When Is Chest Pain a Medical Emergency?
Knowing when chest pain is an emergency is crucial. The sooner you recognize a heart attack, the faster you can get treatment. Rapid treatment makes the difference between life and death and determines how well you recover. Laura Fernandes, MD, FACC, at Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute in The Woodlands, Texas, diagnoses the cause of chest pain and provides exceptional […]
5 Ways to Boost Your Heart Health This Summer
Summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to boost your heart health by spending time outside, enjoying fresh seasonal produce, and getting more active. At the same time, people with cardiovascular disease should approach summer mindfully, staying aware of the stress that heat, humidity, and dehydration place on their hearts. In this […]
Encouraging Facts About Atrial Fibrillation
You may wonder if there’s any encouraging news for a heart condition like atrial fibrillation (Afib), especially considering it makes you five times more likely to have a stroke. The answer is yes. The facts are reassuring and hopeful. In most cases, Afib is preventable and treatable. Laura Fernandes, MD, FACC, at Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute, provides exceptional care […]
Why You Might Have Hypertension Without Knowing It
If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), there’s virtually no chance you’ll know. People with hypertension are blissfully unaware they have a life-threatening disease damaging their arteries. Dr. Laura Fernandes and our Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute team know first-hand about the challenges of blood pressure. Not just because we’re cardiology experts, but also because many patients seeking […]
Why Do My Varicose Veins Suddenly Look Worse?
It’s upsetting when bulging, twisted, varicose veins appear, but it’s even more distressing if they suddenly worsen. And for good reason. In addition to affecting your appearance, more noticeable veins are red flags of an underlying vein disease. If you have any questions about varicose veins, especially if they worsen, Dr. Laura Fernandes and the Woodlands Heart and […]
What a Stress Test Reveals About Your Heart Health
A stress test reveals information about your heart that can’t be obtained through other diagnostics. Though all the different heart tests work together to create a complete picture of your heart health, a stress test is one of the most essential. Dr. Laura Fernandes and our Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute team offer expert stress testing in the comfort […]
5 Changes to Make Now With Coronary Artery Disease
After you develop coronary artery disease (CAD), your treatment focuses on stopping its progression and preventing life-threatening complications. Depending on the stage of your CAD, you may need lifestyle interventions, medications, or both. Cardiology specialist Dr. Laura Fernandes at Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute creates a personalized care plan for each person. However, everyone with CAD can benefit […]
4 Surprising Signs of a Heart Attack
Only half of adults recognize the five most common heart attack symptoms. That leaves many people who don’t know the most common signs, much less other unexpected symptoms. Dr. Laura Fernandes and our team at Woodlands Heart & Vascular Institute prioritize teaching people about the signs of heart problems and when to seek medical care. Getting treatment for a heart attack […]
Can Caffeine Cause Chest Pain?
Many people can’t start their day without a cup of coffee or need to grab an energy drink to power through an afternoon slump. However, caffeine is also in tea, chocolate, snack bars, and many other products. If you enjoy caffeinated products, you may wonder if it can cause chest pain or aggravate heart disease. Most people […]
5 Common Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
If you recognize the signs of atrial fibrillation, you’ll know to seek prompt heart care rather than waiting to see if the symptoms go away. Early treatment makes the difference between enjoying a long, healthy life and facing the risk of a sudden, unexpected stroke. Cardiology specialist Dr. Laura Fernandes and our Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute team […]