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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Most nursing units have windows overlooking gardens to promote healing.
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The triage admission system in our emergency centres has been able to reduce mortality by up to 50%.
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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.
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Our hospitals are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
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We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
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We use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
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We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
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Our corridors are 2.3m wide allowing two beds to pass one another without any interference.
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We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
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Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
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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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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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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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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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We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
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Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
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Our corridors are 2.3m wide allowing two beds to pass one another without any interference.
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To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
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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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We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
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To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
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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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