Survive. Don’t Drive. How Calling 911 Could Save Your Life
When you’re having chest pain or think you might be having a heart attack, your first instinct may be to get to the hospital as fast as possible. But that’s exactly the moment when you should NOT get behind the wheel. Calling 911 can make the difference between life and death. According to Federico De…
A Life-Saving First: Mississippi’s First TAMBE Patient at St. Dominic Hospital
When 76-year-old farmer Dan Branton thinks about his care at St. Dominic Hospital, one word rises above the rest: grateful.…
A Silver Milestone: Our Lady of the Lake’s ECMO Program Receives Prestigious Recognition
Only 18 months after launching, Our Lady of the Lake’s ECMO program has touched lives across the community, delivering lifesaving support and advanced care when families have needed it most. It also has already achieved a remarkable milestone: the Silver Path to Excellence Award from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). This recognition represents the…
What Mammograms Can Reveal About Your Heart Health
Most women know mammograms are essential for catching breast cancer early. But fewer know these same images can also provide a surprising glimpse into your heart health. For some women, a mammogram may reveal hidden risk factors for cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death in women. What Is Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC)? A…
‘Like My Chest Exploded’: Cassie’s Story of Surviving an Aortic Dissection
It was supposed to be an ordinary summer day in Vacherie. Cassie Falgoust, 55, was outside doing yard work while her husband mowed nearby. She started weed eating when she was hit with a sudden pain. “I felt this enormous pop in my chest,” Cassie recalls. “It was like there was a giant hole in…
All Things, Great Love: Jason Survives Heart Attack on ‘a Pulse and a Prayer’
Sometimes, how we healthcare is the strength of a community that never stops caring. On an ordinary Saturday evening, Jason Moore walked into work at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, just like he had countless times before. As a security guard assigned to the night shift, Jason took pride in keeping the…
Healing with Heart: Changing the Game in Cardiac Surgery Care
When Katina Nelson woke up with chest pain that startled her from sleep, she didn’t immediately panic. “I kind of…
Overcoming Heart Failure with Life-Changing Surgery
From an unexpected heart failure diagnosis to life-saving surgery, Richard Moss’ journey is marked by his deep faith, a strong family support system and the expert care he received at St. Francis Health. An Unexpected Diagnosis After contracting COVID-19 for the second time in early 2024, Richard started experiencing severe breathing difficulties. “I couldn’t breathe…
Pioneering Heart Rhythm Care in Acadiana
For atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients, it’s “a game-changer.” That’s how Patrick Welch, MD, describes the Medtronic PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation…
Geaux Hero: How Listening to His Body Saved Jim’s Life
At 59, Jim Teague, BS, SBB (ASCP), was healthy, active and had no reason to expect a heart attack. As…
Protecting the Heart While Fighting Cancer
When facing cancer, patients and their doctors focus on beating the disease. But what happens when the very treatments that…
Redefining Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Excellence drives everything Sarah Ahmad, MD, does as a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Francis Health in Monroe. For Dr. Ahmad, providing world-class care isn’t just about mastering surgical techniques — it’s about creating an environment where patients feel supported, understood and confident in their care. “Excellence in patient care isn’t just about what we do…
Heart-Healthy, Southern Inspired Flavor
When you think of Southern cooking, heart health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this lentil and collard green power bowl takes classic Southern ingredients and gives them a healthy twist. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and flavorful spices, it’s a dish that’s as good for your heart as…
Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious but often misunderstood condition that affects the heart and lungs. Experts David Moll, MD,…
Heart Health 101: Expert Tips on Prevention, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
When it comes to heart health, prevention is key. Experts Tiffany Ardoin, MD, FACP, internal medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake and assistant professor of clinical medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center; Andrew Smith, MD, cardiologist, electrophysiologist and director of the cardio metabolic program at Louisiana Cardiology Associates; and Denzil Moraes, MD, interventional…
50 Years of Healing Hearts: Celebrating Lasting Impact on Mississippi
For five decades, the people of central Mississippi have entrusted their hearts to St. Dominic Hospital and the Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute (MHVI). This milestone is not only a celebration of 50 years of groundbreaking care but also a testament to the powerful partnership with Jackson Heart Clinic’s renowned cardiologists and surgeons. Together, they…
For Heart Health: How to Keep Your Cholesterol in Check
Maybe you’ve been told to watch your cholesterol, or you have a family history of high cholesterol? Or maybe you’re just looking for ways to keep your heart healthy and work on prevention? You’re in luck! September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and Ronni Naramore, DO, family medicine physician with St. Francis Health, has some…
Opelousas Pastor on the Road to Recovery After Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital Team Uses Advances to Treat Heart Damage
