February is Heart Month! It's time to become heart healthy. In support of Heart Month and the Million Hearts initiative, a national effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 2017, we have decided to create a list of lifestyle changes you can make to be heart healthy this…
Sudden Cardiac Arrest – What is it and what can you do about it?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: What is it? Sudden cardiac arrest is defined as the sudden or abrupt loss of heart function. Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening event that will lead to death (i.e. sudden cardiac death or SCD) if left untreated or poorly managed. Up to 80% of people who suffer SCD have coronary artery…
Eliquis versus Warfarin – Which is Best?
When deciding what type of blood thinner is best, the question of Eliquis versus Warfarin often arises. Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are a class of medications that “thin” or prolong the time it takes for your blood to form a blood clot. Simply put, blood thinners stop blood clots. The usefulness of blood thinners…
What is the Age of My Heart? – Calculate Your Own Heart Age
“Heart Age” is the name for the estimated age of a person's heart and vascular system based on their overall cardiovascular health – or lack of cardiovascular health. Your estimated heart age, when compared to your actual age, is a new and simplified way for cardiologists to show your risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular…
What is a Normal Heart Rate?
Everyone wants to know what is normal, especially when it comes to heart health. Basic questions that are often asked or searched on the internet include: How do I determine a heart rate? What is a normal heart rate or pulse rate? What is a normal resting heart rate? What is a normal exercising heart…
Ideal Blood Pressure – What Do the New Guidelines Say?
Blood pressure is perhaps the most accurate “2 minute” health test that exists. However, what used to be considered a healthy diastolic or systolic count isn’t necessarily still the same. Get up to date with the most recent blood pressure guidelines released by the World Health Organization & Center for Disease Control. It’s information worth knowing!
High Blood Cholesterol – What Do the New Guidelines Say?
This article by cardiologist Dr. Jason Guichard outlines the updated high blood cholesterol guidelines so you can make informed decisions regarding your diet, possible blood pressure medications, and more.
What is Heart Failure? – Everything You Need To Know
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a very common heart condition. As doctors, we understand exactly what we mean when this diagnosis is given, but for the patient it is often a different story. The words “heart failure” lead people to assume that their heart has “given up” and is actually…
Cardiac Biomarkers – Is It All About Troponin?
Question asked by @Saroonahadnan via Twitter: I have question about...what is the first cardiac marker in a heart attack? A troponin or CK-MB? Appreciate your help. Answered by Dr. Guichard: There are three generally accepted cardiac biomarkers that are analyzed as a panel - creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin…
Heart Failure – How Much Salt Can I Eat?
By Jason L. Guichard MD, PhD Even though the term “heart failure” sounds incurable and fatal, most patients with heart failure are still able to live long and healthy lives. The key to heart failure management is early diagnosis and treatment, including lifestyle changes. The treatment of heart failure is complex and individualized to each…
