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Article Category: Highlights

Break Free from Uterine Fibroid Pain

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital

Published on November 18, 2021

Last updated 04:18 PM November 18, 2021

Mother smiling and lifting child up in the air.

If you’re a woman suffering from pain or discomfort due to uterine fibroids, you’re not alone. An estimated 26 million women in the U.S. have uterine fibroids — and more than 15 million will experience symptoms or health concerns.

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, affecting 20 to 80% of women by age 50. Often, these benign tumors are small and do not cause issues.

However, for some women, the growths can lead to painful symptoms, including:

  • Heavy or prolonged periods
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Trouble emptying your bladder
  • Constipation
  • Enlargement of lower abdomen

While all women can develop uterine fibroids, Black women are disproportionately affected. Black women often have fibroids at younger ages, larger growths and more severe symptoms compared to other racial groups.

Pain doesn’t have to be part of life. Women experiencing fibroid pain can find expert care, advanced treatments and support at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital.

Fibroid care close to home

Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital provides a minimally-invasive treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which can help improve symptoms and quality of life. While fibroids can also be treated with surgical options like a hysterectomy, UFE offers a non-surgical solution that preserves the uterus.

During this procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts sand-like particles into the artery that supplies the fibroid, blocking its blood supply. This method prevents estrogen and other nutrients from reaching the tumor, which can cause the fibroid to shrink up to 50%.

Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital’s trained imaging team performs UFE every day, offering a wealth of expertise and experience. Providing high-quality, comprehensive fibroid care close to home can make all the difference for people with fibroid pain.

“UFE offers many women a minimally-invasive solution to treat fibroid symptoms,” said Dr. Jordan Ray, interventional radiologist with Quantum Radiology, who works with the imaging team at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital. “When this uterine preservation therapy is compared with other treatment options, patients recover faster and experience better outcomes without the need for surgery.”

In addition to a quicker recovery time and fewer complications, women who choose UFE at Wellstar also benefit from Wellstar Fibroid Care Coordinators.

Wellstar Fibroid Care Coordinators help the process go smoothly for patients, including scheduling appointments, obtaining insurance verification and coordinating referrals. One-on-one care is provided at every step, from pre-op to surgery and through recovery.

With complete fibroid care and a supportive team at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital, women can get back to living pain-free.

For more information and to find out if UFE is the right treatment for you, call (770) 644-1636.

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Wellstar & Gabbi Partner to Assess Women's Future Risk of Breast Cancer

We’ve partnered with Gabbi to provide breast cancer risk assessments for women ages 24 to 39. This personalized virtual service offers 24/7 expert support and navigation through breast health screenings. The pilot program has launched at select Wellstar OB/GYN locations. 

  • Talk to your Wellstar OB/GYN about your breast cancer risk factors during your annual visit. Your physician will refer you to Gabbi if you could benefit from their services.
  • An online assessment evaluates your risk of breast cancer in two minutes.
  • Book a next-day virtual appointment with a breast specialist who can design your care plan and explain your risk.Your specialist will assist with scheduling tests or imaging at Wellstar.
  • Gabbi’s care concierge is available 24/7 and can answer questions over text.

It only takes four steps to take charge of your breast health.

  1. Discuss your breast cancer risk factors with your Wellstar OB/GYN, who will help determine if you could benefit from Gabbi’s services.
  2. Take your online risk assessment.
  3. Virtually meet with a care navigator, who will order the appropriate imaging or testing at Wellstar.
  4. Your OB/GYN will continue to provide expert care and referrals if needed.

Ongoing breast health support

If your imaging is normal, you'll follow up with your OB/GYN during your next annual visit. Your care team may recommend more frequent screenings due to family history or other risk factors. If your imaging is flagged for follow-up care, you'll be connected to the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program to ensure you're surrounded in care with complimentary concierge services and a team of compassionate experts dedicated to guiding you at every step.

Get started at gabbi.com. 

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8 Heart Health Facts Moms-to-be Should Know

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change. But it also puts added strain on the heart. In fact, cardiovascular conditions are one of the leading causes of maternal complications worldwide. Some women can develop heart conditions during pregnancy that can lead to serious complications if not recognized early. Knowing the risks and being proactive about your heart health can help prevent a life-threatening problem.

Here’s what every expectant mom should know about heart health during pregnancy.

1. High blood pressure can be silent—and dangerous.

Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, even if they’ve never had it before. High blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia. It’s a condition that can cause organ damage and, in severe cases, seizures. When high blood pressure isn’t treated, it can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. Checking your blood pressure regularly can help catch problems early.

What to do about high blood pressure

If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of cardiovascular issues, tell your care team. Preconception counseling is essential if you have a known heart condition. Your physician may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home and report any sudden swelling, headaches or vision changes immediately.

2. Heart failure can happen—even in healthy moms.

A rare but serious condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart, usually in the last month of pregnancy or the months following delivery. If you have shortness of breath, swelling or often feel extremely tired, don’t ignore those signs.

What to do if you have shortness of breath or a racing heart

Talk to your provider immediately if everyday activities leave you exhausted or struggling to breathe. Other concerning symptoms include persistent coughing, swelling in your legs or feet and dizziness. Don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe fatigue or a racing heartbeat. These could signal a serious heart problem—seek help right away.

