Author: eri

Baltazar Lost Over 100 lbs. and Lost Diabetes, Too.

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“As a construction worker, it was very hard to get my job done as an overweight person. Many times, I got home with a lot of pain in my legs and knees from climbing ladders and stairs. I thought several times that I would give up on everything.

After two surgeries to control the swelling on my legs didn’t help, my doctor talked to me about bariatric surgery. We decided to get more information about it, and that was the best decision of my life!

We researched different places for weight loss surgery, but the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital had the best program, team and tools to help you get through your bariatric surgery process.

My life has improved 200% after surgery! I’ve lost more than 100 pounds and am off type II diabetes medication, and have reduced my heart attack risk. I’ve also stopped smoking after 30 years and drinking alcohol.

It isn’t easy in the beginning, but don’t get mad and overthink everything, just follow the program and you will be successful. I am proof of that.

I thank Dr. J.J. Tucker, nurses, dieticians, receptionists, office and hospital staff, and my family for guiding me through this journey. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Learn more about the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute and how it can help you reach your health goals here.

Tiffany Lost Over 115 lbs. and Gained Mobility

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Tiffany’s lifelong struggle with weight, coupled with chronic back pain, persistent fatigue and restless nights, took a toll on her wellbeing. Then her world was upended when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which made her rely on a wheelchair.

At 280 pounds, she became determined to change the course of her life by exploring weight loss surgery options. She was encouraged by friends who went through bariatric surgery at the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital, and decided it was the right place for her.

“I watched my friends be successful in losing and keep it off,” she said. “They used BMI and told me that it was the place to go. It’s phenomenal!”

She met with Dr. J.D. Fuller, bariatric and general surgeon, and the BMI team, and was filled with hope for the first time in years. She left her first appointment with a plan to move forward with gastric sleeve surgery.

“I was set up for success,” she said. “The dietitians and information provided are top-notch, and they are available through email and an app if I have any questions. The program is easy to follow because I have all the resources I need.”

After losing 116 pounds, Tiffany has regained her quality of life.

“I have multiple sclerosis and had three back surgeries,” she said. “Losing weight has helped my pain level so much! I no longer need a wheelchair all the time. I’m off four prescription medications…no high blood pressure, high heart rate or glucose medications. I have energy during the day, and I sleep great at night.”

With the encouragement of the Encore Medical Center and BMI teams, Tiffany found lasting weight loss, and finds fulfillment in encouraging others to take the first step to a better life, too.

“Everyone at Encore is fantastic – from Shelly when you walk in the door to every nurse, dietitian, APRN, office and cleaning staff,” she said. “If you’re on the fence about weight loss surgery, my advice is check out BMI…you won’t regret it!”

Learn more about the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute and how it can help you reach your health goals here.

Pamela Lost Over 75 lbs. and Gained Energy

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“In 2010 I was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Graves’ disease, which caused my thyroid to stop working. I also suffered with fibroid tumors and underwent years of treatment for endometriosis, which eventually led to a total hysterectomy in 2012.

During this time, I gained 80 pounds. The extra weight hurt my self-esteem and my joints, so I couldn’t do the things I used to, like dancing, working out and just enjoying life.

I also started having problems with my lower back and knees, and I had to get steroid injections in my left hip. I knew the steroids were not good and added to my weight gain. I eventually had a total hip replacement in 2021.

I tried everything I knew to do to lose weight with minimal results. I did Weight Watchers, Noom, HCG drops, Adipex, the keto diet and any other fad diet you could think of.

I decided to have bariatric surgery because my blood pressure was becoming unmanageable with medication. But the biggest factor for me having surgery was that I was afraid my next diagnosis would be diabetes. I lost my father, two sisters, nieces, nephews and other family members to this disease and I did not want to have to deal with that.

