Shows
Living Heart SmartUnlocking a Decade of Life: The Power of Lifestyle ChangesHi Everyone- In this episode, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss how making specific lifestyle changes can lead to a longer life, based on recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They emphasize the importance of understanding cardiovascular risk factors and how controlling them can significantly impact longevity. The conversation highlights key findings from a large study, including the significance of blood pressure and smoking cessation, and encourages listeners to take proactive steps towards better heart health.TakeawaysChanging lifestyle factors can lead to living a decade longer....2025-04-0108 minLiving Heart SmartChest Pain: Stress Testing: Top Ten Insider FactsSeason 2: #19 Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss the critical aspects of heart health, focusing on symptoms, the importance of stress testing, and the misconceptions surrounding it. They delve into the anatomy of the heart, the process of atherosclerosis, and the various types of stress tests available. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding stress test results and exploring alternative methods for assessing heart health, particularly for those without symptoms.TakeawaysPain, shortness of breath, and atherosclerosis are concerning symptoms.Over 800,000 heart attacks occur annually in the U.S.Atherosclerosis...2025-03-2215 minLiving Heart SmartPVC's: Why is my Heart Flip-Flopping?Season 2: #18: In this conversation, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss the common issue of heart palpitations, specifically focusing on premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). They explore what PVCs are, their significance, and how patients can identify triggers and symptoms. The doctors emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes and self-monitoring, as well as the role of modern technology in tracking heart health. The conversation aims to reassure listeners about the normalcy of PVCs while providing practical advice for managing heart health. In this conversation, They cover the importance of patient history, family background, and various...2025-03-1425 minLiving Heart SmartLower Your Blood Pressure Naturally: Look Mom- No Meds!Season 2: #17: Dr. Carolyn Lacey and Dr. Matt DeVane discuss the critical issue of high blood pressure explore proven methods to lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of monitoring blood pressure at home. The discussion covers dietary changes, including reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake, as well as the benefits of the DASH diet. The doctors stress that while lifestyle changes can be effective, they require commitment and effort. In this conversation, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss effective strategies for managing blood pressure through dietary changes, behavioral modifications, exercise, and weight loss. 2025-03-0811 minLiving Heart SmartControl Your Blood Pressure: Fresh Thinking on Hypertension (and Endothelium)Season 2:# 16: Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss the critical issue of hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure. They explore the inadequacies in public awareness and management of this condition, emphasizing the need for a different approach to understanding and addressing blood pressure. The discussion delves into the role of the endothelium, a vital organ affected by blood pressure, and challenges common myths surrounding hypertension. The conversation aims to empower listeners to take proactive steps in managing their blood pressure and understanding its implications on overall health. In this conversation, Dr. Carolyn Lacey and...2025-03-0517 minLiving Heart SmartDemystifying Heart Tests: Echo and EKGSeason 2: #15: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, cardiologists Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss essential cardiology tests, focusing on the EKG and echocardiogram. They demystify the processes involved in these tests, explain the anatomy of the heart, and emphasize the importance of understanding EKG results. The conversation highlights the significance of having a baseline EKG and how technology has evolved in heart monitoring. The episode serves as a comprehensive introduction to basic heart testing for listeners. In this conversation.The doctors delve into the concept of ejection fraction, what it indicates about heart function...2025-02-1514 minLiving Heart SmartAlcohol: Cancer Causing or Heart Protective?Season 2, #14: Cardiologists Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss the recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General regarding alcohol consumption and its links to cancer. They explore the complexities of alcohol's effects on heart health, the classification of alcohol as a drug, and the importance of understanding dosage.The discussion also touches on the Mediterranean diet and its relationship with alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of alcohol's health impacts. In this conversation, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey explore the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and health. They...2025-02-1017 minLiving Heart SmartNew Year Resolutions 2025: Make it HEART HEALTHY!Season 2, #13: In this conversation, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey discuss health-related New Year's resolutions for 2025, reflecting on their past year's goals and sharing insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They emphasize the importance of simplicity in setting resolutions, the significance of regular health checks, understanding cholesterol levels, and the necessity of exercise. The doctors also provide strategies for breaking bad habits and setting realistic health goals for the new year, encouraging listeners to keep moving forward and make gradual changes for better health.Takeaways Keep New Year's resolutions simple and achievable. Reflect on past health...2025-01-2314 minLiving Heart SmartStarting Your A. Fib Journey: Andrew Benn, MD, FACCSeason 1, #12: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, our guest, cardiologist Dr Andy Benn, introduce the topic of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and discuss the basics of the condition. They reassure listeners that AFib is a livable condition and emphasize the importance of a team approach in managing it. The hosts also mention the common symptoms of AFib, such as palpitations, breathlessness, and fatigue. They explain the diagnostic process, including the use of EKGs and other tests, and highlight the association between AFib and other cardiac conditions. The episode concludes with a preview of future episodes, which will cover risk...2025-01-2027 minLiving Heart SmartTOP 5: Heart Attack Survival GuideSeason 1, Ep #11: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, Drs. Matt DeVane and Carolyn Lacey discuss the essential steps for heart attack survivors. He emphasizes the importance of education, teamwork with physicians, understanding medications, controlling risk factors, participating in cardiac rehabilitation, and making lifestyle changes. The conversation provides a comprehensive survival guide for those navigating life after a heart attack, highlighting the need for patience and proactive health management.TakeawaysEducation and teamwork with your physician are crucial.Expect to be on new medications after a heart attack.Controlling risk factors...2025-01-2017 minLiving Heart SmartTOP 5: Atrial Fib: Things YOU MUST DO!Season 1, Ep#10: Drs. Matt DeVane and Carolyn Lacey provide a comprehensive overview of atrial fibrillation (AFib), focusing on five key strategies for managing the condition. