Author: Holland Doran

What Are Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease?

Posted on by Holland Doran

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. It is also one of the most preventable causes of death when you know your risk and make appropriate lifestyle changes.

“Lifestyle changes are one of the most effective ways to get cardiovascular disease risk factors under control and prevent heart disease or keep the heart from getting sicker,” says Dr. Andre Paixao, cardiologist at Arkansas Heart Hospital.

While most cardiovascular disease risk factors are controllable, there are some that you cannot control. Continue reading for more information on each.

Heart disease risk factors you can control

Blood Pressure

  • Normal blood pressure is: 120/80 
  • Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89 
  • Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159/90-100 
  • Stage 2 Hypertension: 160 (or higher)/100 (or higher) 
  • Hypertension Crisis: 180 (or higher)/110 (or higher) 

Diabetes

  • People with diabetes or a family history of diabetes have higher-than-normal cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack risk.

Body Weight

  • 30% or more above your ideal weight sharply increases your risk of developing heart disease. 
  • Women tend to be more overweight than men. 

Diet

Stress

  • Everyone has a certain amount of emotional stress every day, but the ability to handle stress varies a great deal. 

Sedentary Lifestyle

  • Exercise that stimulates the heart and lungs for long periods of time is essential to prevent hardening of the arteries. It keeps cholesterol down, burns calories and increases the efficiency of the heart.  
  • The American Heart Association advises to aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least five times a week. “Most patients who exercise believe they are doing this but may not actually be exercising with enough intensity to do their heart any good,” says Dr. Paixao. “Fitness bands and exercise trackers are good ways to make sure you’re getting the proper exercise to keep your heart healthy.”  

Personality Type

  • Research has shown that certain types of personalities are more frequently associated with heart attacks than others. For example, a hard-driving, aggressive person is more prone to suffer heart attacks. 
  • Anger can be a risk factor. Losing your temper can double your risk of heart attack within the next two hours. 

Cholesterol

  • Your total cholesterol level should be 200 or below. 
  • Your HDL – good cholesterol – should be 40 or above for men, 50 or above for women. The higher the number the more protection your coronary arteries have from heart disease. 
  • Your LDL – the amount of cholesterol you take in through your diet – should be kept below 100. If you are a cardiovascular patient, your LDL should be kept at 70 or below. 
  • High fat foods can raise blood cholesterol and cause fat to be deposited in the arteries.

Smoking

  • Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of disability and death from heart attacks. 
  • Smokers have four times more risk of heart attacks and strokes than non-smokers. 
  • More smokers die from heart disease than from cancer. 
  • A smoker’s life expectancy is reduced by 15-19 years. 

Heart disease risk factors you cannot control

Age

  • For both men and women, the risk of heart attack increases with age. 
  • More than half of all heart attack victims are over the age of 65. 

Family History

Gender

  • Men statistically have more heart attacks than women. 
  • Women are twice as likely to die from their first heart attack. 
  • Women before the age of menopause have fewer heart attacks. 
  • Men and women often have different warning signs. 

Arkansas Heart Hospital recommends you talk with your primary care physician on effective ways to lower your risk for developing CVD.  

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime to anyone, often without warning. That’s why it’s vital to know how to use an AED. Arkansas Heart Hospital walks you through the steps. 

Three Sweet, Heart Healthy Snacks

Posted on by Holland Doran

When 2 p.m. rolls around, most of us are looking for a snack. But it’s not always easy to find heart healthy, sweet snacks that are good for your heart and your waistline. Don’t fear. Arkansas Heart Hospital dieticians are here.

Our nutrition experts got in the kitchen and crafted easy, sweet and heart healthy snacks that are perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack or a bite before your workout.

Honey Nut Granola

Ingredients:  

  • 4 cups rolled oats   
  • 1 cup sliced almonds   
  • 1 cup chopped pecans   
  • 1 cup raw sunflower seeds   
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled)   
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil   
  • ½ cup honey (for less sugar added, use Swerve granulated sugar substitute)  
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract   
  • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon   

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  
  2. In a large bowl, stir oats, nuts and sunflower seeds together. In a separate bowl, mix oil, honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients and mix well.  
  3. Spread mixture onto two ungreased baking sheets and bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. 
  4. Remove the sheet from the oven and stir. Return to oven and continue baking until golden brown for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool before storing.   
  5. Add dried fruit such as blueberries, kiwi, apricots or cranberries if desired.   

