It is possible to have a broken heart, though not in the way people typically think. While many people think of a broken heart on an emotional level, Gregory Chapman, M.D., a cardiologist in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute, says a broken heart can impact the body on a physical level, causing temporary cardiac episodes or, in rare cases, even death. 

The on-field collapse of Buffalo Bills defensive player Damar Hamlin in January due to cardiac arrest sparked conversations about safety in the National Football League. As sports go, however, basketball players actually suffer the highest rate of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show affection or celebrate romance with cards, flowers, and candy. It’s a good day for sweethearts, but it can also be a reminder of how expressions of love and caring may benefit the body. Research suggests that physical demonstrations of affection can improve some health factors and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) published a study in Circulation showing that, among ventricular assist device recipients, patients with a particular form of dilated cardiomyopathy known as familial dilated cardiomyopathy have better clinical outcomes compared with other forms of the disease.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute has received four prestigious awards from the American Heart Association for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure through reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.

When dying young runs in the family, fear is never far behind.

Keep football tailgates heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor with these tips from UAB cardiologists. Football season is here, and it is time to bring out the tailgating recipes. Fortunately, there are many ways football fans can put a heart-healthy twist on their tailgates this year.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that social determinants of health – such as race, finances, housing, and employment – can lead to disparities in health outcomes.

The Nursing Communication HCAHPS performance domain is a key measure of delivering excellent care and achieving high levels of patient satisfaction. Congratulations to the units listed below on earning Level 5 in Nursing Communication during the past quarter! Your hard work and dedication directly contributed to the highest levels of satisfaction among UAB Medicine patients and visitors.

Atrial fibrillation (AF, or “A-Fib”) is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Often mistaken for normal heart palpitations or written off as the result of aging, AF usually increases in duration and severity over time if untreated. AF affects 2 million Americans and is responsible for one in four strokes among people over 80.

UAB Hospital was again named the best hospital in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report. Eight adult specialties are ranked among the best in the nation. The magazine also notes UAB Hospital as “high-performing” in 16 of 20 assessed adult procedures/conditions in the 2022-2023 Best Hospital rankings, released today.

Nearly 32 years ago, Jeana Nesmith Russell was beginning her dream career as a nurse in one of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s hospital units while pursuing her graduate degree. Little did she know that her life was about to change forever.