Heart Health: Getting to the Heart of the Matter by Lexington Medical Center

Heart Health SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

Outrunning Heart Disease A Lesson in Fainting, Family and Faith Diane McNinch loves to run. She routinely logs more than 20 miles a week around Columbia.

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hen I’m running, I leave my stress behind, pray and spend time with friends,” she said. “It’s not only my fitness; it’s my therapy.” But there was a time when the 51 year old was afraid she wouldn’t be able to run anymore. “I have a history of fainting,” Diane said. Over the years, she fainted while pregnant with her daughter, when singing in church and after having hip surgery. There was never a definitive reason why. That’s until she went to an annual checkup with her primary care physician. Results of an EKG showed something was wrong with her William W. Brabham, heart’s electrical MD, FHRS activity. Diane’s doctor referred her to Lexington Cardiology, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, for a full workup. At Lexington Cardiology, Diane received a diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome, a condition where the muscle cells of the heart take an abnormally long time to “recharge.” Untreated, LQTS can increase the risk for a life-threatening arrhythmia. “While many patients with LQTS don’t have any symptoms, others experience palpitations, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, seizures or even cardiac arrest,” said William W. Brabham, MD, FHRS, an electrophysiologist with Lexington Cardiology.

Diane McNinch on her favorite running trail in West Columbia

I’m so thankful for this technology.” LQTS can be acquired through certain medications that inhibit electrolyte movement. It can also be inherited from a parent or occur spontaneously without family history. Diane learned her case was genetic. So, she shared the news with her family.

“It’s like an insurance policy. If something goes wrong, the defibrillator will go off and I’ll be OK. I’m so thankful for this technology.” ~ Diane McNinch Doctors treat LQTS with medications called beta blockers or by implanting a defibrillator. Treatment decisions are individualized based on many factors. Dr. Brabham implanted a defibrillator in Diane’s side. “It’s like an insurance policy,” Diane said. “If something goes wrong, the defibrillator will go off and I’ll be OK.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Both of her parents also passed away after a history of heart problems. “Many people have no symptoms, no family history of heart problems and may never know they have the condition,” Dr. Brabham said. “Others may have a family history of sudden cardiac death or worrisome symptoms. They should see their doctor.” Using her own experience to help others, Diane stresses the importance of developing a relationship with your physician and knowing your family history. “I’m thankful our heart condition was found. Now that we know we have it, we can treat it,” she said.

On the Road Again

Family Ties

Diane, her brother and sister were screened for LQTS. Her sister tested positive. Her brother is waiting for his results. Diane’s two children — in their 20s — will be tested, too. Diane had an infant brother who died unexpectedly in the 1960s. She now wonders if he had the condition.

After having the defibrillator implanted, Diane took some time off from running. But doctors permitted her to work her way back into it gradually. She ran the Lexington Medical Center Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler in honor of her parents and their heart history. She also joined a

group called “Run for God,” a faith and endurance program. “‘Run for God’ not only helped me with running, it also taught me how to work through adversity,” she said. “I plan to persevere and make the best of my situation.”

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice LMCLexingtonCardiology.com ————————————— Lexington Medical Park 1 2728 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300 West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 744-4940 ————————————— Northeast Columbia 90 Summit Centre Drive Columbia, SC 29229 (803) 744-4900

New Stent Available for Heart Patients

Hoops for Heart Health with USC Basketball Coach Frank Martin

Emergency Room or Urgent Care: Know Where to Go

Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease

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Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Lexington Medical Center Heart Program Update BY THE NUMBERS 2017

— ——————— Cardiac Catheterizations

3,499 ———————— Open Heart Surgeries

345 ———————— Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

244 ————————

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)

