Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists

03/03/2026

🌱 March Into Heart Health with Smart Nutrition ❤️

As we move into March, we’re continuing the momentum of American Heart Month by focusing on something that has a major impact on your cardiovascular health: what you eat. March is National Nutrition Month, and there’s no better time to think about the choices that fuel your heart and your body.

Here are a few heart-smart tips to try this month:
🥗 Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables and fruit
🍞 Choose whole grains instead of refined grains
🐟 Include lean proteins like fish, beans, and poultry
💧 Stay hydrated and be mindful of added sodium

To learn more about heart-healthy eating and lifestyle recommendations, check out this helpful guide from the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations

Small, consistent nutrition choices add up to big heart benefits. Let March be the month your meals match your heart goals. 💙

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.

02/27/2026

Dr. Jorge Hernandez has been a trusted part of Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists since 2007, bringing decades of experience in cardiology and interventional care to our patients in Southeast Texas. Prior to joining ACS, he served as Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Arkansas.

Known for his dedication to innovation and patient care, Dr. Hernandez has been involved in numerous “first-of-their-kind” cardiovascular procedures throughout his career. He is board certified in cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiovascular disease and remains actively involved in national cardiology organizations.

Outside the office, Dr. Hernandez enjoys traveling, reading philosophy and Latin-American literature, playing soccer, and spending time with his family. We’re proud to have him on our team and grateful for the expertise and compassion he brings to our patients every day. ❤️

02/24/2026

🫀 This American Heart Month, Learn a Lifesaving Skill ❤️

Did you know that CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival if their heart suddenly stops beating? When cardiac arrest happens outside of a hospital, immediate CPR from a bystander can make all the difference before emergency responders arrive.

Many people hesitate because they believe CPR requires extensive training. In reality, Hands-Only CPR is simple to learn and can be performed by anyone in an emergency.

This Heart Month, consider taking a few minutes to learn the basics of CPR. You never know when that knowledge could help save a life, whether it is a loved one, friend, coworker, or even a stranger.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers

Join a Nation of Lifesavers. You could be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a cardiac event. Be ready to act by learning CPR.

02/14/2026

Roses are red ❤️
Violets are blue 💙
Taking care of your heart
Is one of the best things you can do.

This Valentine’s Day, remember that loving your heart means making choices that support your health all year long. Stay active, eat well, manage stress, and keep up with your checkups.

From our team to you, we wish you a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day!

02/10/2026

❤️ Heart Health Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All ❤️

During American Heart Month, it’s important to remember that every heart is different. Risk factors like family history, lifestyle, age, and existing conditions all play a role in heart health, which is why personalized care matters.

A few questions worth asking yourself this month:
🫀 Do I know my heart health risk factors?
🫀 Have I had recent heart testing or labs?
🫀 Am I managing stress, sleep, and activity in a way that supports my heart?

Whether you’re being proactive or managing an existing condition, having the right care team makes all the difference. At Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, we focus on individualized, comprehensive cardiovascular care to meet patients where they are.

This Heart Month, make your heart health personal. 💙

02/06/2026

❤️ Today our ACS team proudly wore red in support of National Wear Red Day and American Heart Month.

National Wear Red Day helps raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading cause of death. By wearing red, we stand together to promote education, prevention, and early detection of heart disease.

We are proud to support heart health awareness and to care for our community every day. Thank you to our amazing team for showing their support and helping spread an important message.

Take this month as a reminder to check in on your heart health and encourage your loved ones to do the same. 💙

02/06/2026

🌟 Employee of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Angie Varela, our Clinical Team Lead and Employee of the Month!

Angie has been a dedicated cardiac nurse for 10 years and leads our clinical team with skill, compassion, and heart. Whether she’s supporting patients, guiding her team, or going the extra mile each day, Angie makes a lasting impact on everyone around her.

A few fun facts about Angie:
💜 Favorite color: Purple
⚾ Proud Astros fan
📚 Loves getting lost in a good book
📺 Enjoys binge-watching Netflix series
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mom to Avery and Pierce and loves spending time with family and friends

Thank you, Angie, for your leadership, dedication, and the care you bring to our practice every day. We’re so grateful to have you on our team! 💙

02/04/2026

💐 Happy Retirement, JoAnn! 💐

After more than 26 years of dedicated service, we are wishing JoAnn Bushnell a very happy and well-deserved retirement. As a Patient Care Coordinator, JoAnn played a vital role in keeping our days running smoothly. She was often the very first one here, arriving faithfully at 4:00 a.m. every morning to prepare hospital lists for our physicians, no matter the weather or circumstances. Her commitment, reliability, and work ethic were truly unmatched.

Beyond her dedication, JoAnn is known for her warm heart, kind spirit, and unwavering faith. She was deeply loved by colleagues and physicians alike, and we will greatly miss her prayers, encouragement, and the blessings she so generously shared.

JoAnn, thank you for the many years you devoted to ACS and to our patients. We wish you joy, rest, and many wonderful moments in this next chapter of life. 💙

02/02/2026

❤️ February Is American Heart Month ❤️

February is all about the heart, and it’s the perfect time to focus on protecting yours. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many heart conditions can be prevented or managed with early care and healthy habits.

This month, we’re encouraging everyone to:
🫀 Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
🫀 Stay active in ways that work for you
🫀 Eat with your heart in mind
🫀 Schedule heart screenings or follow-ups when needed

At Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, we’re proud to care for our community with comprehensive, compassionate cardiovascular care, not just this month, but all year long.

Take February as a reminder: your heart deserves attention every day. 💙

01/27/2026

🎉 Honoring a Remarkable Career & Celebrating What’s Ahead 🎉

Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating Dr. T. Randolph Lombardo and his incredible 38 years of service with Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists. The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, kind words, and deep appreciation for the impact he has made on countless patients, colleagues, and the greater community over nearly four decades.

As Dr. Lombardo transitions into a part-time role, we are grateful that his knowledge, experience, and compassionate approach to care will continue to be a part of our practice. His dedication to excellence and patient-centered care has helped shape ACS into what it is today, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this meaningful milestone and honoring a truly special physician. 💙

01/20/2026

😴 Sleep Is Heart Care

Did you know that poor sleep can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke? Getting quality rest is just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to heart health.

Try these heart-friendly sleep tips:
🌙 Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep
📱 Power down screens before bedtime
🕰 Keep a consistent sleep schedule
🛏 Create a calm, comfortable sleep space

Better sleep supports a stronger heart, night after night. 💙

Read more on how sleep and heart health are connected: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/sleep-and-heart-health.html

Learn how sleep is connected to heart health.

01/14/2026

❄️ Cold Weather & Your Heart: A Winter Reminder

As temperatures drop this week, it’s important to remember that cold weather can put extra strain on your heart, especially during activities like brisk walking, outdoor chores, or even rushing through your day.

A few simple tips to stay safe and heart-healthy this winter:

🧤 Dress warmly in layers
🚶 Pace yourself with outdoor tasks
💧 Stay hydrated (yes, even in winter!)
❤️ Listen to your body and take breaks when needed

Winter is a beautiful season, but it’s also a time to be extra mindful of your heart. Stay warm, stay safe, and take care. 💙