Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists

04/22/2026

🌟 Behind every great practice is an even greater admin team 🌟

Today is Administrative Professionals' Day and we took a moment to celebrate the wonderful clerical staff here at ACS: the scheduling wizards, patient care champions, and the friendly faces that make our office feel like home. You are the first voice our patients hear, the steady hands behind every appointment, and the heart of our front office.

We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn't do this without you!

04/20/2026

❓When did you last have your cholesterol checked?
This is a great time to do so: just last month, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released their first updated cholesterol management guidelines since 2018, reflecting the latest advances in cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment.

An estimated 1 in 4 U.S. adults has high LDL cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, but it is one of the most manageable risk factors when caught early.

A few things to keep in mind:
🩺 High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so the only way to know your numbers is to get tested
🥦 A heart-healthy diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins can meaningfully reduce your cardiovascular risk
🚶 Regular movement and healthy habits remain among the most powerful tools for protecting your heart

If it's been a while since you've had your levels checked, consider scheduling a visit with your cardiologist. Your future self will thank you.

🔗 Learn more about the updated guidelines from the AHA: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/accaha-issue-updated-guideline-for-managing-lipids-cholesterol

Embargoed until 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET, Friday, March 13, 2026 WASHINGTON and DALLAS, March 13, 2026 — The American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association and nine other leading medical associations, today issued an updated guideline ...

04/15/2026

💺➡️💙 Sitting Less, Moving More: A Simple Boost for Your Heart

April is Move More Month, a national initiative supported by the American Heart Association to encourage people to build more movement into their daily routines.

Heart health is not just about structured workouts, it is also about how much you move throughout the day. Long periods of sitting can impact your heart, but even small movement breaks can help.
Try this throughout your day:

🚶 Stand up and walk every hour
🧍 Take short stretch breaks between tasks
📞 Walk while on phone calls
🪜 Choose stairs when you can

It does not have to be all at once. It all adds up, and your heart benefits from every step.

Learn more about Move More Month and ways to stay active here: https://newsroom.heart.org/events/april-is-move-more-month-featuring-national-walking-day-stress-awareness-month-national-pet-month-national-garden-month-and-more

04/13/2026

🌟 Employee of the Month: Alisha Borel 🌟

Please join us in celebrating Alisha “Ali” Borel, our Employee of the Month!

Ali’s coworkers describe her as a true rock star: someone who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Whether she’s supporting the clinic, assisting Medical Records, or helping patients navigate their medications, Ali is always ready to step in wherever she’s needed. Her willingness to help, positive attitude, and strong work ethic make a meaningful impact on both our team and our patients every single day.

She’s known for staying busy, lending a hand across departments, and always putting others first, qualities that truly embody the spirit of teamwork and care at ACS.

A few fun facts about Ali:
💙 Proud “Aunt Ali”
💙 Loves reading and soccer
💙 Enjoys playing video games
💙 Loves spending time in the sunshine
💙 Strong in her faith

Ali, thank you for your dedication, positivity, and for always going the extra mile. We are so grateful to have you on our team!

04/08/2026

🌿 Small Habits, Stronger Heart

When it comes to heart health, it’s not just the big changes that matter, it’s the small, consistent habits you build every day.

A few simple ways to support your heart:
🥗 Choose balanced, nutrient-rich meals
🚶 Stay active, even a short daily walk helps
💧 Drink enough water throughout the day
😴 Prioritize quality sleep each night

Over time, these small choices add up to meaningful, long-term benefits for your heart and overall health.

Start where you can. Your heart will thank you. 💙

04/03/2026

🌸 Hello, April! A Fresh Start for Your Heart ❤️

April is Stress Awareness Month: managing stress is an important part of protecting your heart. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, affect sleep, and even contribute to habits that increase your risk for heart disease.

As we step into April, take a moment to check in with yourself:
💙 Are you making time to rest and recharge?
💙 Are you finding small ways to stay active during your day?
💙 Are you prioritizing sleep and managing daily stress?

Even small changes, like going for a walk, connecting with loved ones, or taking a few minutes to unplug, can make a meaningful difference for your heart.

