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Zumbathon
Zumbathon
Full Calendar
Leap Year is here which means you have one more day to show your heart some love. Find out what Palmetto Health Heart Hospital has going on each day of February. We look forward to seeing you soon!

  • February 01Richland Blood Drive

    Richland Blood Drive

    7 am – 6 pm | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital Atrium Classroom, 6 Medical Park. Giving blood is said to reduce your risk of heart disease. Everyone is invited to join us in giving. Every donor receives a gift and a chance to win a VISA gift card. Walk-ins are welcome or call 434-3700 to schedule a time.

  • February 02Chick-fil-A Family Night / North Columbia Business Association Coffee Talk

    Chick-fil-A Family Night / North Columbia Business Association Coffee Talk

    5-8 pm | Growing Kids Inside and Out | 5440 Forest Drive, Columbia. Kids learn about heart health in a fun way. / North Columbia Business Association Coffee Talk - 8 am | 2965 Main Street, Columbia. Lisa Akly, dietitian with Palmetto Health Heart Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation, shares an overview of heart healthy nutrition.

  • February 03National Wear Red Day

    National Wear Red Day

    Encourage friends and family to wear red today as a way to come together to raise awareness about heart disease, the number one killer in America.

  • February 04Zumbathon

    Zumbathon

    8:30 am, Doors Open | 10-10:30 am, World Record Session. Carolina Coliseum, Corner of Blossom and Assembly Streets, Columbia. Help us break the world record AGAIN this year for the most people doing Zumba®! Admission is FREE and a donation of a physical activity item(s) for Boys and Girls Club is appreciated. Requirements are an event waiver and a red shirt, one of your own or buy an event one for $10. Zumba® for heart health.

  • February 05Richland County Public Library Book Display

    Richland County Public Library Book Display

    Main RCPL, 1431 Assembly Street, is featuring suggested reading about better heart health, treatment and prevention throughout the entire month.

  • February 06Walking Challenge

    Walking Challenge

    Start a regular walking program today. Walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure, boost bone strength and burn calories. Use a pedometer to record your steps. The person with the highest number of steps wins a $35 VISA Gift Card. Register here or call 296-3070.

  • February 07Mended Hearts

    Mended Hearts

    6:30 pm | 8 Richland Medical Park, Suite 100, Columbia. Support group for cardiac patients and their caregivers. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

  • February 08Irmo Chamber of Commerce / Greystone Blood Drive

    Irmo Chamber of Commerce / Greystone Blood Drive

    11:30 am | St. Andrews Presbyterian Church | Dr. Kyle Hewett of Lexington Heart, a Palmetto Health Heart Associates practice, speaks at this monthly luncheon. / Greystone Blood Drive - 11 am – 4 pm | Palmetto Health’s Greystone facility, 293 Greystone Blvd., large conference room. Everyone is invited to join us in giving. Every donor receives a gift and a chance to win a VISA gift card. Walk-ins are welcome or call 434-3700 to schedule a time.

  • February 09Columbia Chamber of Commerce / Home Care Blood Drive / Diabetes and your Heart

    Columbia Chamber of Commerce / Home Care Blood Drive / Diabetes and your Heart

    12 pm | Brookland Baptist Conference Center, Columbia | Dr. Richard Edelson of Palmetto Heart, a Palmetto Health Heart Associates practice, speaks at this monthly luncheon. / Home Care Blood Drive - 10 am – 3 pm | 1400 Pickens Street, 3rd floor. Everyone is invited to join us in giving. Every donor receives a gift and a chance to win a VISA gift card. Walk-ins are welcome or call 434-3700 to schedule a time. / Diabetes and Your Heart: Myths and Facts - 6-7 pm | Palmetto Health Baptist, 1301 Taylor Street, Basement. Call 296-8906 to register. Diabetes seminar and support group. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

  • February 10Columbia Women’s Show

    Columbia Women’s Show

    10 am – 8 pm | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Visit the Palmetto Health booth to check your BMI and blood pressure, and learn about a woman’s health journey.

  • February 11Columbia Women’s Show

    Columbia Women’s Show

    10 am-7 pm | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Visit the Palmetto Health booth to check your BMI and blood pressure, and learn about a woman’s health journey. 1 pm | Lisa Akly, Cardiac Rehabilitation dietitian, on the Cooking Stage.

  • February 12Columbia Women’s Show

    Columbia Women’s Show

    11 am – 5 pm | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Visit the Palmetto Health booth to check your BMI and blood pressure, and learn about a woman’s health journey.

  • February 13Chick-fil-A Family Night

    Chick-fil-A Family Night

    5-8 pm | Growing Kids Inside and Out | 10136 Two Notch Road, Columbia. Kids learn about heart health in a fun way.

  • February 14Valentine’s Day / Lexington Chamber of Commerce

    Valentine’s Day / Lexington Chamber of Commerce

    Tell someone you love them! / Lexington Chamber of Commerce - 7:30 am | Country Club of Lexington. Dr. Vince Vismara of Lexington Heart, a Palmetto Health Heart Associates practice, speaks at this monthly breakfast.

