Cardiovascular - July 2013 Archives

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: How long after a heart attack do I need to wait to resume sexual activity? ANSWER: For men and women with cardiovascular disease — no matter how young or old — sexual activity is important to quality of life. But after a heart attack, it’s not uncommon to lose confidence in your heart’s ability to work properly under stress. In addition, your partner may worry that resuming sexual activity might harm you or cause physical pain, especially if you had open-chest surgery. The good news is, it may be safe for you to resume sexual activity sooner than you think. But because each person’s situation after a heart attack is unique, be sure to talk with your doctor about your specific situation.

    On Saturday, July 20, Charanjit Rihal, M.D., will join us to talk about coronary artery disease. Many people suffer from chest pain, but ...

The 24th US News & World Report annual America’s Best Hospitals list released today reveals Mayo Clinic earned the No. 3 overall spot on the “Best Hospitals” list.  Mayo ranked No. 1 in the nation in five clinical areas — gynecology, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology and pulmonology. Mayo is ranked No. 2 in five additional specialties — cardiology and heart surgery; ear, nose and throat; geriatrics; neurology and neurosurgery; and orthopedics. Mayo Clinic earned the No. 1 spot in Minnesota, ranked No. 1 in Arizona and specifically in the Phoenix metro, and tied for the No. 1 rank as best hospital in the Jacksonville area. Mayo Clinic President and CEO John Noseworthy, M.D., says, ““These endorsements reinforce our century-old commitment to provide the highest quality care to each patient every day. While no single set of measures can perfectly represent health care quality, we are proud to be recognized by so many. We are honored by this recognition, and we remain focused on our primary mission: putting the needs of our patients first and creating for them the best possible, most trusted and affordable model of health care for the future.” There are many external agencies that rate quality in health care, and Mayo Clinic is top ranked for quality by more well-known national assessment organizations than any other academic medical center in the nation. Click here for news release Journalists: Mayo Clinic campus b-roll and sound bites with Mayo Clinic leadership are available in the downloads. Jan Buckner, M.D.- Cancer Center: Video Interview Brooks Edwards, M.D.- Transplant Center: Video Interview Wyatt Decker, M.D., CEO Mayo Clinic in Arizona  http://youtu.be/dZT9Lb1nTPQ Bio Bill Rupp, M.D., CEO Mayo Clinic in Florida  http://youtu.be/EqsIRQK7t7k  

On Saturday, July 20, Charanjit Rihal, M.D. will join us to talk about Coronary Artery Disease.  Many people suffer from chest pain, but how do ...

Update from heart transplant recipient Alyssa Sandeen’s family: Alyssa Sandeen, 23, of Mankato, Minn., who received her second heart transplant on Thursday, June 27, is doing well, according to her father, Chris, and her surgeon, Richard Daly, M.D.  Alyssa remains in the intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., which Dr. Daly says is to be expected at this point in her recovery. This is Alyssa’s second heart transplant. She received her first heart transplant when she was 8 years old, and at age 19 she received a kidney from her mother, Lisa. Dr. Daly and Alyssa’s parents continue to express gratitude to the family of Alyssa’s donor. Chris Sandeen says, “Without organ donors Alyssa wouldn't be here. We are so grateful.” People across the world have been following Alyssa’s story on her Facebook page, Alyssa Sandeen Is A Blessing. Her family will update followers on the page, as well as Alyssa’s CaringBridge page. Journalist Note: The Sandeen family is working with Mayo Clinic to release periodic updates. Sound bites with Chris Sandeen and Dr. Daly are available in the downloads.   http://youtu.be/ZraOsOLLjic

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORY Heart attack symptoms: Know what's a medical emergency Watch for these heart attack symptoms EXPERT ANSWERS Tanning beds: Safer than the sun? Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight HEALTHY RECIPES Red, white and blue parfait Ginger-marinated grilled portobello mushrooms Chicken and coleslaw wrap Tasty apple pie HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Treat mosquito bites Bitten by one of those pesky little bloodsuckers? Don't scratch. Apply a hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a paste. To make a paste, take about 1 teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) of water and mix with an equal volume of dry meat tenderizer. Apply several times a day until your symptoms subside. A cold pack or baggie filled with crushed ice may help too.