Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Heart Health

Of all deaths in the U.S., 26% occur due to heart disease, making it the nation's No. 1 killer. We're committed to providing current clinically proven information that addresses the key causes of heart disease and provides clear, actionable advice for all ages.

Hometown Health Blog

Clinic staff's response gives waiting room crisis a happy ending

While waiting for her husband at their clinic, Colleen Lundequam had no warning before she went into cardiac arrest. Quick action by the clinic's team made all the difference in her good-news recovery.

May 8, 2024

Understanding your heart test: What to expect, how to prepare

Hearing you need a test on your heart may be scary, but understanding the purpose of the test can help put you at ease. Learn about common heart tests, and get practical tips to help you prepare.

Michael Meyers MD By Michael Meyers February 22, 2024

Know your numbers: What is your heart rate?

The better you understand your heart rate, the more you can maximize your movement to give your heart a good workout. Learn why your heart rate matters and how to find your target heart rate.

Xiaoke Ken Liu, M.D., Ph.D. By Xiaoke (Ken) Liu February 7, 2024

More than stress: What you eat affects your blood pressure

Stress can increase your blood pressure, but so can what you eat. This eating plan can reduce or control blood pressure while reducing risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Jamie Pronschinske, RDN, CD By Jamie Pronschinske February 5, 2024

Isometric exercise: Using body weight to lower blood pressure

Isometric exercise focuses on contracting specific groups of muscles. Learn why it's gaining attention for its role in controlling blood pressure and how to do some exercises at home.

Melinda Hahm By Melinda Hahm January 22, 2024

Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet during the holidays

The average adult consumes more than 4,000 calories during a holiday meal. If you follow a low-cholesterol diet, you still can enjoy foods you love. Here’s how to wisely plan your food choices.

Ripu Singh MD By Ripu Singh November 1, 2023

Remarkable recovery after minimally invasive heart surgery

An unexpected cardiac diagnosis led Steve Bernstein, M.D., to research minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve replacement. He found an expert team in Eau Claire.

October 24, 2023

What's that sound? A heart murmur can be innocent or serious

Lupp-dubb. Lupp-dubb. Your heart has a steady regular beat. Sometimes though, an extra heart sound like humming is heard, called a murmur. Find out when a heart murmur is innocent or serious.

Michel Barsoum, M.D. By Michel Barsoum September 28, 2023

Beyond open-heart surgery: A minimally invasive approach to treating a leaky valve

As people age, so does the prevalence of mitral valve regurgitation. Learn about a new minimally invasive surgery available an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery to treat a leaky valve.

Gurpreet Singh, M.D. By Gurpreet Singh August 23, 2023

Manage your risk of carotid artery disease

Carotid artery disease develops slowly, and the first sign that you have the disease may be a stroke. Learn the risk factors and treatments performed by a vascular medicine specialist.

Tiziano Tallarita, M.D. By Tiziano Tallarita July 21, 2023

PAD: The other arterial disease

Peripheral arteries carry oxygenated blood to the arms, legs and brain. Just like coronary arteries, they can become diseased. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for peripheral artery disease.

Michel Barsoum, M.D. By Michel Barsoum June 27, 2023

Effects of hot weather, humidity on blood pressure, heart

High temperatures and humidity can cause serious health consequences for people with high blood pressure and heart disease. Learn warning signs that your body isn't keeping up with the heat.

Molly Paulino, C.N.P., D.N.P., A.P.N.P. By Molly Paulino June 27, 2023