Servings: 10    

Serving size: ½ cup

Per Serving:   

  • Calories: 528 calories   
  • Fat: 36 grams   
  • Sodium: 5 mg   
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 grams   
  • Dietary Fiber: 8 grams   
  • Total Sugars: 16 grams  
  • Protein: 13 grams   
  • Potassium: 452 mg   
  • Magnesium: 168 mg   
  • Iron: 4 mg   

Honey nut granola recipe

Energy Bites

  • Prep time: 15 minutes   
  • Total time: 15 minutes   
  • Makes 14-15 servings   

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup pitted dates. If dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.  
  • 3 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (for less sugar added, use unsweetened)   
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (for less sugar added, use extremely dark chocolate or Lillie’s chocolate)  
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds, whole   
  • 2/3 cup oats   

Directions:  

  1. Pulse pitted dates in a food processor or blender until they are small pieces that can form into a ball. If you do not have a blender, you can cut the dates with a knife. 
  2. Add oats, melted chocolate, chia seeds and peanut butter and pulse until well combined. Small consistent pieces are desired, but not overly processed.   
  3. Carefully roll into one-inch balls.   
  4. To set, pop in fridge or freezer for 15 minutes.  
  5. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week; freeze for up to one month.    

Energy balls recipe

Dark Chocolate Bark With Strawberries and Pistachios

Ingredients: 

  • 16 oz. Dark chocolate (at least 72% cocoa) melted 
  • 1 cup freeze dried strawberries, chopped 
  • ½ cup pistachios, chopped 
  • ½ cup toasted coconut, chopped 
  • Sprinkle of salt 

Instructions:  

  1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. 
  2. Microwave chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring in between intervals, until melted.  
  3. Stir half of the ingredients into the chocolate and pour the mixture onto the parchment paper. Spread it evenly with a spatula.  
  4. Top the mixture with the remaining ingredients.  
  5. Refrigerate 30 minutes to one hour.  
  6. Use a sharp knife to break the bark into bit-size pieces. 

—

Head to our blog to find more heart healthy recipes for every meal plan, occasion and season.  

If you’re ready to start your journey to a healthier, active lifestyle, our team is here to discuss the best bariatric surgery option for you. Visit bmi.arheart.com to learn more, see if you qualify for surgery and to watch our free, no-commitment online seminar. 

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Posted on by Holland Doran

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a scary sounding name for a fairly common disease. CHF means that the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s demands. This weakened pump frequently results in fluid backing up in your lungs or legs and abdomen.

With Arkansas Heart Hospital’s advanced CHF treatments and one-on-one guidance in creating healthy lifestyle changes, patients’ CHF can be successfully managed and even reversed.

“Arkansas Heart Hospital’s goal is to prevent hospitalizations and improve heart failure patients’ quality of life,” said CHF Clinic’s Hannah Mitchell, APRN. “We provide intensive individualized and compassionate care to give our patients the very best chance to live a longer, happier life.”

CHF Risk Factors

Certain conditions can increase your risk for heart failure, including:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Unhealthy behaviors can also increase your risk for heart failure, including:
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Eating foods high in fat, cholesterol and sodium
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

CHF Symptoms

Common symptoms of new or worsening CHF:

  • Shortness of breath that is worse when you lay down or sleep
  • Swollen feet, ankles and legs
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Persistent cough or wheezing
  • Tightness in belly
  • Increased fatigue and shortness of breath with routine activity
  • Rapid weight gain of three pounds in a day or five pounds or more in a week
  • Nausea and lack of appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
  • Chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack

CHF Treatment

Being diagnosed with CHF does not mean you can’t enjoy life. With proper treatment and your active involvement in committing to lifestyle changes (most importantly, a low sodium diet), you can significantly improve your symptoms, feel better, and live a longer and more active life.

