periphery artery disease

Show co-host Kym McNicholas is dedicating this how to her Mom Marilyn Lou Baum McNicholas who transitioned earlier this year due to an undetected abdominal aortic aneurysm that ultimately ruptured. Marilyn’s cardiologist told Kym that there’s still so much doctors don’t know about aneurysms and because of that, there are gaps in care, which lead to premature death. Marilyn was diagnosed with having a 4cm thoracic aneurysm six months prior to her transition. Her cardiologist would only say it’s not at a size to worry about since a surgeon typically does not treat an aneurysm until it’s at least 5cm. Her cardiologist never discussed how to prevent the aneurysm from growing, what symptoms to look for, or her increased risk of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm because of it. So, not further testing was done despite textbook symptoms of symptoms of increasing erratic blood pressure, tachycardia, a pulsating feeling around her belly button, an abdominal mass, and severe radiating pain in her back. Her cardiologist, a vascular surgeon, and an emergency room doctor told her there was nothing life-threatening with her symptoms. They told her to take muscle relaxers and prescribed physical therapy, along with traction. The autopsy revealed what doctors missed.   

Should Marilyn’s 4cm thoracic aneurysm have been taken more seriously? Should she have been tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm after being diagnosed with a thoracic aneurysm? Should her symptoms have been a red flag for doctors?

In this episode, co-host Dr. John Phillips leads the discussion with guest Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Arnaoutakis, about specifically thoracic and thoraco abdominal aneurysms. For those who aren’t familiar with what an aneurysm is and how it forms, they will go through the basics. But the primary discussion will be around the current gaps in care, new innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, as well as critical questions to discuss with your healthcare team.  Also, Retired Veterinarian, triathlete, and author Dr. Kevin Morgan shares his personal story about how he diagnosed his own aortic aneurysm, found the right treatment, and continues to compete in running and cycling events.

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Foods that are considered “healthy” and labeled as “natural” contain many harmful chemicals used as food preservatives and flavor enhancers. Dietitian Melissa Hooper joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with guest co-host Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith to reveal hidden hazards companies have creatively hidden
in food that are labeled in a way that make you think you are making healthier choices. We all know that fresh, local ingredients are always the best. But our store shelves are stocked with boxes, cans, bags, and jars that might be more attractive with creative labeling! How do you know if your go-to favorites have ingredients also found in jet fuel and embalming fluid? Dietitian Melissa is going to refine your radar for those harmful man-made chemicals that acidify your body pH, which in turn accelerates bone loss and inflammation. Even more, she will also reveal the truth about the ingredients you may 'think' are 'healthy?' 

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