterol treatment guidelines were updated for the first time in five years. Two esteemed physicians from UT Southwestern coauthored the guidelines, and in this week’s blog they discuss what the updates mean for patients.

Amit Khera, M.D.

December 14, 2018

Blood pressure monitoring: Home is where your true BP numbers live

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular death. While hypertension is generally not curable, it is treatable if you are aware of it, and one of the best ways to stay on top of this disease is through home blood pressure monitoring. Read more.

Angela Price, M.D.

October 29, 2018