3. Pre-existing heart conditions and hypertensive disorders require extra care.

If you’ve ever had heart disease, a heart defect or high blood pressure—including hypertension or hypertensive disorders—pregnancy can increase your risks. Even women without symptoms before pregnancy may need extra monitoring.

What to do if you have a pre-existing heart condition

Talk with your provider early about a care plan. High-risk pregnancies may require specialist support, like a maternal-fetal medicine physician or cardiologist. If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition before pregnancy, ask your provider how it may affect labor and delivery. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You know your body best, and your concerns deserve attention.

4. Blood clots are more common during pregnancy.

Pregnancy increases the risk of thromboembolism, a serious condition where blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. The risk is even higher for women with a history of clotting disorders, obesity or limited mobility.

What to do to prevent blood clots

To reduce your risk of blood clots, stay active, stay hydrated and watch for warning signs like leg swelling, redness or pain. If you notice these, call your provider right away. If you’re on bed rest, ask your provider about ways to improve circulation. Learn the signs of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

5. A racing heartbeat may be abnormal.

You can expect some changes in heart rhythm during pregnancy, but arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) can be a sign of something more serious. Hormone changes, increased blood volume and underlying conditions like thyroid disorders can all contribute to an irregular heartbeat.

What to do about a racing heart

If your heart races often, feels like it’s skipping beats or you feel dizzy or faint, let your provider know immediately. Keep track of when these symptoms happen and whether they occur at specific times, such as during physical activities or when your stress levels are high.

6. Postpartum recovery still puts stress on the heart.

The risk of heart complications doesn’t end at delivery. Many serious conditions, including heart failure or high blood pressure, can develop in the weeks or months after childbirth. Postpartum heart issues can be life-threatening if you don’t address them.

What to do during the postpartum period

Keep all postpartum checkups, even if you feel fine. Watch for new symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, continue monitoring it after delivery. Be aware that cardiovascular complications can develop up to a year postpartum, and follow-up care is so important for your long-term health.

7. Your hospital choice matters

For women at high risk, delivering in a hospital with access to specialized prenatal tests, genetic testing like amniocentesis, fetal evaluations and emergency cardiac care can make all the difference. Not all hospitals have the same level of maternal heart care, so it’s important to plan ahead. Choose a hospital that is equipped to handle pregnancy-related cardiac emergencies.

Wellstar provides specialized care for mothers and babies close to home, including:

  • Wellstar Acworth Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar Avalon Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar Cherokee Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia: Level IV NICU
  • Wellstar Cobb Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar Douglas Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine
  • Wellstar East Cobb Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, Level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center: Cardio-obstetrics, emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics
  • Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics
  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar Spalding Medical Center: Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Wellstar Vinings Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
  • Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care

What to do about your hospital choice

If you are high-risk, consider hospitals with advanced cardiac care and those that have expertise in pregnancy-related heart conditions. Talk to your care team well in advance about your birth plan, especially if you have a heart condition. If possible, tour the hospital beforehand and ask about its capabilities in managing pregnancy-related heart complications.

8. Mental health and stress impact heart health.

Anxiety and stress can affect your heart. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder are common in pregnancy and postpartum, and they can impact heart health.

What to do to keep your mental health in check

Access mental health resources and practice stress management techniques to help you manage your mental health. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness and connecting with loved ones can help lower stress levels. Remember, you are empowered to take control of your health—talk with your provider or a support person and get the help you need.

Take Action for a Healthier Pregnancy.

Eat well, stay active and avoid smoking or alcohol. These efforts can protect your heart and your baby’s health. Small, consistent changes—like reducing salt intake or walking daily—can make a difference.

Regular prenatal visits are just as important. Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed, speak up when something feels off and choose a hospital that meets your needs. These simple steps can help you take control of your heart health and reduce the risk for you and your baby.

Find an OB/GYN or perinatal cardiologist and learn about labor and delivery at Wellstar.

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Partner with Your Care Team to Help Prevent Gynecological Cancer

The more you know about your health, the more empowered you are to take control of it. There’s no greater example of the power you have to protect your future when it comes to preventative health visits and cervical cancer. While cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, it doesn’t have to be.

With the guidance of their physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, women and teens can learn important information and take action that could potentially save their lives. That’s because most types of cervical cancer are now completely preventable.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Cervical cancer typically affects women between 30 and 50 years of age. Younger women are also at risk.

Of course, prevention works best when it starts early. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cervical cancer. It is recommended to give the vaccine to children around 11 or 12 but can be given as early as 9 years of age. 

If not previously vaccinated, the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through the age of 26 and can be administered by a primary care clinician or gynecologist. Even some adults in their 30s and 40s who were previously unvaccinated benefit from getting an HPV vaccination.

A pediatrician, primary care clinician, gynecologist or many pharmacists and healthcare workers in public health departments can administer the vaccine. 

How well does it work?

The HPV vaccine has been found to provide close to 100 percent protection against infections and pre-cancers caused by HPV.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV infections and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States. Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 86 percent. There has been a 71 percent decrease for young adult women.

Identify cervical cancer earlier for better outcomes

Women can also be screened for cervical cancer at regular intervals. There are two tests that can help:

  • The more traditional is a Pap smear, which looks for precancers, or cell changes on the cervix.
  • The newer HPV test identifies the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause the cells to become cancerous.

Most health plans cover preventative care services—like vaccines and screening tests—at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate.

To find a primary care clinician, gynecologist or pediatrician, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Take control of your health and read how to lower your risk and recognize the signs of gynecological cancer.

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