Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

Just Say Know Campaign

Encourages Heart Disease Awareness

Heart disease is the leading cause of
death in the world. Some sort of heart
disease affects one of every three
Americans. To call greater attention
to the importance of heart health,
Lexington Medical Center encourages
the community to just say know.
Education is key when it comes to taking care of your
heart. The Just Say Know campaign emphasizes
four main ways people can protect themselves against
heart disease:

KNOW the risk factors for heart disease.

Talking to a doctor about your heart, even if youre

healthy, is especially important. And theres no better
time than National Heart Month in February to have
this conversation, according to Payton Foust, MD, of
Lexington Family Practice Otarre Pointe.
Family physicians care for your overall health, so
it just makes sense to talk to your family doctor about
your heart, Dr. Foust said.
Dont be afraid to have an honest conversation with
him or her. Your family doctor can help you determine
if youre at risk for heart disease and what steps you
can take to control your heart health.

How Much Do You Know?

Take our online quiz to see how much you know about
your heart health. Visit LexMed.com/Know.

Schedule a Speaker

KNOW when to talk to your doctor.

To schedule a speaker to talk to your church

group or organization about heart disease, visit
LexMed.Com/Know or call Community Outreach
at (803) 936-8850.

KNOW how to lower your risk.

Show Us What You Know!

KNOW when to call 9-1-1.

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Tag photos of yourself when youre exercising, eating right,

relaxing or taking your blood pressure. We want to see those
heart-healthy selfies! Use the hashtag #JustSayKnow.

to heart disease

Whats Inside
From heart attacks to stroke,
learn more about cardiovascular
health in this special section.
It features interviews with
Lexington Medical Center
physicians, a behind-the-scenes
look at state-of-the-art technology
at the hospital and stories of
people from our community
who have been treated for
cardiovascular disease.

A Stroke at 25

Young Wife and Mother Overcomes the Odds

It was March 24, 2014 and

Savannah Tapler was on her
way to work, excited to get
the day going. It was her
25th birthday, but before the
day was out, she would find
herself facing the hardest
test of her young life.
As Savannah arrived at work that
morning at Lexington Medical
Center, where she is a planning
analyst, she stumbled as she got
out of her car. Wondering what
was going on, she realized she
was limping but felt no pain. As
Savannah tried to walk toward
her office, she could go no farther
and called out for help. Three
co-workers rushed to her side
and immediately took her to the
hospitals Emergency department.
Lexington Medical Center is a
Primary Stroke Center certified by
Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The
hospital has also received a Gold
Plus Award and a Target Stroke
Award from the American Heart
Association and American Stroke
Association. Both honors recognize
Lexington Medical Centers
commitment to and success in
stroke care.
After a lengthy physical exam
and a CT scan, Savannah learned
she had suffered a burst blood
vessel in her brain, resulting in a

Stroke survivor Savannah Tapler with husband Aidan and son Beckett in
their West Columbia home

stroke. When the doctor told me

he thought I was having a stroke,
I just couldnt believe it, she said.
Stroke is not something you
associate with someone my age. I
was dumbfounded.
Savannah steadfastly denied
she could have had a stroke. Its
something you think of that affects
older people who have underlying
health issues. Savannah had always
watched her diet and worked out on
a regular basis. Now the doctor was
telling her she might walk again but
likely not run. I just couldnt accept
that, she said.
Once she had recovered enough
to be released from Lexington
Medical Center, Savannah went

directly to a rehabilitation hospital.

She was determined to regain her
full mobility and immediately set to
work. I had one job to do, and that
was to get back to my old self, she
recalled. Savannah had at least three
hours of therapy every day and
usually stayed longer to put in extra
effort. By the time she was released
from the rehabilitation center, she
was able to take a few steps without
holding onto anything for support.
Her rehabilitation continued
through outpatient therapy.
She consistently worked on her
recovery, taking exercise bands
home and playing games such as
picking up marbles with her toes.
Her husband Aidan also learned

some of the exercises so that he

could help at home.
Today, Savannah is completely
recovered. I had a bit of lingering
shaking in my leg for a while,
she said. But that has almost
completely disappeared.
And now she has a bundle of joy
that keeps her on the go as she and
Aidan welcomed their son Beckett
in November. I was able to run the
Lexington Medical Center Heart
& Sole Womens Five Miler when I
was 12 weeks pregnant!
While Savannahs stroke may
not have been preventable
doctors now say she suffered
from a spontaneous intracranial
hemorrhage that may have
been the result of a weakened
blood vessel since birth she
understands the significance of
seeking help as quickly as possible
for someone who might be
suffering from a stroke. I believe
that getting to a doctor as quickly as
I did probably saved my life. If I had
been at home, Im not sure I would
have gone to the doctor, but thank
goodness my co-workers insisted on
getting me to the ER.
And she knows her attitude had
a great effect on her recovery. I
was told I was never going to run
again, but I didnt let that hinder
my efforts. As long as you are
determined, you can do it.

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

New Treatment Available for Pulmonary Embolism

at Lexington Medical Center
Have you heard of pulmonary embolism (PE)? Its a blockage in one of the pulmonary
arteries in your lungs.
In most cases, PE is caused by blood clots that
travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of
the body, which is known as deep vein thrombosis.
These clots contribute to 100,000 deaths per
year, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
Lexington Medical Center now offers a new
treatment option for patients suffering from PE
the EKOS EkoSonic Endovascular System.
With this system, interventional cardiologists
can deliver lower doses of thrombolytic, or
clot-busting, medicines directly into the clots.
Ultrasonic waves in the system are used to
fragment the clot, helping the clot-busting drug to
more effectively melt it away.
While systemic thrombolysis relies on blood
flow, which is very limited in completely blocked
vessels, to deliver a larger dose of thrombolytic
drug to the intact surface of the clot, catheter-

directed thrombolysis
uses catheters placed
directly through the clots
to deliver smaller doses
of thrombolytic drug
right into the middle of
the clots, said Robert A.
Leonardi, MD, FACC,
FSCAI, of Lexington
Robert A. Leonardi, MD,
Cardiology, a Lexington
FACC, FSCAI
Medical Center physician
practice.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis helps patients
recover from life-threatening PE more quickly and
more completely by providing most or all of the
benefit of full-dose, systemic thrombolysis with
substantially less bleeding risk, said Dr. Leonardi.
Lexington Medical Center performed its first
catheter-directed thrombolysis for PE last year.

