Category: OHH News

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and many other diseases. Smoking is responsible for roughly 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke as well.

The sinus node is a natural pacemaker for the heart. Sick sinus syndrome keeps this node from functioning the way it should, which results in an arrhythmia that can worsen other conditions and increase the risk of stroke.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a specific set of guidelines for operative care that help patients get back to normal faster after surgery. ERAS also lowers opioid use, length of stay, and 30-day readmission rates.

Vascular surgery is used to treat issues with the arteries or veins that carry blood throughout the body. New minimally invasive techniques for vascular surgery help reduce recovery time for patients.

Heart rhythm issues are often easily managed with medication or other medical interventions, but it’s important to educate your family and friends about your heart rhythm disorder and any symptoms they should watch for.

Chronic Care Management is a specialized program for Medicare patients with two or more chronic conditions. Heart conditions are often one of the biggest needs, and we’ve been helping patients in this program for many years.

While there are some less invasive options available, sometimes open heart surgery is still necessary. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after open heart surgery.

There are two main types of medications for patients with heart rhythm issues. Antiarrhythmic medications help regulate the heart rhythm while anticoagulants can help reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.

Hospital-acquired infections occur when a patient who is already hospitalized contracts another infection, such as staph, MRSA, C. Diff, or other infection. Proper protocols by healthcare providers and visitors can help reduce the risk.

The Watchman is an implantable device that can reduce the risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation and allow patients with Afib to stop taking blood thinners.

Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, can be caused by many different things. Learn the basics of why heart rhythm issues happen.

Through a partnership between Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation (OHHRF) and Mercy Hospital, the Clinic for the Uninsured provides specialized care for patients who otherwise may not be able to afford important preventative care and life-saving cardiovascular treatments.

The heart’s electrical system is fascinating and complex as it sends signals from one section of the heart to another so it can pump blood to the body. Many common heart issues originate with a misfiring or interruption of the electrical system.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death for women in the United States. Each February we celebrate Go Red for Women to raise awareness of heart health for women.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves lives. When the heart stops beating due to cardiac arrest, CPR can keep blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until medical personnel arrive.

Sleep is important for the body to rest and repair itself, and it’s especially important to cardiac health. The OHH Sleep Center helps diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders that may impact cardiac health.

Pregnancy adds extra strain to the heart, which can sometimes result in heart rhythm issues developing during pregnancy. Most are not a major cause for concern, but some cardiac problems pose a higher risk.

Are you prepared for medical emergencies? Having the right medical documents in place helps ensure that medical care you receive aligns with your wishes even if you can’t communicate.

When plaque builds up on artery walls, it slows blood flow, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. A HeartView CT at Oklahoma Heart Hospital can help assess your risk for arterial disease.

A heart rhythm disorder, also known as an arrhythmia, occurs when the heart doesn’t beat normally. There are many different types of arrhythmias, and most can be treated with medication or catheter ablation procedures.