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Article Category: Highlights

Well Starts with Healthy Hearts

Published on February 01, 2022

Last updated 11:25 AM February 01, 2022

Woman performing cardiovascular activity to keep her heart healthy.

It’s impossible to count all the ways your heart supports you in a single day. Whether it’s checking out a new trail, gardening or simply playing with your kids, every beat of your heart helps you do all the activities you enjoy most.

That’s why it’s so vital to take care of your cardiac health — and doing so is easier than you might think. According to Wellstar medical experts, consistency is the key.

“To keep your heart in top shape, make gradual changes sustained over a lifetime,” said Dr. Vivek Nautiyal, Wellstar medical director of preventative cardiology. “Investing in your heart health can be as simple as going for a walk after work, trying a healthy recipe or scheduling that wellness exam you may have been delaying.”

Remember to start small — by just taking a few simple steps, you can keep your heart going strong.

Detect heart disease at the start

Getting a heart screening is a great way to care for your cardiac health. Wellstar's Know Your Heart screening program helps catch potential heart problems early, so you can live life to the fullest. Through this testing, you can learn your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

After the screening, you will receive an individualized health report with all the latest stats about your heart. Our team will go over the results with you one-on-one and recommend lifestyle modifications to help you be the healthiest you.

Schedule your heart screening today.

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or visit the Know Your Heart page for more information.

Protecting your heart takes a team

Along with monitoring your overall well-being, your primary care physician can help catch potential heart problems early.

“At your annual wellness exam, your provider can assess your risk of certain heart conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure,” Dr. Nautiyal explained.

Your physician will check the Foundational 4 numbers that are the cornerstone of general wellness and heart health, including:

  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood glucose (sugar)
  • Blood cholesterol

“Your provider can help create a personalized plan to keep your heart healthy, which may include diet, exercise or other lifestyle modifications,” Dr. Nautiyal shared. “If you need expert cardiovascular care, they can also refer you to a heart specialist right away.”

When it comes to staying ahead of potential health issues, Dr. Nautiyal also shared the importance of being aware of your family history and cardiovascular stats.

“Be sure to know your cholesterol numbers and seek a preventative cardiology consultation if you have a family history of premature heart attacks, coronary disease or stroke — especially at an age below 55 years old,” Dr. Nautiyal said.

Learn more about the advanced heart care services offered at Wellstar.

To keep your heart in top shape, make gradual changes sustained over a lifetime. Investing in your heart health can be as simple as going for a walk after work, trying a healthy recipe or scheduling that wellness exam you may have been delaying.

- Dr. Vivek Nautiyal

Wellstar Medical Director of Preventative Cardiology

Tips to invest in your heart health

Think of healthy habits like a savings account. Each small change adds up over time in the days, months and even years you invest in your well-being.

By following these tips, you can be proactive about protecting your heart.

  • Focus on food. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein sources like lean meats. Be sure to control your portion size, reduce sodium intake and limit unhealthy fats.
  • Get a good workout. Any aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, dancing or biking, is beneficial for your heart. At least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week is recommended, according to the American Heart Association.
  • Keep track of the scale. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
  • Stop smoking. Smoking can be harmful to your heart and blood vessels as well as many other vital organs. Learn the benefits of quitting for good.
  • Manage stress & your mental health. Depression, anxiety and chronic stress may be harmful to your heart. These issues can even cause physical problems, including irregular heart rate and increased blood pressure. If you feel overwhelmed, find support from a Wellstar behavioral health specialist. 

Get answers about your health

Wellstar’s Genetic Risk Assessment Program can help determine if you may develop or carry certain genetic disorders, including heart conditions. Whether you’re concerned about your medical history or planning to start a family, genetic testing can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Learn more about the health screenings you need to stay well.

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Vivek Nautiyal Heart Care
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Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Completes 250 Procedures Treating Venous Thromboembolism

The peripheral vascular care team at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, a leading facility in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), has completed its 250th venous thromboembolism (VTE) procedure.

According to the American Heart Association, VTE is the third most common vascular diagnosis after heart attacks and strokes, and affects between 300,000 and 600,000 Americans each year. There are two types of VTE: 

  • Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep vein. It usually occurs in the leg, but it can also appear in the arms.
  • A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot breaks off the vein and travels to the lungs, blocking the blood supply.

VTE can be fatal and can cause lifelong disability. Early intervention is crucial. At Wellstar North Fulton, the heart care team was an early adopter of a groundbreaking treatment for VTE, which uses a catheter to remove the clot. The healthcare provider inserts the catheter through the groin and navigates it to the clot for treatment. 

“This has been a game changer in the treatment of this disease,” said Wellstar Cardiologist Dr. Ahsan Achtchi. “We’re seeing a lot less long-term disability and a lot less deaths in patients who come to the hospital with a blood clot.”

