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Herbs & Supplements: What You Should Know Before Surgery

Your surgeon needs to know if you have been using herbal medicines or supplements in order to prevent avoidable complications associated with common medications and stress on the body during surgery. Click here to learn more.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Know Your Risks for this "Silent Killer"

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a hidden danger, because it is a symptomless disorder. It is estimated that 2.7 million Americans have AAA, but only half of these individuals have been properly diagnosed.

A "silent killer," AAA is a sac-like enlargement of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Over time the pressure of circulating blood can slowly push the vessel wall outward. Like an inflating balloon, the larger the aneurysm becomes, the greater the likelihood that it will burst. A ruptured AAA results in severe, life-threatening internal bleeding.

The good news is that screening for AAA is simple and effective: If found early, the growth of the aneurysm can be carefully monitored with regular ultrasonography. In addition, if surgery is called for, new minimally invasive techniques are now available to repair the aneurysm and prevent rupture.

To schedule a screening for AAA at Columbia University Medical Center, please call James F. McKinsey, MD, Columbia Site Chief, Columbia Weill Cornell Division of Vascular Surgery of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, at 1.800.227.2762.

Electrocardiography (EKG): A simple, safe way to monitor the heart

Electrocardiography (EKG) is a simple, quick, in-office diagnostic test that can monitor the heart for many disorders, including high blood pressure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and others. New technology is allowing an EKG monitor to be worn comfortably at home, and even to double as a wrist watch.

Predicting and Preventing Sudden Death

A noninvasive test of T-wave alternans is now available for predicting ventricular arrhythmias. It detects risk for sudden death signaled by subtle abnormalities in T-wave repolarization that predict life-threatening ventricular tachycardia, and fibrillation.

Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke: Are You at Risk?

The Division of Vascular Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has one of the lowest rates of complications following carotid endarterectomy in the world, and is currently researching minimally invasive methods of carotid artery stenting.

Using Anger Management Techniques to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Can anger management work to reduce risk for coronary disease in people with no existing heart disease? A new clinical research study sponsored by CUMC's Behavioral Medicine Program seeks to answer that question.

"Second Opinion with Dr. Oz" Premieres on Discovery Channel

Breast Self-Examination

The surgeons of the Columbia University Department of Surgery Breast Surgery Section urge women to continue breast self-examination.

You CAN Have a Future Without Heart Disease

Ozgen Dogan, MD, FACC, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia provides tips for lowering your risk factors by practicing heart-protective habits.

What to Do If You Have Chest Pain

National Cholesterol Guidelines Stress Risk Factors

Measuring Risk Factors by HALFS