Today is World Heart Day! World Heart Day was created to inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death. Over 17 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year, representing 30 percent of all global deaths.

Compelling evidence indicates that the following strategies are effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases:

1. Do not smoke or use tobacco – Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50 percent or more. Just one year after you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet that limits fat and salt intake – Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Try incorporating more whole grains, beans, nuts and fish to your diet and limiting red meat, dairy products and solid fats (butter and margarine).
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight – Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a brisk walk on your lunch break. Don’t forget that everyday activities and chores, like cleaning the house and walking the dog count toward your 30 minutes a day physical activity.
4. Limit alcohol intake – Drink alcohol in moderation and no more than 1-2 drinks a day.
5. Get yearly checkups – Schedule blood pressure and cholesterol levels checks regularly so you know exactly what measures to take every year to maintain a healthy heart.
6. Encourage stress-free moments – To help relieve stress, take regular breaks while working, stick to a regular sleep schedule, relax to soothing music or take a yoga class.

Don’t forget to consult your physician before starting a new diet or exercise regimen. Find out more information about World Heart Day on their website: http://www.world-heart-federation.org/index.php?id=123

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG), also known as CABG surgery or bypass surgery, is performed to improve blood flow to areas of the heart, reducing the risk of future heart attacks and preventing death from coronary artery disease. Artery and vein grafts are used to bypass blocked coronary arteries.  

Medical tourism, also known as medical travel or global healthcare, is not limited to just cosmetic surgery and dental procedures. Some of the best heart surgeons in the world that perform CABG surgery are available through Satori World Medical’s Global Network at International Centers of Excellence in India, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Turkey and Mexico. All physicians in the Satori Global Network are U.S./U.K or equivalently trained and Board Certified. In addition to the world-class quality of care, there are significant financial savings when going international for a CABG procedure. While U.S. cost for CABG surgery can cost up to $100,000, CABG surgery through a Satori’s Global Network provider, would cost around $30,000.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

World Heart Day is globally held on the last Sunday of September each year to inform people about cardiovascular diseases, which are the biggest cause of death worldwide. Over 17 million people have died from cardiovascular diseases in 2005, representing 30 percent of all global deaths.

Compelling evidence indicates that the following strategies are effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases:

1. Do not smoke
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet, that limits fat and salt intake
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight
4. Limit alcohol intake to one to two drinks a day
5. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly
6. Encourage stress-free moments at home and at work

Read further about how to reduce your risk of heart problems and about World Heart Day here.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

This Sunday, September 26, is the 10 year anniversary of World Heart Day. World Heart Day was created to promote heart health and inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than 17 million lives each year. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Heart Federation organizes events in 100 countries to spread awareness through health checkups, organized walks, and lectures.

Although major risk factors of heart disease such as family history and age are beyond control, there are a few key healthy steps you can adopt today to reduce your risk of heart problems.

1.  Do not smoke – Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50 percent or more.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet – Watch your fat and salt intake. Saturated and trans fat elevates the risk of coronary heart disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Main sources of saturated fat include dairy products, animal fats, and oils. Sources of trans fat include deep-fried fast foods and packaged snack foods. High-sodium diets are also linked to an increase in blood pressure and a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. It is recommended to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight – 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day can control weight and reduce blood pressure levels.
4. Limit alcohol intake – Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and higher blood pressure. Limit yourself to one to two drinks a day.
5. Get regular checkups – Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
6. Encourage stress-free moments – High levels of stress can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Establish a regular sleep schedule, engage in relaxing activities, and take regular breaks during work hours.

Or as Dr. Jeffrey Williams says, “If you take care of your heart, it will take care of you.” Happy World Heart Day!

Dr. Jeffrey Williams specializes in Invasive/Interventional Cardiology and is a member of Satori’s Medical Quality Advisory Board, a team of expert board certified physicians who are recognized leaders in their sub-specialty field. Satori’s Medical Quality Advisory Board continuously monitors and evaluates clinical procedures and guidelines to ensure that Satori Global Network™ hospitals and physicians follow our established Standards of Excellence.

By Ron Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S. –Chief Medical Officer, Satori World Medical

February is American Heart Month, and not just because of Valentine’s Day.  Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, stroke and other vascular problems, is one of the deadliest and costliest health problems in the U.S.  The American Heart Association works with Congress to educate Americans about this epidemic and raise awareness throughout the month of February.  Today, I want to focus on three issues, prevention, treatment, and international options.

1.     The good news is that heart disease is preventable.  Some risk factors can’t be changed, such as family history of early heart disease, or your age.  But most risk factors can be controlled.  Here are a few tips for preventing heart disease.

• Don’t smoke – smoking reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to a heart attack.
• Eat healthy – obesity increases the risk of heart disease, as well as stroke and other diseases; and a low calorie, heart healthy diet will also help lower your cholesterol.
• Be physically active – commit to at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week, and if you have high blood pressure or diabetes (which are also key risk factors for heart disease), work with your physician to keep them under control.

2.     If you do get heart disease - and some forms, such as congenital CVD or viral cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), are not preventable – there are excellent treatments available, with medical therapy, angioplasty with stents and cardiac surgery offering dramatic results in many cases.  However, there is a cost.  An estimated 6.4 million cardiac procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2004, with nearly $438 BILLION spent on cardiac care in the U.S.  Needing heart surgery and not having health insurance (47 million Americans are currently uninsured) can be a disaster.  But even with health insurance, the high deductibles and co-pays may leave you facing $5,000 to $10,000, or more in out of pocket expense.

3.     Top quality healthcare for heart disease can be obtained internationally at a fraction of the cost than within the U.S.  One option Americans have which is becoming increasingly popular is medical travel, whereby Americans travel to international hospitals to receive quality medical care at a fraction of the cost than within the U.S. 

For instance, a patient in need of a heart valve replacement can travel to a hospital in Singapore, such as those within Satori’s Global Network™, to receive open heart surgery in a hospital that offers quality care and favorable clinical outcomes that are equivalent or superior to U.S. hospitals, yet for an average cost of 30 to 50 percent less. 

Satori World Medical’s international hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which is the international arm of the U.S. hospital-accrediting body, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).  These hospitals also boast leading-edge technology; have nurse-to-patient ratios exceeding U.S. standards; U.S./U.K. or equivalently trained and Board Certified physicians;  medical and nursing staff that is fluent in English; and many also have affiliations with prestigious U.S. medical universities, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, and others.

Heart Month is a good time to look at your risk factors, keep your heart healthy, and if you do have heart disease, know your treatment options!