When most people think about the symptoms of a heart attack, they often picture sudden problems like chest pain and trouble breathing. However, in many cases, a gradual progression of symptoms like fatigue and a feeling of indigestion are signs that there may be a serious cardiac problem. “It’s actually quite unusual that you hear…
Winter Heart Health: How to Protect Yourself
Winter is a time to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Just ensure that you’re not ignoring your physical and mental health while doing so. In fact, protecting your heart health is more important than ever during this time of year. The risk of heart attack and other complications from cardiovascular disease rises during…
LSU Coach Kim Mulkey Avoided Serious Heart Problems with the Help of Our Lady of the Lake Health
In May 2023, Coach Kim Mulkey was riding high after an incredible NCAA championship for the LSU Women’s Basketball team. But a hidden heart condition could have derailed all of those celebrations.What should have been a routine scan of her neck following a previous surgery showed doctors something alarming — that she had plaque building…
Strengthen Your Heart: Understanding Cardiovascular Health
Your heart works diligently to pump blood and deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Taking steps to protect your hard-working heart is key to your overall health, well-being and quality of life. Safi Haq, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, joins us on this episode of The Doctor Will Hear You…
Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Surgeon Becomes the Patient
After performing hundreds of heart valve replacements at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, renowned local heart surgeon Richard Dearman, MD, recently underwent a heart valve replacement of his own. As a cardiothoracic surgeon helping heart patients in Acadiana, Dr. Dearman participated in hundreds of heart procedures…
Heart Stressed by Summer Heat
Summertime is often full of fun activities, but on the hottest days of the year, it can be dangerous for people with heart problems. While heat waves are unpleasant for healthy people, they can be dangerous for those with cardiovascular trouble. For your body to stay cool on hot days, it needs to reroute blood…
A Stroke, a Heart Attack and Extraordinary Care
The days leading up to Richard’s heart attack and stroke at first seemed to him like any other week. “I was real big into exercising,” he says. “As age came on, I started doing speed walking. I got to where I’d go down two miles, then turn around and go back to my truck.” Walking his…
Men in High-stress Jobs Need to Pay Attention to Heart Health
It wouldn’t be a spoiler to tell you that in the very first episode of the HBO series Succession, the CEO of a major media corporation suffers a serious health scare that threatens to upend his company. That medical emergency sets off all manner of corporate chess games, alliances and backstabbing as his adult children…
What’s the Score with Arterial Calcium Tests?
This painless, easily accessed test costs only $100 and just may save your life. Dr. R. Chance DeWitt, a Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital in Lafayette, shares more about calcium score tests. It almost seems Cajuns, Creoles and heart disease go together like rice and gravy. You would be…
Heart-Healthy Options for Every Meal of Your Day
Delicious food that’s good for your heart health also can be easy to prepare. If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve found it! Louisa Whitmire, RDN, LDN, health coach and dietitian at St. Dominic Hospital, shares suggestions for each meal of the day, but don’t limit yourself. Any of these recipes would be great to eat…
Filling Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Keep it Healthy
It can be hard to listen to your heart if your stomach is growling too loudly. Nourishing your body well is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. Jen Bay Avis, MEd, LDN, RD, CDE, outpatient dietitian at St. Francis Medical Center, shares some heart-healthy recipes; two that will make great dinner options and…
Keep Up the Rhythm of Your Beat – Heart Health for Women
Hollywood has conditioned us to look for signs of a heart attack in very specific ways—like an actress clutching her…
After the Heart Attack: Understanding Heart Attack Recovery
Learn how your life changes following a heart attack.
Heart-Healthy Alternative on the Go: Mason Jar Salad
Life gets busy, but it’s still important to regularly enjoy a healthy lunch. Federico De Puy, MD, cardiologist with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, enjoys making mason jar salads and shares his method for a healthy, convenient lunch on-the-go. Wash, chop and prepare all the ingredients Sunday evening, then they’re ready to go…
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Managing your health is a team effort. And that’s also true for keeping your heart healthy. Here are some steps…
How to Talk With Your Family About Heart Health
Learn comfortable ways to address hearth health concerns with your loved ones.
The Most Overlooked Symptoms of Heart Disease
Many people know the telltale signs of heart disease, but some overlooked symptoms can be early warning signs of trouble.
Heart Health 101: Your Guide to Your Heart
Learn about ways to keep your heart healthy and the stats behind a healthy heart.
How Family History Affects Your Risk for Heart Disease
Learn about your family’s health history impacts your risk of heart disease.
What to Expect at a Cardiology Appointment
Preparing for a cardiology appointment? Here’s what to know, what to ask and what to bring with you.
Get Some Zzzzs for Your Heart Health
A lack of sleep can do more than make you grumpy. It can also affect your heart health.
7 Health Tips to Take to Heart
Seven simple ways you can care for your heart and keep it healthy for years to come.
Is Rooting Too Hard Bad for Your Heart?
The perils of intense anxiety associated with watching sports.
