MedBlog

Heart

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.

Scott Grundy, M.D., Ph.D. / Amit Khera, M.D.

December 14, 2018

Heart

Taking On America's Biggest Killer

Helen Hobbs, M.D.

November 9, 2018

Heart

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

Heart

New AFib trials show an effective way to improve patients’ outcomes

Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia, might lead to heart failure, stroke, and other serious conditions. But new trials show reduced mortality and hospitalization rates are possible for patients who undergo catheter ablation treatment.

Mark Link, M.D.

September 24, 2018

Heart

Dr. Link’s perspective: Why family matters for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a genetic heart condition that affects about one in 500 people nationwide. Learn how accurate diagnoses of this dangerous disease and a Plano mother’s determination saved her life and that of her son.

Mark Link, M.D.

September 17, 2018

Heart

‘Before my heart transplant, I was dying’: Gabriela’s story

When Gabriela received her heart transplant, she knew right away she wanted to meet her donor’s family. So she took a six-hour road trip from Fort Worth to Corpus Christi, and she wound up with a new best friend for life. Read her remarkable story now.

Mark Drazner, M.D.

August 13, 2018

Heart

How PCI stenting can reduce chest pain and heart attack damage – without surgery

Heart disease, and more specifically coronary artery disease, is common in the U.S. Learn how PCI can relieve chronic chest pain.

July 11, 2018

Heart

Can a single high-fat meal damage heart health?

Foods high in both saturated fat and calories can have an immediate impact on heart health, according to a 2018 study. Amit Khera, M.D., offers tips to eat better and avoid the consequences. Learn more.

Amit Khera, M.D.

June 13, 2018

Heart

Minimally invasive valve surgery restores marathoner’s heart

Shauna Okongo was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. In February 2017, Shauna ran a marathon and struggled with shortness of breath throughout the race as she never had before.

June 6, 2018

Heart

Too sick for open-heart surgery: How a novel device saved a grandfather’s life

Faced with a life-threatening aneurysm in his aortic arch near the heart, James Ibson, 77, thought he was out of options. But a novel device, custom made for him, saved his life. Watch James’ story and read about his procedure at UT Southwestern – just the seventh to be performed in the world.

Carlos Timaran, M.D.

May 22, 2018