Right: (A) Massive PE diagnosed by computed tomography. (B) Large blood clot nearly completely blocking
the left lower lobar pulmonary artery. (C) EKOS catheter inserted through the clot.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Embolism

Even though anyone can develop
blood clots and pulmonary embolism,
certain factors increase your risk.
Medical history
Heart disease

Certain cancers

Obesity

Prolonged immobility, such as

bed rest and sitting during travel

Supplemental estrogen, such as

birth control pills and hormone
replacement therapy

Surgery
Smoking

Pregnancy

Its Electric!
Understanding and Treating Atrial Fibrillation
Did you know that your heart has an
electrical system? It does, and it plays
an important role. The heart is a pump
that requires energy to work. The
hearts electrical system coordinates
the hearts chambers to move blood
throughout your body.
Theres a lot of talk lately about an electrical
problem in the heart called atrial fibrillation. We
even hear about it in television commercials with
celebrities talking about their experience with
the condition.
Categorized by chaotic electrical activity in
the top of the heart, atrial fibrillation is a rapid,
disorganized abnormality of the rhythm of the
top chambers of the heart. It tends to make
the bottom chambers beat more rapidly and
irregularly, and it can put patients at increased
risk for heart failure and stroke.

treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation have continued

to expand. Dr. William Brabham, Lexington Cardiology
Causes include older age, high blood
Fortunately, the treatment options for patients
pressure, mitral valve disease, heart failure,
with atrial fibrillation have continued to expand.
hyperthyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea.
In addition to atrial fibrillation ablation, where
Most patients with atrial
doctors electrically isolate the sources
fibrillation have palpitations,
of the abnormal heart rhythm to reduce
lightheadedness, shortness of
the likelihood of atrial fibrillation in
breath, or fatigue. Some patients
the future, they may control the heart
do not have any symptoms at all.
rhythm with medication or shock
Occasionally, atrial fibrillation
the heart back into rhythm. And they
is diagnosed during evaluation
work to treat underlying causes such as
after the onset of heart failure or
obstructive sleep apnea. Each patient
a stroke.
requires a comprehensive evaluation
Based on symptoms, patients
to determine the best course of action
at Lexington Cardiology, a
William Brabham, MD, FHRS to treat and prevent complications of
Lexington Medical Center
atrial fibrillation.
physician practice, may undergo
If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can
testing in electrophysiology an area of
lead to heart failure or a stroke. Heart failure can
cardiology that identifies and treats abnormal
occur because of persistently high heart rates,
heart rhythms.
and strokes can happen because of clots forming
Atrial fibrillation is the most common
in the heart and ultimately going to the brain.
cardiac arrhythmia, and its incidence increases
with age. As our population in general grows
To learn more about the treatment of atrial
older, we will continue to see more and more
fibrillation at Lexington Medical Center,
patients with this condition, said William W.
visit LexMed.com/Heart.
Brabham, MD, FHRS, of Lexington Cardiology.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

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On Friday nights, you can count on finding Martha Gregg at the Gamecock Lanes bowling alley in Sumter.

RY
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Striking Back Against Heart Disease

She bowls there every week with her son

and daughter, and participates in bowling
tournaments. Her personal best is a 195.
Shes back in the game after a serious
setback in 2014.
During that time, the 68 year old noticed
she was getting very tired.
I would get so tired when walking. I couldnt
stand up in church, either. I couldnt bake. I
couldnt lift my clothes. I was so tired and out
of breath.
It was so bad that she fell asleep at work
one night.
The fatigue affected her bowling, too.
I was too tired to bowl, she said. Id bowl
one game and couldnt finish it. My son would
say, Mom, just sit down.
Tests at Sumter Cardiology, a Lexington
Medical Center physician practice, revealed
something was wrong with Marthas aortic valve,
the heart valve that allows oxygenated blood
Martha Gregg is back in the game at Gamecock Lanes in Sumter after a successful aortic
back into the body.
valve replacement.
Sumter Cardiology referred Martha to
Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia for
further testing.
Currently, TAVR is for patients with severe
the body to the inside of the diseased aortic
They said the valve was not pumping enough aortic stenosis who are high-risk candidates for
valve, then they deploy the new valve inside the
blood through my body to keep me going full
open heart surgery because of their age, history
diseased aortic valve, which becomes the anchor
force. The valve was slowing me down, she
of heart disease or other health issues.
for the new valve. The new valve is functional
said. They said it needed to be replaced. That
Patients with severe aortic stenosis have a
immediately and normal blood flow is restored.
scared me.
narrowed aortic valve that does not allow blood
With this minimally invasive technique,
But that June, instead of traditional open
to flow efficiently. As the heart works harder
doctors deploy the new aortic valve through
heart surgery, Martha underwent transcatheter
to pump enough blood through the smaller
just a small puncture in the femoral artery in
aortic valve replacement, known as TAVR, at
opening in the valve, the heart eventually
the leg.
Lexington Medical
After a few days in the hospital, I noticed
Center. This state-ofthat I could walk more, Martha said. I
the-art cardiovascular
TAVR is considered the most significant advancement in
thought, I dont feel tired. I couldnt do that
technology allows
before without stopping and resting.
cardiology since coronary angioplasty.
doctors to replace the
Two months later, she was back at the
aortic valve without open
bowling alley impressing the competition at
heart surgery.
becomes weak. Over time, it can lead to lifetournaments again.
TAVR is considered the most significant
threatening heart problems.
And shes thankful to the Lexington Medical
advancement in cardiology since coronary
To replace the diseased aortic valve with
Center team that fixed her up.
angioplasty.
TAVR, the new aortic valve is compressed into
I feel like I can run a marathon now. Its really
a catheter. Doctors thread the catheter through

good. I can kick my heels up, too.

Lexington Medical Center Performs Groundbreaking

Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure
Lexington Medical Center is part of an
elite group of 20 hospitals across the
United States participating in a National
Institutes of Health study on transcaval aortic valve replacement. The
goal is to improve care for patients with
aortic stenosis.
Patients with aortic stenosis have a narrowed
aortic valve that makes it more difficult to pump
blood out of the heart to the body. Over time,
the narrowed valve can cause the heart muscle to
thicken. Untreated, it can lead to heart failure.
Trans-caval aortic valve
replacement is a way to replace the
aortic valve in the heart using only
a small incision in the groin, even
when the arteries above the groin
are blocked. In this procedure,
doctors take a detour to the
heart by making a temporary
connection from a vein in the leg
to a large artery in the abdomen.
The connection is then closed at
the end of the procedure.

Lexington Medical Center is

currently the only hospital in South
Carolina performing trans-caval
aortic valve replacement. In fact,
last September, Lexington Medical
Center performed the 141st and
142nd trans-caval aortic valve
replacements in the world.
Its the latest advancement
in transcatheter aortic valve
replacement (TAVR), which allows
doctors to replace the aortic valve in Meet our Heart Valve team: (lr): Jeffrey A. Travis, MD; Robert M.
the heart through a catheter instead Malanuk, MD, FACC; Kristen Davis, MSN, RN, CCRN; Robert A. Leonardi,
MD, FACC, FSCAI; and Deyanira Dee Prastein, MD
of with open heart surgery.
Robert Leonardi, MD, FACC,
Lexington Medical Center operates a
FSCAI, of Lexington Cardiology, a Lexington
busy TAVR program with a dedicated,
Medical Center physician practice, learned
multidisciplinary team that tailors each
about the study and spoke with the principal
procedure to the individual patient in order to
investigators about Lexington Medical Center
receive the best outcome. The patients can even
and its complete cardiac care program.
avoid surgical incisions and general anesthesia.
This novel approach to aortic valve
Simpler procedures allow patients to recover
replacement is significant because it allows
more quickly and go home as early as a day
patients who might otherwise be treated only
after valve replacement. And patients feel better
with palliative care to receive a new aortic valve
almost immediately.
relatively easily, Dr. Leonardi said. It leads to
nearly immediately improved quality of life, and
For more information on TAVR at Lexington
most of the patients will live longer.
Medical Center, visit LexMed.com/Heart.

