Dallas Heart & Vascular Consultants

09/08/2025

Today is World Physical Therapy Day🎉! A perfect reminder that movement matters for your heart.

Did you know physical therapy isn’t just for sports injuries or sore muscles? For people with heart conditions, cardiac rehabilitation is a special type of therapy that combines exercise, education, and support to help your heart get stronger and healthier.

Cardiac rehab can:
💪 Improve your strength and stamina
🛡️ Lower your risk of future heart problems
😊 Boost your mood, confidence, and quality of life

Want to learn more? The CDC has a great overview of what cardiac rehab is and why it matters:
👉 https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/cardiac-rehabilitation-treatment.html

Here’s to celebrating the therapists who keep hearts (and lives) moving forward every day!

09/02/2025

🫀September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, the most common heart rhythm disorder that affects millions of people every year. Did you know that 1 in 4 adults over age 40 will develop AFib in their lifetime? The challenge is that many don’t recognize the symptoms or know how treatable it can be with the right care.

This month, we’re raising awareness so more people can:
💡 Recognize the signs
🛡️ Take steps toward prevention
❤️ Explore treatment options that improve quality of life

Knowledge is power and when it comes to AFib, it could be lifesaving.

📚 Learn more from the Heart Rhythm Society: https://www.hrsonline.org/afib-awareness-month/

Raising Awareness. Improving Care. Changing Lives. September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month - a time to shine a spotlight on the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting millions worldwide. AFib affects 1 in 4 adults over 40, yet many don't know the symptoms or treatment options.....

08/29/2025

🎉 With Labor Day weekend just around the corner, let’s talk heart-smart celebrations!

While you enjoy grilling, gatherings, and good times, here are a few easy ways to keep your heart happy:

☀️ Beat the heat & hydrate - Whether you’re out tailgating or watching fireworks, staying hydrated helps your heart stay strong.
🥤 Choose water first - Skip sugary drinks and let hydration lead the way for better energy and heart wellness.
🍔 Mindful snacking - If you’re hosting or attending a cookout, balance the spreads with heart-conscious options like grilled veggies or fruit platters.
🚶‍♂️ Make a walking pact - Turn post-meal lounging into a quick family stroll to keep blood flowing and spirits high.
😌 Take a moment - A few deep breaths on a quiet break can help manage stress and support your heart all weekend long.

Here's to enjoying the holiday: deliciously, safely, and heart-first. Wishing you a rejuvenating and heart-healthy weekend! ❤️

08/27/2025

📚Back-to-school season isn’t just about sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks, it’s also the perfect time to reset routines for healthier hearts!

August is both Summer Sun Safety Month and National Wellness Month, reminding us that small, everyday habits can make a big difference for the whole family’s heart health:

☀️ Stay sun-safe and hydrate often. Heat and dehydration can raise your heart rate and stress your cardiovascular system.
🚶‍♀️ Get moving together before the school rush, even if it’s just a short walk or bike ride.
🍎 Build routines around nutrition, sleep, and stress management to set kids (and parents!) up for long-term heart health.

A healthy start to the school year begins with simple choices, because a heart-healthy family is a stronger family. 💙

08/20/2025

🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Leg pain isn’t always just about sore muscles or “getting older.” Persistent cramping, pain when walking, or wounds on your legs and feet that just won’t heal could actually be signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a serious vascular condition that reduces blood flow to your limbs.

Why does this matter? PAD doesn’t just affect your legs, it’s also linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The good news: early detection and treatment from a vascular specialist can improve circulation, ease pain, and help you get back to living life fully.

👉 Don’t brush it off! Your legs might be telling you something important. Learn more here: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-of-pad

The American Heart Association explains the most common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) as well as how to diagnose PAD.

08/18/2025

🧠 Did you know your carotid arteries are the main highways that carry blood to your brain? When plaque builds up inside them, it can narrow the arteries and increase your risk of stroke; this is called carotid artery disease (CAD).

The tricky part? CAD often doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s serious. In fact, it’s estimated to play a role in up to one-third of all strokes. That’s why early detection through screening is so important: it can truly be lifesaving. 💙

At Dallas Heart & Vascular, we’re here to help you stay a step ahead when it comes to cardiovascular health.

Want to learn more about carotid artery disease? Check out this helpful resource from the Society for Vascular Surgery:
https://vascular.org/your-vascular-health/vascular-conditions/common-conditions/carotid-artery-disease

Carotid artery disease (CAD) occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.

08/11/2025

Water is not just for quenching thirst 💧 It is essential for your heart too! When you are hydrated, your heart can pump blood more easily and your muscles work more efficiently. Aim for around eight cups of water a day and even more when it is hot or you are active.

Learn how hydration supports heart health here: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy

When the temperatures rise, getting enough water is important whether you’re playing sports.

08/01/2025

💉 August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

Staying up to date on vaccines isn’t just for kids, it’s vital for heart health, especially if you have heart disease or related conditions. The American Heart Association and CDC emphasize how vaccines, like those for flu and pneumonia, can help protect people with cardiovascular issues.

Learn more about how vaccines support heart health from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases:
🔗

If you have heart disease, staying up to date with recommended vaccines is as important to your health as diet and exercise

07/21/2025

When you care for your heart, you're really caring for your whole body. ❤️

According to the American Heart Association, adults who follow more of the Life’s Simple 7, now expanded to Life’s Essential 8, enjoy better health beyond just their heart. That includes healthier lungs, sharper thinking, stronger eyesight, and even a reduced cancer risk!

Here’s a reminder of Life’s Essential 8:
🍎 Eat better
🏃 Stay active
🚭 Don’t smoke
⚖️ Keep a healthy weight
🩺 Manage blood pressure
🧬 Control cholesterol
🍬 Maintain healthy blood sugar
😴 Get quality sleep

Small changes in any of these areas can have a BIG impact. 📚 Learn more at: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/adults-with-heart-healthy-metrics-had-better-health-from-head-to-toe?utm_source=chatgpt.com

07/14/2025

☀️ Summer Heat & Your Heart – Stay Safe! 🫀

Summer is here, and rising temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable— they can stress your heart, especially for those with existing cardiovascular conditions. Here's how to stay safe when the heat climbs:

💧 Hydrate smart with water or electrolyte drinks, don’t wait until you’re thirsty
🌤️ Avoid peak sun, stay in shade or coolest part of the house between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
👕 Dress light in breathable, light-colored clothing
⏸️ Rest often, take frequent breaks if you're spending time outdoors
🩺 Recognize warning signs like chest tightness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue

Make heart safety part of your summer plans! Share this post to spread awareness. 💙

Check out the American Heart Association’s tips for staying heart-safe in the heat: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/protect-your-heart-in-the-heat

Hot Weather and heart disease can be a dangerous combination. The American Heart Association explains the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke you should know if you have a cardiovascular condition before spending a day in the sun.

07/08/2025

🌿 Get Moving in July! 🌿

July is National Recreation and Parks Month, and what better time to take advantage of local parks, trails, and green spaces? Regular physical activity boosts heart health—helping to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve circulation.

🚶‍♀️ Take a brisk walk on a nearby trail
🚴‍♂️ Enjoy a family bike ride or picnic in the park
🧘‍♂️ Try activities like tai chi, yoga, or stretch sessions outdoors

Try gentle activities like tai chi, yoga, or stretch sessions outdoors

Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, every bit of movement counts—especially in summer. Let’s spend time outside this month and give our hearts a little extra love.

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Dallas Heart & Vascular!

We hope your day is filled with good food, great company, and a little time to relax.