- Surgery, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs February marks Heart Health Month, show your heart some love by eating a nutritious diet comprised of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Taking these steps can decrease the chance that you may need heart surgery one day, but if you do need heart surgery, medical advancements have improved options and outcomes for surgery patients. Here are five things you should know about heart surgery: If Your Arteries Are Blocked, Surgery Can Help. A blocked blood vessel can lead to a heart attack, stroke and other problems. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common type of open heart surgery performed on adults today. The surgeon uses a blood vessel taken from another part of the body to provide an alternate route for blood to go around the blockage. When You Have A Valve That Doesn’t Work, Doctors Can Replace it Without Surgery. Conditions like aortic stenosis can keep the heart valve from opening fully and make it difficult for blood to flow. Left untreated, aortic stenosis can damage the heart muscle and lead to severe complications. The good news is that aortic stenosis can be fixed without surgery. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a game-changer. It is a minimally invasive alternative to a traditional surgical valve replacement, deploying artificial heart valves using small catheters. This avoids the need for open-heart surgery and can lead to less pain and faster recovery. TAVR demonstrates outstanding results, providing a viable treatment option for patients who previously had limited choices, ultimately extending their lives and enhancing their overall quality of life. Traditional Surgery Can Work for A Valve Replacement, Too. Certainly, open heart surgery remains a viable method for replacing a damaged heart valve. Surgeons have performed the procedure for more than 50 years, yet Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is still considered major surgery since it involves opening the chest to perform the procedure. Nevertheless, it has a high success rate, with a low likelihood of significant complications. You Should Treat A Bulge In Your Blood Vessel Before It Becomes an Emergency. An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When an aneurysm gets too large, it can tear or rupture which may be life-threatening. There is a lot at stake, so it’s important to know the warning signs, which can include: Chest pain Coughing up blood Dizziness Hoarseness or trouble swallowing Pulsing near the belly button Shortness of breath Sudden and intense abdominal or back pain If you or a loved one have an aortic aneurysm, treatment often starts with medication and keeping a close eye on it. However, if it’s large or fast-growing, surgery may be the best option to replace the weak section of the aorta with a graft, or tube. Surgery Can Correct Heart Rhythm Problems. Today, doctors can help arrhythmia issues. But when medications and catheter ablations don’t work, surgical ablations can be performed with improved success. If you are concerned about your heart health, schedule an appointment with a primary care provider or cardiologist. If heart surgery is recommended, we provide skilled, compassionate surgical care for all heart conditions at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Consultations are available in Lanham, Annapolis, and Kent Island. Author Murtaza Dawood, MD is an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon who is recognized for performing operations for complex valve disease and atrial fibrillation. He is known for treating mitral valve regurgitation as well as aortic valve disease.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour heart is more than just a muscle—it’s the engine that keeps your body running. With every beat, it pumps oxygen-rich blood to your organs. But what happens when this vital system starts to break down? Heart disease can develop quietly, showing only subtle signs before becoming a serious threat. A new report by the American Heart Association reveals cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The tricky part? The early warning signs aren’t always obvious and can vary based on factors like age and gender. Recognizing them early could make all the difference Types of Heart Disease Heart disease is an umbrella term for several conditions that affect the heart’s ability to function properly. The most common is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the blood vessels in your heart narrow, making it harder for blood to flow properly. However, heart disease isn’t just about clogged arteries. Faulty heart valves can force the heart to work harder, while electrical malfunctions can cause arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats that may lead to blood clots, strokes, or heart failure. Some people are also born with congenital heart disease, which affects the heart’s structure from birth. Understanding these conditions is the first step, but recognizing the symptoms and catching them early is crucial to protecting your heart health. Early Warning Signs of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) CAD makes it harder for blood to reach your heart and other parts of your body. If the artery blockage is severe, it puts you at risk of a heart attack. CAD/heart attack warning signs include: Chest pain or tightness (often described as sharp, squeezing, or a feeling of pressure, like an elephant sitting on your chest). Pain in your jaw, neck, throat, upper belly, back, or one or both arms. Unusual fatigue or shortness of breath (especially in women). Cold sweats, often with nausea or lightheadedness (more common in women). Women are more likely to have “silent” heart disease, meaning they may not experience obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often mistaken for the flu, stress, or simply the effects of aging. Unlike men, who typically experience chest pain during physical activity, women are more likely to feel discomfort while resting. The risk of CAD increases for women around age 50, when estrogen's protective effects decline, while men typically see their risk rise in their 40s. Early Warning Signs of Heart Rhythm Problems (Arrhythmia) Arrhythmias cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Symptoms can include: A fluttering feeling in your chest. A racing heartbeat. