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HeartTalk Magazine

HeartTalk magazine helps you stay well through a focus on living a healthy lifestyle, with the latest expert advice on preventing and managing heart disease and much more.

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Updated March 31, 2025

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Image of Virtua Patient Michael, and his wife, smiling and standing in front of a building

HeartTalk Magazine

HeartTalk magazine helps you stay well through a focus on living a healthy lifestyle, with the latest expert advice on preventing and managing heart disease and much more.

Inside Look at Blood Vessels Aids PAD Treatment

A new treatment for peripheral vascular disease that gives doctors a real-time, inside view of your blood vessels has given Daniel Spillane a leg up on enjoying life.

Denise Davis: Pay Attention to Your Heart Health

Denise Davis didn’t think she was at risk for heart disease. But after a heart attack and bypass surgery, she urges others to pay attention to their heart health.
Virtua heart patient Justin surrounded by audio equipment

Sweet Music: Trust, Teamwork Save Justin from Heart Attack

Justin Fisher rarely gave his health much thought. But when tests revealed he had potentially life-threatening clots in three arteries, he was glad he had a team of caring doctors in his corner.
Man making boxing motions

Complex Heart Surgery Nets James a Lifelong Friend

Jimmy Palma is a full-contact athlete, but a tear in his aorta nearly benched him for good. Thanks to heart surgery at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, he’s back in the game.
middle aged couple embracing outside

8 Key Steps to Better Blood Pressure Control

Chronic high blood pressure greatly increases your risk for heart attack or stroke. Virtua cardiologist Rozy Dunham, MD, advises how to keep your blood pressure under control.

Signs You Should Get Treated For Vein Problems

Painful, bulging veins in your legs are not just a cosmetic concern. They could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires treatment. Here’s what you need to know.
group of Virtua Health doctors in lab coats standing with father and mother holding a newborn baby

One New Heart Valve Saves Two Lives in the Tritten Family

A South Jersey woman needed a new heart valve while pregnant. Experts from Virtua Health performed the first-of-its-kind procedure—saving the lives of both mother and baby.

What You Need to Know About Heart Failure

Heart failure can have some easy-to-miss symptoms, so when should you take note and see a doctor? Tolulope Agunbiade, MD, FACC, explores some common questions and answers.
friends eating a healthy meal out together

6 Numbers Key to Keeping Your Heart Healthy

What if there were a handful of numbers that could help you track your heart health? See how these tests and actions can strengthen your heart and prevent problems down the road.
Senior woman in the woods enjoying the fresh air

Five Mindfulness Tips That Can Help Heal Your Heart

It’s OK to feel upset at times. But if your emotions are too frequent or intense, your heart could pay the price. Virtua cardiologist Hafeza Shaikh, DO, offers some tips to heal both the mind and the heart.
a group of happy senior friends kayaking on a lake

Watchman Heart Device: a Technological Breakthrough for Blood Clot Prevention

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a heart rhythm disorder that can increase chances of a stroke. Cardiologist Heath Saltzman, MD, discusses the Watchman device, an innovative medical implant for AFib that can save lives.
man making coffee at home in his kitchen

Albert's Emergency Cardiac Surgery Is a 'Story of a Lifetime'

Timely rescue and emergency aortic dissection surgery at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital saved Albert’s life.
mother and daughter smiling at each other outside in nature

Love Your Heart: Essential Care Tips for Every Stage of Life

Heart-healthy habits boost your well-being now, and set you up for better health later in life. And they’re as good for your children and aging parents as they are for you.
woman using a blood pressure cuff to measure her blood pressure at her kitchen table

How Do I Measure My Blood Pressure at Home?

Checking your blood pressure at home is key to managing hypertension. Virtua cardiologist Vasu Palli, DO, has good advice on finding a good monitor and how to measure your blood pressure correctly.
young woman sitting in a park eating a cup of fruit

How Do I Improve My Cholesterol Levels?

