Experts at the American College of Cardiology say that a simple cardiovascular assessment at an OB/GYNs office may improve women’s heart health by boosting the prevention of heart disease and providing critical education to at-risk women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US, but many are not aware of screening [...]
Some of Virginia’s top physicians have chosen to call Bon Secours home and we’re proud of the work they do every day. Bon Secours Heart & Vascular Institute is the only open-heart surgery facility in Western Hampton Roads. With world-class physicians, innovative procedures and top-notch technology right here in Hampton Roads, your heart is in very good hands. Bon Secours Cardiac Health News
Air Pop the Popcorn
March 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Yes, popcorn dripping in butter, salt and oil is not good for you. But if you use a hot air popper, popcorn can be a great source of fiber and polyphenols, which have been linked to reducing heart disease and certain cancers. In fact, a new study from researchers at the University of Scranton in [...]
Ready to Work Out?
March 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In an effort to promote good health, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America has created a free exercise risk assessment called AFAA’s Fitness Triage®. The 32-item questionnaire gauges whether someone may be ready to begin exercising or should seek clearance from their physician, although it is not a substitute for medical advice. Federal health [...]
Study: BPA May Increase Heart Disease Risk
March 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Researchers are calling for government agencies to investigate a possible link between bisphenol-A and heart disease. The endocrine disruptor, often found in the lining of food and soda cans, already has been linked to infertility, higher risks of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes and obesity. Now, a new study found that “healthy people with higher [...]
Java Love
March 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Coffee drinkers rejoice: your favorite morning beverage may not put you at higher risk for heart disease and cancer. In fact, it may lower your chances for developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study from Germany that included more than 40,000 people. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at [...]
Take Action to Lower Your Blood Pressure
March 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Did you know that one in three adults have hypertension? Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If the pressure remains above the normal range of 120/80 or less it can lead to a greater risk for stroke, [...]
Lack of Sleep May Be Killing Your Heart
February 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Have you been getting all your Zzzz’s lately? If you’re constantly tired or snoring so loudly that your partner can’t sleep, you may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies have linked sleep-related conditions, like obstructive sleep apnea, to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and disorders, including coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, and atrial [...]
Winter Chill Threatens Those With Heart Disease
February 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Cold weather can place additional physical stress on the body. Conditions like hypothermia, in which an individual’s body falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit leading to a lack of coordination and mental confusion, can strike outdoor sports enthusiasts or athletes unexpectedly. Those with heart disease are particularly at risk for health complications from the cold – [...]
Tackling the Cost of Excessive Testing
February 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest U.S. medical specialty group, is trying to cut rising medical costs by developing a set of guidelines to help doctors better identify when patients should be screened for specific diseases and when they can be spared the additional high cost of these screenings. Numbers show that excessive [...]
Mary Immaculate Hospital’s Sterile Processing Department Featured on TODAY Health
February 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Spurred into action by a growing problem with dirty surgical instruments in the operating room, NBC News Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman investigated the wide range of instruments used during surgical procedures and the care with which they are handled. She explored the sterilization process and regulations. The story highlights a patient who is [...]
