GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide and liraglutide) are often discussed as “weight-loss drugs,” but that label misses a big part of the story. In large clinical trials, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events, things like heart attack and stroke, in people at elevated risk. And importantly: researchers are finding those heart [...]
The holiday season is supposed to be joyful, but for many people living with heart or vascular disease (or risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of smoking), it can be a perfect storm of routine changes that puts extra stress on the cardiovascular system. From richer meals and more [...]
When Jimmy Caddell turned 60, he celebrated, like so many of us do, with a big meal surrounded by family – nothing unusual for a man who loves good food and good company. But that night, something felt off. Lying flat in bed suddenly made it hard to breathe. His blood pressure spiked, and he [...]
At Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS), innovation isn’t just part of what we do, it’s what defines us. This month, our very own Dr. Faraz Kerendi was featured on KXAN News for helping perform the first U.S. commercial implant of a new transcatheter valve replacement system designed to treat one of cardiology’s most complex conditions: [...]
When the thermometer soars into triple digits, the impact goes beyond just feeling uncomfortable. Extreme heat puts added stress on the cardiovascular system as it works harder to keep the body cool, and that extra demand can be especially dangerous for people with heart conditions. Why Hot Weather Strains Your Cardiovascular System The body’s response [...]
A new scientific report suggests that how well you sleep may matter just as much as how long you sleep. Beyond counting hours, factors like falling asleep easily, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and waking up refreshed all play a vital role in supporting heart health. Sleep is so important, the American Heart Association recently added it [...]
Heart disease affects millions of Americans and remains the leading cause of death for both men and women year after year. It refers to the serious conditions affecting the heart, its operation and structure, and the many blood vessels, veins and arteries surrounding it. At CTVS, we work tirelessly to surgically treat the many serious [...]
While constant, biting cold weather in the winter months is not typically common in Central Texas, we do get a few snaps of extreme temperatures that send the mercury diving down. Sudden extreme turns in the weather can take a toll on your health, especially your cardiovascular health. Colder weather can cause blood vessels to [...]
Diabetes affects millions of Americans. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin and process blood sugar properly. If managed well through proper diet and medication, those with diabetes can lead full and active lives. There are however some serious complications commonly associated with diabetes, like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and PAD [...]
In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. That number is often said to spike during the holidays. While the holidays are a fun and festive time, they can also wreak havoc on your health. In fact, research shows that the most likely days someone is bound to suffer a fatal [...]