Image courtesy:
Edwards Lifesciences

ASK THE DOCTOR

Gerald A. Fishman, MD

HARBISON MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

Am I at risk for a heart attack?

What symptoms indicate a heart attack?

The average person isnt at risk for a heart attack.

Those at risk are people who are sedentary, overweight,
who have poor eating habits and a significant family
history of heart problems.

Your classic symptoms are going to be chest pain, shortness of breath,

lightheadedness, dizziness and nausea or stomach pain; however, in the elderly
and some diabetic patients, it is possible to have silent heart attacks with no
symptoms at all.

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

Oh, Baby!
Heart Health During Pregnancy
High blood pressure is a serious problem. Statistics show one in three adults in
the United States has it. Untreated, it can lead to problems including a heart attack
or stroke.
During pregnancy, high blood pressure can be
oxygen and nutrients to the baby, causing him or
especially dangerous for mom and baby. In fact,
her to grow more slowly.
its the leading cause of death in women who are
A third possible problem is placental
pregnant. So, its very important for expectant
abruption, which occurs when the placenta
moms to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
separates from the wall of the uterus before birth,
When youre pregnant, youre
limiting the amount of oxygen and
essentially running a marathon,
nutrients in the womb.
said Jully A.F. Aguirre, MD, an
Another complication is a
OB/GYN at Sandhills Womens Care,
condition called pre-eclampsia, when
a Lexington Medical Center physician
a woman has high blood pressure
practice. You want to be the fittest
and signs that some of her organs
you can be and go in like a champion.
may not be working well. PreAn ideal blood pressure reading is
eclampsia symptoms include high
120/80 or lower. High blood pressure
blood pressure, protein in the urine,
happens when the top number is
severe headaches, nausea and pain in
140 or greater, or when the bottom
the liver. If not treated, the condition
Jully A.F. Aguirre, MD
number is 90 or greater. High blood
can be life threatening. The only cure
pressure during pregnancy can cause
is to deliver the baby.
several complications.
Some women have high blood pressure
The first is premature birth. A woman with
before they get pregnant, while others have it
for the first time during pregnancy. Importantly,
high blood pressure may need to give birth
research shows that women with high blood
early to avoid serious health problems for her
pressure during pregnancy may develop other
and her baby.
cardiac risk factors later in life and may be more
A second complication is low birth weight.
High blood pressure can compromise the flow of likely to suffer from poor cardiovascular health.

When youre pregnant, youre

essentially running a marathon.
You want to be the fittest
you can be and go in
like a champion.
Jully A.F. Aguirre, MD
Sandhills Womens Care

High blood pressure during pregnancy is

extremely common, Dr. Aguirre said. The
risk for it also increases as the pregnancy moves
further along.
Risk factors for high blood pressure during
pregnancy include never having been pregnant
before, teenage pregnancy, advanced maternal
age, pre-existing high blood pressure or kidney
disease, obesity and diabetes.
Dr. Aguirre advises discussing your risk factors
with your doctor before you become pregnant.
Be motivated to do good things for you and
your baby. You want to be able to take care of
your young children and be around for them
for many years to come.

Sandhills Womens Care offers a variety of obstetrical and gynecological services for all
ages at two convenient locations in West Columbia and Northeast Columbia. The Northeast
Columbia location now offers 3-D mammography and DEXA scans. For more information, visit
SandhillsWomensCare.com or call (803) 788-0268.

KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE VALUES

CATEGORY

SYSTOLIC BP

DIASTOLIC BP

Normal

Less than 120

Less than 80

Prehypertension

120139

8089

Stage 1 Hypertension

140159

9099

Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or greater* 100 or greater**

*If greater than 210, call your doctor immediately.
**If greater than 120, call your doctor immediately.

ASK THE DOCTOR

What is high blood pressure?

Simply stated, hypertension is a disease in

which resting blood pressure is persistently
higher than normal. Over time, increased
pressure inside
the blood vessels
causes damage to
the vessel walls,
and the body
thickens the artery
walls in response
to this increase in
pressure, which
compromises blood
flow. Uncontrolled Daniel R. Shumpert, MD
blood pressure
LEXINGTON FAMILY
can lead to heart
PRACTICE IRMO
attack, heart
failure and stroke.

Why should I be concerned about

high blood pressure?

No one feels high blood pressure. You dont

feel bad when your blood pressure is high,
so you dont feel better when it is treated.
For many people, permanent damage has
already occurred before high blood pressure is
diagnosed or treated.

Do I need to lower my blood pressure?

Treatment for high blood pressure varies by

patient, depending on his or her age and overall
health. Blood pressure readings persistently
higher than 120/80 are considered high for
most people. You should see your primary care
physician to check your blood pressure and to
see if you need treatment. In most situations,
blood pressure can be safely lowered through
proper diet, exercise and medication.

Rest Easy for Heart Health

On average, we spend one-third of our lives asleep, and the quality of that time
has a huge effect on our overall health. So much so that most people who suffer
from chronic sleep issues also have other health problems.
According to Sarkis S. Derderian, DO, FCCP, at Lexington Medical Centers
Lexington Sleep Solutions, sleep is not just a time out from your daily life;
its time for your entire body to rest.
There are two types of sleep: REM and non-REM. Muscles generally
repair themselves during non-REM sleep, and the brain repairs itself during
REM sleep. During non-REM sleep, your heart rate, breathing and blood
pressure all fall below awake levels. Any time you have an arousal or wake
from sleep, your blood pressure and heart rate increase, which causes your
heart to work harder, said Dr. Derderian.
This stress on the cardiovascular system can lead to serious health
Sarkis S. Derderian,
DO, FCCP
conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Sleep
apnea, a sleep-related breathing disorder associated with low levels of
oxygen, can lead to pulmonary hypertension if left untreated. Stroke and irregular heart rhythms,
known as arrhythmias, are also common in patients with sleep apnea.
Treating sleep-related breathing disorders, however, can greatly improve heart function.
There are a number of tips and techniques that can improve the quality and quantity of sleep,
including establishing a routine, exercising early in the day, avoiding late-night snacking and sleeping
in a cool, dark, quiet environment.
And we should listen to our bodies.
If you have any kind of heart condition, it is especially important to watch for signs of sleeprelated breathing disorders. Some of these signs may include excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue,
disruptive snoring and morning headaches. Waking up frequently to use the bathroom during
the night and being excessively overweight are also signs that you may need to see a physician
concerning your sleep, said Dr. Derderian.
Physicians use several tools to screen for sleep apnea.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale helps to determine the level of daytime
sleepiness in specific situations. If you score more than 10 on the scale, you
have excessive daytime
sleepiness and need
to be evaluated by a
sleep physician, said
Mohamed Soliman, MD,
FCCP, at Lexington
Sleep Solutions.
Mohamed Soliman, MD,
Sleep apnea can also
FCCP
run in the family. If you
have a family member
with sleep apnea, you have a 50 percent chance of
having it as well. If a relative has been diagnosed
with sleep apnea and you show signs of a sleeprelated breathing disorder, consider consulting
with your physician about your sleep.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

