Heart, Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure can feel upsetting. Here’s what you need to know.

Heart failure: Symptoms, causes and treatment options Heart failure can sound scary, but what does it really mean? If you’ve heard this term and felt a wave of concern, you’re not alone. Many people assume “congestive heart failure” means the heart has stopped working entirely, but that’s not the case. Here are some common questions…

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Bike to Beat Cancer, Cancer

For Tom, Christmas comes in September

To Tom Conquest, Bike to Beat Cancer isn’t just an event on the calendar, it’s his “Christmas,” a holiday he holds near and dear. Every September, he rides with purpose, passion and pride, honoring the people he has lost as well as the strength he has found as a cancer survivor. Tom first joined Bike…

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Patient stories - Norton Healthcare, Spine

Months after artificial disc surgery, Kentucky man completes ultramarathon

Austin Zulka spends an hour a day exercising. He alternates between running and cycling. Saturdays are his “long days,” a chance to test his body and his cardiovascular fitness with longer-than-normal runs or bike rides. And it shows. At age 30, Austin looks like he’s in the physical prime of his life. He feels that…

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Arm and Hand, Orthopedics, Patient stories - Norton Healthcare

Wrist surgery helps record-holding weightlifter regain her grip and her strength

For Amber Englebright, the barbell is therapy. Grabbing onto the cold steel can bring a rush of adrenaline, the secret stuff she needs to get over the edge during a grueling day of training. It can bring a sudden wave of anxiety, the weightlifter’s ever-present thought that she has plateaued. But the bar also can…

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News

Norton Healthcare ranked No. 1 in Louisville

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 “Best Hospitals” rankings, showing Norton Healthcare’s adult-service facilities as No. 1 in the Louisville area. Overall “high performing” ratings were given in the following specialties: “This No. 1 ranking is a testament to our caregivers and support staff who work tirelessly to provide care for the…

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Heart, Heart Failure, Women’s Heart Program

Tammy’s story: A wake-up call about women’s heart health

Tammy Meffert was living a busy, full life with her husband and four children when she started noticing subtle but unusual symptoms. She found herself short of breath while doing everyday tasks — even walking up the stairs left her winded. Active and otherwise healthy, she brushed it off. Then came a day when exhaustion…

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Endocrinology, Heart, News

Diabetes and heart disease: Why you may need a cardiologist

If you have diabetes, your heart could be silently developing serious issues. The link between diabetes and heart disease is stronger than most people realize. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. “If you have diabetes, you either need a cardiologist now or you likely will need one in the…

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Patient stories - Norton Healthcare, Spine

Months after two-day spine surgery, Air Force veteran visits Mount Rushmore

Calling Charlie and Debbie Hinckley well traveled would be an understatement. “We’ve got the map of [the] U.S., and we’ve probably got 50% of it done,” Charlie said. “We have it in our bedroom as a reminder of all the places we’ve been together, and the places we still have yet to visit.” Their traveling…

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Heart

New kind of internal defibrillator gives Louisville father a second chance at life

Lance Newman of Louisville is many things — a poet, artist, father, weekend athlete and more. He founded SpreadLove Enterprises to bring joy to others by way of giving back and encouraging others in positive ways. All of that almost changed in an instant, and now he can add something to the list of things…

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Cardiology, Heart, Heart Attack, News

Know your heart numbers to help prevent heart disease

Understanding your heart health doesn’t have to be complicated. Following four key numbers can help you stay on track with your cardiovascular wellness and potentially save your life, according to Li Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute and Medical Director of Norton Women’s Heart Program. “Your heart works 24/7 to…

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Heart

When to visit a heart doctor: 6 critical signs you need to see a cardiologist today

If you’re experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, it might be a sign to get checked for something serious. Whether it’s symptoms you’ve noticed or peace of mind you need, don’t wait to seek heart care. Why you might need a heart doctor Your heart works incredibly hard every single day, and sometimes it…

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Arm and Hand, Orthopedics

New thumb joint replacement procedure offers faster recovery

A new procedure for replacing an arthritic joint at the base of your thumb — where it meets your wrist — can provide faster recovery and relief when holding a pen, buttoning a shirt or using hand tools becomes too painful. Norton Arm & Hand Institute is first in the Louisville and Southern Indiana region…

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