234 ———————— Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Lexington Medical Center’s comprehensive cardiovascular program marks its sixth anniversary next month. Since first offering open heart surgery and therapeutic cardiac catheterizations in 2012, the program has grown steadily. Lexington Medical Center’s cardiovascular surgery team performed 345 open heart surgeries in 2017. Clinicians also performed 125 transcatheter aortic valve replacements last year. Known as TAVR, this procedure allows doctors to replace the aortic valve through a catheter instead of open heart surgery. Most TAVR patients can return home within one or two days. Importantly, the hospital has added a second open heart surgery operating room. “That’s helped patients, because we’ve doubled our capacity,” said Jeffrey A. Travis,

MD, of Lexington Cardiovascular Surgery, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. “We can now operate on four heart patients a day in a timely manner.” The hospital hopes to expand its cardiovascular staff in 2018. “I think our team is our greatest strength,” Dr. Travis said. “We have great doctors, nurses and staff members, and an outstanding cardiac rehabilitation program. We all have a common goal and work together to get our patients better.” Lexington Medical Center is proud to have an established heart program that is a leader in many areas of cardiovascular care.

112 ———————— Surgical Valve Replacement

Jeffrey A. Travis, MD

Lexington Medical Center’s cardiovascular surgery team performed 345 open heart surgeries in 2017.

65 ———————— Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

46 ———————— STEMI Door to Device Time

57 minutes

New Stent Available for Heart Patients Lexington Medical Heart Center First in the State to Offer Tryton Side Branch Stent™ ®

Outcomes are improving for patients attempt to treat with a single-stent with coronary artery disease thanks strategy followed by simple balloon to a new technologically advanced dilation of the side branch. Frequently, stent offered at Lexington Medical this strategy results in favorable results and outcomes. But all Heart Center. The Tryton Side Branch lesions are not created equal Stent restores blood flow to the heart and, in some cases, a two-stent by treating plaque buildup in a main technique is necessary, which can artery while also treating buildup in the greatly increase the complexity of the arteries in the side branch of the heart, procedure,” said Robert M. Malanuk, a condition called bifurcation. MD, FACC, a cardiologist Imagine an artery that at Lexington Cardiology, a forks in two to divert blood Lexington Medical Center flow in different directions. physician practice. “The When a problem occurs Tryton stent is a welcome near the “fork” in one addition in the Cardiac branch of the artery, it can Catheterization Lab at be more challenging to Lexington Medical Center to insert a traditional stent. help us care for patients with As a result, in many cases, certain types of complex doctors do not place a bifurcation lesions.” stent in the side branch, During the procedure, which can leave the the cobalt chromium stent is patient at a higher risk for deployed in the side-branch complications. The Tryton artery using a standard, stent is designed to provide single wire, ballooncomplete coverage and expandable catheter. accommodate all types of Bifurcation blockages blood vessels. are relatively common “Bifurcation remains a with coronary artery significant clinical challenge Robert M. Malanuk, disease. Approximately that we, as interventional MD, FACC 30 percent of all patients cardiologists, most often

Every 43 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack.

undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions to open blocked arteries have a bifurcation blockage. Until now, there wasn’t a great option available to treat them. The Tryton stent gives cardiologists a much better solution for successful treatment. “Having a stent delivery system that offers predictable outcomes when managing complex disease and requires less procedural time is an advantage for our patients. We are proud to be the first in the state to use this new technology,” said Dr. Malanuk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for American men and women, and one in three deaths in South Carolina is related to heart disease. Every 43 seconds, someone in the United

States has a heart attack. Cardiologists commonly use coronary stents to widen arteries to allow better blood flow, which reduces the chance of a heart attack.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

New Device Monitors Heart Rhythms with Bluetooth Technology ®

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Vann Gunter inside the library at Midlands Technical College’s Beltline Campus in Columbia