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EN
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Probably the only way

you can change is to
have a good balance
between spirit and life.
Dupre Percival

TO
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Heart Scare Inspires Winning Recipe for Life

Dupre Percival eased into his final
quarter of life without changing his
game plan.
The entrepreneur and founder of Dupre
Catering and Events worked long and full days.
He oversaw operations at his Senate Street
events kitchen and guest venues in Columbia,
networked with business clients, hovered over
his executive chef s imaginative creations, parked
cars and washed dishes.
We do about a thousand events a year, he
said Its a physically demanding business, with
a lot of late nights, a lot of lifting and carrying. I
ate when I wanted and what I wanted.
As Dupre approached age 75, he began to feel
the effects of an over-full life. He dismissed sleep
problems, indigestion and pain in his back as
signs of age. Then, on August 13 of last year, he
felt winded as he climbed the slight slope from
the Senate Street catering kitchen to his office.
At 3:00 p.m., he surprised his wife and business
partner son by going home.
Dupre has a wealth of professional friends.
Recognizing that something was seriously
wrong, he called a friend who is a surgeon; he
advised Dupre to head straight to Lexington
Medical Center.
Although Dupre has genetic longevity on his
side (his mother will soon be 102 years old),
his lifestyle was the perfect mix for coronary
artery disease: a high-stress career; uneven sleep
patterns; little regular exercise; and a diet high
in sugar, salt and fat. His symptoms flashed
no warning lights. Thats not uncommon;
coronary artery disease sometimes appears with
symptoms similar to indigestion or heartburn.

concerns to his son and executive chef to focus 100

Related symptoms may be masked as shoulder,
arm, neck, back or jaw pain. It wasnt until Dupre percent on his health.
After surgery, what I needed was quiet and
experienced shortness of breath that the disease
healing. Dupre signaled do not disturb to his
got his attention.
family to focus exclusively on recovery. He dove into
In retrospect, I was feeling heart pain, but
physical therapy just weeks after surgery, starting
I was not listening to my body. Im lucky I
cardiac rehabilitation at my little club, Lexington
could have had a serious heart attack.
Medical Center Irmo.
With three badly clogged arteries, a stent
They monitor you and help you get through it. I
was not a treatment option for Dupre. As he
started doing just one minute on each exercise, and
faced open heart surgery, he remembered how
now Im at 25 minutes. Dupre, now a cardiac rehab
impressed he was with a young cardiovascular
surgeon at Lexington Medical Center Jeffrey graduate, dropped 30 pounds in just four months.
The trim, buoyant 75 year old appears healthy, happy
A. Travis, MD, of Lexington Cardiovascular
and full of life.
Surgery. They met when Dupre catered an
I am playfully moving forward to my last quarter
event at the hospital. Dupre requested that
of life, and Id like to have an influence, he said. Ive
Dr. Travis, who spearheaded Lexington Medical
been impacted by the total care package I received
Centers comprehensive heart program, take his
after surgery, so Ive decided to stay with the exercise
case and perform the needed surgery.
program, and maybe be a positive effect on
Dupre playfully calls Dr.
others who are there.
Travis John Wayne now.
Dupre adjusted his own cooking with lowI had great confidence in
fat, low-salt alternatives, and welcomed some
the professional approach of
healthier recipes in his catering kitchen as well.
the entire team. I was given
He says more people are interested in options
the most professional care
that are both delicious and healthy.
Ive ever had in 75 years,
There have been other changes for Dupre.
Dupre said.
He is more intentional with his meals, and the
Dr. Travis called Dupre a
work day slows down at 4:00 p.m., when he
true Southern gentleman
Jeffrey A. Travis, MD
lets his staff, which proved quite capable in his
whom he enjoyed getting to
absence, run with the business. He also tries to
know, but added that his
remove himself from the conflicts of life.
journey to heart surgery is a familiar one.
Business has its conflicts just living has its
Dupre is one-of-a-kind, but his story is not
conflicts. Thats where God comes in. Probably the
unique, Dr. Travis said. Stress and lack of
only way you can change is to have a good balance
focus on ones own health is a recipe for a visit
between spirit and life.
to my office.
Its worth it to try to make it through as many
The diagnosis and surgery got Dupres
quarters as youve got, he added. Its unbelievable
attention. He delegated all his professional
how good I feel today.

Healthy Recipe
Beautifully roasted Brussels sprouts create a marvelous aroma in the
Percival Catering kitchen. More people are requesting healthy offerings
for their parties and gatherings, Dupre said, and its easy to meet
expectations.
I dont eat fried foods; I sell them. I dont eat a lot of sweets; I
encourage them, said Dupre, who is not trying to change other people.
But I want that healthier influence to come into the menu. Dupre,
whose catering service regularly serves at the South Carolina State
Farmers Market, offers new items with a heart-healthy flair next to the
traditional fried Southern fare, so people have a choice.
A recent favorite is a flavorful pickled kale salad that can be served as
an appetizer (think half a seared scallop with it, served on toast points)
or alongside a main dish.

Pickled Kale Salad

3 lb cleaned kale
Cauliflower cut into small pieces
1 red sweet pepper
1 carrot, julienne cut
1 thinly sliced red onion
3 c apple cider vinegar with pickling
spice (about 2 tbsp)

c sugar
1 c olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp turmeric

Preparation
Boil vinegar and pickling spice with the sugar; strain pickling spice and pour
over kale and vegetables. Let cool, then add 1 cup of good olive oil; adjust
seasoning with salt, pepper and turmeric. Serve as cold salad accompanying
grilled scallops, pork tenderloin or marinated chicken.