Lifestyle Changes You Can Control

Quit Smoking
Heart failure patients that quit smoking have a 30 percent lower rate of death than those who smoke. This improvement in death rates from quitting smoking is the about the same benefit that patients gain from taking important heart failure medications.

Maintain or Lose Weight
Obesity can raise your risk of developing a variety of heart-related conditions, including CHF. It changes your cholesterol levels, raises your blood pressure and can lead to diabetes, all risk factors for CHF. Losing just five pounds can decrease your risk for CHF.

Avoiding or Limiting Alcohol
The cardiovascular system is affected by alcohol. Excessive, long-term drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke.

Be Physically Active
Exercise lowers your blood pressure, controls or helps you lose weight, strengthens muscles, stops or slows the development of diabetes, lowers stress and reduces inflammation – all things that are vital to preventing and managing CHF.

Limit Sodium
If you eat too much sodium, you will pull excess fluid into your blood stream that your weakened heart will have to pump. It’s recommended that you eat no more than 2,000 mg of sodium daily (unless otherwise directed by your doctor).

Limit Fluid
If you have heart failure and are taking strong diuretics, you usually need to limit fluid intake. Otherwise, you will undo the work of the diuretics in pulling fluid out of your bloodstream. You should limit your fluid intake to 64 ounces a day (unless otherwise directed by your doctor).

Monitor the Scale
Increases in your daily weight are an important sign of worsening heart failure. A rapid weight gain of three pounds overnight or five or more pounds in a week is usually due to fluid overload. Keeping a record of your daily weights will help you identify fluid overload at the early stages so you can contact your healthcare provider who can adjust your medications to keep you out of the hospital.

Manage Stress
Stress can increase inflammation in your body, which in turn is linked to factors that can hurt your heart. You can manage stress through deep breathing, exercising, eating well, limiting social media time and connecting with others.

Arkansas Heart Hospital CardioMEMS Program

Arkansas Heart Hospital is proud to offer CHF treatment through our CardioMEMS Program. The CardioMEMS system provides early detection of worsening heart failure before symptoms arise.

“CardioMEMS is a small device implanted by our cardiologists to detect the progression of heart failure weeks before you ever develop signs or symptoms,” Mitchell said. “This allows for more timely management and will help keep patients out of the hospital. This device allows us both our clinic and patients to track their pulmonary artery pressure from the comfort of their home.”

Watch a CardioMEMS implant procedure animation.

Learn more about Arkansas Heart Hospital’s CHF treatments.

COVID Has Long-Term Effects on Heart, Arkansas Heart Cardiologists Say

Posted on by Holland Doran

You’ve seen it all in the headlines – COVID increases the risk of heart disease. It’s alarming and true! Continued research proves that anyone infected with COVID is at a higher risk of heart-related conditions, even young, healthy people who weren’t hospitalized.

“Studies have found that COVID doesn’t really discriminate based on how we classically split up risk factors such as age, medical history, comorbidities, race and gender,” says Dr. Peyton Card, who serves as an internal medicine physician and COVID specialist here at Arkansas Heart Hospital. He finds the research findings alarming. “Across the board, everyone is at an increased risk of heart disease.”

After several years battling COVID-19, you know the classic symptoms: cough, loss of smell and taste, and shortness of breath. However, a growing body of research shows that coronavirus is associated with wide range of lasting problems such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart failure.

People who have experienced COVID are 70% more likely to experience heart failure, and there are more than 37,000 more people suffering with heart related conditions post-COVID who would not have had these without contracting COVID.

“Across the board, you are more likely to have cardiovascular disorders if you had coronavirus,” says Dr. Gary Nash, Arkansas Heart Hospital cardiologist. “The risk follows you for at least an entire year. From young, healthy people or older sick people, you’re at an increased risk.”

People will contract many types of coronaviruses during this lifetime – such as the common cold – but COVID-19 is unique because it affects more than the upper respiratory tract.

“It can affect almost any organ system, including the brain, heart, lung, gut or pancreas,” Nash says. “We see not only cardiovascular issues, but we also see an increase in diabetes, brain fog after a coronavirus infection.”

