From the Heart

how to keep your heart healthy | Arkansas Heart Hospital | From the Heart Blog

BMI-Friendly Sushi Bites

Sushi doesn’t need to be off limits after bariatric surgery. Our Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI) dieticians share a low-carb sushi hack, so you can enjoy sushi after weight loss surgery. Made with salmon, riced cauliflower, avocado and cucumber, these sushi bites pack a punch of protein and healthy fats minus the carbs. It’s a win-win.   Grab your apron, roll up…Read more

“Thankful” Devotional with Chaplain Shelby Smith

Chaplain Smith / Debbie McDaniel What does the Thanksgiving holiday reveal to you about yourself? Do you live a life of thankfulness? Or is it and emotion or mindset you dust off each year around this time? Writer Debbie McDaniel said, “I believe that thankfulness is a barometer of our level of Faith. I believe…Read more

heart healthy thanksgiving recipes

BMI Thanksgiving Feast Recipes

The Arkansas Heart Hospital Bariatric & Metabolic Institute (BMI) cooks up a delicious BMI-friendly Thanksgiving feast. Dishes include roasted cornish hens with herbed gravy, southern dressing, cheesy broccoli “rice” casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin spoonbread. Watch the BMI team cook live from the kitchen below, and find a shopping list, ingredients, instructions and nutrition…Read more

“Thanks What?” – Devotional with Chaplain Smith

Chaplain Shelby Smith served at a local church for 19 years before joining Arkansas Heart Hospital. Here, he has the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs of patients, their families and our staff. In addition to offering prayer and encouragement, Chaplain Shelby Smith shares a weekly devotional.  — We’ve entered my favorite time of year – the…Read more

Kelly's Story | Gastric Bypass Surgery

BMI Surgery Saves Patient’s Vocal Cords: Kelly’s Story

Meet Kelly, a patient at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI), who under went gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Fuller.  “In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism after a 30-pound weight gain. From that moment on, my weight has been a struggle.   After having two children, it became even harder to try to lose weight. I…Read more

BMI Patient Inspired by Wife’s Weight Loss Success: Timothy’s Story

Timothy shares his journey with the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute after being inspired by his wife’s own gastric bypass surgery at Arkansas Heart Hospital.  “On and off through the years, I battled depression. And eating was always my go-to comfort.  I had always been big but tried not to let it bother me that I was big. People commented on my size through the years, and it added up over time. Even while in…Read more

Aspirin for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention with Dr. Michael Huber

Medical experts have encouraged older adults and people with a risk of having a heart attack and/or stroke to take a low dose of aspirin daily. However, this guidance is being revised.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has encouraged some people to take a low dose of aspirin daily to prevent cardiovascular disease, now recommends that adults ages 40-59, who are at…Read more

How to Say ‘No’ to Food Pushers

The holidays can be a stressful time – especially when navigating the hustle and bustle of holiday events. For those practicing mindful eating or following a healthy meal plan, it may start to seem overwhelming. From parties to family gatherings, food is everywhere, and so are the opportunities to encounter food pushers.   What is a food pusher? A person who either aggressively or passive aggressively makes you…Read more

“The Love of God” – Devotional with Chaplain Smith

Chaplain Shelby Smith served at a local church for 19 years before joining Arkansas Heart Hospital. Here, he has the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs of patients, their families and our staff. In addition to offering prayer and encouragement, Chaplain Shelby Smith shares a weekly devotional.  — The words of so many of our…Read more

can fear cause a heart attack

Can Scary Movies Cause Heart Attacks?

Your heart is racing, your body is tense and you’re probably squeezing the arm of the person next to you. The villain is coming, but you don’t know when. Then, he strikes, and you jump!   For horror film enthusiasts, feeling fear is addictive. But can the intense, sudden fear brought by scary movies cause a heart attack?  When you get scared, you get a rush of adrenaline. Your heart rate increases, your blood pressure rises, and you may even experience chest pains. Is it…Read more