I underwent gastric sleeve surgery in January 2023, and had the most amazing experience with Dr. J.D. Fuller, bariatric and general surgeon, and his team. I had issues with my insurance in getting approval, but the patient liaisons were very knowledgeable and walked me through the process.

Since surgery, life is great and I feel like my old self again. I love going out and shopping for new clothes, and I like the reflection looking back at me. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, and it makes me smile to see that look in his eye that says, ‘That’s my wife. Doesn’t she look good?’ But the most important victory is being able to keep up with my grandkids.

I encourage others interested in surgery to do it! Do it to live and not for vanity. Take charge of your health if you want to live a full life free of all the medications and limitations due to excess weight. Do your research first because you really need to know the pros and cons. And if you decide to go forward with the surgery, be committed to a lifestyle change to live your best life.”

Learn more about the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute and how it can help you reach your health goals here.

The Heart Screening That Saved Jewell’s Life (And Why You Should Schedule Your “Keep the Beat” Today)

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When Jewell and his brother came to Arkansas Heart Hospital for Keep the Beat heart screenings, they were simply precautionary. Jewell’s brother’s screening came back fine – but Jewell’s found several previously undetected health concerns.

“He got a good report and mine was terrible,” he remembers. He had a severe multi-vessel blockage, calling for medications and further testing. “I really wasn’t having any significant warning signs. Maybe very mild chest discomfort.”

To repair the blockage, Jewell underwent a heart catheter procedure with Dr. Wesley Lane, as well as a bypass with Dr. Mark Hardin. He continues to follow up with KTB, recently starting cardiac rehab and anticipating peripheral procedures for bilateral leg pain.

Stories like Jewell’s are exactly why Keep the Beat exists – to help patients prevent heart disease before it becomes a threat. Jewell is just 49 years old and says he wants to live a long life to share with his kids and grandkids. Keep the Beat has already helped him commit to a healthier lifestyle, with changes like tobacco cessation, a heart-healthy diet and daily walks.

“I drive over 200 miles weekly to do my rehab at the Heart Hospital clinic,” he said. “I do this because I have that much faith in the Heart Hospital staff! I hope to live longer now that I’ve had the procedure so that I can spend more time with my grandkids.”

Schedule your Keep the Beat heart screening today!

Keep the Beat is a heart screening and educational program provided only by Arkansas Heart Hospital. The screening builds a cardiovascular risk profile based on nine components, eliminating uncertainty and helping patients move forward with a healthier lifestyle and risk management resources. Click here to learn more or schedule your heart screening appointment.

How can women control the risks for heart disease?

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States – it kills more women than AIDS, lung disease, cancers and traffic accidents combined. Studies show that one in five women will die of heart disease – so how can they control the risks for heart disease to prevent it?

Common Risks for Heart Disease

While heart disease can be genetic, it can also develop as a result of certain lifestyles. One of the most powerful tools women can use to fight heart disease is an awareness of their own risk. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you have a history of heart disease in your family?
  • Could certain foods be contributing to poor heart health?
  • Are you exercising regularly and properly?
  • Do you experience high blood pressure?
  • Are you overweight or obese?
  • Do you have high cholesterol?
  • Do you smoke?

PROACTIVELY PROTECT YOUR HEART

If the answer is yes to any of these questions and you’re age 30 or older, you should consider a heart screening. Regardless of how a risk develops, Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Keep the Beat program builds a complete profile of a patient’s heart health and what their risk factors may be. The program even goes beyond identifying risks and helps patients become proactive in protecting their heart health through extensive, detailed testing, nutrition counseling and more. And best of all – Keep the Beat takes only an hour to complete.

Heart disease can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Symptoms of heart disease are different in women than men, and simply being aware of their risks for heart disease puts women a step ahead in living a healthier life. So schedule a Keep the Beat screening for you and your loved ones today.

 

 

A Special Approach to Cardiac Care

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Your heart is special. It powers us through our most important moments, and takes care of our bodies at our lowest. It can soar or it can skip a beat. That’s why Arkansas Heart Hospital is dedicated entirely to taking care of it – and why your heart deserves specialized care.

