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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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Mediclinic is one of the three leading private hospital groups in Southern Africa and the sixth largest private healthcare group in the world.
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Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
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Mediclinic has the highest number of internationally accredited facilities in Southern Africa.
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To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
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We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
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Most nursing units have windows overlooking gardens to promote healing.
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We use the internationally recognised Oxford Vermont Network to keep our neonatal critical care units at the forefront of paediatric medicine.
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Our hospitals did the first minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implant procedure in Africa.
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A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
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Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
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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.
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?
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Our hospitals did the first minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implant procedure in Africa.
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Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
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Our radio-translucent theatre beds enable X-rays to be taken on the spot, without having to move the patient or disturb the procedure.
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To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
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A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
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Mediclinic is one of the three leading private hospital groups in Southern Africa and the sixth largest private healthcare group in the world.
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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 -
Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
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Nurses can observe patients at all times as critical care units are designed like a beehive with the nurses’ station in the middle.
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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.
‘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.
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.
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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