The Alaska Heart Beat Blog

The “Alaska Heart Beat Blog” is dedicated to informing patients about numerous areas of cardiovascular health and prevention.

If you have more detailed questions about the Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute, imaging and diagnostic testing services, please call 907-561-3211 for information or to book an appointment.

18 SUPERFOODS THAT PROMOTE HEART HEALTH

Earlier this year The Circulation discussed the importance of healthy eating habits and offered 18 superfoods that promote heart and vein health in addition to the American Heart Association’s heart-healthy grocery shopping list and nutrition basics. The list of superfoods includes: Salmon Oatmeal Blueberries Dark chocolate Citrus fruits Soy Potatoes Tomatoes Nuts Legumes Extra-virgin olive Read More

Risk Factors of Poor Circulation

Do you frequently have cold fingers or toes? While most ignore these slight inconveniences, many don’t realize they could be an underlying factor of poor circulation. If you’re a frequent reader of our Circulation blog, you know that varicose veins and spider veins are a result of your blood not flowing properly throughout your body. Read More

SPIDER VEINS & ESSENTIAL OILS

Spider veins. The Circulation recently discussed how these painful venous insufficiencies differ from varicose veins. While both are commonly found in the lower extremities, varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins, and spider veins are smaller, web-like vessels visible beneath the skin’s surface. While much smaller than varicose veins, spider veins can still be unsightly and Read More

AHVI receives Alaska’s only American College of Cardiology Platinum Practice Center of Excellence Award

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute (AHVI) was honored to receive the American College of Cardiology’s PINNACLE Registry Platinum Practice Center of Excellence Award in 2015. AHVI is one of only 36 practices nationwide and the only institution in Alaska to receive the honor.

3 HOME REMEDIES FOR FEET PAIN

The Circulation blog recently discussed the benefits of exercising to keep your vascular system healthy and prevent venous insufficiencies. It included four tips for improving blood flow throughout your body: engage your calf muscles during prolonged sitting, wear compression socks or stockings, limit how often you wear high heels, and lead a healthy lifestyle. In Read More

KTUU Channel 2: AHVI’s Dr. Watkins discusses minimally-invasive cardiovascular procedure

AHVI’s Dr. Stanley Watkins was featured in KTUU’s 2 Your Health segment in February 2016. Dr. Watkins describes the minimally-invasive method used to treat aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

KTUU Channel 2 Morning Edition: Heart Month

AHVI CEO and 2016 Go Red for Women Chair Keli Hite McGee joined the KTUU Morning Edition during Heart Month alongside survivor Jamiee Higgins to discuss the importance of heart health in women.

6 IDENTIFIERS TO WATCH FOR: VARICOSE VEINS

The Circulation blog recently discussed the hidden dangers of varicose veins and the importance of seeking treatment immediately to avoid their long-term, painful health effects on our lower extremities. Varicose veins are extremely common in adults, with over 20 percent of the population suffering from them. The good news is that varicose veins are easily Read More

ARE YOU SITTING OR STANDING TOO LONG?

Sitting and standing for long periods of time can be detrimental to your vascular health. While it’s important to make time for breaks during the workday, it can be difficult to pull away for long enough to squeeze in a short walk. Livestrong.com offers a few great tips to try throughout the day that will Read More

Alaska Business Monthly: Dr. McDonagh joins AHVI team

AHVI was proud to welcome Dr. Jonathan R. McDonagh to our team of cardiovascular specialists in October 2015. Dr. McDonagh comes to AHVI after completing two fellowships at the University of Michigan Medical Center. The announcement of his hire was included in the January issue of Alaska Business Monthly as well as posted online.