In the final episode of our three-part Heart Health Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are once again joined by cardiologist Dr. Sims to discuss what happens when heart concerns go beyond prevention — and into procedures, rhythm disorders, and advanced cardiac care.

When medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, what comes next?

In this episode, the team breaks down:

• What cardiac catheterization actually involves
• How and when stents are placed
• The difference between blocked arteries and electrical rhythm issues
• What atrial fibrillation (AFib) is and why it matters
• When a pacemaker or ablation procedure may be necessary
• How cardiologists determine the right level of intervention

Dr. Sims explains complex procedures in a way that’s clear and reassuring, helping listeners understand that advanced cardiac care isn’t something to fear, it’s often life-saving and highly effective.

Throughout the series, we’ve explored:

• Part 1: Preventing heart disease

• Part 2: Recognizing the signs of a heart attack

• Part 3: Understanding advanced treatment and cardiac procedures

At Our Family Health, we believe true wellness includes education, prevention, and access to expert care when it matters most. Whether you’re focused on lifestyle changes or navigating a cardiac diagnosis, this series equips you with knowledge to take control of your heart health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heart Health Series | Part 2: Understanding Chest Pain

Chest pain is one of the most common and most confusing symptoms patients experience. In Part 2 of the Heart Health Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are once again joined by cardiologist Dr. Marcus Sims to answer one critical question: How do you know when chest pain is a heart attack and when it’s something else?

This episode walks listeners through the real-world decision-making process doctors use when evaluating chest pain. Dr. Sims explains the different types of chest discomfort, how risk factors like diabetes, family history, and lifestyle influence concern, and why women often experience symptoms differently than men.

You’ll learn:

• What chest pain related to the heart typically feels like—and what it doesn’t
• Why symptoms in women are often missed or dismissed
• When chest pain requires emergency care versus further outpatient testing
• How stress tests, cardiac CT scans, and other diagnostics are used
• Why early evaluation can prevent major cardiac events

With relatable patient stories and clear explanations, this episode empowers listeners to trust their instincts, understand their risk, and know when to seek care—without panic or guesswork.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part Heart Health Series. In the final episode, Dr. Sims will help listeners understand what happens after a diagnosis and how heart disease is treated long-term.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—but much of it is preventable. In this first episode of a three-part heart health series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are joined by cardiologist Dr. Marcus Sims for an in-depth, practical conversation on coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and prevention.

This episode focuses on what everyday people can do to protect their heart long before symptoms appear. Dr. Sims breaks down evidence-based screening tools like cholesterol testing and cardiac calcium scoring, explaining who should be screened, when to start, and how to interpret the results. The discussion also explores the role of genetics, lifestyle choices, and risk factors such as diabetes and family history.

Listeners will gain clarity on:

• How diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes directly impact heart health
• What cholesterol numbers actually matter—and why LDL is the primary focus
• When medications like statins are beneficial, and how they fit alongside lifestyle medicine
• Why women’s heart health is often overlooked—and how to recognize subtle warning signs
• How preventive care today can help avoid invasive procedures later

With real-world stories, clear explanations, and a balanced approach that blends natural lifestyle strategies with modern medical care, this episode empowers listeners to take ownership of their heart health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.