Heart & stroke

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Cardiology

What is minimally invasive heart surgery?

Dealing with the fallout of heart disease and wondering what your surgery options are? In minimally invasive heart surgery, surgeons perform surgery through smaller incisions in your breastbone or chest, as an alternative to open-heart surgery. Dr Leonard du Preez, a cardiothoracic surgeon practising at Mediclinic Panorama, explains what this surgery option entails.

Cardiology

The future – and challenges – of cardiovascular imaging

Just 50 years ago, the only scientific tools doctors had to diagnose cardiovascular conditions were the stethoscope and a simple electrocardiogram. Medical technology has advanced at a rapid pace over the last few decades, speeding up diagnosis, treatment methods and outcomes for patients.

Cardiology

Is hypertension in your future?

Almost half the adult population of South Africa has abnormally high blood pressure (hypertension). A Mediclinic expert explains why this condition is serious – and what you can do to manage it.

Cardiology

Simple changes for better heart health

These and other simple lifestyle changes could help your budget, keep you calm – and, more importantly, protect your heart health in the long term.

Cardiology

A runner with a big heart

In the beginning of September 2017, Lesego Sepeng ran an average of 35km a day between six Mediclinic hospitals to raise awareness of heart disease in South Africa. This is his story.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Our world-class neonatal units feature high frequency oscillatory ventilators to minimise lung trauma in premature babies.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic has the highest number of internationally accredited facilities in Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals did the first minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implant procedure in Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
    #MediclinicFacts
Cardiology

Best ways to keep your cholesterol in check

High cholesterol levels can cause heart disease but there are lifestyle changes you can make to keep your cholesterol under control.

Cardiology

Five myths about heart and stroke medication

When a patient feels fully rehabilitated after a heart attack or stroke, they may be tempted to stop their medication. A stroke specialist at Mediclinic gives five reasons why this isn’t a good idea.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • The only one in Africa and one of only 13 in the world, the P-I BrÅnemark Institute of Excellence at Mediclinic Morningside, specialises in facial reconstruction.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic is one of the three leading private hospital groups in Southern Africa and the sixth largest private healthcare group in the world.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Most nursing units have windows overlooking gardens to promote healing.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Scrub areas in theatre are a minimum of 2.1m wide to accommodate at least two people at a time.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
Cardiology

How to speed up recovery after a stroke

Having a stroke is a frightening experience – not just for the victim of the stroke but also for their friends and family. Here are a few guidelines to smooth the difficult process of recovery.

Cape Epic

‘All I could think of was getting to the finish’

An abnormally high heart rate is dangerous no matter who you are. Elite mountain bike racer Jennie Stenerhag suffered an abnormal heart rhythm while competing in the 2016 Absa Cape Epic. This is her story.

Cardiology

The lowdown on low blood pressure

If you were born with blood pressure on the low side, that’s good news – but there are still a few things worth knowing about this condition.

Cardiology

Heart disease: are you at risk?

It’s estimated that one in three deaths in people over the age of 35 is due to heart disease or heart-related health problems. Make sure you’re aware of your risk profile and the warning signs.

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