When it comes to your cholesterol, there's the good (HDL) and the bad (LDL). Learn how boosting your good cholesterol number can help lower your bad cholesterol number.
woman enjoying a run in the woods during autumn

3 Ways to Reduce Your Stroke Risk

Working with your doctor, you can live a healthier lifestyle and explore medical options to reduce your risk for stroke.
mother and son playing with a toy together at the kitchen table

How the Unique Stages of a Womans Heart Affect Her Health

Heart disease is gender-blind, affecting women and men at equal rates. But the reasons why women get heart disease may be different from men.
young woman enjoying a healthy snack at a cafe

Can Your Gut Health Affect Your Heart?

A complex interplay between the bacteria that live in our intestines and the systems in our body can influence our risk for serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. Here's how to stay on track.

Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Get Bernadine Back to Full Speed

Thanks to guideline-directed medical therapy, including an implanted device to regulate and synchronize her heartbeat, Bernadine heart function has returned to normal.
woman having a consultation with her doctor

Keeping the Beat: Advanced Heart Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm

A problem with your aortic root can disrupt the flow of blood throughout your body, leading to shortness of breath, chest pain, and more. Virtua cardiothoracic surgeons are among the few specialists in the region performing valve-sparing aortic root replacement.
hummus and veggies arranged on a serving tray

Heart-Healthy Summer Recipe: Hummus and Veggies

This creamy hummus is not just heart-healthy – it’s downright delicious! Pair it with your favorite veggies for a nutritious boost.
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4 Delicious Heart-Healthy Recipes Perfect for Summer

Searching for easy to make, heart-healthy recipes for your next summer party or BBQ? Discover these creative and guilt-free summer dishes that are perfect for keeping your heart healthy while enjoying tasty seasonal flavors!
two yogurt parfaits with granola and berries

Heart Healthy Summer Recipe: Dessert Parfait

If you’re in search of a healthier sweet treat to enjoy this summer, look no further than this heart-healthy parfait. It’s rich and decadent yet surprisingly light, making it the perfect indulgence for warm days!
a salad with pears and walnuts with a bowl of walnuts next to it

Heart-Healthy Summer Recipe: Pear and Walnut Salad

Packed with antioxidants and fiber, this heart-healthy salad is as satisfying as it is guilt-free! Light, refreshing, and low in sodium, it’s the perfect summer meal to enjoy any time.
a turkey burger on a bun with lettuce and tomato

Heart-Healthy Summer Recipe: Terrific Turkey Burgers

Switching to turkey is an easy, low-sodium alternative to beef that tastes just as great. Give this twist on a turkey burger a try for your next gathering! 

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke: What's the Connection?

Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke. Virtua cardiologist Darius Sholevar, MD, explains why, and how nonsurgical treatments to restore your heart’s rhythm.

Heart Tests Your Doctor May Order

Just like a mechanic checking your car, your doctor performs tests to assess your heart health. Virtua cardiologist Samuel Ventrella, MD, explains the most common tests your doctor may order.

Managing Pregnancy for Mothers With Heart Conditions

Discover how today's advances in maternal-fetal medicine make it possible for women with heart conditions to have healthy pregnancies.
Pesto sauce in a jar

Heart Healthy Recipe: Basil Pesto Pasta With Seared Vegetables

Homemade pesto is a great option when it comes to making heart-healthy food choices. Try this pasta recipe for a delicious and healthy meal.
Chocolate pudding topped with berries

Heart Healthy Recipe Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding

Satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor with this pudding that includes avocado and chia seeds, giving this decadent dessert a sneaky, heart-healthy boost.

Keep Your Heart Rhythm in Check With Your Smartwatch

Smartwatches started out as a great way to track your exercise. Now, they can help monitor your heart health. Virtua cardiologist Aatish Garg, MD, explains how.

Mind Your Meds for Blood Pressure Risks

If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to know what’s in over-the-counter medications and the effects they can have on your heart health.

Magic Pill for Heart Health? Cut 300 Calories a Day

A new study found that consuming just 300 fewer calories—the equivalent of six Oreo cookies or three Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups—each day can help protect your heart and curb your diabetes risk.

