Amanda Thompson joined WakeMed in August 2018 and is the leader for WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular procedural, diagnostic, cardiac nursing and critical care units. Here, Amanda tells us a little about her career, her favorite fall traditions, how COVID-19 has impacted her, and some exciting innovations coming for heart and vascular patients. Q: What are […]
Author: WakeMed Heart & Vascular

The Wonderful World of Gardening
*This article was re-printed from WakeMed Heart to Heart Magazine. Subscribe Today! From beautiful flowers and fresh produce to the numerous mental and physical benefits it provides – there’s no arguing that gardening is good for you. If you’ve never tried your hand at gardening, the great news it’s never too late to start. From the very […]

The Many Benefits of Plant-Based Eating
Summer is here, and healthy, fresh greens, veggies and fruits are plentiful. If ever there was an ideal time to try a plant-based diet, it’s right now. The benefits of plant-based eating are abundant – particularly when it comes to heart health. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, eating a vegetarian diet […]

When Gardening Gets Tough
*This article was re-printed from WakeMed Heart to Heart Magazine. Subscribe Today! An avid gardener, Johnny Johnson is a retired power lineman who is no stranger to heart disease. He’s been fighting it for more than 20 years – with several stents and a stroke already behind him. Earlier this year, his symptoms were just subtle enough […]

COVID-19 and the Heart
*This article was re-printed from WakeMed Heart to Heart Magazine. Subscribe Today! COVID-19 brings so many questions for all of us, but for patients with heart disease – those questions often come with greater worry from people who are already managing health problems and risk factors. We’ve consulted several experts from our WakeMed Heart & […]

Heart Healthy Food Shopping
Planning a trip to the grocery store this weekend? Pump up your heart health by choosing foods that are low in sodium. Reducing Your Sodium Intake Nearly ninety percent of Americans consume too much sodium. If you are trying to reduce your salt intake here are some tips to help guide you when grocery shopping: […]

Keep Your Heart in the Game!
The big game can spike stress hormones, taking a toll on your heart and your health. Whether you’re rooting for your team or getting overly excited about a favorite commercial, our bodies respond to intensity by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. For anyone with heart disease or other known risk factors, such as diabetes, […]

Sweet, Heart-Healthy Apple Recipes
View a printable version of these recipes here. Baked Apples with Walnuts serves 4 INGREDIENTS 4 Apples, Granny Smith, fresh 1/8 c. walnuts, chopped ¼ c. dried cranberries 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. orange juice INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut out the core of […]

Why Movement Matters
Exercise is one of the greatest things anyone can do for their health, but for diabetics – the health benefits are even more significant than for most. Here are some top reasons to get you motivated and moving! Move More For Better Heart Health. Here’s Why! #1 – It improves your insulin sensitivity. If you […]

5 Strategies to Add 10+ Years to Your Life
*This article originally appeared in WakeMed’s Heart to Heart Magazine. Do you want to really enjoy your golden years? Living longer can provide an opportunity to enjoy retirement, travel, spend time with grandchildren or simply take time to slow down while feeling your best. Most of us know adopting a heart healthy lifestyle can improve […]