Heart Health

by: Tracy Greer, CT Technologist Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death for Americans? In fact, approximately 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes occur each year.   Northeast Georgia Health System is passionate about reducing the occurrence of heart disease deaths in our community and is proud to offer cardiac calcium scoring.   A Coronary Calcium Scan is a non-invasive scan […]

You’re probably familiar with conversation hearts, those heart-shaped candies that pop up each Valentine’s Day. But for Valentine’s Day this year, let’s talk about some treats for your actual heart. Valentine’s Day this year will likely look different than other years, since we’re still taking precautions to stay safe from COVID-19. That doesn’t mean you […]

Heart Disease is serious – we know that it’s the number one killer of women and we know that nearly half of all women have at least one risk factor by the time they’re over 20 years old. But what many of us don’t know is how to prevent heart disease – or at the […]

While this holiday season has been anything but normal, there are simple ways to make the most of it and to make it feel more festive. As we all stay safe and avoid large gatherings, cooking your favorite seasonal dishes – and trying a few new recipes – can be an easy and delicious way […]

There’s nothing better than a warm, freshly-baked cookie on a chilly, winter day. Especially if that cookie strikes the perfect balance between being heart healthy, but also delicious. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a soft cookie that’s filled with nuts, oatmeal and raisins, which are all ingredients you can feel good […]

This time of year is extremely special for many reasons; reconnecting with those we love, enjoying the crisp fall air, and, of course, savoring delicious food! While one of the hallmarks of the Thanksgiving holiday is a table filled with all the classics – mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and gravy galore – these delicious dishes […]

When thinking of your go-to healthcare provider, what’s the first expert that comes to mind? Most likely it’s a physician (an MD or DO). While physicians are certainly a key leader on your care team, they work very closely with a variety of other experts, including nurses, patient care techs and nurse practitioners (NPs). Chances […]

There’s so much to love about the fall season – cooler weather, changing leaves and Halloween. But all these autumn favorites are accompanied by the early arrival of flu season. As we brace ourselves for an increase in stuffy noses and coughing, there’s one key thing everyone should be doing: getting their flu shot. Even though […]

This heart-healthy fall recipe is great for individuals with heart failure – and is oh so delicious! About Georgia Heart Institute For patients with heart disease, life can be challenging. At Georgia Heart Institute, we help patients manage their heart health and lead fulfilling lives–even for those with advanced heart disease. Learn more about our program […]

When it comes to a condition as common as heart disease – the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. – it may feel impossible to stop or prevent. But that isn’t at all the case. In fact, everyday, simple steps can go a long way in supporting your heart […]

Author: Ugochukwu O. Egolum, MD, FACC At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, we noticed a sharp decline in the number of patients with worsening heart failure being admitted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) – possibly due to fear of contracting the virus. Our research was based on looking at what happened to […]

As COVID-19 continues to be a major part of our lives – impacting everything from shopping at grocery stores to shifting work and school schedules – a new facet of this pandemic has become front and center. Face masks have become a big topic of conversation – and debate. Based on current findings shared by […]

There’s no shortage of reasons to take heart health seriously. Not only is heart disease the leading cause of death, but it’s also preventable and treatable. You can take steps each day to support heart health – from eating a healthy diet and getting routine exercise to managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight. But […]

Doris Croker has no shortage of things keeping her busy. Whether she’s spending time with one of her five grandchildren, going bowling with her Village of Deaton Creek teammates, playing Bocce or cheering on her husband Phil at his softball games, she enjoys living life to the fullest. Even when a sudden jolt of chest […]

While high cholesterol often gets a bad rap, it is not all negative. In fact, cholesterol plays an essential role in your body. It helps build and maintain cells, produce hormones like estrogen and vitamin D, and aid digestion. The key lies in balancing the right types of cholesterol to protect your heart health. So, […]

There’s no denying that heart disease is scary. After all, it’s the number one health threat we all face – claiming the life of someone every 60 seconds. And while the statistics may be startling, this doesn’t mean that heart disease is unavoidable. In fact, the opposite is true. The power of prevention can be […]

While high blood pressure (AKA: hypertension) may be common – affecting nearly 1 out of every 3 U.S. adults – it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. With a lack of noticeable signs and symptoms, high blood pressure may not feel like a serious health threat. But over time, this condition can damage your heart and increase […]

The summer season has officially arrived. Even if the first day of summer isn’t for a few more weeks, the warm temperatures, relentless humidity and lots of sunshine are here to stay. When weather like this becomes our new normal, it makes you want to do one of two things; either you want to spend […]