The effects of smoking can lead to considerable damage on every organ and system throughout the body, including the blood vessels. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow the arteries which leads to poor circulation and high blood pressure, often resulting in a condition known as PAD (peripheral artery disease), something our cardiothoracic and [...]
At CTVS, we are extremely proud of the work our physicians do here in our Central Texas clinics, but we are just as proud of all the care they provide outside our walls. Many of our team members frequently participate in medical missions trips all over the world. Board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeff McNeil recently [...]
Stephen Galloway is no stranger to a health crisis. In 1991, he was a hazmat engineer who responded to a large, dangerous chemical spill in Galveston. Stephen sustained severe burns and suffered long-term health consequences due to the chemicals that he was exposed to, including painful neuropathy which later led to diabetes and near-blindness. Fast [...]
Hays County is now the fastest growing county in the country with the area’s population having multiplied ten times over since 2000. For this reason, CTVS realized the need to offer expert and quality cardiothoracic care to residents there so they no longer have to travel to Austin for it. We are therefore pleased to [...]
The American Cancer Society expects that roughly 20,000 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed this year. Many of those cases will prove fatal if not detected and treated early. As April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, CTVS urges everyone to become educated about the symptoms associated with this devastating, but treatable disease. The [...]
Have you ever considered “bee-coming” an organ donor? Or are you one already? This year’s theme for National Donate Life Month is “Bee a Donor” because bees support life throughout nature and their community. At CTVS, we are so grateful for those who choose to make the gift of organ donation and marvel at the [...]
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, more so than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In 2022, the American Cancer Society predicts a staggering 131,180 deaths due to lung cancer, however, it also predicts that with more widespread screening, early detection could save a potential 30,000 to 60,000 lives. [...]
Research shows that approximately one out of four Americans does not realize that they have diabetes. For this reason, it is often referred to as a “silent” disease. Diabetes increases the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood to dangerous levels and can occur in one of two forms: Type 1 which is genetic, [...]
All throughout February, CTVS has been sharing ways to get heart healthy in honor of American Heart Month. One important piece of advice we are sharing comes from a special patient of ours, Chris Valdez, who says that you should never ignore troubling health symptoms, especially those regarding your heart, as it could mean a [...]
February is American Heart Month and a great time to check in about your heart health. Cardiovascular/heart disease is responsible for one in every four deaths in the United States. It also contributes to other serious consequences in the form of heart attack and stroke. If you are already under the care of a heart [...]
