Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Heart failure is a significant health issue in the United States, impacting individuals of all ages, including athletes. Craig Thomas, an acute care nurse practitioner at UVA Health, recently appeared on Morning News to discuss new treatments and the role of advanced technology in improving patient outcomes.
“In cardiology, we have many unique technologies that help us manage and monitor our patients effectively,” Thomas stated. One of the latest innovations is remote defibrillator monitoring. This technology enables doctors to track a patient’s heart function in real time and respond proactively. Thomas noted that these devices can detect warning signs weeks before symptoms appear, which can help prevent arrhythmias that lead to sudden death.
Another promising advancement is Barostim, which aims to reduce the chronic stress response in heart failure patients. By delivering a small electrical impulse, Barostim activates baroreceptors in the neck’s large artery. This action signals the brain to lower the body’s heightened state, helping to calm the heart rate, relax blood vessels, and alleviate heart failure symptoms.
In addition to technological advancements, UVA Health offers home-based care to assist patients in managing their condition. Licensed practical nurses visit patients to ensure they adhere to dietary and medication guidelines, which helps reduce hospitalizations. Thomas emphasized the importance of lifestyle choices, recommending a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity. “Pick up walking or do something to stay active… those lifestyle changes can have a significant impact over time,” he advised.
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