Cardiology Archives | Carson Tahoe Health

CTH Welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Turner, Cardiac Electrophysiologist

This June, a new physician, Dr. Jeffrey Turner, will join our Cardiology team, bringing an entirely new field of heart care—Cardiac Electrophysiology (Cardiac EP)—to our region. Electrophysiologists are the “electricians” of the heart, diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, such as Atrial Fibrillation (also known as A-Fib) and Atrial Flutter. As the human heart beats, it pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body, and carries away carbon dioxide and waste products. In a weakened or damaged heart, the electrical impulses of the heart may not function properly, leading to an irregular heartbeat. With state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic tools, the faulty electrical impulses can be diagnosed and treated. An important procedure that will be a part of this …


And the Beat Goes ON… Keep your heart pumping and your mind calm

It’s no secret we have collectively experienced unanticipated changes (and challenges) in the last year. Whether you are adjusting to working from home, having to be a parent AND teacher to your children, or unable to gather with family and friends … it’s definitely been a time to adapt and cope. Many of these coping mechanisms may have negatively affected us either emotionally or physically. With that said, it’s more important now, than ever before, to listen to your body. Heart health, whether it’s tied to your mental health or your atomical heart, is crucial to maintaining your well-being. For years, studies have shown a connection between emotions and heart health (a.k.a. the brain-heart relationship). The University of Wisconsin Health …


Using a Smartwatch to Track Heart Health

For a vast majority of individuals, there’s not a day that goes by without them connecting to their technological devices, especially smartwatches. One reason people buy and use a smartwatch is to keep better track of their health. There are countless smartwatch apps that help individuals keep/set health-related goals and track their progress. Smartwatches can track steps, track foods/meals, monitor sleep, and much more. These apps can be life-changing because they encourage people to take control of their own health in a fast-paced society. One app, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has made possible for people to track their own heart health. The electrocardiogram (ECG) app. This app can detect low heart rate and irregular …


New Innovative Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Tann has performed the first-ever Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) treatment in Nevada. The procedure took place at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center which was selected as the first hospital in Nevada to perform this new, innovative therapy for qualified Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) patients! The new Lutonix® 035 Drug Coated Balloon PTA Catheter is the first and only DCB approved by the Federal Drug Administration. This new therapy dramatically improves the long-term durability of angioplasty procedures and decreases the need for repeat procedures for those suffering from PAD. Here, Dr. Tann provides questions to the most FAQ about the new procedure… Q: What is peripheral arterial disease? A: PAD stands for peripheral arterial disease. It is …


Busting 5 Myths About Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Blood pressure and heart rate go hand in hand (or arm in cuff) in most people’s minds. After all, these two “vital signs” are measured together at the doctor’s office. But the two measure distinct factors related to your heart health. Blood pressure is the force of blood flowing against the walls of your arteries, while heart rate (or pulse) is the number of times your heart beats every minute. Below we explain some key differences — and bust some common myths along the way. 1. Blood pressure and heart rate are always linked False: It is true that blood pressure and heart rate often rise and fall together. When you face danger, for example, your blood pressure and pulse …