Can I monitor my blood pressure at home?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or you are simply at risk of the condition, checking your blood pressure at home can be a good idea. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is very common among Americans. In fact, the numbers are pretty astounding—nearly half of all Americans ages 20 and older have […]

What is cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome?

When the body is functioning at its best, all the different parts work collaboratively. So, it makes sense that when one part of the body isn’t working optimally, it can also impact other parts of the body. That’s the case with the recently coined cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. In October 2023, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued […]

Can taking a semaglutide help keep my heart healthy?

If you’ve turned on the TV at any time in the past year, odds are that you’ve seen an ad for a semaglutide medication. But while we’ve been inundated with commercials about these medications, few people have a good understanding of how they work—or the fact that they can benefit the heart. Semaglutide medications, including […]

Is bempedoic acid an alternative to a statin?

If you’ve flipped on the news recently, you may have seen reports about a new medication for treating high cholesterol. What’s the scoop about bempedoic acid? We’ve got the answer: It’s an exciting new medication that can help lower cholesterol levels. Most people who are diagnosed with high cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, are treated using a combination of lifestyle changes and […]

What is metabolic syndrome and how can I prevent it?

Metabolic syndrome is incredibly common in the United States. In fact, 1 in 3 adults struggle with metabolic syndrome. With the United States population rapidly aging, metabolic syndrome may become a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome, is a group of conditions that can […]

Where to start your nutrition journey

With all the conflicting information out there, making healthy food choices can quickly become overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be! Let’s talk about making informed nutrition decisions and harnessing the power of food to support health at every age. Having a nutritious diet is important for living a healthy and long life. However, […]

How Do I Know if My Heart Health is OK?

A loved one recently had a heart attack, and now you find yourself wondering about your own heart health. Are you at risk of heart problems yourself? And how can you tell if your heart is healthy? If you’re wondering, “How do I know if my heart is OK?”, you’re not alone. Whether a loved […]

Satified senior sportswoman and her personal trainer returning from practice.

One Way to Prevent Cardiac Disease Before it Starts

Proactively protecting your heart health can help you avoid serious health issues and improve your quality of life. With the right guidance, you can make sustainable changes that support a healthier future and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.  What is Cardiovascular Prevention? Cardiovascular prevention involves taking steps to reduce the risk of heart disease […]

Heart-Healthy Fruits & Veggies for Summer Days

Summer is here! While we have hot weather, vacations and cookouts to enjoy, it is also important to remember your heart health and to stay hydrated. There are many fruits and vegetables in season during the summer, which it makes it easier to add these natural sources of fiber to your nutrition plan and they […]

latin grandmother and granddaughter, daughter cooking mexican food at home, three generations of women in Mexico

The Facts to Know About Genetics & Heart Disease

You’ve probably heard about heart disease and other medical conditions “running in the family.” But if you have a family history of heart problems, will you also have heart health issues? It’s an interesting question – and the answer isn’t entirely straightforward. Some forms of heart disease can be inherited, meaning they have a genetic […]

The Silent Dangers of High Cholesterol

Some heart disease risk factors are easy to spot. If you smoke, you know it. If you are constantly stressed, you can feel it. But high cholesterol is different—it often goes unnoticed.  That’s because people who have high cholesterol usually experience no visible symptoms. Instead, cholesterol builds up in the body over time, silently increasing […]

Valentine’s Gifts to Give Your Love’s Heart Health a Boost

Valentine’s Day is a chance for us to show love to those who matter most. Why not show a little extra love with some gifts to benefit your loved one’s heart health? The stores are filled with red and pink goodies—cakes and cookies, boxes of chocolate paired with wines—all designed to bring joy and love. […]

5 Foods that Lower Blood Pressure

Managing blood pressure is crucial for a healthy heart, and at Georgia Heart Institute, our experts emphasize that dietary choices can make a big impact. While medication and lifestyle changes often play a role, adding certain foods to your diet can help maintain optimal blood pressure and support long-term heart health. To help guide you, […]

5 Steps You Can Take To Lower Your Blood Pressure

If you’ve been told you have high blood pressure, you aren’t alone! In fact, you’re in good company as nearly half of American adults either have high blood pressure or are taking medication to lower it. If 50 percent of U.S. adults that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is! It adds up to […]

Are you a Candidate for a Coronary Calcium Scan?

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 […]

9 Key Risk Factors For Heart Disease Everyone Should Know

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 […]

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol

Good Cholesterol vs. Bad Cholesterol: What You Need To Know

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, […]

What Does It Mean to Have High Blood Pressure?

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 […]