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

Losing Weight Improves Heart Health

People who are overweight or obese often have health problems that increase the risk for heart disease, including high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. Excess weight can also cause changes in your heart that make it work
harder to send blood to all the cells in your body.
Losing weight can lower your chances of
which encourages portion control by making
developing heart disease by improving blood
you feel full and giving you the edge to finally
pressure, cholesterol levels and blood flow.
lose weight.
But with our fast-paced lives, losing weight
Doctors place Orbera in the stomach through
can be easier said than done. Between keeping
a simple, non-surgical, outpatient procedure
up with busy work schedules, childrens activities completed under sedation. There is no incision
and daily housework, eating healthy and
and patients can go home the same day. In fact,
exercising can become an obstacle and challenge. the FDA-approved procedure only takes 20 to
Thats where a new weight-loss procedure at
30 minutes.
the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center, a
Orbera is a balloon that will remain in place
Lexington Medical Center physician practice,
for six months. During that time, patients
comes in. Its called Orbera, and
receive comprehensive education from
Lexington Medical Center is the
clinicians and dietitians at the South
first hospital in the Southeast to
Carolina Obesity Surgery Center about
offer it.
healthy eating, including information
Orbera is ideal for people who
about nutritious foods, portion
are 25 to 60 pounds overweight,
size and meal planning. They are
and who need a jump start to begin
monitored on a routine basis.
to lose weight and improve their
About 60 percent of the United
health, said Marc C. Antonetti,
States population is a candidate for
MD, FACS, surgeon with the South
this procedure because they need to
Carolina Obesity Surgery Center.
lose between 25 and 60 pounds, said
Marc C. Antonetti, MD, FACS Dr. Antonetti. Our goal is to reach
Orbera is a soft, silicone balloon
with saline thats designed to fit
out to teach people about appropriate
comfortably in your stomach. Its volume and
nutrition and prevent them from becoming
shape are meant to take up space in the stomach, morbidly obese.

Orbera

In addition to making patients feel full and

causing weight loss, Orbera will condition
patients to eat smaller meals and require less
food. After six months, the balloon is removed.
By that time, patients have established healthy
lifestyle choices to continue to lose weight and
keep it off.
Losing weight is important for cardiovascular
and overall health. There are many options
available at Lexington Medical Center.

For more information about Orbera,

visit SCObesity.com.

ASK THE DOCTOR

Rebecca Bea Jay McNair, MD
SANDHILLS FAMILY MEDICINE

What role does cholesterol play in cardiovascular disease?

Elevated triglycerides or LDL bad cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation in the blood vessels; these plaques can break off
over time and travel to the heart, ultimately causing a heart attack. By lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, the risks for coronary
artery disease (CAD) go down. Conversely, HDL good cholesterol is believed to be somewhat protective against CAD. It is important for
patients to know their cholesterol numbers both good and bad and know where they stand in regards to CAD risk.

Eating Well for Your Heart

Laura Stepp, MA, RD,
LD, CDE

Nuts and seeds are great protein sources.

Nuts can also be a source of more calories,
so eat them in small amounts; a single serving
is one ounce.

Eating well is about making healthy food

choices. Here are some tips to make your
meals heart healthy from Laura Stepp, MA, RD,
LD, CDE, Lexington Medical Center dietitian.

Eat a sliced apple, pear or banana with a tablespoon of your favorite

natural nut butter for a tasty snack or quick breakfast.

Cook from scratch more than you buy prepared foods or go out to eat.

Low-fat dairy and eggs are also good protein choices. Both make for a
quick and easy snack or breakfast option.

Shop the outside aisles of the grocery store. Thats where we find
healthy foods such as vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy
products. Try pre-chopped fresh vegetables and prepared
fresh salads to shorten meal preparation time.
When planning a meal, first think color. Color
means vegetables and fruit.
Try one new vegetable and fruit weekly.

Limit cheese. A one-ounce serving, equal to a

standard cheese stick, can be high in calories,
sodium and saturated fat. Look for cheeses
that are lower in sodium and saturated fat
such as natural Swiss and mozzarella.
Plant-based milks are excellent
alternatives for those wishing to further
reduce their saturated fat intake.
Unsweetened almond, cashew and soy
milk are common choices. You can also try
flaxseed, hemp, rice or coconut milk.

Frozen vegetables and fruit are great options

when fresh items are not available or are out
of season.
Canned vegetables are good, too. Be sure to look for
low sodium or no salt added choices.
Choose fruit to satisfy a sweet craving. Fruit is also an easy
and fast snack.
If youre going out to eat, look for meals with lots of vegetables or
ask for vegetables on the side.
Choose lean proteins such as fish, seafood and skinless chicken. Limit
red meats (beef, pork and lamb). Look for leaner cuts of red meat and
smaller servings.

Choose whole grains as often as possible.

Whole grains are higher in fiber and protein.
Look for whole as the first ingredient on a label.
Drink water! Limit or avoid all
sweetened beverages.

Opt for more plant-based proteins. Consider having 12 meals a day

with them.
Dried beans and lentils are an excellent, cost-effective and hearthealthy alternative to meat.

ASK THE DOCTOR

James M. Chapman, MD

LEXINGTON FAMILY PRACTICE LEXINGTON

How will heart disease affect me in the long run?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Addressing heart disease early can
significantly improve your long-term health.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

TI
PA
RY
TO
TS
EN

Just because you feel

well, as I did, doesnt
necessarily mean all is
well, especially when it
comes to your heart.
Robert Prielipp

Tragedy Leads to Life-Saving Open Heart Surgery

When Robert Prielipp of Lexington was just 24 years old, he lost his father to heart failure. Roberts father was born with a
bicuspid aortic valve, the most common congenital heart defect. A normal aortic valve has three leaflets that open and close
to allow oxygenated blood out of the heart into the body. In a bicuspid aortic valve, two of the leaflets are fused. Sometimes
that can cause the valve to narrow or leak, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Over time, it can cause the heart
muscle to thicken and lead to heart failure.
The doctor told Roberts mother it would be wise for Robert to have his
The defective valve would be replaced with either a mechanical or
heart checked as well, since a bicuspid aortic valve is common and can
tissue valve. In August of 2015, Robert underwent open heart surgery at
be hereditary.
Lexington Medical Center.
Robert was always active in his youth. I played basketball, football,
Robert credits Dr. Prastein with easing his concerns over the surgery.
baseball and golf. I also ran 5K races. I never had an issue with anything,
I had a lot of anxiety prior to the surgery, not knowing what to expect,
he said. But his fathers death prompted him to see a cardiologist once he
he recalled. But she would even call me after my appointments to
reached his 30s.
make sure she had answered all my questions. That was
Robert learned he suffered from the same heart defect.
extremely helpful for me. And Dr. Prastein included Robert
My doctor said that I had a heart murmur, but that I
in the decision process for determining what type of valve
probably wouldnt have to worry about having my aortic
replacement would be best for him and his lifestyle.
valve repaired until sometime in my 60s.
With surgery and recovery now behind him, Robert is
With continued monitoring, all was well until Robert hit
feeling great. I enrolled in Lexington Medical Centers
his 40s, when his doctor expressed concern that the valve
cardiac rehabilitation program after surgery. I was able to
might be deteriorating faster than originally expected. Tests
build my endurance back up and Im feeling back to my old
showed that there was a buildup of calcium in the valve,
self. Im pretty much doing everything that I did before.
he said. I kept thinking that my dad was just 52 when he
That includes regular jogs at the Lexington High School
passed away and his brother was even younger.
track near his home where his time for a three-mile run is
Robert was an avid runner, completing three-mile jogs
now steadily improving.
Deyanira
Dee
Prastein,
MD
several times a week. He began noticing that it would take
While Robert didnt exhibit the same symptoms as his
him longer to finish his workout and he was becoming
father difficulty breathing, and swelling in his feet and
more easily winded.
legs he knows that he learned from the tragedy of losing his father and
At Lexington Cardiovascular Surgery, a Lexington Medical Center
he hopes others will benefit, too. Ive been telling everyone that it doesnt
physician practice, Deyanira Dee Prastein, MD, recommended that he
hurt to get looked at. Just because you feel well, as I did, doesnt necessarily
have aortic valve replacement surgery sooner rather than later. Dr. Prastein mean all is well, especially when it comes to your heart, he said. When
said his aortic valve was severely deteriorated and he had an enlarging
you turn 40, just have a checkup. If everything is fine, then great. If
aneurysm, both of which needed to be addressed surgically.
not, then hopefully, you caught the problem early. As my 95-year-old
grandmother says, Just take it one day at a time.