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Shortness of breath. Chest pain (though it’s not always the main symptom). Early Warning Signs of Heart Valve Problems Your heart has four valves that open and close to keep blood moving. Issues with these valves—whether they’re narrowing, leaking, or not closing properly—can cause: Fatigue or a lack of energy. Shortness of breath. Swollen ankles and feet (from fluid buildup). Dizziness or fainting. Chest pain (though it’s not a common early symptom). Don’t Wait to See a Doctor If you notice any heart disease symptoms, it’s important to see your primary care doctor right away. They might refer you to a cardiologist, who might prescribe heart medications, create treatment plans, and, if needed, refer you to a specialist or surgeon for advanced care. To learn more about our cardiology services or to schedule an appointment, visit Luminis.Health/Cardiology or call (443) 481-6700. Taking care of your heart starts with understanding it—don’t ignore the warning signs! Authors Dr. Salvatore Lauria, MD, is a board-certified invasive cardiologist with a special interest in congestive heart failure and preventive medicine.0
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis may be the year you make changes in your life. Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, no matter how hard you try. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, chances are you’ve tried changing your diet and exercise routines many times without seeing lasting results. In fact, if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 35, the chances of reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time is less than one percent, according to research by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Weight loss surgery could be the answer. If you’ve been wondering if you might be a candidate, we’re here to help you sort through some important considerations. You can start by finding answers to these questions: Do you meet the medical guidelines? Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, isn’t the right choice for everyone trying to lose weight. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has developed guidelines to help you decide. It’s worth looking into if: You have a BMI of 40 or more (you can calculate your BMI here). You have a BMI of at least 35 and a related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. You have a BMI of at least 35, and type 2 diabetes that’s difficult to control. Do you know the benefits and risks? Surgical weight loss changes how your digestive system works, reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold and calories your body can absorb. It also affects how some hormones work, which assists in weight loss. You should work with a multi-disciplinary team to choose the type of surgery that fits your needs, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or a new option called SADI-S (single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve), which combines the restrictive power of a sleeve gastrectomy with the malabsorptive power of the gastric bypass. The results can be life changing. Weight loss surgery helps people lose as much as 77% of their excess weight 12 months later. It also helps people live longer healthier lives and can prevent or improve more than 40 obesity-related health issues, including: Heart disease High blood pressure Joint pain Sleep problems Type 2 diabetes Obesity related cancers What’s more, many people who’ve had weight loss surgery say they feel more energized, can move around more easily, and enjoy a better quality of life. For most people, these benefits far exceed the risks. But before signing up, you should talk to a surgeon to make sure you fully understand your risks. Are you ready to commit to a long-term change? It’s important to remember that the life-long benefits of surgery come along with a long-term commitment. You will need to meet program requirements, including nutrition classes, to be approved for your procedure. A bariatric optimization program, which includes physical therapy and nutritional guidance, can help. After your surgery, you will have to follow specific plans to best utilize the changes in your body and optimize for success. You’ll also need to carefully stick to a nutrition plan and attend follow-up appointments to keep your progress on track. Have you researched the specifics? Some insurance plans cover the costs of weight loss surgery, including Medicare and some Medicaid programs. As part of this coverage, be prepared with certain records to show why you need the procedure. Your medical team will help you understand your options for paying for your surgery and tell you about other information you need to know ahead of time. Some healthcare systems offer educational sessions, such as the free weight loss seminar hosted by Luminis Health, to help you get the process started and understand these details before you move forward. Luminis Health is hosting virtual seminars throughout January and February. Have you considered all you have to gain? If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, it’s worth taking the next step. Remember, it’s not about what you have to lose, it’s what you could gain with a strong team by your side: better health, a more active lifestyle and greater self-confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, please call (443) 481-6699 or click here to sign up for a free webinar. Authors Dr. Alejandro Gandsas, Dr. Courtney Doyle, and Dr. Jilian Nicholas are bariatric surgeons at Luminis Health.0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrom personal trainers to coaches and even apps on our phone, today we have an abundance of resources to help improve our athletic abilities for all levels of play. Unfortunately, sports can lead to injuries. And when that happens, the key to getting back on the field, the court, the track, or simply everyday life, is the way you recover. Recovery can be quick or can take time, depending on the injury. At clinics with sports performance zones, like that available at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy – Jennifer Square, physical therapists can combine traditional physical therapy with sports performance practices to support an