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A SPECIAL PUBLICATION CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING
Livingwell
a-z
HEALTHCARE NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY
FEBRUARY 2016
Cardiac diseaseA-Z
Peripheralarterydisease(PAD): PAD results from hardening and narrowing of the leg arteries leading to leg weakness and pain with walking. It’s estimated that up to 12 million Americans live with PAD, said Fadi Shamoun, M.D., a cardiologist with Mayo Clinic. It’s more common among patients over age 70. Treatment of PAD includes statin drugs for high cholesterol, aspirin to prevent blood clots and medications prescribed for leg pain.
By Debra Gelbart
I
n honor of American Heart Month, we’re taking a look at some familiar terms associated with heart disease. This list is intended to be informative, not comprehensive.
Aortic aneurysm: The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body; it goes through the chest and abdomen. An aneurysm, or balloon-like swelling, that occurs in the chest is known as a thoracic aortic aneurysm. In the abdominal portion of the aorta, it’s called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysm typically is more of a problem than thoracic, said Jas Kahlon, M.D., a cardiologist affiliated with the Cigna Medical Group in the East Valley. Risks include advancing age, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Men who are current or former smokers and age 65 or over should be screened through ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm, he said.
an interventional cardiologist with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, include managing the cause, medications to slow down the heartbeat and a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. Komandoor Srivathsan, M.D., an electrophysiologist (a cardiologist specializing in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm abnormalities) with Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, explained that during the ablation procedure, mild radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the damaged area of the heart. Heart muscle cells in a small area then stop conducting the extra impulses that caused the rapid heartbeats.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib): AFib is the
belief, cardiac arrest isn’t the same as a heart attack. In fact, said Srivathsan, who also is the director of heart rhythm services at Mayo Clinic, only a small proportion of hospitalized patients with heart attacks experience cardiac arrest — an uncontrolled, often fatal rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of the heart.
most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Risk factors include advancing age, heart disease, previous heart attack, uncontrolled high blood pressure, overactive thyroid and heart valve disease, said Troy Comstock, M.D., chief medical officer for OptumCare, one of three physician networks for UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plan. AFib occurs if rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the heart's two upper chambers — the atria — to fibrillate, or quiver, contracting rapidly and irregularly. Treatments forAFib,said MitchellRoss, M.D.,
Cardiac arrest: Contrary to popular
Thinkstock
Heart failure: In some cases, the heart can't fill with enough blood — or can't pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force — leading to what’s known as heart failure. Byrne said the weak heart muscles that cause heart failure can be helped by an implantable defibrillator that sends an electrical pulse when life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms are detected. “Medications, including some of the same ones used to treat high blood pressure, can have a profound improvement on most causes of heart failure,” said Eric Steidley, M.D., a cardiologist with Mayo Clinic. “The only cure for heart failure is cardiac transplantation.”
Heart murmur: A heart murmur is an
extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat; when listened to with a Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is when stethoscope, it is often referred to as the heart muscle becomes thick, enlarged or sounding like a whooshing or swishing stiff. As cardiomyopathy worsens, the heart noise. A murmur can be either innocent becomes weaker and less able to pump (harmless) or abnormal. Most murmurs blood and maintain a normal electrical don‘t produce symptoms and most don’t rhythm. Kahlon said cardiomyopathy can be require treatment, but severe murmurs caused by damage from a heart attack, by a may require surgical valve repair or virus or as a result of genetics. replacement.
IMPLANT STUDY
Stroke: Also known as a ‘brain attack’, stroke can occur when a blood clot cuts off the blood supply to arteries to the brain. A stroke patient typically is referred to a cardiologist after the initial effects of the stroke have been treated, said Lawrence Kline, D.O., a cardiologist with HonorHealth, because so many causes of stroke are related to heart disease. Stroke risk can be linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and atrial fibrillation, he said. Stroke symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech; sudden trouble walking; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. Zzzzs: As in get enough of them to protect your heart. No, this isn’t a heart condition per se, but Ross said not enough sleep can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. “Too little sleep or sleep apnea can increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and atrial fibrillation,” he said. Improving what doctors call your ‘sleep hygiene’ (habits and practices conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis) can improve your overall health, Ross said.