Care for Your Heart at Any Age

Dont worry when it comes to exercise, a little bit
Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women
performed regularly goes a long way. According to the
and claims more lives than all forms of cancer
American Heart Association, exercising 30 minutes
combined. Being diagnosed with cardiovascular
a day, five days a week will improve your
disease can affect your outlook and
heart health and help reduce your risk of
quality of life as well. But there are things
heart disease.
you can do to protect yourself.
In addition to exercise, being careful
Preventing heart disease means
about what you eat can help you lower
making smart choices that have lifelong
cholesterol, control blood pressure and
benefits. These choices start with a heartblood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy
weight. A good diet also helps to improve
healthy diet and regular exercise.
your mood.
Proper diet and exercise are vital
Importantly, eating a heart-healthy diet
in the prevention of obesity. Obesity
can
reduce your risk of heart disease or
C. West Jacocks IV, MD,
increases the risk of hypertension and
stroke by 80 percent. Understanding which
FACC
diabetes, which are major risk factors for
foods are healthiest for your heart, you can
coronary disease, said C. West Jacocks
help lower cholesterol, prevent or manage
IV, MD, FACC, with Sumter Cardiology, a Lexington
heart disease and high blood pressure, and improve
Medical Center physician practice.
your quality of life.

Look for Lexington Medical Centers

Heart Disease: What You Need to Know
pamphlet at Lexington Medical Center
physician practices or request a
copy by calling Community Outreach
at (803) 936-8850.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

NT

TI
A
P

Heart Health

RY
O
T

I just want to do
everything and not say,
Ill try that later, because
there might not be a later.
Im proof. I didnt know
I had this thing. It can
happen in a heartbeat.
Mary Pat Baldauf

Blogger Shares Story of Ruptured Aneurysm

womens basketball teams winning season. It must
have been on TV before I woke up.
Meanwhile, the social media world encircled
her with prayers and well wishes. Her sister Beth
enlisted the help of more than 1,000 Facebook
friends and another 500-plus Twitter followers to
offer encouraging posts with a special hashtag,
#MPBStrong. The campaign of hope and love
featured colleagues from the City of Columbia
(Mary Pat works as the citys sustainability
I thought I ate too many dark chocolate espresso
facilitator), including Mayor Steve Benjamin, plus
beans, said Mary Pat, who shares a home with her
friends from her alma mater, the University of
sister, Beth. She said I should go to the ER, but I
South Carolina. As word spread, posts popped up
figured you know caffeine overload.
from caring friends across the community and the
Mary Pat said good night and headed to her
state, including the smiling faces of the cooks in
room. She never made it into bed; Beth found
her favorite pizza parlor.
her the next morning on the floor. The ruptured
The tweets and posts held
aneurysm a lump that forms in
sustaining power for Mary Pat
a weak spot in the wall of an artery
through the four months of
that supplies blood to the brain
Know
your
history
treatment and recovery.
left her unconscious, unable to
speak, walk or eat on her own.
I woke up and saw all of
and, if you have a thatWhen
Today, Mary Pat knows she
on Twitter and Facebook, it was
is fortunate to be alive. An
so encouraging, Mary Pat said. I
family history,
unruptured aneurysm can come
heard from people I hadnt heard
get
checked.
with no symptoms at all. Or it may
from in 20 or 25 years.
cause severe headaches, blurred
Once awake, Mary Pat was eager

Mary
Pat
Baldauf
vision, changes in speech or pain
to communicate, but a tracheotomy
in the neck. Symptoms such as
tube inserted to help her breathe
fainting, seizures, nausea and
restricted communication to messages on white
vomiting or sensitivity to light call for immediate
boards; she wore out four of them with her rapid
emergency medical attention, especially if theres a
scribbling and erasures. Gradually, the fog in her
family history of brain aneurysm.
mind began to clear. The tube that had stolen her
Know your history and, if you have a family
voice was removed, her balance returned with
history, get checked, Mary Pat advised.
therapy, and she began to walk and drive again.
Mary Pat didnt discover her family history of
Mary Pat celebrated each victory with her
brain aneurysm until it was too late.
online family. Her voice is still soft and airy a
If I had known, I would have gone to the
lingering effect of the tracheotomy but her blue
emergency room that night in a heartbeat. The
eyes sparkle with determination.
only risk factor I have is that Im a woman and Im
Ive learned that you can do beyond what you
in my 40s. Other risk factors for aneurysm include
think you can do. Im stronger than I thought
high blood pressure, smoking or a previous
I was, she said. And people are great. I had so
aneurysm. But Mary Pats blood pressure is low.
many nice things happen to me. Just this week, a
Shes not a smoker and even took advantage of the
girl who had been following my sister on Twitter
City of Columbias wellness program to lose 100
asked me to go to dinner, and she made a music
pounds the year before she suffered the aneurysm
CD for us.
a positive factor her doctor said could have
I was super cynical before, but I find Im more
saved her life.
optimistic, more spontaneous now, she added.
Mary Pat emerged from two-and-a-half weeks
I just want to do everything and not say, Ill try
of unconsciousness to discover a world that made
that later, because there might not be a later. Im
sense in only bits and pieces.
proof. I didnt know I had this thing. It can happen
I remember at that time thinking I was in
another place, she said. I heard parts of the USC
in a heartbeat.

Mary Pat Baldauf vividly recalls the

lightning-sharp shock whizzing across
her scalp. Next came the sensation of
ice water pouring over her head. But a
ruptured brain aneurysm was the last
thing the fit 48 year old imagined could
happen to her.

As her strength returned and

she re-learned how to eat, speak
and walk, Mary Pat began to
personally share her victories
with the large online audience
following her journey. A graduate of
USCs School of Journalism, Mary
Pat is a contributor to Lexington
Medical Centers Every Woman
Blog at EveryWomanBlog.com.
Just six weeks after her aneurysm
rupture and only a month after
she awakened she wrote her
first new blog entry, a brief piece
explaining her absence to her blog
followers: my mother and sister
tell me that I wasnt expected to
live, much less recover I plan
to share more with you in coming
posts. But for now, I want to say
thank you.