3 Smart Ways to Boost Your Heart Health

Your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body. With this wholehearted advice, you can keep it healthy and strong throughout your life.

3 Best Exercises For Heart Health

Whether you exercise to shed pounds, relieve stress, or live healthier, here are some of the best exercises you can do to help your heart health by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Young woman listening to music and cooling off after a workout

Get Your Heart Pumping With These 25 Workout Songs

One of the best ways to stay heart healthy is to add some aerobic exercises to your weekly routine. We put together this blood-pumping, heart-thumping, pulse-pounding playlist to help you get moving.

Your Chest Pain: Heartburn, Heart Attack, or Something Else?

The burning sensation in your chest after eating a big meal is probably a passing case of heartburn. But it could be something else that should be checked by a doctor.

3 Heart Healthy Recipes to Win Valentines Day

No matter how you're celebrating Valentine's Day, you can treat yourself to delicious, heart-healthy food with these recipes.

How Work and Home Stress Can Affect You

While we can’t always take away stress, how we deal with it matters. Learn how to tame your stress and positively impact your health.

Why Improving Your Health Is Going To The Dogs And Cats

Bonding with pets can have positive effects on your physical and mental well-being, including improving your cardiovascular health. Learn how your pet can get your heart pumping.

Why Younger Women Need Start NOW To Safeguard Their Hearts From Heart Attacks

New research shows that younger women in the U.S. are experiencing heart attacks at a higher rate than they were 20 years ago. See how you can take steps now to safeguard your heart.

Can You Die of a Broken Heart?

Cases of broken heart syndrome—sudden, intense chest pain triggered by an emotionally stressful event—are on the rise. Here’s what you should know.

Get to the Bottom of Blood Pressure Numbers

Which blood pressure number is more important? Both systolic and diastolic pressures can indicate risk for heart disease. Virtua Cardiologist Harry South, MD, explains more.

Mitral Valve Surgery Opens Doors for Improved Quality of Life

Virtua cardiothoracic surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive procedures to treat mitral valve conditions, keeping you and your blood headed in the right direction.

6 Healthy Habits to Start in Your 20s for Better Lifelong Health

These expert tips will help you establish healthy habits in your 20s that can help you crush your health goals now and in the future. Get started today.

Do You Have a Fatty Heart?

There’s usually no hiding from fat. But a type of fat we can’t see can harm our heart health. Virtua cardiologist Thomas Galski, DO, has steps you can take to keep going strong.

Get Pumped! Assist Devices Can Improve Heart Failure Symptoms

Heart failure can leave you weak and unable to take part in the activities you enjoy. Left ventricular assist devices, or LVADs can improve symptoms and keep you out of the hospital.

A Cardiologists Advice on Heart-saving Emergency Cardiac Care

It's understandable why people are afraid to go to the ER during this pandemic. But, if you have the symptoms of a cardiac emergency, it's vital—and safe—to get immediate help.

Virtua Doctor’s Experience Is a Warning for All About COVID-19 and Strokes

Virtua cardiologist Troy Randle, DO, didn't think he would get COVID-19—but he did. He certainly didn't expect the life-threatening stroke that followed.

You May Feel Fine, but Gregory Says "Don't Skip Your Medical Care"

For a large family in Beverly, Burlington County, doctor visits were sometimes too expensive. But they learned the importance of regular medical care after a cancer diagnosis and cardiac issues.

In Sickness and in Health: Couples Often Share Heart Disease Risk

Couples share a lot more than romance. They often have the same behaviors and risk factors that can lead to heart disease. Cardiologist Michael Horwitz, DO, offers three ways to team up for your health.

"Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk With a Plant-based Diet"

Plant-based diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can lower your risk for heart disease. Virtua cardiologist Rozy Dunham, MD, FACC, can help you make the switch.

Hybrid Robotic Heart Surgery and Valve Replacement Restores Quality of Life

A complex robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass and TAVR helped carpenter Edward Owens shape his future.

Can Marijuana Hurt Your Heart Health?