What is special about our approach?

We know how critical a healthy heart is to a healthy body. It’s through our highest expectations in quality and excellence through innovation that we’re able to keep our patients’ hearts healthy for years to come. Here are a few more reasons why our approach is special: 

  • We’re among the first in the world to perform many procedures
  • We’ve been named among the world’s best hospitals
  • Our providers are recruited from around the world and each specializes in cardiac care, meaning that patients are receiving the most thorough expertise available
  • Our dedicated model of patient-focused care that centers around taking services to the patient rather than transporting a patient to various services

Everything about the patient experience at Arkansas Heart Hospital – from the team we assemble to the meals our patients eat – is chosen with the goal of delivering the highest quality of care. 

Want to learn more about our patient-centered, specialized cardiac care? Discover our wide range of cardiac care services or ask your primary care provider for a referral today. You can also sign up for our Keep the Beat heart screening today — it’s a quick, painless way to assess and develop your personalized cardiovascular risk profile.

Something this special deserves specialized care

How A Keep the Beat Heart Screening Saved This Man’s Life

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When Randy’s wife bought him a Keep the Beat heart screening, it was meant to just be precautionary – Randy was perfectly healthy and showed no symptoms of heart disease. But what the screening found changed everything for him.

Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Keep the Beat program builds a nine-component cardiovascular risk profile that allows patients and doctors to determine appropriate next steps. Patients receive counseling from a qualified healthcare professional and educational materials related to the treatment and prevention of heart disease, catered directly to the findings of their testing.

Instead of gifting him with a nice dinner, Randy’s wife decided to purchase a Keep the Beat screening as a gift, to assess his risk for heart disease. His cardiovascular risk profile identified three blockages in his heart – this screening was a life-saving gift!

This came as a shock to both Randy and his wife, and he underwent triple bypass surgery to fix the blockages and prevent a heart attack. While this was never something he would’ve predicted, Randy feels grateful that Keep the Beat was able to identify his blockages before they became life-threatening.

Randy said “I think everybody should get it done, just to be on the safe side, whether they find anything wrong or not. If they go in there and find everything is clear, that’s great. But if they get in there and find you have a clot, you get it taken care of before you have a heart attack.”

Keep the Beat heart screenings are half off when purchased during the month of February, and can be redeemed at any point within the next year. These screenings are life-saving, even for patients with no visible symptoms of heart disease. To purchase a screening, click here.

Welcome New Heart Rhythm Cardiologist Dr. Michael Loguidice

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We’re proud to welcome Dr. Mike Loguidice to the Heart Rhythm Institute, a team of expert electrophysiologists who study and treat heart issues connected to cardiac arrhythmia. Dr. Loguidice is a cardiologist who is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Dr. Loguidice completed both his undergraduate coursework and medical degree in Philadelphia.  He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his medical degree at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.  He then moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to complete his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of Virginia Medical Center.  After residency, he moved to Dallas, Texas where he completed both his General Cardiology Fellowship and Advanced Fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Loguidice treats heart rhythm disorders such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and ventricular tachycardia with simple and complex atrial and ventricular catheter ablation therapy, cardioversions, and anti-arrhythmic medications.  He implants traditional and leadless pacemakers for bradycardia, traditional and subcutaneous defibrillators for prevention of sudden cardiac death, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices and cardiac contractility modulators for patients with severe heart failure, and the Watchman device in select patients with atrial fibrillation.

In his free time, he enjoys playing his guitar, seeing live music, and engaging in an active life style through hiking, running, kayaking and yoga.

Suncreen Best Practices Q&A with Dr. Peyton Card

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With summertime activities in full swing, it’s more important now than ever to make sure you’re protecting your skin.  We sat down to talk with Dr. Peyton Card to ask a few common questions about sunscreen best practices.

