Knowing when to refer a heart failure patient for specialist care can be crucial, according to Bassel Alkhalil, M.D., medical director of Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s mechanical circulatory support program. In general, earlier is better. Even though heart failure patients are often the sickest of the sick, according to Dr. Alkhalil there is a…
Abbott and the Association of Black Cardiologists will host a webinar Oct. 27, “Advanced Heart Failure and Black Americans: Strategies for Improved Patient Outcomes.” The program will feature a panel of presenters from 5 to 6 p.m., including Kelly C. McCants, M.D., medical director of the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure Program…
By Misty D. Ellis, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Nurse practitioners in the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit are trained and certified in pediatric acute care. They are dedicated to caring for and managing critically ill pediatric heart patients. This specialized training is now the gold standard for children’s hospitals. By adopting this standard, Norton Children’s…
From Kelly C. McCants, M.D., medical director, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program Physicians and surgeons throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana are partnering through the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program to focus on coordinated care, innovative technology, early intervention — and recovery — for…
Lori Lively’s gradual seven-year weight gain after an automobile accident raised her blood pressure, elevated her blood sugar level to diabetic range and worsened an existing heart condition. After the wreck and later, a hysterectomy, Lori’s formerly active lifestyle slowed, and her food choices started affecting her weight. On her petite, 5-foot frame, even a…
By Kelly C. McCants, M.D., medical director, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program The stereotype of the heart failure patient often does not match the reality, which frequently leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. If you look at epidemiological data, you’d think the heart failure patient is a white male,…
Lynnwood Butler first noticed issues with his heart on Derby Day in 2013, when hypotension resulted in syncope. Two years later, the Louisville native had a heart attack at the end of his shift waiting on tables. He received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In 2016 and again in 2018, Lynnwood’s ICD was triggered. “It’s…
By Kelly C. McCants, M.D., medical director, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program The day Keith Drury’s heart stopped, the last thing he remembers is driving to a job site near the Kentucky River. He doesn’t remember going into cardiac arrest, the CPR or the emergency helicopter flight to Norton…
Innovative technology allows providers with the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program to see changes in patients’ conditions in real time, adjust their medications and diet as needed, and schedule clinical visits when necessary. We’re using technology to help patients’ hearts recover so they will not need advanced therapy, with…
By Susan Hutcherson, R.N., BSN As a nurse navigator with the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program, I know it truly takes a village to take care of a patient with heart failure. Our program offers a multidisciplinary approach to give patients the best chance for their highest quality of…
Today Norton Healthcare held a celebration to honor the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute team. During the event, local businessman G. Hunt Rounsavall, a long-standing member of the Norton Healthcare board of trustees and major donor to the health system, announced a $1.5 million gift to the Norton Healthcare Foundation from the Robert W. Rounsavall…
Sean Stewart, M.D., interventional cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, treats all his patients the way he would want someone to treat his family members. Especially his grandfather. Dr. Stewart, the son of a physician, grew up with medicine in his sights. But it was a personal experience that narrowed his focus to cardiology….