After retiring as vice president of Corporate and Continuing Education at Midlands Technical College, Vann Gunter enjoys being in the classroom as an adjunct instructor. But between teaching business classes if the patient is having an abnormal and administering tests last fall, the 69 heart rhythm,” Dr. Epps said. year old noticed some things about his Doctors implanted the monitor heart that worried him. under the skin in Vann’s chest during “I had everything from a a minimally invasive racing heart to a fluttering outpatient procedure in heart to skipping beats,” November. The device he said. “I was dizzy and continuously monitored lightheaded, too.” Vann’s heart for abnormal He went to see his rhythms and wirelessly cardiologist, Amy Rawl connected to his Epps, MD, FACC, of smartphone to record realLexington Cardiology, a time episodes of irregular Lexington Medical Center heartbeats using the Amy Rawl Epps, physician practice. myMerlin™ app. MD, FACC After several tests, Dr. Clinicians helped Vann download the app to his phone Epps recommended a new device and showed him how to use it. The that uses wireless technology and a app allowed Vann to track his smartphone to help them learn more symptoms and share the results with about what was happening with Vann’s heart. Lexington Cardiology. Called the Abbott Confirm Rx™, “The day after I had it implanted, it’s the world’s first smartphonecompatible insertable cardiac monitor. It’s designed to help doctors detect cardiac arrhythmias, including irregular heartbeats and atrial fibrillation. “It records a patient’s heart rate and rhythm, and can send out a signal through Bluetooth to let doctors know

I started having a lot of heart issues. I was able to pull up the app on my smartphone, mark what was happening and send the readings easily,” he said. “I felt a lot better knowing that I was being monitored. It gave me a lot of reassurance.” The device revealed significant information. At one point, Vann’s heart did not beat for a full six seconds. Through the mobile app, the technology signaled the manufacturer of the device and Dr. Epps about what happened. Dr. Epps called Vann and told him to come in. The next day, Dr. Epps installed a pacemaker to keep Vann’s heart rhythm normal. She also removed the Confirm Rx, since it had revealed the information they needed. “Using smartphones to send

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that develops when disease or injury disrupts the heart’s electrical signals. As the heart begins to beat too fast or too slow, patients experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting.

transmissions and communicate with physicians allows patients to be mobile and live a normal life, knowing they are still being monitored,” said Dr. Epps. “This type of ‘telemedicine’ is also a shift in the direction of overall patient care and gives patients some sense of control in their own health.” For Vann, it proved to be lifesaving. “My heartbeat is back in a normal rhythm,” Vann said. “I feel much better.”

Lexington Medical Center cardiologists placed the first Confirm Rx in South Carolina in November. HOW THE CONFIRM Rx ICM WORKS

Doctors insert the Confirm Rx under the skin in the chest. The device continuously monitors the patient’s heart rhythm.

The myMerlin app securely transmits information to the patient’s doctor about changes in heart rhythm during daily activities.

The transmissions are sent automatically to help doctors diagnose the cause of the arrhythmia and provide treatment in a timely manner.

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Hoops for Heart Health University of South Carolina Men’s Basketball Coach Frank Martin takes center court in Lexington Medical Center’s heart health campaign this month. In a series of three television spots, Coach Martin appears at a news conference answering questions about heart disease. “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in South Carolina,” said Mark Shelley, vice president of Marketing and Communications at Lexington Medical Center. “We hope that the commercials attract attention and encourage community members to see their doctor and make heart health a priority.” In the commercials, the coach speaks with the same intensity and straightforward attitude for which he’s famous. “In every walk of life, we need a coach. Go see your doctor. That’s your coach,” Coach Martin said. Lexington Medical Center wants community members to “Just Say Know” to heart disease. Practicing healthy habits and knowing blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride numbers can lower the risk of heart disease. Look for the commercials with Frank Martin throughout February and March during television programming.

to heart disease

“In every walk of life, we need a coach. Go see your doctor. That’s your coach.” ~ University of South Carolina Men’s Basketball Coach Frank Martin

Learn more about high blood pressure at LexMed.com/Know.