If you’d like to learn more about how stress impacts heart health and ways to manage it, check out the link below: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health

Let’s make April a month of balance, awareness, and heart-healthy habits. 💙

What’s stressful for one person may not be for another. Happy events (new marriage.

03/31/2026

💙 Wrapping Up March: A Month of Heart-Healthy Habits 💙

As March comes to a close, we’ve spent time focusing on the everyday habits that support heart health, from better nutrition and staying active to recognizing symptoms and keeping up with routine checkups.

The takeaway? Small, consistent choices truly make a difference. Whether you made one change or several this month, it all adds up.

As we head into April, keep the momentum going, your heart will thank you. ❤️

03/25/2026

🩺 When Was Your Last Heart Check-In?

Heart disease often develops quietly, which is why routine checkups and screenings are so important, even if you’re feeling well. Keeping track of key numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help catch potential issues early.

A few simple steps to stay on track:
✔️ Schedule your annual checkup
✔️ Stay up to date on recommended screenings
✔️ Talk to your provider about your personal risk factors
✔️ Don’t ignore changes in how you feel

Taking a proactive approach now can help prevent bigger problems later. Your heart health is worth it. 💙

03/18/2026

❤️ Know the Signs. Trust Your Instincts.

Heart symptoms are not always sudden or obvious. While chest pain is the most well-known sign, there are other symptoms that should never be ignored.

Be aware of:
⚠️ Shortness of breath
⚠️ Unexplained fatigue
⚠️ Dizziness or lightheadedness
⚠️ Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw

Symptoms can look different for everyone, especially in women, and may come on gradually or feel less severe. In fact, women are more likely to experience symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or back and jaw pain that can easily be mistaken for something else.

If something does not feel right, it is always better to get it checked. Early attention can make all the difference.

Learn more about the signs of heart disease in women here:
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women

Your heart health matters every day. 💙

Learn more about the warning signs of heart attack and stroke in women that may differ from those men experience.

03/16/2026

🌟 Employee of the Month: Lillie Kirkendall 🌟

We are excited to recognize Lillie Kirkendall as our Employee of the Month for February!

Lillie has been a Medical Assistant with ACS for nearly two years and consistently makes a positive impact on both our patients and our team. Her coworkers describe her as kind, professional, and always smiling, even when handling difficult situations. Most importantly, she treats every patient with kindness and respect.

A few fun facts about Lillie:
💙 She loves trying new hobbies
💙 Proud boy mom and dog mom
💙 Enjoys spending time at home with her family
💙 Loves binge-watching shows
💙 Currently a pre-nursing student

Thank you, Lillie, for your dedication and for the positivity you bring to ACS every day!

03/12/2026

Today is World Kidney Day! Did you know your heart and kidneys are deeply connected?

When one is under stress, the other often feels it too. High blood pressure is also one of the leading causes of kidney disease and, in turn, poor kidney function can raise blood pressure and put added strain on your heart.

This World Kidney Day, here are a few habits that protect both:
🥗 Eat a diet low in sodium and processed foods
💧 Stay well hydrated throughout the day
🚶 Stay physically active to keep blood pressure in a healthy range
🩺 Know your numbers: get your blood pressure and kidney function checked regularly

Caring for your heart means caring for your whole body. Want to learn more about how these two vital organs work together? The National Kidney Foundation has a great resource breaking down the heart-kidney connection: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/heart-and-kidney-connection

Your heart can affect the health of your kidneys and your kidneys can affect the health of your heart.

03/05/2026

Sheila DeVaugh has been a valued member of Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists since 2000 and brings more than 20 years of emergency and critical care nursing experience to our practice. Before joining ACS, she dedicated her career to emergency medicine, where she also taught cardiac, trauma, pediatric, and adult medical care to fellow healthcare professionals.

Sheila earned her nursing degrees from Lamar University and the University of Texas Medical Branch and is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her calm presence, deep clinical knowledge, and commitment to patient education make her an essential part of our care team.

When she’s not caring for patients, Sheila enjoys spending time with her family and tending to her flower garden. We’re grateful for her compassion, experience, and dedication to our patients’ heart health. 🌸❤️