Individuals should watch for certain red flags that will signal that they should see a doctor. These include lingering symptoms such as:

  • Continued coughing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty exercising
  • Heart palpations
  • Chest pains
  • Joint pain
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Sleeping problems
  • Muscle pain or headache
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Dizziness when you stand

These lingering symptoms can turn into a condition called long-COVID or post-COVID. If this is the case, rehab, like our Post-COVID Pulmonary Rehab Program, may be the best course of action.

This comprehensive outpatient treatment, offered through Strong Hearts Rehabilitation Center, focuses on restoring patients’ quality of life, says program director, Amanda Xaysuda.

“Most patients we see come in with shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, lingering cough, exercise intolerance, exertional malaise,” Xaysuda says. “The purpose of the pulmonary rehab program is to address these symptoms. The purpose is to not cure disease or resolve any heart or lung disease in these patients but be able to tolerate exercise better and improve their quality of life.”

Determine YOUR risk and take action today by talking with one of our cardiologists or your primary care physician, or having our Keep the Beat comprehensive heart screening.

Bariatric Surgery Allows Grandmother See Grandchild Graduate

Posted on by Holland Doran

Watching her grandchildren grow up seemed questionable for Barbara, who was on 14 different medications, borderline diabetic and suffered from AFIB. Bariatric surgery changed the course of her life. Read her story.

Feeling Alone

I have struggled with my weight for the past 15 years and I felt so alone. I was on 14 medications for blood pressure, acid reflux, breathing issues and sinus issues. I was also borderline diabetic, had to use a CPAP machine and had multiple ablations for atrial fibrillation (AFIB).

In 2017, I was in the hospital for an ablation for my AFIB when Dr. Monica Lo, electrophysiologist, suggested I talk to Dr. Samuel Bledsoe, bariatric and general surgeon, about my medical issues.

During my first appointment with Dr. Bledsoe, he asked me why I wanted to have bariatric surgery, and I told him I wanted more time with my six grandchildren. At the time, two of my grandchildren were entering kindergarten and I wanted to see my other graduate.

Excellent Experience

At around 288 pounds, I had gastric sleeve surgery in June 2017. Dr. Bledsoe is the only doctor I’ve had that prayed with me prior to surgery.

My overall experience at the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital (BMI) was excellent, including my first visit, preparation schedule, surgery and hospital stay. Everyone from the check-in desk to the staff were very professional and courteous. I never felt put down as I have in the past. Everyone was so encouraging during my weight loss surgery recovery.

I especially appreciated that they explained and even helped me complete my checklist. I also enjoyed the follow-up sessions when patients shared their experiences with each other.

Achieving Her Goals

I now weigh around 163 pounds and can do anything I want to do. I feel so much better generally, and I am now on only four medications and don’t have to use the CPAP machine and my AFIB seems to be in check.

I have learned how and what to eat on the gastric sleeve diet. Before surgery I ate whatever I wanted and cleaned my plate. Now, I stop eating when I am full.

I was able to see my youngest grandchild go into kindergarten and my oldest grandson graduate from high school with honors. For all these things I will be forever grateful. Without Dr. Bledsoe, I honestly believe I wouldn’t be here today. I am so grateful for him and his staff.

—-

At the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, our primary focus is to help you in reaching your weight goals and regaining your health. A nationally recognized team of physicians, nurses, counselors and dietitians, we are your lifelong partners in the journey to a longer, healthier life. From insurance approvals to emotional and physical wellness, we are here for you every step of the way. Watch our free, on-demand informational seminar to start the process.

Find more weight loss surgery testimonials, recipes and bariatric surgery resources.

Learn what to expect after weight loss surgery.

CPR: What You Should Know

Posted on by Holland Doran

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

“When someone drops in front of you or has cardiac arrest, everyone should be prepared to do CPR,” says Dr. Monica Lo, electrophysiologist at Arkansas Heart Hospital. “It is very critical when the heart stops that someone knows how to do CPR to provide blood flow to vital organs including the brain.”

