INTEGRIS Health On Your Health Blog

Heart failure is not always permanently reversible, but in some people, heart function and symptoms improve significantly when the underlying cause is treated. Even when heart function improves, ongoing treatment and monitoring are usually important.

Heart disease can develop quietly over many years. High cholesterol and plaque buildup often cause no noticeable symptoms, so many people may not recognize their risk until a serious cardiovascular event occurs. This is especially concerning in Oklahoma, where heart disease is the leading cause of death.

Chest pain can send a sudden jolt of panic through anyone. It is a terrifying experience that often brings the absolute worst-case scenarios to mind. Chest pain or pressure can have many causes, but new, unexplained or persistent chest discomfort should never be self-diagnosed. Heart attack symptoms are not always sudden or severe. They may begin as mild pressure, tightness or discomfort and may occur with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness or pain elsewhere in the upper body.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the United States, yet most people don't know what it feels like until something goes wrong. Symptoms are easy to dismiss. They might involve a headache, some dizziness, maybe a little nausea, but in some cases, those same signs point to something far more serious. When is blood pressure too high? INTEGRIS Health is helping patients recognize dangerous high blood pressure symptoms and act fast.

Patients frequently ask doctors at INTEGRIS Health, “Is peanut butter bad for cholesterol?” It makes sense to wonder about a food so rich and creamy. Many of us grew up eating it every day. Now, as adults, we worry about our cardiovascular health. Let us look at the facts and figure out if this pantry staple helps or hurts your lipid levels.

You might have seen the term trending on social media or discussed in recent health news, but many people still find themselves asking the experts at INTEGRIS Health a simple question: What is POTS? It is a complex condition affecting the autonomic nervous system, often leaving individuals feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint simply by standing. While the symptoms can feel overwhelming and sometimes debilitating, understanding the mechanics of this syndrome is the vital first step toward reclaiming your quality of life.

With many areas of Oklahoma reaching peak summer temperatures, the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital and the American Heart Association (AHA) are preaching prevention. It’s not something many people think about, but temperatures over 100 or even temperatures in the 80s with high humidity can cause a dangerous heat index that can be hard on the heart.

Aneurysms are silent until they aren’t. Your knowledge gap ends here. Aneurysms affect thousands of people each year, and while they can be life threatening, understanding the warning signs offers a powerful defense. By knowing what to look for, you can take control of your health and potentially save a life — maybe even your own. In this blog, we help you understand aneurysm symptoms across different parts of the body so you can act fast.

Heart health can seem overwhelming, as if it means changing everything at once. Luckily, INTEGRIS Health experts say you can improve heart health with small, manageable changes to your daily routine. Simple steps you take now can bring big benefits later, making your heart stronger and improving your quality of life.

Blood clots are a serious health concern that can happen to anyone but knowing what to look for can make a huge difference in outcomes. While clotting is a normal bodily function to stop bleeding after an injury, clots that form inside your veins without a good reason can be dangerous. At INTEGRIS Health, we want you to feel empowered to spot the early warning signs of blood clots so you can act fast.