The heart is a complex organ made of muscle that is powered by electrical impulses. Every heart comes equipped with what cardiac electrophysiologists (cardiologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems with the heart’s electrical system) like to call a ‘biological pacemaker,’ which is the heart’s natural electrical system (also known as the sinus node). […]
“I would have periodic episodes of a very rapid heart rate, and I discounted them for about six months,” shares Courtney Ammons, a Wake County high school chemistry teacher. Because she had hyperthyroidism, she experienced rapid heart beats occasionally, so she assumed this was an unwanted side effect of her condition. After an eventful day […]
On December 5, 2022, after a long day at work, Rex Austin went home, grabbed a bite to eat and settled in for the evening, but his relaxation was short lived. Around 5:00 pm, he noticed his heart began beating incredibly fast. “My shirt seemed to bounce with the fast rhythm of my heart, and […]
September is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a disease that affects more than eight million Americans ages 40 and older. Common risk factors include the following: A history of smoking Kidney problems Diabetes Overweight/obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol. Your risk increases with age, and incidence of PAD is higher among African Americans. While […]
It’s the call that sends chills down the spine of every parent of a new teen driver. In April 2023, Franklin Landers received “the call” from his daughter. Her car had stalled, and she was stranded in highway traffic. Franklin, a dad and WakeMed pharmacist, immediately went to the scene. “She’s a brand new driver, […]
Pickled, smashed, or tossed on a salad — cucumbers are a versatile and hydrating food to enjoy as part of a heart-healthy diet. Offering a cooling effect and a versatile flavor profile, they’re the perfect summer vegetable. The great news is that cucumbers are easy to find in North Carolina, as our state ranks third […]
Jade DeBerry’s story began in February 2007, when at just 23 years old, she experienced a severe cough and shortness of breath. Jade visited the emergency room where a series of tests and scans were run, including one to test her ejection fraction rate. An Idiopathic Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosis An ejection fraction rate is […]
In the winter, cross-country skiing is a sport favored by many, blending exercise with fresh, mountain air and scenic snowy terrain. However, given our local climate where snow and skiing are rare opportunities, we have Nordic walking to fill the gap. Nordic walking offers a higher intensity workout when brisk walking isn’t quite enough. It […]
“Deb reached across our bed to give my hand a good morning squeeze. Per our new morning routine, I shook my pajama sleeve back, so she could scan my arm band and administer my morning medication. Then it dawned on me. I was home. It was my wife, not a nurse, waking me up. What […]
April is National Pickleball Month, and it gives us a good incentive to encourage participation in this heart-healthy sport. Borrowing elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball is one of the most popular new sport trends to sweep the nation. In 2022, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reported that pickleball is America’s fastest-growing […]
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