There are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, only about 46 percent get the immediate help they need before professional help arrives.

The primary reason for inaction is a concern about causing additional injury to a patient, especially if that patient was elderly, female or adolescent. The second most common reason was a lack of CPR training and ability.

How do you perform CPR?

You should not be afraid of CPR. With hands-on training, anyone can save a life with a few steps.

  1. Check the scene for safety, form an initial impression and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
  2. If the person appears unresponsive, check for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout.
  3. If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, call 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so.
  4. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
  5. Give 30 chest compressions.
    • Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
    • Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
    • Depth: At least 2 inches
    • Rate: 100 to 120 per minute
    • Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
  6. Give 2 breaths
    • Open the airway to a past-neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique.
    • Ensure each breath lasts about one second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before giving the next breath.
  7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and two breaths. Use an AED as soon as one is available.

It’s ideal that two people work together to revive a sudden cardiac arrest victim. While one person performs CPR to provide blood flow to the brain, the other person can get a defibrillator to restore the heart rhythm.

It’s important to know that simply reading the steps or watching a CPR training video should not replace hands-on training with a manikin and a licensed instructor.

Arkansas Heart also offers on-site CPR training through our community and corporate engagement program. To learn more, email marketing@arheart.com.

Learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

—–

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, anytime to anyone, often without warning. Take your heart health in your own hands and learn your cardiovascular for cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke risk before it’s too late. You can do that today with our quick and painless Keep the Beat heart screening. Sign up today!

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.

Valentine’s Day Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

Posted on by Holland Doran

It’s not Valentine’s Day without sharing something sweet with your someone special. If you’re on a bariatric or low-carb/low-sugar eating plan, it may be tricky to find a recipe. With the help of our bariatric dietitians, we have created the perfect dessert that will make your Valentine’s Day special: snickerdoodle mug cake. With cinnamon, cream and butter, it’s irresistible. See the recipe below and get to baking!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. salted butter (if using unsalted then add a pinch of salt)
  • 1 tbsp. heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp. Erythritol (Swerve)
  • 3 tbsp. super fine blanched almond flour
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

Garnish:

  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tbsp. Erythritol (Swerve)

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in the microwave in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the garnish ingredients together and set aside.
  3. Combine the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract and Erythritol into the bowl with the melted butter and stir in the remaining ingredients.
  4. Transfer half of the mixture into a 12-16-oz. mug. Top with half of the cinnamon/Swerve mixture you set aside. Add the remaining batter.
  5. Microwave for 30 seconds and then 10 seconds intervals until firm.
  6. Top with remaining cinnamon/Swerve mixture and serve.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 340
  • Carbs: 2.5g net
  • Fat: 30g
  • Protein: 16g

NOTE: This recipe is for the bariatric lifetime eating plan.    

——

If you enjoyed this sweet treat, we have plenty of recipes for any time of the year. See our bariatric-friendly and heart-healthy recipes.

If you’re ready to start your journey to a healthier, active lifestyle, the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital is here to discuss the best bariatric surgery option for you. Visit bmi.arheart.com to learn more, see if you qualify for surgery and to watch our free, no-commitment online seminar.

AED: What Is It and How Do You Use It?

Posted on by Holland Doran

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death, killing more than 350,000 people each year in the U.S.

Cardiac arrest is when “the bottom chamber of the heart is erratic; it’s not pumping to provide circulation,” says Dr. Monica Lo, cardiac electrophysiologist. “If it stays in that rhythm and it doesn’t come back, the heart stops.”

People in sudden cardiac arrest can be saved with quick intervention using an automated external defibrillator (AED), which has been proven to improve SCA survival rates. In fact, 1,700 people are saved in the U.S. every year by bystanders with an AED.

Unfortunately, most people are not aware of how to react or are hesitant to use an AED though it’s a vital, life-saving skill.

With knowledge and training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely and effectively.

What is an AED?

The automated external defibrillator is a sophisticated, yet easy to use, electronic medical device designed for use on those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

The AED checks a person’s heart rhythm and recognizes if it’s a rhythm that requires a shock.

