OHH News

Clinical research trials are an important step in creating and testing new procedures and medicines to treat a wide range of health conditions. These are frequently asked questions about clinical trials at Oklahoma Heart Hospital.

When it comes to your brain and heart, the health of one directly affects the health of the other.  Heart problems can lead to memory decline in several different ways.

There are many different medical terms you might hear if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a heart rhythm issue. This glossary highlights some of the most common terms.

Plant-based and plant-forward diets are increasing in popularity. Eating more vegetables and fruits and fewer animal products can make a difference for your heart health.

Dental health and heart health are connected more than many people realize. Bad dental hygiene habits can increase blood pressure, interfere with hypertension medications, and worsen heart valve infections.

Conduction disorders are a general type of heart rhythm issue that occurs when something blocks or impairs the electrical signals in the heart. While some conduction disorders are mild and have no symptoms, others are much more serious.

High levels of sodium are a direct cause of high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, plaque buildup, and other cardiovascular issues.

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.