ASK THE LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER CLINICIAN

Under Pressure: Why Blood Pressure Matters Q: How often do you see patients with high blood pressure? A: More than one in three people in South Carolina has high blood pressure. I see patients with it every day and ask them to come back in six months for a followup. I also talk to them about eating a nutritious diet and exercising.

Kenya Cooper, MD

Q: What do each of the numbers in your blood pressure reading mean? A: Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.

Q: What happens inside the body when your blood pressure is high? A: Over time, high blood pressure causes blood vessels to narrow, weaken or harden. That makes it even harder for blood to pump throughout the body.

Q: Studies show that many people don’t take their blood pressure medicine regularly. What’s your message about that? A: Taking blood pressure medications regularly and as directed can prevent many life-altering complications that will inevitably arise from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Q: What are the complications of high blood pressure?

Kenya Cooper, MD, is a physician at Lexington Family Practice Gilbert, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. As a primary care physician, she sees a lot of patients with high blood pressure.

A: Some common complications include stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, eye damage, peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms and even cognitive damage.

Q: Guidelines for high blood pressure recently changed from 140/90 to 130/80. What do you think of this change and what does it mean for patients? A: Overall, it’s a good change. Intervention to lower blood pressure and improve overall health will begin earlier because a greater number of people will have high blood pressure. It will most likely affect younger adults.

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice LFPGilbert.com ————————————— 4080 Augusta Hwy. • Gilbert, SC 29054 (803) 892-1800

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

Listen to Your Symptoms PA TI EN

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Shortness of Breath Leads to Open Heart Surgery

Karen Rainwater reading with her grandchildren Sam and Mallie

Karen Rainwater loves spending time with her grandchildren. But a few months ago, a simple visit to see them created cause for concern. She was reading a story to 5-yearold Sam and 2-year-old Mallie in December when her daughter noticed her mom was really short of breath. Karen knew something wasn’t right. In fact, she’d been really tired and short of breath for about a month.

be a potentially severe mitral valve disorder,” Dr. Drafts said. “An echocardiogram showed severe mitral valve regurgitation. That occurs when the mitral valve leaflets don’t close correctly and cause blood to go backwards in the heart, leading to fluid

with a busy life, three grown children and three grandchildren, she had never had heart problems before or had a doctor tell her that her heart didn’t sound right. Dr. Drafts consulted Jeffrey A. Travis, MD, of Lexington Cardiovascular Surgery, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. “Because of the cord tearing, Karen had congestive heart failure

“The heart undergoes changes when a valve fails and the faster you fix it, the less likely the changes will be permanent. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body, and if you notice changes, seek medical attention.” Brandon C. Drafts, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Jeffrey A. Travis, MD

So she made an appointment to see Brandon C. Drafts, MD, FACC, FSCAI a cardiologist with Lexington Cardiology, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. After listening to Karen’s heart with a stethoscope for a few seconds, Dr. Drafts told her there was a problem. “She had a prominent heart murmur that sounded like it could

buildup in the lungs.” Further testing showed a ruptured cord that holds one of the mitral valve leaflets in place. In Karen’s case, a defect in her valve structure was to blame. In other cases, heart attacks or chronically weak and dilated heart muscle can cause mitral valve regurgitation. The news surprised Karen. At 62,

Her long-term prognosis is excellent. “The quick coordination of care allowed Karen to get relief from her symptoms sooner and avoid any potential complications from congestive heart failure,” Dr. Drafts said. “I don’t think Karen realized how sick she was before surgery, but she feels significantly better now.” Karen felt confident and at peace with all the care she received at Lexington Medical Center. “While there have been some normal hurdles, recovery has been great,” she said. “Every day I can do something more than I did the day before.” That includes more story time with the grandkids.