“With defibrillators, which are nowadays automatic, they tell you exactly what to do so you don’t have to be afraid of it,” Lo said. “It will tell you where to apply the patches and if the rhythm is a shockable rhythm or not, meaning there are some rhythms that you cannot shock to get them back. If it’s a ventricular tachycardia or a ventricular fibrillation rhythm, it delivers a shock to the heart and converts the rhythm into a normal rhythm.”

AEDs do not require a prescription and are available in hospitals, schools, and most public buildings and businesses. Dr. Lo also stresses that sport venues should have a defibrillator close as well as any areas with a high risk of SCA.

Why learn to use an AED?

When a person undergoes cardiac arrest, you should always call 911 first. However, the average response time for first responders is between 8-12 minutes.

For each minute a defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10 percent. In fact, if not revived within 10 minutes of collapsing, the victim’s brain damage is typically irreversible.

“If the heart stops and there’s a lack of oxygenation to the brain, then even if somebody regains a pulse, they may not recover neurologically, leading to brain death,” Lo says.

How do you use an AED?

AEDs are very easy to use and almost all modern AEDs offer loud and audible instructions to walk the user through lifesaving CPR and defibrillation.

If you see that someone has fainted and may need an AED, grab the closest AED and do the following:

  1. Check to see if the person is breathing and has a pulse.
  2. If you cannot feel a pulse and the person is not breathing, call for emergency help.
  3. While you are waiting for help, start CPR. If there is someone with you, ask them to find an AED.
  4. Once you get the AED, turn it on.
  5. It will give you step-by-step voice instructions.
  6. Deliver the shock when pads are in place.
  7. The AED will guide you through CPR when the shock is given.

Arkansas Heart also offers on-site AED training through our community and corporate engagement program. To learn more, email marketing@arheart.com.

How do I get an AED?

AEDs can cost up to $2,800, which can be expensive for some organizations. Thankfully, there are many AED grants available to corporations, nonprofits, communities and more.

Visit these resources to find a grant that’s best for you:

—-

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, anytime to anyone, often without warning. Take your heart health in your own hands and learn your cardiovascular for cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke risk before it’s too late. You can do that today with our quick and painless Keep the Beat heart screening. Sign up today!

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.

“Do You Hear What I Hear” – Devotional with Chaplain Smith

Posted on by Holland Doran

If you were to focus on one thing this year that would deepen your walk with God, what would it be? Think about it.

Because of a surgical procedure on my shoulder recently, I found myself sidelined from many activities that I would normally have in a week that occupy my time. I wish I could tell you that I handled all of this well, but the truth is I have struggled with the lack of activity. I am much better now, but the first three weeks stretched my patience.

It took a while to understand that because I was inactive, it didn’t mean that I had to be unproductive. So, I began to read and sit quietly. This was hard, but amazingly the more I practiced this quietness, the more I began to hear. It was as if I could now work on my listening skills with the noise of endless activity gone.

There have been so many times that I have asked God for guidance or an answer to a problem and then not commit the time to listening for the answer. It was like asking your parents to borrow the car, and because they did not answer immediately, you went away assuming the answer was no. Later you find out that the answer was yes, but they needed time to discuss your request.

Author Robert Wicks writes, “When we pray, how often do we say: ‘Speak Lord for your servant is listening?’ More often, I think we say, “Listen Lord for your servant is speaking!’”

Author Joyce Rupp wrote in her book The Cup of Life: “I have a friend who periodically loses her voice and must speak in whispers. One day she called me and whispered for fifteen minutes. It took a lot of energy for me to listen intently so that I could hear what she had to say. I think this is what it is like to be attentive to God. God often speaks in whispers. If my life is crowded and cluttered with many thoughts and feelings pushing their way around inside my head and heart, I may easily miss hearing what it is that God wants me to hear. Listening attentively is essential for spiritual growth. To do this, we need open minds and hearts, emptied of the clutter that blocks our way and crowds out what awaits entrance into our life. Listening is especially difficult to do because our external world is so full of noise. We are constantly bombarded with the noise of traffic, television, cell phones and numerous machines that tend to run our lives. We unconsciously learn how to tune out or ignore many of these noises when we are not deliberately paying attention to them. As we become accustomed to tuning out these external things, we develop a pattern of not listening internally as well. Besides clearing out some of the noise and the ceaseless activity, I think that listening also requires that we become more comfortable with “being.” “Being” helps us to develop awareness, to focus more keenly on our inner activity without needing to “do” anything except be attentive. This is tough to do, especially living in a culture that promotes constant activity and productivity. Every part of our life has something to offer us for our growth because God is there in the midst of it. When I give myself to attentiveness and deep listening, I find that I discover God everywhere. I hear connections with my deeper life in music, in correspondence I receive, in telephones calls, in the people I meet, in what I read and touch and taste.”