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a-z FE B R UA R Y C A L E N D A R Takeadvantageofopportunitiestomeetotherswithsimilar issuesandlearnmoreaboutvariousaspectsofyourhealth —fromAtoZ.Allgroupsandeventsarebelieved,butnot guaranteed,tobefreeunlessotherwisestated.Everyeffort hasbeenmadetoverifyaccuracy,butpleasecallbefore attendingtoconfirmdetails.
HEART/STROKE STROKE CHECK Various dates, times & locations 480-882-4636; HonorHealth.com MENDED HEARTS SUPPORT Feb. 4, 6:30–8 p.m. RSVP: 623-580-5800; HonorHealth.com John C. Lincoln Medical Center, 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix
CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS BOSOM BUDDIES BREAST CANCER SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations Ahwatukee/Chandler: 602-739-8822; 602-318-8462 East Valley: 480-358-0198 Sun City (Banner Boswell): 623-328-5494 West Valley: 602-531-9123; 623-979-4279 Southwest Valley: 623-328-5494 CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Various dates, times & topics; 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org HONORHEALTH Various dates & times 480-323-1321;HonorHealth.com/cancer BREAST BUDS CANCER SUPPORT Feb. 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; MidFirst Bank Conference Room 6508 W. Bell Rd., Glendale; 480-657-0500; BreastBuds.org CIRCLE OF HELP ADVANCED BREAST CANCER Meets as needed; Becky Chase, 623-236-6616 or Teresa Hill, AdvancedBreastCancer@gmail.com
CAREGIVERS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations By Duet; 602-274-5022; DuetAZ.org CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Feb. 19, 9–11 a.m. By Benevilla; 623-584-4999 13576 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West ONLINE CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Feb. 23, 7–8 p.m. Online at DuetAZ.org; 602-274-5022
GRIEF SUPPORT GRIEF SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations By Banner Hospice Rev. Cindy Darby, cindy.darby@BannerHealth.com 480-657-1167; BannerHospice.com GRIEF SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations By Hospice of the Valley 602-530-6970; hov.org GRIEF BEFORE LOSS Feb. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2–3 p.m. Benevilla; 623-584-4999 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT Feb. 11 & 25, 3 p.m. Benevilla; 623-584-4999 13576 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West
PARKINSON’S PARKINSON’SEDUCATION,EXERCISE &SUPPORTGROUPS:Various dates, times & locations By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center 602-406-3840; 602-406-4921
HEARING LOSS HEARING LOSS SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations By Hearing Loss Association of America West Valley: melanie.orourke@gmail.com Fountain Hills: kfonville@fhfh.az.org Sun Lakes: reggiefaith@gmail.com
a-z T O P E V E N T S Please call to confirm reservations and cost (if any).
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FEB. 6 MANAGING CANCER TREATMENT SIDE EFFECTS WHAT:Workshopfocusingoncommontreatmentsideeffects WHERE:CancerSupportCommunity,360E.PalmLane,Phoenix WHEN: 9 a.m.–noon PRESENTED BY: Cancer Support Community of Arizona COST: Free INFO/REGISTER: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org
Livingwella-z
February 2016 | Vol. 6, No. 2
Living Well A-Z publishes on the first Wednesday of the month. From A to Z, we tackle a broad range of health issues and offer resources to find more specific information. For questions concerning content, please contact Editor Paula Hubbs Cohen.
FEB. 15 LUNCH & LEARN: PROSTATE CANCER WHAT:Overviewofprostatecancer WHERE: Banner University Medical Center, 1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix WHEN: noon–1 p.m. PRESENTED BY: Cancer Support Community of Arizona COST: Free; lunch provided INFO/REGISTER: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org
A division of The Arizona Republic, 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. For general advertising inquiries, contact Republic Media at 602-444-8000. General Manager: Editor: PAULA HUBBS COHEN, CAMI KAISER, Paula.Cohen@cox.net; CKaiser@RepublicMedia.com 602-444-8658 Creative Development Director: ContributingEditor: ISAAC MOYA, JIMWILLIAMS, JLWilliams@ IMoya@RepublicMedia.com RepublicMedia.com Design: Project Manager, Custom CRAIG KURTZ, Products: NICK KOSTENKO, CraigRKurtz@gmail.com NKostenko@RepublicMedia.com
FEB. 19 BREATHEEASYARIZONACOALITIONKICKOFFMEETING WHAT: Join individuals and organizationswithacommon interest in decreasing the impact of respiratory disease in Arizona through accessible prevention and care
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Knowledge is power. And the key to a healthy heart Let us share ours with you.