To read more of Mary Pat Baldaufs

posts about her aneurysm and
recovery, visit the Every Woman
Blog at EveryWomanBlog.com.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Are You at Risk?

When you think AAA, you might think of a roadside rescue. This AAA also
requires a rescue in an operating room.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is a swelling and weakening in the aorta, the main
vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, the aneurysm can
grow larger and eventually burst, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Those who do survive a
ruptured AAA are at risk for major heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
Finding AAA early is the key to survival. Anyone with an
immediate family history of AAA should have an abdominal
ultrasound screening. Once diagnosed, he or she should see a surgeon
to evaluate when or if the AAA needs to be repaired.
In the past, surgeons had to make a large incision down the
middle of the abdomen to repair AAA. Now, it can be repaired with
an endograft through small incisions in the groin. This minimally
invasive surgery lessens recovery time and reduces the complications
associated with an open abdominal procedure.
Surgeons at Lexington Medical Center have been treating AAA for
more than 20 years.
William M. Moore Jr.,
Technical advances in vascular surgery have revolutionized the treatment of patients with vascular disease, particularly AAA.
MD, FACS
The endovascular surgery program at Lexington Medical Center has remained at the forefront of those developments, which
has benefited our patients through improved outcomes, said William M. Moore Jr., MD, FACS, of Southern Surgical Group, a
Lexington Medical Center physician practice. Dr. Moore is the only board-certified endovascular surgeon in the Midlands.
An aneurysm can develop as a result of genetic weakening of the vessel and, over time, it can expand. High blood pressure and smoking increase
the risk of enlargement and rupture of AAA. Diabetes can also lead to changes in the vessel wall. These risk factors must be controlled to reduce the
likelihood of AAA rupture.

Heart & Sole Womens Five Miler

Set for April 23
Ladies, its time to lace up your shoes
and start training!
Lexington Medical Center will host the 15th
annual Heart & Sole Womens Five Miler on
April 23. South Carolinas premier womens road
race, Heart & Sole features
a five-mile run, a
five-mile walk and a
three-mile walk. The
event takes place at
8:30 a.m. in Finlay Park
in downtown Columbia.
The Heart & Sole
Womens Five Miler is
a very special event
for our community,
said Deyanira Dee
Prastein, MD,
cardiovascular surgeon
with Lexington
Cardiovascular
Surgery, a Lexington
Medical Center
physician practice.
The annual run
and walk not only
encourages physical
activity and a healthy
lifestyle, it also calls
attention to the issue of
heart disease the biggest
health threat women face today.

The Carolina Marathon Association launched

the states first womens-only road race in South
Carolina in 2002. Sponsored in conjunction
with WIS-TV, the race offers women of all
athletic abilities the opportunity to participate
in a comforting, supportive environment. Elite
athletes, as well as first-timers, enjoy the
unique event that offers a red rose at the
finish line, medals for all participants
and special refreshments that include
chocolate-covered strawberries.

For more information about

the event or to register, visit
HeartAndSoleRun.com.

Choose from Two

Training Programs
Fleet Feet Sports
12-week training program begins February 9
Orientation: February 9 at 6:30 p.m.
$100, includes weekly coaching, group
training sessions and T-shirt
For more information: FleetFeetSports.com

Strictly Running
8-week training program begins February 28
$90, includes twice-weekly group training sessions
Register at: StrictlyRunning.com

SAVE THE DATE

#
April, 23, 2016
Finlay Park
Columbia, SC
8:30 a.m. start

& Sole

Womens Five Miler

To register, visit HeartAndSoleRun.com

ASK THE DOCTOR

What is the best treatment for
cardiovascular disease?

Regular screening is a good way to catch

cardiovascular disease early, and it is a great
opportunity to
discuss prevention
with your doctor.
When diagnosed
early, cardiovascular
disease may be
managed with
lifestyle changes
alone, including
weight loss, a
healthy diet and
Jeremy R. Crisp, MD
exercise. These
LEXINGTON FAMILY
lifestyle changes
PRACTICE NORTHEAST
can have a big
effect on long-term
health outcomes, especially when a person
has cardiovascular disease risks. If a person
smokes, we always recommend that they quit
in an effort to improve cardiovascular health. If
a person has a specific cardiovascular problem,
such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high
cholesterol, we recommend taking medication
as prescribed to prevent complications.

What are the risks of not treating

cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are generally

managed with a combination of lifestyle
modification and medication. Both of these are
equally important in treating cardiovascular
disease, especially if that includes high blood
pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. All
of these problems can lead to long-term
complications and put you at risk for heart
attack and stroke. Maintaining a good treatment
regimen as prescribed by your physician can
prevent these long-term complications of
cardiovascular disease.

10

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

Lexington Medical Center Foundation

Donates Life-saving Devices
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) save lives. In those first few moments after the heart is out of rhythm, an AED can
both diagnose the problem and shock the heart back into rhythm.
Without immediate treatment, cardiopulmonary
resuscitation and an AED, a heart that is out of rhythm
can lead to irreversible brain damage or death. This
damage often becomes permanent in less time than it
takes for a paramedic
to arrive or for a patient
to be transported to an
emergency room.
There is a 10-minute
window for treatment for
patients with ventricular
fibrillation. If not treated
within that time, their
chances of survival greatly
diminish. Its important
that we make AEDs readily
accessible to help save lives, said Barbara Willm, vice
president of Community Relations and Development at
Lexington Medical Center.
Thats why the hospitals foundation has donated more
than 35 AEDs to Lexington County middle and high
schools, and the countys recreation commissions.
AEDs are designed to be used with little or no training.
They have self-adhesive electrode pads and a built-in
computer that automatically analyzes the patients heart
rhythm to figure out whether a shock will help them and,
if so, what level of shock is appropriate.

A donated AED already helped to save one life

Audrey Cox of Taylors, South Carolina.
As a referee for high school basketball, Cox traveled to
River Bluff High School in Lexington to take her annual
certification exam. During the exam, she slumped down
in her chair and her eyes rolled back in her head. The site
coordinator at the event heard her colleagues call for help
and rushed to the scene with the schools AED.
Cox was then treated at Lexington Medical Center
by William W. Brabham, MD, FHRS, a cardiologist at
Lexington Cardiology. She now has a defibrillator and
pacemaker in case her heart goes back into ventricular
fibrillation, and she has been getting back to her active
lifestyle. More than anything, Cox is thankful for the
second chance at life.
Screening, detection and prevention for heart disease
are very important, but not everyone knows if they have
a heart condition. For them, an AED is an important
life-saving tool. Were proud to provide them to our
community, said Willm.
In addition to AEDs, the Lexington Medical Center
Foundation provides heart-shaped pillows for heart
patients, scholarships for cardiovascular rehabilitation,
free smoking-cessation classes, and medical equipment
and educational materials.