~ Dr. Jeffrey A. Travis and would not get better without surgery,” Dr. Travis said. Within a few days of testing, Karen was staring down heart surgery during the holidays. “I was absolutely shocked and asked Dr. Travis how long I’d be in the hospital,” she said. “He told me, ‘About a week, plus four to six weeks in recovery.’ I told him, ‘I don’t have time! It’s less than two weeks until Christmas.’” But Dr. Drafts and Dr. Travis wanted to coordinate her care quickly. She received her diagnosis on Wednesday and had open heart surgery the following Monday. “The heart undergoes changes when a valve fails, and the faster you fix it, the less likely the changes will be permanent,” Dr. Travis said. “That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and, if you notice changes, seek medical attention.” Karen had open heart surgery at Lexington Medical Center on December 18 and went home the day before Christmas Eve.

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice LexCardio.com ————————————— Lexington Medical Park 1 2728 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300 West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 744-4940 ————————————— Northeast Columbia 90 Summit Centre Drive Columbia, SC 29229 (803) 744-4900

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice (803) 936-7095 LexingtonCardiovascular.com ————————————— Lexington Medical Park 1 2728 Sunset Boulevard • Suite 202 West Columbia, SC 29169

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018

What’s Your Risk? Imaging Test May Detect Heart Disease Lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise and tobacco use, play a big part in developing heart disease. for determining the presence of Doctors have advised patients of coronary artery disease in patients these risks for years. But how do with diabetes, elevated blood patients know if their risk of heart cholesterol, high blood pressure, attack is low, high or somewhere a history of smoking, obesity and in between if they have no cardiac strong family histories of heart symptoms? disease. It is also a great One way is to look at tool for cardiologists and the amount of calcium in primary care physicians blood vessels. who are determining “Calcium can build up the best treatments for as plaques or blockages their patients based on within the coronary numerous risk factors,” arteries, the blood vessels said Dr. McCain. that supply blood to During the test, the the heart, which can ultimately lead to a heart Joshua W. McCain, MD patient lies on a CT scanner table on his or attack,” said Joshua W. her back, and EKG leads are placed McCain, MD, a radiologist at on the chest. The patient is then Lexington Radiology Associates, a placed in the CT scanner and X-rays Lexington Medical Center physician take images of the heart. Calcium practice. scoring does not require any Cardiac calcium scoring is a contrast dye or IV, and it only takes simple imaging test for the heart about five to 10 minutes to perform. that finds disease before it turns While the optimal calcium score deadly by checking for plaque in is zero (no calcium detected), the arteries. The score rates the risk people with scores lower than 100 of heart attack and can be used have less risk of cardiac events, such to measure the benefits of certain as heart attacks. The risk increases heart treatments. as the score increases. “Calcium scoring is a great test

Lexington Medical Center offers calcium scoring tests for only $99 at its main campus. Call (803) 791-2461 for more information.

“Patients with normal stress test results can still have calcified plaques within their coronary arteries, and calcium scoring can help determine their risk of having a heart attack,” said Dr. McCain. If the patient has a low score, it’s important that he or she continues to eat healthy, exercise, maintain a normal weight and refrain from smoking. If the patient doesn’t ace the calcium test, his or her doctor can help figure out the best approach to get on track. In many cases, patients may need to make better lifestyle choices. If someone has a high score with other risk factors, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and chest pain, his or her doctor may suggest medication or surgical intervention. By determining their calcium score, patients can take the necessary steps to prevent a heart attack, live a healthier life and have peace of mind.

Should I Have a Cardiac Calcium Score? Men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older should consider having a cardiac calcium score. People should also consider having a cardiac calcium score if they have: • a family history of heart disease • high cholesterol or triglycerides • diabetes • a history of smoking • high blood pressure • a sedentary lifestyle

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice LexingtonRadiology.com (803) 791-2460 ————————————— 2720 Sunset Boulevard West Columbia, SC 29169

Know Where to Go Where should you go? Know the difference between an emergency room and an urgent care center when making important health care decisions. From a cold to a heart attack, it’s important to know the difference between “urgent” and “emergent.” Urgent is something that should get attention that day. Emergent is something limb- or life-threatening.