Medical advances in
BRAIN TREATMENT Improving the Patient Experience with The Medical Memory®
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. But it can be prevented and treated.
There are not many things in life as stressful as a complex
for one surgeon, it took a highly person experience to
brain or spine diagnosis. But applying world-class
bring home that message.
HonorHealth provides education and resources such as events and screenings or consultation, working together to give you the power to combat and prevent heart disease.
is easier, faster and smoother.
Event Name
Date
Start Time Location
Heart Strong. Benefits of Cardiac Rehab
Feb. 3
2 p.m.
HonorHealth Cowden Center 9202 N. Second St. Phoenix, AZ 85020
Mended Hearts Support Group
Feb. 4
6:30 p.m.
HonorHealth Cowden Center 9202 N. Second St. Phoenix, AZ 85020
Diabetes Prevention and Self-Care
Feb. 10
5:30 p.m.
HonorHealth Wellness Center 6320 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite B2200 Glendale, AZ, 85308
expertise and technological advances, the road to recovery This was the case for Randall Porter, MD, and neurosurgeon at Barrow Brain and Spine. Dr. Porter developed The A globally sought-after group of brain and spine experts
Medical Memory, a video platform to help patients retain
at Barrow Brain and Spine continues to pioneer new tools,
and share valuable information related to their diagnosis
techniques and technologies to advance patient care. And
and treatment.
The journey
Taking action He decided to take action and make video a reality
Dr. Porter’s journey
in the exam room. The Medical Memory is a robust,
began when his father was
HIPAA-compliant technology solution that uses
diagnosed with cancer,
mobile apps to record patient-doctor interactions,
Matters of the Heart: HeartMath and Chest Compression CPR Be Heart Smart. Ask a Cardiologist
Feb. 11 Feb. 16
6 p.m. 6 p.m.
Scottsdale Shea Medical Center 9003 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 HonorHealth Cowden Center 9202 N. Second St. Phoenix, AZ 85020
messages. In the exam room, once the patient opts-in, the doctor records the important parts of the diagnosis and treatment plan. The video is then
Weigh to Go Support Group
Cardiovascular Health Screening
Heart Screenings
Mar. 7
Mar. 15
Mar. 17
5:30 p.m.
8 a.m.
8 a.m.
HonorHealth Wellness Center 6320 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite B2200 Glendale, AZ, 85308 HonorHealth Wellness Center 6320 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite B2200 Glendale, AZ, 85308 Scottsdale Shea Medical Center 9003 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Aging Gracefully
Mar. 23
2 p.m.
HonorHealth Cowden Center 9202 N. Second St. Phoenix, AZ 85020
Cardiac Wellness: Ask a Cardiologist
Mar. 30
2 p.m.
Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255
securely uploaded for the patient to watch and share with family and caregivers. In the hospital, doctors
ensure all the important details are captured.
for all of his dad’s medical appointments, which meant he was left to depend on his father’s memory for insight into the specific diagnosis, recommended treatment and outlook for recovery.
However, there was one problem; like most patients, his father was not particularly good at understanding and
“The Medical Memory is a way for doctors to deliver better care to their patients,” said Lucas Felt, president of The Medical Memory. “We are excited
relaying this information. Frustrated, Dr. Porter removed the middleman and frequently found himself on the phone with the doctor directly.
to bring this technology to all of the incredible physicians at Barrow Brain and Spine.”
“I knew immediately how inefficient it was for physicians and their staff to have the same conversation twice,” he
The Medical Memory is free to patients at Barrow
sis with family, friends, and other caretakers that have a vested interest in a patient’s recovery.
For more information about The Medical Memory, visit barrowbrainandspine.com or call
Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network have merged and are now HonorHealth. We’re still your locally owned, non-profit, healthcare partner.
the frustration that many patients and family members face. He could not be there
can leave video messages for patients and family to
Brain and Spine. It’s the ideal way to share a diagno-
RSVP required. Call 623-580-5800 or visit HonorHealth.com/healthyheart.
and he personally saw
as well as allow providers to leave one-way video
602-406-3181.
said. “What I realized was that the most efficient process would involve a video of doctor-patient consultations.”