Cannabis is now legal in many states but that doesn't mean it's good for your health. Virtua cardiologist Donald Orth, MD, explains the risks and how it can affect your heart.

6 Tips for Restoring Your Heart Rhythm

AFib is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm. Virtua cardiologist Dr. Delcine Sood explains how medication and lifestyle changes, and procedures if needed, can help you manage AFib.

Eat Smart for Your Heart

Knowing which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit is a powerful way to prevent heart disease and improve your overall health. Here are six easy ways to eat smart for your heart.

Cardiac Rehab: Strengthening Your Heart After Leaving the Hospital

If you've had a heart attack, cardiac rehab is an important part of the recovery process. Through medically supervised exercise, lifestyle education, and support, you can return to your daily activities.

Your Heart Needs A Good Nights Sleep

Struggling with sleep? Lack of sleep can raise your risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, depression, and other health issues. Virtua cardiologist David Lawrence, MD, offers tips to catch more Z's.

Are You at Risk for AAA—the Silent Killer?

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in your body. If an aneurysm, or weakness, in the aortic wall bursts, it can lead to a life-threatening emergency. Learn about the risks and available treatments at Virtua.

The Cardio Oncology Team Protects Your Heart During Cancer Treatment

Cardio-oncology combines the expertise of cardiologists and oncologists to help protect the hearts of people undergoing cancer treatment. Learn more.

Get Relief From Painful Varicose Veins This Summer

For people who have varicose veins, especially women, the season to wear shorts and swimsuits can bring pain and embarrassment. Get a leg up on pain relief with these tips.

Exercise Your Way to a Stronger Heart

Today, we know that exercise is safe for patients with heart failure and can help relieve symptoms. Robert Mohapatra, MD, Virtua Cardiologist, shares tips to be more active with heart failure.

Fish Oil: A Good Catch or a Scam?

Millions of Americans take fish oil supplements to help prevent heart disease. But do they really work? Talya Spivack, MD, Virtua Health cardiologist, offers some insight.

My Heart Seems to Skip a Beat - Should I Be Worried?

Most heart palpitations can be explained by external factors. But they can also be a sign of a potentially serious condition. Virtua Cardiologist Hafeza Shaikh, DO, offers more information.

Menu Planning? Try These 5 Heart-smart Substitutions

Food can be medicine and plays a big role in keeping our hearts healthy. Erin Wickersham, RD, Virtua Health registered dietitian, offers five ways you can start improving your heart health with food.
guy checking his watch for health metrics

5 Health Risks Tied to Weight

While nearly four in 10 Americans are obese, it shouldn't be viewed as the new normal. It comes with a steep cost that you pay for with your health and life.
seared salmon and vegetables on a plate

Heart-Healthy Recipe: Maple Orange Salmon With Mango Salsa

Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids and tends to be more flavorful than other fish. Try this recipe for a delicious and healthy fish dish.

Do Not Wait to Get Help When a Stroke or Heart Attack Strikes

Fear of contracting COVID-19 should NOT stop you from seeking emergency medical care—especially if you're feeling the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

4 Reasons Why Heart Patients Should Follow COVID 19 Safety Guidelines

If you have heart disease, you should be extra vigilant in following COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
Group of middle aged people enjoying an outdoor yoga class

Exercise Yourself Off of Blood Pressure Medication

A high blood pressure diagnosis often comes with daily prescription medications. But for some, improvements in diet and exercise ALONE could change that.

Young Mother Finds Support for Anxiety After Rare Cardiac Event

Susan Campbell experienced a rare, but life-threatening, cardiac issue that was treated successfully. While she regained full health, she worried it could happen again. See how she got support.

Is Your Heart Age Older Than You?

You can calculate your “heart age” by tallying up your risk factors for heart attack and stroke. That number shows the years of strain you've added to your heart.

Heart Healthy Recipe: Mediterranean Shrimp Salad

Eating smart doesn’t mean eating bland food. This tasty recipe is packed with bold flavor, and it’s low in fat.
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