Emergency Room Call 9-1-1 if you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack, stroke, severe injury or trouble breathing. Paramedics can begin treatment at your location and in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Advances in GPS technology allow paramedics to get to patients faster and begin treatment sooner. Conditions that may require immediate care in an emergency department are: • loss of consciousness • signs of a heart attack: chest pain, chest discomfort or shortness of breath • signs of a stroke: facial drooping, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs; slurred speech • uncontrolled or excessive bleeding

• sudden onset of severe pain or abdominal pain

Urgent Care

• poisoning, suspected poisoning or an overdose • violent injuries from a gunshot or stabbing

Urgent care centers are equipped to provide treatment for less-serious illnesses or injuries when a patient’s primary care physician is unavailable.

• emotional distress, including suicidal or homicidal feelings

Conditions that may be appropriate for an urgent care center include: • earaches

• pink eye

• mild asthma

• sore throats

• sinus infections

• stomach flu

• coughing up or vomiting blood

• sprains and strains

• seasonal allergies

• simple cuts or wounds

• sudden or unexpected paralysis

• cold and flu symptoms

• urinary tract infections

• fever without a rash

• head injuries, a serious injury or major injuries from a car accident

Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 100,000 patients each year. It also has five Urgent Care facilities located around Lexington County in Batesburg–Leesville, Chapin, Irmo, Lexington and Swansea.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease

TECH TALK New Heart Technology Makes Treatments Less Invasive

Image Courtesy: American Heart Association

When people hear “clogged arteries,” they likely think about the arteries of the heart. But plaque can also build up in the arteries of the legs. That can lead to leg pains, infection, wounds on the legs and feet, and even limb loss. It’s called peripheral vascular disease. More than 8 million Americans have it, but some don’t even know. “Patients who develop peripheral vascular disease can’t participate in normal life activities,” said Samantha Cox, DO, vascular surgeon with Southern Surgical Group, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. “They’re limited by the Samantha Cox, DO pain in their legs or chronic wounds in the legs and feet.” Dr. Cox treats patients with peripheral vascular disease. While this disease typically occurs in people who are 65 or older, it can occur at nearly any age. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, kidney failure and obesity increase the risk. Some patients may experience no symptoms. Others may have fatigue or cramping of the muscles in the calf, thigh or hip. Typically, patients feel the discomfort while walking, and it goes away with rest. Patients with pain in the toes or feet while resting may have an advancing case of peripheral vascular disease. Open wounds or ulcers on the toes or feet can signal a serious case requiring immediate medical attention. “If someone is concerned about having peripheral vascular disease, they should talk to their doctor,” said Dr. Cox. “You may be referred to a vascular surgeon, who can provide testing in the doctor’s office.” Treatment includes managing risk factors with lifestyle changes and medication. A vascular surgeon may also perform a surgical bypass to help heal wounds on the legs. Minimally invasive techniques can also help restore blood flow to the arteries of the legs. “When peripheral vascular disease is caught early, doctors may be able to prevent wounds, limb loss or even death,” Dr. Cox said.

Who Should Have a Vascular Screening? Many people are at risk for vascular disease, but the risks are most profound in patients older than 50 with the following risk factors:

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

TAVR is an alternative to open heart surgery for some patients with severe aortic stenosis. This minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to replace the aortic valve with a new valve using a catheter.

• family history of stroke, heart attack or aneurysm • smoking • high cholesterol • high blood pressure • diabetes Patients with concerns about the risk of peripheral vascular disease should talk to their primary care physician. Screenings for peripheral vascular disease are safe, painless, non-invasive ultrasound exams that do not use needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia. A registered sonographer positions the patient comfortably on an exam table. The sonographer places standard blood pressure cuffs around the ankles and arms. The cuffs are inflated briefly. Once they have deflated, a Doppler takes measurements that allow clinicians to calculate the patient’s ankle-brachial index, known as ABI.