individual’s ability to perform at their peak level and recover successfully. READ MORE: AAMG Physical Therapy opens new location at Jennifer Square You might not realize it but your recovery period has many benefits, which is why you should take it seriously. Below are some ways physical therapy can change your sports performance: Avoid training hazards and future injuries. Training with a physical therapist whose expertise is in both sports and rehabilitation can help you get back in the game better than ever before. A provider can help you heal and perform at your highest level while also showing you how to avoid potential training hazards or future injuries. This maintenance approach is similar to how we see a dentist several times a year for preventative care and not just before having a cavity or tooth pain. Gain an edge in sports or higher-level hobbies. Of course, as a patient, you must be willing to work to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance. Look for a program that provides a personalized exercise program for sport-specific training, total body strength, power, stamina, flexibility and movement. Spot incorrect patterns of movement. Identifying muscle weaknesses, tightness and coordination problems can help you avoid injury and move more efficiently within your sport of choice. For example, if you are concerned with keeping up with the pace of play or feel like you can’t hit the ball as well as you should, seek a physical therapist who can correct improper movement patterns to help you get back on the court – better, faster and stronger. Perform exercises in a controlled, comfortable environment. Perform higher-level exercises in an environment with skilled experts prior to doing them on your own. If you pair that with innovative techniques, you can easily access parts of recovery not typically available in traditional physical therapy clinics. For example, think instrument-assisted soft tissue massage, cupping, blood-flow restriction training and dry needling. Authors James Bickley, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy’s Jennifer Square location. He can be reached at 443-481-1140.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour heart works hard every day to keep blood moving through your body — and your heart valves play a big role in making that happen. When a valve isn’t opening or closing the way it should, it can affect how efficiently your heart pumps. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart valve disease (or are experiencing symptoms), understanding your options can help you feel more confident and prepared for what’s ahead. Types of heart valve disease Heart valve diseases in adults are typically categorized into two main types, regurgitation and stenosis. Understanding this is a crucial first step in making informed care decisions. A properly functioning valve allows the heart to pump blood forward and in one direction. Regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close completely, causing blood to flow backward as the heart pumps. Stenosis occurs when the valve is unable to open completely, limiting the amount of blood flowing through the heart. In both of these conditions, the heart needs to work harder than it needs to in order to maintain proper flow to the body. This inefficiency, if not treated, can lead to weakening of the heart muscle. Symptoms of heart valve diseases Many people live with a heart valve that do not work correctly, sometimes without ever experiencing problems. Still, it is important to seek medical guidance once a heart valve condition is discovered since it can worsen over time. Signs and symptoms may include: Feeling like you can’t get enough air (shortness of breath) Dizziness or fainting Chest pain when you’re physically active Fast or slow heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmia) Fullness in your belly (abdomen), ankles, feet or the veins in your neck Unexplained fatigue Treatments for heart valve disease If you have been diagnosed with a heart valve disease, it can be successfully managed with medicines and observation. Sometimes, surgical procedures may be needed to correct the valve to allow for efficient pumping of blood through the heart. There are several reasons your specialist may recommend heart valve surgery, including: Changes in your heart valve. Tests may indicate that the changes are impacting your heart function. Damage to your heart valve. If an infection (endocarditis) damages the valve, your doctor may advise surgery. Defects in your heart valve. These may cause severe heart symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, heart failure or fainting. During open-heart surgery for another reason. If you’re having surgery for another heart condition — coronary artery bypass graft surgery, for example — your doctor may want to treat your heart valve disease at the same time. Other problems appear. For instance, you may have received a new heart valve in the past, and it is no longer working properly, or there may be other problems requiring surgery, such as infection, bleeding or blood clots. There are two main types of surgery that you may have: Heart valve repair, where your surgeon reconstructs one or more of the valve’s components. Valve repair maintains as much of your valve reducing the amount of artificial material used in the heart. Heart valve replacement, where your surgeon removes the diseased valve and replaces it with an artificial valve. The right approach depends on your specific condition, overall health and how well your heart is functioning. An experienced heart specialist can walk you through your options and help guide you on which treatment is best for you. Find a specialist you can trust If you have a heart valve condition, you will want a care team you can count on to answer your questions, ease your fears and get you back to the activities and people you love. Luminis Health is known for emergency life-saving heart attack care, a dedicated heart center, and today’s most promising technologies and treatments. Learn more at Luminis.Health/HeartHealth. Authors Murtaza Dawood, MD is an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon who is recognized for performing operations for complex valve disease and atrial fibrillation.0
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