Heart Health

Lipoprotein(a) is a type of “bad” cholesterol that circulates in your blood. High levels of lipoprotein(a) can cause plaque buildup and inflammation in the arteries. When your level is high, it can significantly increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or developing cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) is an independent risk factor from LDL cholesterol, which is often called “bad” cholesterol. This means that even if your level of LDL […]

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a vascular surgery aimed at reducing stoke risk by removing plaque from the carotid arteries. This can be a lifesaving surgery for patients living with carotid artery disease. While the most common complication is stroke, the risk is relatively low and can be managed with careful surgical techniques and postoperative care. Before we go into more depth on carotid endarterectomy, let’s talk […]

What is heart failure?  Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen. This means the heart cannot keep up with the demands of the body. Over time heart failure can worsen, even with appropriate medical therapy What is […]

You might have seen news reports that the actor and musician Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, had to cancel his 2024 concert tour after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgeries to repair a heart defect. Glover, who grew up in DeKalb County whose credits include creating and starring in the TV series “Atlanta,” […]

Updated on 12/5/25 Most of us can agree that there’s no shortage of reasons to love the holiday season — gatherings with friends and family, chilly sweater weather and, of course, delicious foods galore. While preparing for all the holiday festivities may feel exciting when you have several months or weeks to prepare, when those weeks turn into days […]

If you or someone you love is preparing for heart surgery, it’s normal to feel nervous. One common concern I hear from patients is: “How long will it take for my chest bone to heal?” Let me walk you through what happens. I hope it will ease your mind. The heart surgery team here at Northeast Georgia Medical Center […]

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common condition that affects millions of people. It happens when the arteries in your legs become narrow or blocked, usually because of a buildup of plaque — a mix of fat, cholesterol and other substances. Plaque buildup reduces blood flow to your legs and feet, which can cause […]

If you or a loved one has been told you need heart valve replacement surgery, it’s natural to have questions — especially about how successful the surgery should be. As a cardiothoracic surgeon experienced in heart valve repair and replacement, I want to help you understand what to expect and how different types of procedures compare. Understanding heart valve replacement Your […]

Your cardiologist recently referred you to a surgeon, who recommended you undergo heart surgery in the near future. You know what to expect from the surgery itself, but how long will recovery take afterward? That seems like a straightforward question, but the answer can be complicated. Heart surgery recovery times vary in length depending on […]

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting approximately 20.5 million Americans. Your cardiac calcium score can help you know whether you’re at risk of coronary artery disease. For a cardiac calcium score, anything higher than zero means there is at least some evidence of coronary artery disease, but there are […]

Your heart is a powerful pump that works nonstop to keep blood flowing through your body. It has four valves — mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonic — that open and close with each heartbeat to keep blood moving in the right direction. These valves act like one-way doors, ensuring blood flows forward through the heart and into the rest of […]

You may have heard the term “chronic venous insufficiency” in the news since President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with the condition. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects up to 40% of Americans, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery.  But what exactly is CVI, and should you be concerned? Understanding chronic venous insufficiency Your body has two main types of blood vessels: arteries, which carry blood away from […]

Day-to-day, most of us don’t think much about the arteries in our neck, but they actually play a big role in keeping our brains healthy. These blood vessels, called carotid arteries, carry fresh, oxygen-rich blood away from your heart, straight to your head and brain. When one of those arteries becomes narrowed or blocked, it can slow down or stop that essential blood flow. That’s when serious problems, like […]

Your heart is a hardworking pump, and one of its most important parts is a tiny flap called the aortic valve. Although it’s only about the size of a quarter, this valve plays a key role in keeping blood flowing the right way, out of your heart and through your body. The role of the aortic valve The aortic valve sits between the heart’s […]

Are your varicose veins bothering you? You’re not alone — millions of people deal with these twisted, bulging veins, especially in their legs. Let me walk you through what causes them, what to watch for, and how we treat varicose veins at the Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Vein Clinic. What Are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins […]

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a vascular surgery aimed at reducing stoke risk by removing plaque from the carotid arteries. This can be a lifesaving surgery for patients living with carotid artery disease. While the most common complication is stroke, the risk is relatively low and can be managed with careful surgical techniques and postoperative care. Before we go into more depth on carotid endarterectomy, let’s talk […]

Cardiac catheterization (or heart catheterization) is essential for diagnosing and treating some heart conditions. Many people feel nervous about medical procedures, but keep in mind that a cardiac cath is safe, effective and brief. Let’s explore diagnostic cardiac catheterizationprocedures, including how long they take and why they are beneficial. What is cardiac catheterization? Cardiac catheterization, “cardiac cath” or “heart cath” for short, involves inserting a thin, flexible hollow tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually from the wrist/arm or groin, […]

As a heart surgeon, I focus on getting the best results for patients. A great result includes great pain control for a quick recovery. If you have been told you need heart surgery, you might be concerned about the potential for pain. I want to reassure you that while pain is a natural part of the recovery process, we have new options […]