Wellstar North Fulton continues to receive referrals from around the region for this procedure and is one of the highest volume hospitals for VTE care in metro Atlanta. 

Previous treatment options included open chest surgery, blood thinners and clot-busting medications. These methods posed a higher risk of complications, especially for patients who have recently undergone another surgical procedure. Because a recent surgery can put a patient at higher risk for VTE, using a catheter to remove the clot is safer for many patients. This new treatment method has reduced patients’ hospital stays for VTE from an average of five to seven days to only one or two days, according to Dr. Achtchi.

“Typically with this procedure, patients feel better almost immediately, and their recovery outside the hospital is a lot more complete and brisk,” he said.

Recognizing and preventing VTE

If you or someone else is showing signs of VTE, seek emergency care as soon as possible.

Symptoms of VTE include:

  • Swelling of the legs
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

Risk factors for VTE include not moving for a longer period of time—such as when someone is on bed rest following surgery—as well as some medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders or kidney disease. Your Wellstar provider can help you evaluate your risk of VTE and manage your risk factors.

Learn more about cardiovascular care at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. 

Keep reading
Patient Ralph Aiken. Text reads "RalphCare"

PeopleCare

RalphCare

Douglasville, Georgia resident Ralph Aiken experienced a motorcycle accident in April of 2022. The 82-year-old was thrown 10 feet in the air and another 20 feet down into a hole, suffering a broken left leg below the knee. As part of his healing, Aiken worked closely with Dawnette Waters, Wellstar Physical Therapist, to rebuild muscle in the injured leg.

One fateful day while at therapy, the U.S. Army veteran suffered cardiac arrest. Due to the quick actions of Waters and members of the adjoining Wellstar Outpatient Cardiac Rehab center, EMTs were able to revive Aiken and rush him to Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, where Wellstar Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Cheryl Robertson found the cause of the cardiac event — 95% blockage of an artery. Dr. Robertson immediately inserted an atrial stent. Mr. Aiken has felt healthy since the surgery and is grateful for the team at Wellstar who saved his life. 

“Wellstar is very well-operated and efficient, and the doctors, the nurses and the therapists are top-notch. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the therapy staff,” Aiken says, choking up.

In early March of this year, Aiken enthusiastically reunited with his entire care team at Wellstar. Smiles and hugs were the mood of the day, as each recalled the events that led to Aiken still being with us to enjoy life.

Today, Aiken continues to exercise and is proud of his active lifestyle, despite his age. “Look at me. How many 82-year-old men have a 34-inch waist and an arm muscle like that?” he says, showing off his impressive bicep.

Keep reading
Illustration of group of people. Wellstar and Best of Cobb logos

Highlights

Wellstar Team Members Voted Best of Cobb

The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:

  • Bruce Alayof, MD
    Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
    Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Second Place

  • Kyle Brown
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Personal Trainer, Second Place

  • Ryan Breshears, PhD
    Wellstar Clinical Psychology
    Best Psychologist, Second Place

  • Ryan Cantwell, MD
    Wellstar Internal Medicine
    Best Family Physician, First Place
    Best General Practice Doctor, Second Place

  • Kozue Cunningham
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Massage Therapist, First Place

  • Diedre Greene, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, Second Place

  • Amy Gross
    Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
    Best Physical Therapist, First Place

  • Ashish Kapila, DPM
    Wellstar Podiatry
    Best Podiatry, Third Place

  • Amy Kewin, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, First Place

  • Keisha McClure
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Massage Therapist, Third Place

  • Eduardo Molinary, MD
    Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine
    Best Pulmonary Medicine, Third Place

  • David Parks, MD
    Wellstar ENT
    Best ENT Specialist, First Place

  • Dhaval Patel, MD
    Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
    Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place

  • Daniel Saade, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, Third Place

  • Carolyn Smallwood, DO
    Wellstar Primary Care
    Best General Practice Doctor, First Place
    Best Family Physician, Second Place

  • Randall Webb, MD
    Wellstar OB/GYN
    Best OB/GYN, Third Place

  • Wellstar Atherton Place
    Senior Living and Memory Care
    Best Nursing Home, Third Place

  • Wellstar Health Place
    Best Fitness Center/Gym, First Place

  • Wellstar Health Place
    Best Yoga/Barre/Pilates Studio, Third Place

  • Wellstar Health Place
    A Healthier You- Medical Fitness
    Best Weight Loss Clinic, Third Place

  • Wellstar Pediatrics at 3707 Largent Way
    Best Pediatric Group, First Place

  • Wellstar Pediatrics at 760 Kennesaw Avenue
    Best Pediatric Group, Second Place

  • Wellstar Pediatrics at 121 Marble Mill Road
    Best Pediatric Group, Third Place
Keep reading
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