Texas Health Care Cardiology

03/06/2024

This week I completed needed vaccinations. 2nd dose shingles and finally got the RSV vaccine. Now, I am up to date on COVID-19 (I've had six shots so far), flu, pneumonia, tetanus, etc. Went to Walgreens. Since I have insurance, there was no charge. I'm not sure about the cost if one doesn't have health insurance.

Are you up to date on your vaccinations? If not, I strongly recommend it.

Here are the CDC recommendations on vaccinations. Good luck!

01/19/2023

Please consider attending. These guys do a great job. And it’s virtual!

Join Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital’s annual Women and Heart Health virtual event on Thursday, February 2 at 6:00 PM!

Women’s heart health needs can be unique. Learn more from a panel of women physicians who will discuss a variety of health topics that impact your heart and the hearts of your loved ones. It will be a moderated, fast-paced 90-minutes with opportunities to interact with the panel of specialists. Get comfy and let’s take time to have a heart-to-heart.

Register now for free!

A meeting that feels like an event.

03/04/2021

FYI, we will continue to require masks when you come see us. Texas is not out of the woods yet and it is reported that only 6% of Texans have been vaccinated so far.

So please continue to do your part for you, your family, and your community. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and get vaccinated!

03/02/2021

COVID-19 vaccine update all in one chart. I cannot take credit for creating this chart, instead I shamelessly borrowed from elsewhere. Bottom line, the vaccines work and are very safe. Get vaccinated y'all!

02/22/2021

I am hearing reports that some people on social media with the same name(s) as some of my staff members are recommending against masks and/or vaccinations.

Rest assured that we all wear masks and recommend keeping up with vaccinations as recommended by the CDC.

Please stick with the science!

If you have questions, please let us know. We are always happy to help.

02/17/2021

Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine?

The roll out continues and we highly recommend that you get vaccinated.

We have all been vaccinated (or will be completed soon) and hopeful that you can also finish the 2 shot series soon.

And don't forget your flu shot!

02/17/2021

Well, I haven't posted anything here in a while, sorry about that.

With the cold weather, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who are trying to stay warm, deal with power outages, and trying to survive broken water pipes.

Of course, our office is closed as even our staff deal with the challenges.

For the rest of this week, we will still be having virtual visits by Facetime, Google Duo, and regular telephone. If we call and can take care of business, then let's do it.

If it's not an appropriate time, please let us know and we will reschedule. We just want what's best for you.

Thank you,
Ewing, Patel, Nassar, Christin, Sarah, and all the staff

06/14/2019

Have you heard about Pidgeon?

We now have the capability for our patients to text us and we can text you in return.

Once you register your account and cell phone number you will receive instructions along with our phone number for texting.

The goal is to save you from having to deal with the phone system and voice mail as much as possible.

All text messages are automagically saved in your medical record with us!

Next time you see your doctor, if you are not already set up on Pidgeon, please ask how you can get started.

10/05/2018

What is a Beta-Blocker?

Beta-blockers, also written β-blockers, are a class of medications that are predominantly used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, and to protect the heart from a second heart attack (myocardial infarction) after a first heart attack (secondary prevention).

They are also widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), although they are no longer the first choice for initial treatment of most patients. There are many other uses.

Commonly used beta-blockers include:

- Atenolol (Tenormin)
- Bisprolol (Zebeta)
- Carvedilol (Coreg)
- Labetalol (Trandate)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor)
- Metoprolol ER (Torpol XL)
- Propranolol (Inderal)

Common side effects:

- Low heart rate
- Dizziness
- Feeling like you might pass out when you stand up

Are you taking a beta-blocker? Do you have questions? Please let us know.

09/17/2018

Help With Checking Your Blood Pressure

Q: Why do my blood pressure results vary from reading to reading?
A: A person’s blood pressure can change by up to 20 mm within a day, based on activity levels, food/drink intake, stress, etc. That’s why it’s important to take your blood pressure on a regular basis, and review the overall trend of your blood pressure readings with your cardiologist.

Q: Why are my readings different at home than at the doctor’s office?
A: Along with the normal variances of blood pressure daily, there are other factors such as 'White Coat Syndrome' a condition in which a blood person’s blood pressure rises above its usual level when it is measured in a doctor’s office or clinical setting. Discuss with your cardiologist to get the best overall picture of your heart health.

Q: Can the wrong size cuff affect the reading?
A: Yes, make sure you are using the correct-sized cuff on your blood pressure monitor. Measure the circumference of your upper arm with a cloth tape measure and select a home blood pressure monitor with the right size cuff. You can also contact our office for assistance.

Q: What’s the best position for taking a reading?
A: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table with your palm facing upward. The cuff should be level with your heart. Do not talk or move during the measurement.

Q: What’s the best time to take a measurement?
A: Try to take readings at different times each day (for example, say Monday morning at 8:00 am, Thursday afternoon at 2:00 pm and Saturday evening at 8:00 pm) for a better understanding if your blood pressure is controlled throughout the day.

Questions? Please let us know.

09/14/2018

Which Blood Pressure Cuff Is Recommended?

We like the Omron Series 5. Easy to use. Battery powered for portability. Arm cuff accommodates small and large diameter arms. Made by Omron, a very reputable Healthcare device manufacturer. Our experience has been they make good stuff.

We've seen this exact cuff for $75 at Walgreens on sale for $65.

Better yet, purchase off Amazon for a lot less!

Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Cuff that fits Standard and Large Arms