Welcome to Cross County Cardiology

Healthcare Education

Recent Posts

Empowering Women with Knowledge on Cardiac Medications during Pregnancy

Understanding heart medication safety during pregnancy can be a daunting task. At Cross County Cardiology, we aim to equip soon-to-be mothers with the expertise of professionals in the field who can provide them with accurate, reliable information.

Read More

Understanding the Importance of Selecting the Right Cardiac Surgery

The healthcare field has made a huge stride in the last few decades with the innovation of minimally-invasive surgeries. These surgeries have been bustling with excitement, reshaping the landscape of the surgical world, particularly in cardiology.

Dr. Chris Pumill, from Cross County Cardiology, a leading provider of medical services, precisely points out how the buzz about minimally-invasive surgeries shouldn't overshadow the primary goal of any surgical treatment - optimal patient result. He uncovers that while the scar's size and the less invasive treatment are indeed benefits of these procedures, they shouldn't necessarily take precedence over the nature and efficiency of the surgery itself.

Deciding between repairing and replacing a heart valve is a life-changing decision. Here, Dr. Pumill episodes an example where a slightly larger incision for repair can indeed prove more beneficial for the patient than a smaller one for replacement. This rationale stems from the simple fact that what might seem more invasive initially could potentially serve the patient better in the long run, slashing future complications and consequent hospital visits.

As patients and caregivers, understanding every facet of surgical treatments can appear overwhelming. What's minimally invasive? What sort of scar will remain? Will the treatment require follow-ups? Even though the medical realm strives to bring the least discomfort, it ultimately underscores ensuring the patient's well-being.

When considering heart surgery, an individual conversation with your cardiologist and/or surgeon, taking your health history and overall condition into account, proves invaluable. Such a tailored consultation helps beat the bias of the 'minimally-invasive' buzz and concentrates on your best possible outcome.

Undeniably, the advancements in minimally-invasive surgeries are an exciting revolution. Still, its worth stands best when evaluated against each patient's unique needs in a thorough, comprehensive discussion with their healthcare collaborator. After all, your heart doesn't beat uniformly for everyone; why should its treatment?


Schedule Consultation

Read More

People With CVD Consume Too Much Sodium

The Cross County Cardiology Education Team highlights a new study of more than 3,100 people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) that found 89% consumed more than the recommended daily maximum of 1,500 mg of sodium. The study, led by Dr. Elsie Kodjoe, MD, MPH, analyzed data from questionnaires submitted by patients with CVD who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2018.

Read More

Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Statin Therapy for Older Adults

Welcome to the Cross County Cardiology Education Team's latest blog post! Today, we’re discussing an important topic: the use of statins for preventing heart diseases in older adults.

Read More

Redefining Life with Congestive Heart Failure: A Deep Dive into Symptoms, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Despite its intimidating reputation, living with congestive heart failure is not a doom-and-gloom scenario anymore. Thanks to ground-breaking advances in medical science, adjustments in dietary habits, and a committed cardiac rehabilitation routine, patients diagnosed with heart failure can enjoy a good quality of life. 

Read More

Blood Pressure Patterns After Pregnancy with New Hypertensive Disorders

Welcome to another insightful post from the Cross County Cardiology Education Team. Today, we’re diving into the importance of monitoring blood pressure in new mothers after they’ve experienced hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Read More

Chronic Hypertension During Pregnancy

Welcome back to the Cross County Cardiology blog! Today, our education team is diving into an important topic: chronic hypertension during pregnancy. Recent studies have provided valuable insights into its prevalence and treatment over the years. Let's explore what the research says and how it impacts expecting mothers.

Read More

Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Statins for Older Adults

Hi everyone! Welcome to another educational post from Cross County Cardiology. Today, we’re going to talk about an important topic: the use of statins for preventing heart diseases in older adults. This information is super important, especially for those aged 75 and older.

Read More

Demystifying Venous Disease - an In-depth Look at its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

There exists a prevailing aspect of medical care, acknowledged intensively by those submerged in its practice, but left mostly untouched or poorly understood by various individuals in the medical realm: Venous disease treatment. Over 12 years ago, we resolved to navigate deeper into this field, sprouting from our expertise in cardiology and peripheral vascular arterial disease.

Read More

The Benefits and Risks of Statins for Older Adults

We have another study for you from the Cross County Cardiology Education team.

Introduction

Statins are medications that lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. While beneficial, it's important to understand their impact, especially for older adults.

Main Advantages of Statins for Older Adults:

  • Significant Cardiovascular Benefits: Statins help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular events, like blocked leg arteries.
  • Reduction in Cholesterol: They effectively lower cholesterol levels, crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
  • Few Negative Effects: Statins have minimal side effects. Some people might experience muscle pain, but this is rare and often avoidable.

Impact on Cognitive Function:

  • No Increased Risk of Dementia: Studies show that statins do not increase the risk of dementia. In fact, they might reduce it.
  • Reduction in Vascular Dementia: Statins help prevent mini-strokes, which can lead to vascular dementia. By reducing these events, statins help maintain cognitive function.

Long-Term Side Effects:

  • No Documented Long-Term Side Effects: Research indicates that there are no long-term side effects of statins in elderly patients, especially since their cumulative time on statins is generally lower than that of younger individuals.

Why Statins Are Beneficial for Older Adults:

  • Reduction in Vascular Disease: Statins not only lower cholesterol but also reduce the risk of vascular diseases, which can lead to cognitive decline.
  • Prevention of Vascular Dementia: By preventing small, undetected strokes in the brain, statins help reduce the overall risk of dementia.

Real-World Evidence: A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on adults aged 75 and older in Hong Kong found that statins reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events without increasing the risk of severe adverse effects. The study showed significant benefits for both the 75-84 age group and those aged 85 and older.

Conclusion:
Statins offer substantial benefits for older adults, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and possibly preventing dementia. The risks are minimal, making them a valuable option for managing heart health. Always consult with your healthcare provider to understand the best approach for your individual health needs.

For more information and personalized advice, feel free to contact Cross County Cardiology.

Stay heart-healthy! ❤️

Schedule Consultation

Read More
Sign up to join the conversation.

Recent Posts