Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute

09/29/2025

Happy World Heart Day! Today, we join millions worldwide in raising awareness about the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This year's theme encourages everyone to "Don’t Miss a Beat" when it comes to protecting yourself from heart disease.

Small actions can have a big impact:

♥️ Choose heart-healthy foods
♥️ Move your body daily
♥️Quit smoking
♥️ Manage stress
♥️ Get regular check-ups

At AHVI, we're committed to keeping Alaska's hearts healthy. We encourage all Alaskans to take one small step for your heart today — whether that’s going for a walk, cooking a healthy meal, or booking a check-up.

09/26/2025

Preventing and treating high cholesterol isn't just about diet! The American Heart Association recommends a comprehensive approach:

✅ Eat heart-healthy foods
✅ Exercise regularly
✅ Maintain healthy weight
✅ Don't smoke
✅ Limit alcohol
✅ Take medications as prescribed

If you’re concerned about cholesterol, your AHVI provider can support you with a personalized plan for achieving and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Learn more about preventing and managing high cholesterol at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia

09/26/2025

Did you catch Dr. Jacob Kelly on Alaska's News Source? He shared valuable insights about how movement plays a crucial role in your overall health—especially when it comes to preventing heart disease and stroke.

Whether it's a daily walk, taking the stairs, or engaging in activities you enjoy, every bit of movement counts toward protecting your heart and reducing your risk of stroke. Dr. Kelly also explains how it’s never too early (or late!) to adopt behaviors that help prevent heart disease. He discusses why simple lifestyle changes, such as daily movement, better sleep, and healthy nutrition, can make a huge difference in achieving and maintaining heart and overall health. View the segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whvb2j36gEY

Want to learn more? Visit our resource library to explore other helpful videos focused on prevention and heart health: https://www.alaskaheart.com/health-education/resource-library/

A conversation with Dr. Jacob Kelly, cardiologist For more Local News from KTUU: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/ For more YouTube Content: https://www....

09/18/2025

For those living with AFib, there are a variety of treatment options to consider and discuss with your provider:

✅ Medications to control heart rate & rhythm
✅ Procedures like electrical cardioversion or ablation
✅ Blood thinners to reduce stroke risk
✅ Lifestyle changes — managing blood pressure, sleep apnea, and weight

Every heart is unique. At AHVI, our electrophysiology team creates personalized plans to keep your heart beating strong.

Learn more about ways to prevent, treat, and manage AFib at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation

09/16/2025

🏃‍♀️ Saturday is the BIG day! Join the AHVI team at the 2025 Alaska Heart Run and Walk at Alaska Airlines Center starting at 7:00 AM!

📍 What: Alaska Heart Run & Walk
📅 When: Saturday, September 20th
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM Registration | 9:30 AM Timed Run | 10:00 AM Walk
📍 Where: Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive

We're walking/running to support life-saving research, CPR training, and heart health awareness across Alaska. Look for the AHVI tent - we'll have heart health resources and our amazing team cheering on all participants. Let's lace up for heart health!

Learn more at https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=12052&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=1020

09/11/2025

September is also National Cholesterol Education Month! High cholesterol often has no symptoms - that's why it's important to regularly check your cholesterol levels as part of heart disease prevention and management.

Talk with your healthcare or AHVI provider to determine the best schedule for keeping track of your cholesterol levels.

Learn more about the different types of cholesterol and what they mean for heart health at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides

09/09/2025

Did you know that dining together can literally be good for your heart? The American Heart Association's "Together Tuesdays" reminds us that people who enjoy frequent meals with others have better social and emotional well-being!

Research shows that weekly sit-down meals with family, friends, or neighbors can:

✅ Reduce stress levels
✅ Boost self-esteem
✅ Strengthen social connections
✅ Support mental health

Keep it simple: grazing boards, potluck style, or even takeout works! The connection matters more than the menu.

Learn more at https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/together-tuesdays

09/05/2025

What a fantastic day at Anchorage's 22nd Mini Heart Run!

Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute was proud to participate in this incredible event, where young Alaskans got an early start on heart health. Our own Dr. Ireland and Dr. Kelly joined in, sharing valuable education with families about how physical activity is not only fun, but it also plays a crucial role in overall health and preventing heart disease.

Thank you to all the families who participated and to the organizers who made this community event possible! ❤️

The 2025 Heart Run is about two weeks out, but some kiddos got a head start with the Mini Heart Run.

09/05/2025

September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. AFib is an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, that can increase your risk of stroke. While some people with AFib have no symptoms, common experiences of Afib include:

• Fluttering or pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or fatigue
• Dizziness or chest discomfort
• Anxiety or sweating

If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait—early evaluation is key. Consider using an AFib symptoms tracker, and make an appointment with one of our experienced electrophysiologists for a formal evaluation.

Learn more about Afib and access the symptom tracker at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-are-the-symptoms-of-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af

09/02/2025

We're proud to celebrate another year supporting the Dave Thorsness Rowing Challenge! Since 2001, the very first year of this incredible community event, AHVI has been on the water every single year, making us one of the longest-standing participants in The Dave's history!

While our teams didn't place this year, our staff demonstrated what true teamwork looks like by stepping up to help other company teams when rowers were unable to participate. That's the AHVI spirit - always putting community and cooperation first! 💙

The Dave isn't just about racing; it's about building stronger teams, supporting our community, and having a "boatload of fun" while doing it. We're already looking forward to year 25!

Thank you to the for another fantastic weekend regatta. Here's to many more years of friendly competition and community spirit!

08/29/2025

Looking for easy and delicious ways to add more veggies to your meals? Check out this recipe (with a video tutorial) for Sautéed Zucchini, Tomato, and Chickpea Ragout from our friends at the American Heart Association. It's packed with heart-healthy fiber and protein and can be eaten as a meal or side dish.

This Italian recipe is a delicious way to get more vegetables and beans into your eating routine.

08/28/2025

Looking for a new opportunity with a team passionate about patient care, quality outcomes, and community development?

We're hiring!

Check out our current employment opportunities here: https://www.alaskaheart.com/careers/