Q. There are so many types of sunscreen out there, how do you know which kind to choose?

A. I recommend using a mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium oxide) sunscreen. It’s the best option right now. Mineral-based sunscreens work by making a protective layer on top of your skin, so not as much is absorbed into your body. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 30. There is debate over the efficiency of going above 50 SPF. Try to make sure the sunscreen is water and sweat resistant.

Q. How soon prior to sun exposure should sunscreen be applied?

A. Aim to apply sunscreen thirty minutes before sun exposure, if possible. If you can’t apply half an hour prior, just apply when you can. Any amount is better than none.

Q. How often should you reapply?

A. How often you reapply depends on if you’re in or out of the water. If you’re not in the water, you can apply every couple of hours. If you’re in the water or sweating, it will wear off quicker, so aim to reapply every forty minutes to an hour. The more frequent the better. Err on the side of caution when it comes to sun exposure.

Q. If you have darker skin and don’t burn easily, do you still need to wear sunscreen?

A. YES! All skin types benefit from sunscreen. You don’t have to burn in order for cancer-forming sun damage to occur. Sun rays can still damage skin through the clouds, too.

Q. What kind of sunscreen do you recommend for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin?

A. A zinc oxide sunscreen should be okay on sensitive skin. Those with acne may benefit from alcohol-based sunscreens to avoid breakouts. Clothing is another great option to minimize sun exposure. Long sleeved, dark, tight knit fabrics block sun rays best.

As you enjoy this summer with outdoor activities, don’t forget these sunscreen best practices. For more great advice on your health, check out our other heart health tips from Arkansas Heart Hospital’s experts.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

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Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, with thousands of patients affected every year. Learn more about CAD from our cardiovascular surgery experts by reading below.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is a progressive thickening of the walls of the blood vessels due to atherosclerosis (deposits of cholesterol, fats and calcium). The thickened wall causes the vessel to narrow, thus decreasing blood flow to heart muscle. This process can be compared to rust and sludge buildup in plumbing.

What causes coronary artery disease?

Some causes have been identified and associated with coronary artery disease. They are classified as changeable and unchangeable risk factors.

Changeable

  •   Cigarette smoking
  •   High blood pressure
  •   High cholesterol
  •   High glucose levels
  •   Obesity
  •   Lack of regular exercise
  •   Stress

Unchangeable

  •   Family history of coronary artery disease
  •   Gender (males are more prone)
  •   Age
  •   Diabetes

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

The major symptom of coronary artery disease is angina. Angina occurs due to decreased oxygen to the heart muscle. Everyone can experience angina in a different way. It may be felt as chest pain or pressure that radiates to the neck, jaw or arms; shortness of breath; or indigestion. Usually angina is brought on by exercise, stress or excitement, exposure to the cold, or after eating a heavy meal when the heart must work harder. Angina can occur at rest, which may indicate more serious disease.

Women frequently have different signs of coronary disease than men. They may only notice increasing fatigue, decreasing activity tolerance or toothaches, but these symptoms can be as serious as angina. If the blood flow is severely restricted to an area of the heart muscle, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) may result, which is the death of a portion of the heart muscle. The pain associated with heart attack, unlike that of angina, is not relieved with nitroglycerin and rest.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

Your doctor may recommend heart surgery when the pain or other symptoms are not manageable by medications and lifestyle changes alone. Or, you may have critical narrowing in vessels that diminish the blood flow to a large portion of the heart muscle, placing you at risk for a disabling heart attack.

The surgeon must bypass the obstruction in the artery since it cannot be dissolved or removed. Bypassing the blockages will supply the necessary oxygen, thereby relieving angina and increasing the function of the heart.

At Arkansas Heart Hospital, our cardiovascular surgery team has over 60 years of collective experience and is equipped to perform all kinds of procedures to help patients with coronary artery disease. Learn more about cardiovascular surgery here.