Micra™ At slightly longer than an inch,

Micra is the world’s smallest pacemaker. During a minimally invasive procedure, doctors implant the device directly into the heart through a vein in the leg. Micra is not visible under the skin and, because there are no wires connected to it, fewer complications arise.

The patient’s primary care provider will receive a copy of the screening results. If significant disease or symptoms are detected, clinicians will offer the patient additional studies to determine the extent and severity of the disease. Depending on the severity, surgical intervention may be necessary.

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Prevent Peripheral Vascular Disease ~ Avoid smoking. ~ Exercise regularly. ~ Take prescribed medications as directed for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes and kidney failure. ~ Maintain a healthy weight. ~ Eat a balanced, low-sodium, low-fat diet. For more information, visit SouthernSurgical.com.

Watchman™ For people with atrial fibrillation and

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice (803) 936-8901 SouthernSurgical.com ————————————— Lexington Medical Park 2 146 North Hospital Drive • Suite 310 West Columbia, SC 29169

those who can’t take blood thinners long term, the Watchman can help reduce their risk of stroke. Surgeons place this quarter-sized device in the left atrial appendage, a pouch-shaped area of the heart where most clots form, by using a narrow tube inserted through the groin.

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Not Catching Enough Z’s? Take This Advice to Heart for a Good Night’s Sleep

For a Good Night’s Sleep • Be exposed to natural light during the day. • Establish a regular bedtime routine. • Avoid electronic devices or TV at bedtime. • Make time for routine aerobic exercise, such as walking. • Avoid or limit daytime naps. • Avoid stimulants or caffeine close to bedtime. • Avoid eating late, especially spicy, fried or fatty foods.

One in three U.S. adults does not get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the effects of sleep deprivation are more than its symptoms: daytime sleepiness; lack of motivation; memory or concentration issues; mood changes; lack of sexual interest; and poor decision-making.

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“Sleep deprivation can negatively process information, and it gives our hour of sleep. Pauses can last seconds affect the heart by increasing risks organs and cells time to heal and repair or minutes. for hypertension, cardiovascular and themselves,” said Dr. Soliman. “Untreated obstructive sleep apnea coronary heart disease,” Lack of sleep is only strains the heart because it has to beat said Mohamed S. Soliman, one of the conditions harder and faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood.” MD, FCCP, a boardaffecting cardiovascular Those who think they suffer from certified physician at health. Insomnia and Lexington Sleep Solutions and Carolina Pulmonary, “Sleep deprivation can negatively affect the heart by a Lexington Medical increasing risks for hypertension, cardiovascular and Center physician practice. While the amount of coronary heart disease.” ~ Dr. Mohamed S. Soliman sleep adults need can vary, physicians recommend Mohamed S. Soliman, insomnia or sleep apnea, should talk seven to nine hours per sleep apnea are the most MD, FCCP with their physician about their sleep night for people between common sleep disorders. quality or lack of sleep. They may 18 and 64 years of age. Lack of sleep Insomnia occurs when someone has need to be evaluated at an accredited and not sleeping well can affect job difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep sleep center or complete an at-home performance, interactions with family at least three nights a week for at least sleep test. and overall health. three months. Sleep apnea is diagnosed “Sleep allows our brain to rest and as five or more pauses in breathing per

——————————————— Irmo 7043 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29212 ——————————————— Northeast Columbia 109 Barton Creek Court, Suite A Columbia, SC 29229 ——————————————— West Columbia 109 West Hospital Drive West Columbia, SC 29169 ——————————————— LexingtonSleepSolutions.com (803) 791-2683

Lexington Sleep Solutions has three convenient sleep centers to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders.

& Sole

Women’s Five Miler

April 21, 2018 FINLAY PARK • COLUMBIA, SC South Carolina’s premier all-women’s road race • 5-mile run, 5-mile walk, 3-mile walk • • Finisher medals and roses for all participants • • Chocolate strawberries by Edible Arrangements® •