Pacific Heart Institute

12/19/2025

Meet Dr. Robert Merz, a board certified cardiologist in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.

At Pacific Heart Institute since 1988, while also remaining active in outpatient and inpatient echocardiography, including transesophageal studies. His experience with non-invasive imaging is of particular value in the evaluation and management of valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and coronary artery disease.

An avid swimmer and boater, he has been a member of the Southern California Aquatic Masters Program for nearly 25 years.

Learn more about Dr. Merz here: https://www.pacificheart.com/robert-h-merz-md

12/12/2025

Heart attack rates tend to rise during the holidays, so this season, take a moment to care for your heart.

Enjoy your favorite foods in moderation, stay active with small daily movements, manage stress intentionally, and keep up with your medications and sleep.

A few mindful choices can make the season healthier and happier.

12/09/2025

A new study has found that people with type 2 diabetes who achieve optimal heart health by following the American Heart Association’s ‘Life’s Essential 8‘ may have a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

“It confirms something we see every day in clinical practice — that the heart and brain don’t operate in isolation. What’s interesting here is that maintaining good cardiovascular health made a measurable difference among people with type 2 diabetes, even for those who carry a higher genetic risk for dementia.” Said Tadwalkar.

Read the full article using the link below!

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ahas-lifes-essential-8-may-reduce-dementia-risk-in-type-2-diabetes

12/03/2025

Knowing your heart numbers can literally save your life. ❤️

High blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are silent, most people feel fine until something serious happens.

Get checked, know your numbers, and take control early. Your heart will thank you.

11/28/2025

Holiday shopping can be stressful, but here are some tips to protect your heart health this season!

· Take breaks between stores
· Stay hydrated
· Set a spending plan
· Get enough sleep
· Swap one rushed shopping trip for a calm walk to reset your mood.

Small choices = big wins for heart health this season

11/26/2025

The holiday season brings joy, connection, and sometimes extra stress on your heart.

Here are some tips that can help you stay healthy, and balanced all season long! ♥️

11/26/2025

11/26/2025

Meet Dr. Kehl, a non-invasive cardiologist with an interest in cardiac imaging, including extensive experience in structural echocardiography, the use of imaging to guide catheter-based valve repair and device implantation.

Dr. Kehl is board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Adult Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Computed Tomography, and Internal Medicine.

He has authored numerous publications in echocardiography, valvular heart disease, and the use of cardiac biomarkers.

Learn more about Dr. Kehl here: https://www.pacificheart.com/devin-w-kehl-md

11/23/2025

What an incredible week of learning, connection, and inspiration surrounded by brilliant colleagues and breathtaking views at the 24th Annual Hawaii Cardiovascular Symposium! Together, we gathered, shared knowledge, strengthened our passion for cardiology, and left a little better than we arrived 💡🏖️

Thank you for everyone who made this event possible!

11/20/2025

A little holiday reminder: your heart works extra hard during this time of year.

Keeping small routines, like staying hydrated, taking short walks, and not skipping prescribed medications, can help protect your heart during the festivities.

Stay mindful, stay warm, and don’t skip the healthy habits that keep you feeling your best.

11/13/2025

This is your reminder that your heart doesn’t need perfection, just consistency! 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing, 5 times a week can cut your risk of heart disease by up to 40%!

11/11/2025

Melatonin may seem harmless, but new studies are raising questions about long-term use and heart function.

“Tadwalkar noted that one reason for these figures may be that people with chronic sleep issues may face health risks associated with that condition, regardless of whether they take melatonin.”

Read more about how your sleep aid might be affecting your heart here: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/long-term-melatonin-use-heart-failure-risk -of-quality-sleep