Hypertension Causes Half of All Strokes: Start Reducing Your Risk Today
Nearly half of all adults (48%) in the United States — or about 120 million Americans — have been diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure. Many millions more (about 1 in 5 adults) live with this “silent killer” and don’t know it. You may know that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, but […]
7 Surprising Ways Stress Can Hurt Your Heart
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over a century. Along with stroke, it claims more American lives every year than all forms of cancer and chronic lung disease combined. When you consider the factors that make heart damage and disease more likely, chances are you think of: Hypertension High cholesterol […]
What’s Chronic Venous Insufficiency — and Do I Have It?
More than 190 million people in the United States live with some form of chronic venous disease (CVD), making the condition 1.5 times more common than heart disease and five times more common than diabetes. At Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute, our Vein Clinic was voted Houston’s top varicose vein treatment center in 2025. In addition to providing minimally invasive vein removal solutions, our expert team […]
Don’t Be a Statistic: 6 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease
As the leading cause of mortality for men and women across most ethnicities and racial backgrounds, heart disease accounts for one-third of all deaths in the United States each year: Every 34 seconds, another American dies of heart disease. The most significant risk factors for heart disease — particularly the most common type, coronary artery disease — are unhealthy lifestyle habits. Fortunately, […]
What to Do if Someone Is Having a Heart Attack
The leading cause of mortality in the United States has been the same for over a century: Starting in 1921 and continuing through today, heart disease claims more American lives each year than all forms of cancer and chronic lung disease combined. Statistics show that: 1 in 3 American deaths is related to heart disease Every 34 seconds, one American dies […]
Angioplasty and Stenting to Treat a Heart Attack: How It Protects Your Heart Health
When you’re having a heart attack, immediate treatment can mean the difference between making a full recovery and dying. One of the most effective emergency interventions is a minimally invasive procedure called coronary angioplasty and stenting. As the go-to emergency treatment for patients having a heart attack (myocardial infarction), angioplasty and stenting has saved millions of […]
Holiday Travel with Varicose Veins
The holiday season is just around the corner, and like many Americans, you’re planning to hit the road or hop on a plane to visit distant loved ones. If you have varicose veins, you’ll want to work a few extra precautions into your travel plans. This November, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, Dr. Laura Fernandes of Woodlands […]
Preparing for Your Vein Ablation
More than 1 in 3 adults (30%) in the United States have varicose veins — dark, swollen varicosities that twist and bulge against the skin along their legs. They can lead to cosmetic concerns, heavy, achy legs, and inflamed, itchy skin. Fortunately, invasive surgical vein stripping is no longer the only way to address unsightly, uncomfortable, or […]
Cardiolite Nuclear Stress Test What to Expect
A Cardiolite® nuclear stress test is a specialized diagnostic procedure that shows how well your heart functions when forced to pump more blood than usual. Experienced cardiologist Laura Fernandes, MD, FACC, at Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute, uses the test to detect blockages in the blood flowing through your heart and to recommend personalized treatment to protect your […]
How to Improve Your Mental Health After a Heart Attack
The initial gratitude you feel after surviving a heart attack often gives way to waves of volatile emotions. While these ups and downs are expected after such a traumatic event, significant mental health issues can also develop. Improving your mental health is essential for your emotional, personal, and social well-being. But there’s another reason to take it […]