Heart and Vascular Associates

Wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and effective hand hygiene are the most effective tools we have available to us. Here is the copy of the St. Francois County Mask Mandate. Please click on the link below Lets do our part! #WearAMask

Happy Labor Day everyone!

How do I know I have atrial fibrillation? Here are some of the symptoms you may have: Irregular and rapid heartbeat Heart palpitations or rapid thumping inside the chest... Dizziness, sweating and chest pain or pressure Shortness of breath or anxiety Tiring more easily when exercising Fainting (syncope) Can AFib lead to other problems? Yes. You can live with AFib, but it can lead to other medical problems including: Stroke Heart failure Chronic fatigue Additional heart rhythm problems Inconsistent blood supply The risk of stroke is about five times higher in people with AFib. This is because with AFib blood can pool in the atria and blood clots can form. To learn more: Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721), or visit heart.org to learn more about heart disease and stroke.

How quickly you get medical attention after a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death, so it's critical to know the warning signs! If you experience sudden pain in the chest, shoulder, or jaw, nausea, and shortness of breath, don't wait - call 911 immediately!

With the recent increase in cases in our county, we can’t stress the importance of taking safety measures. Wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and effective hand hygiene are the most effective tools we have available to us. It will take our entire community working together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Let’s do our part!

We are now requiring all patients and visitors to wear a mask. Your cooperation is appreciated!

Colorful, delicious and nutritious foods help keep our bodies and minds healthier, longer.

People with diabetes have double the risk of heart disease. Follow your diabetes plan to keep you healthy. As restrictions begin to loosen check out these tips to help continue living your amazing life.

Summer is here and hot , humid weather can be especially hard for people with heart failure, or those on the verge of it. The extra work for the heart, compounded by the loss of sodium and potassium, can push some people into trouble. The combination of increased blood flow to the skin and dehydration may drop blood pressure enough to cause dizziness or falls. Some simple choices can help you weather the weather and keep heat from overstressing your heart and spoiling your su...mmer. Take it easy. Evening and early morning are the best times to get out for any physical activities. If you do exercise, drink more than you usually do. Cool is cool. Chilled air is the best way to beat the heat. Fans work, but only to a point. If you don’t have an air conditioner, spending an hour or two in a movie theater, at a store, or with an air-conditioned neighbor can help. So can a cool shower or bath, or putting a cold, wet cloth or ice pack under your arm or at your groin. Drink to your health. On dangerously hot and humid days, try downing a glass of water every hour. (If you have congestive heart failure, check with your doctor) Go easy on sugary soda and don’t rely on caffeinated beverages or alcohol for fluid because they can cause or amplify dehydration. Eat light. Stick with smaller meals that don’t overload your stomach. Cold soups, salads, and fruits can satisfy your hunger and give you extra fluid. Warning signs of heat illness: Heat-related trouble ranges from irritating problems such as prickly heat (also known as heat rash) to heat exhaustion and the potentially deadly heat stroke. It can be hard to tell where heat exhaustion ends and heat stroke begins. Both can be mistaken for a summer flu, at least at first. Be on the lookout for: nausea or vomiting fatigue headache disorientation or confusion muscle twitches If you think you are having heat-related problems, or if you see signs of them in someone else, getting to an air-conditioned space and drinking cool water are the most important things to do. If these don’t help or the symptoms persist, call your doctor or go to a hospital with an emergency department.

High sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and, while cutting back on table salt may help, processed foods are often a far larger culprit. Cooking at home and using your own spices can make a big difference in reducing your dietary sodium.