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patient education, lifestyle changes, stroke prevention, recognizing symptoms, treatment options, and the necessity of teamwork between patients and healthcare providers. The speakers aim to empower listeners with actionable insights to navigate their AFib journey effectively.TakeawaysPatients can manage AFib by reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for AFib control.High blood pressure and diabetes...2025-01-2007 minLiving Heart SmartMediteranean Style Diet: Best For Your Heart!Season 1, Ep#9: Cardiologists Matt DeVane and Dr. Lacey discuss the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing its benefits for heart health and overall wellness. They share personal experiences and practical tips for adopting this lifestyle, including the importance of nutrition, healthy snacking, and reducing processed foods. The conversation highlights the role of specific foods like nuts, olive oil, and fish, while also addressing the need to minimize sugar and refined grains. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners to start their journey towards a healthier diet.TakeawaysFood can be medicine for heart health.The...2025-01-2022 minLiving Heart SmartThe Cardioverion: Shocking Atrial FibrillationSeason 1, Ep#8: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Lacey discuss the procedure of cardioversion, focusing on its role in treating atrial fibrillation. The conversation covers the basics of arrhythmias, how cardioversion works, the procedure itself, preparation needed, risks involved, and what to expect post-procedure. The episode aims to educate listeners on heart health and the importance of managing atrial fibrillation effectively.TakeawaysA shock to your heart can restore normal rhythm.Understanding arrhythmias is crucial for heart health.Timing is key in delivering the electrical...2025-01-2010 minLiving Heart SmartTOP 5: Empowering Women with Heart DiseaseSeason 1, Ep#7: Dr. DeVane and Dr. Lacey focus on women's heart health, emphasizing the importance of awareness, understanding symptoms, and making lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease. The doctors discuss the unique physiological aspects of women that affect heart health, the significance of stress management, and the necessity of regular check-ups to monitor heart health. They encourage women to take proactive steps in recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice, highlighting that it's never too late or too early to start caring for one's heart.TakeawaysOne in five deaths in women is due to cardiovascular...2025-01-2011 minLiving Heart SmartWatchman Device for Atrial Fibrillation: Andy Dublin, MDSeason 1, Ep#6: Andy Dublin MD joins Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey to discuss the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device, also known as the Watchman device.They explain that atrial fibrillation is not a fatal heart disease, but the biggest risk is the risk of stroke. The Watchman device is an alternative to blood thinners for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. The procedure involves inserting the device into the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from forming and potentially causing a stroke. The risks associated with the procedure are low, and most patients...2025-01-2027 minLiving Heart SmartAtrial Fib: Preventing Strokes with Blood Thinners: Andrew Benn, MDSeason 1, Ep #5: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, Dr. Andy Benn discusses the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and stroke. They emphasize the importance of stroke prevention and the impact it can have on patients' lives. The conversation covers the definition of a stroke, the different types of strokes, and the role of AFib in stroke development. They also discuss the CHADS-VASc score, which helps determine the need for blood thinners in AFib patients. The episode concludes with a discussion on the different types of blood thinners available and their advantages over warfarin.Takeaways...2025-01-2028 minLiving Heart SmartAtrial Fib: Prevention is the Best Treatment: Guest- Andrew Benn MD, FACCSeason 1, Ep #4: Our Guest- Andrew Benn, MD, FACC discusses atrial fibrillation (AFib) and why it happens. He covers various risk factors and lifestyle changes that can help manage AFib. The main takeaways from the conversation are: 1) AFib is often accompanied by other heart conditions that need to be managed, 2) AFib treatment is a team effort between the patient and cardiologist, 3) AFib is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, 4) Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, weight, and stress can impact AFib, and 5) Slowing down the heart rate, maintaining normal rhythm, and reducing the risk of...2025-01-2024 minLiving Heart SmartAtrial Fib: Ablation and Rhythm Control: Carelton Nibley MD, FACCSeason 1, Ep#3: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey are joined by electrophysiologist Dr. Carlton Nibley, who explains the role of electrophysiologists, the procedure of ablation, and the various energy sources used during the treatment. The conversation also covers the safety, risks, and success rates of ablation therapy, as well as the importance of lifestyle choices in managing heart health.TakeawaysAtrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia affecting millions.Electrophysiologists specialize in the electrical system of the heart.Ablation therapy is a key treatment...2025-01-2035 minLiving Heart SmartCholesterol Testing: A Modern Approach: Jason Liu, MDSeason 1, Ep#2: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, Dr. Matt DeVane and Dr. Carolyn Lacey join Jason Liu, MD- to discuss cholesterol testing and its significance in cardiovascular health. They explore the roles of LDL and HDL, modern approaches to cholesterol testing, and the importance of early screening. The conversation emphasizes the need for lifestyle changes to maintain heart health and the evolving understanding of cholesterol's impact on cardiovascular disease.TakeawaysAtherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the U.S.Normal cholesterol levels are often misunderstood.HDL's protective...2025-01-2024 minLiving Heart SmartHow's Your Heart? Coronary Artery Calcium Test: Jason Liu, MDSeason 1: Ep#1: In this episode, Dr. Jason Liu discusses the Coronary Artery Calcium Test, its significance in assessing heart health, and how it compares to traditional methods like stress tests. They delve into the implications of atherosclerosis, the importance of understanding calcium scores, and the potential benefits and limitations of the test. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient education and the evolving landscape of cardiovascular risk assessment.TakeawaysThe Coronary Artery Calcium Test is underutilized but highly effective.Atherosclerosis can develop silently over decades before symptoms appear.Calcium scores provide...2025-01-2023 min