I have decided that the one discipline I need to work on most this year is listening. I have to slow down and listen for God’s voice, for God’s answer, for God’s warning and for God’s blessing. Listen. What do you hear? Do you hear what I hear?

Psalm 85:8 reads, “Let me hear what God will speak, for God will speak peace to the people to those who turn to God in their hearts.”

Join me in praying, “Lord, I believe that you are constantly trying to get my attention, but my life has been so cluttered with activity that I can’t hear your still, small voice. Father, you desire so much more of me than I have made available. It is in those empty spaces of my inner being that I most deeply commune with you. Unfortunately, the busyness and endless activities of life often block the doorway to that fertile and potentially productive space. Lord, beginning today would you help me move from my need for constant activity and noise to hungering more for the quietness of time spent in your presence? Hear this my prayer dear God. Amen.”

From the Heart
Chaplain Shelby Smith and Joyce Rupp

Exercises for Bariatric Patients and Beginners

Posted on by Holland Doran

Exercise is crucial to successfully losing weight and then maintaining it. If you’ve had bariatric surgery or are new to exercising, it’s important to ease into an exercise routine that doesn’t cause more harm than good.

Our bariatric experts and physical trainers have compiled a list of exercises to keep you active in a safe way.

Walking: This is the first exercise you should start. A light walk for a few minutes 8-10 times per day is a great place to start developing your exercise routine. This is not too strenuous, and it will keep you active. After more time passes you can increase the length of time walking and decrease the number of times per day.

Swimming: Going for a light swim is another great way to exercise. If you’ve had bariatric surgery, make sure your surgeon has cleared you for water activities. Starting with a swim from one end of the pool to the other is a good way to begin. Rest in between laps to prevent fatigue.

Weightlifting: Building muscle mass after weight loss surgery or for those new to weights, can be made easier by utilizing dumbbells for light weightlifting exercises. Starting with two five-pound dumbbells at first will help your body adjust to lifting. Do not lift heavy weights until you speak with your surgeon.

Stationary Bike: Using a stationary bike can help your body with resistance training. Whether you have a stationary bike at home or use one at the gym, you can incorporate this into your exercise routine. It’s important to remember to start off with low resistance settings and a low speed, so that you don’t push your body too hard.

Yoga: To give your muscles a good stretch, beginner’s yoga is an effective exercise. Try after a few months have passed from surgery or right away for those starting a new routine. Yoga will help build your muscles while keeping you relaxed. You can try a beginner’s class or practice yoga at home with online videos.

Kickboxing: This exercise may be tried after some time has passed following your bariatric surgery. This helps build muscle and balance. Kickboxing is a great way to release any tension you may have while also being active. Make sure not to push your body too hard until you talk with your surgeon about when this workout is safe for you to try.

Listen to your body while exercising. If you feel pain, stop immediately. Do not try to work through it. Instead, choose exercises that do not irritate the affected area.

—

If you’ve tried and tried again to lose weight but find it always seems to come back, weight loss surgery may be for you. Permanent weight loss through diet and exercise alone can be impossible. But surgery, combined with changes in your lifestyle offers a way to lose weight, keep it off and restore your health. Start your weight loss journey today at bmi.arheart.com.

Arkansas Heart Hospital also offers a intensive cardiac rehab program to help you achieve optimal recovery, improve quality of life and decrease the chance of having another cardiac event or procedure. Learn more.