Audrey Cox received lifesaving help with an AED from

the Lexington Medical Center
Foundation.

ASK THE DOCTOR

Henry J. Martin, MD

LEXINGTON FAMILY PRACTICE OTARRE POINTE

I have a family history of heart disease; how might that affect my health and what can I do to lessen
my risks?
Just because you have a family history of heart disease doesnt mean it has to manifest. Exercise, medication and nutrition
can alter the potential manifestation of the genetic tendencies. Its the combination of genetics and environment with lack of
exercise and poor nutrition that can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.

What You Dont Know

When it comes to taking care of your heart, knowledge is power. And what you dont know could kill you.
Lexington Medical Center focuses on the importance of knowing the
symptoms of a heart attack in its television commercial series, I Am a
Heart Attack.
We hope these commercials motivate people to understand what
causes a heart attack and to take the necessary steps to reduce their
risk of heart disease, said Mark Shelley, vice president of Marketing
and Communications at
Lexington Medical Center.
See why one out of every three
In the commercials,
which the hospital produced
deaths in South Carolina is related
in-house, a heart attack
to cardiovascular disease.
has a face and a voice to
describe common heart
Download the free Layar app on your smart
phone and scan this page.
attack symptoms in women
and men, and follows them
from the moment they have
a heart attack to inside an
Scan this page
Discover
Download the free
interactive content
ambulance, emergency
Layar App
room and cardiac
catheterization lab.
As the regions only Duke Health-affiliated heart center, Lexington
Medical Center is committed to providing our community with quality
cardiovascular care, from preventive programs to the most advanced
treatments and protocols medicine has to offer, said Shelley.
KNOW the risk factors for heart disease.
KNOW when to talk to your doctor.

to heart disease

LexMed.com/Know

KNOW how to lower your risk.

KNOW when to call 9-1-1.

Heart Health

A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center

Score One
for Your Heart

11

Calcium can build up as plaque or blockages within the coronary arteries, the blood
vessels that supply blood to the heart, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Joshua W. McCain, MD
Lexington Radiology Associates

Do you have plaque clinging to the artery walls in your heart?

Yes, plaque. Sound familiar? Weve all heard of the gunk that builds up on
teeth, but instead of leading to tooth decay, coronary plaque made up of
calcium, cholesterol and white blood cells can cause heart attack
and stroke.
Calcium can build up as plaque or blockages within the coronary
arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, which can
ultimately lead to a heart attack, said Joshua W. McCain, MD, at Lexington
Radiology Associates, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice.
If youre wondering how your arteries are holding up, a calcium score
might be for you.
Calcium scoring is a CT or CAT scan of the heart that finds heart disease
before it turns deadly by checking for plaque in the arteries. Your score
rates your risk of heart attack, and it can be used to
measure the benefits of certain heart treatments.
Calcium scoring is a great test for determining
the presence of coronary artery disease in those
patients with diabetes, elevated blood cholesterol,
high blood pressure, history of smoking, obesity
and strong family histories of heart disease. It is
also a great tool for cardiologists and primary care
physicians who are determining the best treatments
for their patients based on numerous risk factors,
said Dr. McCain.
Joshua W. McCain, MD
During the test, the patient lies on the CT
scanner table on his or her back, and EKG leads
are placed on the chest. The patient is then placed in the CT scanner, and
X-rays take images of the heart. Calcium scoring does not require any
contrast or IV, and it only takes about 5 to 10 minutes to perform.
While the optimal calcium score is zero (no calcium detected), people
with scores lower than 100 have less risk of cardiac events, such as heart
attacks. The risk increases as the score increases.
Patients with normal stress test results can still have calcified plaques
within their coronary arteries, and calcium scoring can help determine their
risk of having a heart attack, said Dr. McCain.
If you have a low score, its important to continue to eat healthy, exercise,
maintain a normal weight and refrain from smoking. If you dont ace your
calcium test, your doctor can help you figure out the best approach to get
yourself on track.
In many cases, patients may need to make better lifestyle choices. If you
have a high score with other risk factors, such as high cholesterol, diabetes
and chest pain, your doctor may suggest medication or surgical intervention.
During the month of February, Lexington Medical Center is offering
calcium scoring for $99. Contact your physician for a referral.

If youre interested in learning your calcium score, talk

with your doctor or visit LexMed.com/Heart.

Need a physician? For a listing of physicians available in the Lexington Medical Center Network of Care, visit LexMed.com.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Your Goals Should Be:

Optimal at 120/80
and no higher than 140/90

Less than 100 for fasting value

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL:

Less than 25 for women & men

BLOOD PRESSURE:

BLOOD GLUCOSE:

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI):

Less than 200

LDL CHOLESTEROL:

Less than 35'' for women

Less than 40'' for men

WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE:

Less than 100 or

Less than 70

More than 30 minutes is ideal,

if you have other risk factors

HDL CHOLESTEROL:

More than 60 optimal

Less than 50 a risk for women
Less than 40 a risk for men

TRIGLYCERIDES:

Less than 150

(more important for women)

DAILY EXERCISE:

but you should strive for

at least 20 minutes

DAILY RELAXATION EXERCISE:

More than 30 minutes

CIGARETTES PER DAY:

Zero and no secondhand smoke

ASK THE DOCTOR

How do I find out if I
have high cholesterol?
Having your cholesterol
checked is a simple
process. It is a blood test.
You should fast, which
means nothing to eat or
drink except water for at
least eight hours prior to
having your blood drawn.
Eva A. Imperial, MD
The cholesterol numbers,
SPRING VALLEY FAMILY
known as a lipid panel, will
PRACTICE
give you information about
your cholesterol numbers:
LDL is bad cholesterol; HDL
is good cholesterol; and triglycerides are
fat-like substances in the blood. Knowing your
numbers is important so you can discuss them
with your physician and decrease your risk factors
for heart disease.

How do I lower my cholesterol?

For elevated LDL, decrease this number with
dietary changes, such as cutting out fried, fatty
foods. Increasing Omega-3 fatty acids and
fish oils in your diet can improve cholesterol
numbers. Some people need to be on prescription
medications to lower LDL effectively. For HDL,
the higher the number, the better. This number
can be increased through exercise and physical
activity. Start moving even if its a 10-minute
walk per day.

12

Heart Health

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

LEARN HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF

DEVELOPING HEART DISEASE.

Sunday February 28
Noon4:00 p.m.
Columbia Metropolitan
Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR HEART:
Advanced Technologies for
Diagnostic, Interventional &
Surgical Procedures
Healthy Cooking Demonstrations

Stroke Prevention
Emergency Medical Services & 9-1-1
Lexington Medical Center Physicians
On Site

PARTICIPATE IN
FREE ACTIVITIES:
Walk-through MEGA
Inflatable Heart
Exercise Sessions
Massage Therapy
Photo Booth
Blood Pressure & BMI Screenings
Kids Corner Jump Rope & Coloring Stations

LexMed.com