  • February 15Palmetto Health Coffee Talk

    Palmetto Health Coffee Talk

    8 am | Attend at the location of your choice to discuss heart disease with experts and survivors: Panera Bread, 6080 Garner’s Ferry Rd., Columbia | Panera Bread, 1007 Bower Pkwy., Irmo | Desserts & More, 4611 Hardscrabble Rd., Columbia | Jamestown Coffee Co., 5166 Sunset Blvd., Lexington | Peace, Love & Rocky Roast, 923 Gervais St., Columbia.

  • February 16Atrial Fibrillation Educational Program

    Atrial Fibrillation Educational Program

    6–7:30 pm | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital Atrium Classroom | Dr. Wade Collins, cardiologist with Columbia Heart, discusses the latest in CryoAblation technology for treatment of abnormal heartbeat issues. Call 296-CARE to register.

  • February 17Peripheral Vascular Disease Educational Program and Luncheon

    Peripheral Vascular Disease Educational Program and Luncheon

    12-2 pm | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital Atrium Classroom | Do you have leg cramping, fatigue, or tingling in your feet? Dr. Stacy Graham, cardiologist with Columbia Heart, and Dr. Kyle Hewett, cardiologist with Lexington Heart, help you better understand vascular disease, how it is diagnosed and how it can be treated. Sign up for a follow-up PVD screening. Call 296-CARE to register.

  • February 18American Heart Association Heart Ball

    American Heart Association Heart Ball

    Palmetto Health Heart Hospital representatives join members of the community at this social event with a life-saving purpose: building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

  • February 19Heart Art

    Heart Art

    Heart focused artwork created by Richland County School children is on display all month throughout the Palmetto Health Heart Hospital. This art not only raises awareness about heart disease and early prevention for the children who created it, but also brightens the spirit of the many patients and families who enter the doors and walk through the halls of the Palmetto Health Heart Hospital.

  • February 20Register for the Treadmill Grand Prize Drawing

    Register for the Treadmill Grand Prize Drawing

    You could be the lucky winner of our heart healthy grand prize – a treadmill valued at over $1,000. Click here to register. The winner will be notified.

  • February 21Atrial Fibrillation Educational Program and Luncheon

    Atrial Fibrillation Educational Program and Luncheon

    12-1:30 pm | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital Atrium Classroom | Dr. Wade Collins, cardiologist with Columbia Heart, discusses the latest in CryoAblation technology for treatment of abnormal heartbeat issues. Call 296-CARE to register.

  • February 22Roadside to Bedside

    Roadside to Bedside

    8:30 am – 4:30 pm | Educational seminar for paramedics, EMTs and other healthcare professionals to learn about regional Systems of Care for STEMI, Stroke and Trauma emergencies. CEUs provided. For more information, call 434-7287.

  • February 23Columbia Chamber of Commerce Sunrise NE

    Columbia Chamber of Commerce Sunrise NE

    7:30 am | Community Room, Village at Sandhill, Columbia | Dr. Myron Bell of Palmetto Heart, a Palmetto Health Heart Associates practice, speaks at this monthly breakfast.

  • February 24Stress Free Day

    Stress Free Day

    11 am – 1 pm | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital Atrium | Free massages will be given by the Southeastern Institute. Information will be provided on how to reduce stress in your life.

  • February 25Historic Columbia Foundation Chili Cook-off

    Historic Columbia Foundation Chili Cook-off

    5-8 pm | Ellison Building at the State Fairgrounds, Columbia | Sponsor of the Heart Healthy Chili Contest. For more information visit HistoricColumbia.org or call 296-CARE.

  • February 26Online Grocery Store Tour

    Online Grocery Store Tour

    Learn from dietitian Lisa Akly how to read labels and make heart healthy decisions when buying groceries. Click on February 26 on 29heartdays.com

  • February 27Prime Times Program: Sleep & Your Heart

    Prime Times Program: Sleep & Your Heart

    2-3 pm | Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium | Dr. Rodney Harrison of Palmetto Heart, a Palmetto Health Heart Associates practice, shares the latest research on the impact of sleep on your heart health. The public is invited. Call 296-5978 to register. Adults 55+ only.

  • February 28The Heart Spa

    The Heart Spa

    6:30 pm | 701 Whaley Street, Columbia | Come for pampering of mind and body. Lisa Holland Ph.D. will help women understand the link between their emotions and cardiovascular health. She will also provide tools to help women manage internal emotional stressors that can negatively affect heart rate and blood pressure.  Call 296-CARE to register.

  • February 29American Red Cross Hands-Only Citizen CPR Class

    American Red Cross Hands-Only Citizen CPR Class

    11 am AND 6 pm | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital Atrium Classroom | Studies have shown that being trained in hands-only CPR can make the lifesaving difference when someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest. This class teaches how the hands-only technique can save a life. Call 296-CARE to register.
Heart Tips
Stay heart healthy with these easy-to-follow tips from Palmetto Health Heart Hospital.
  • 01Oh, Baloney… actually no, baloney. You should have no more than two servings of processed meat per week. And watch your sodium intake. Currently, Americans eat 3,600-4,800 mg of sodium per day. This exceeds the recommended amount of 2,000-2,400 mg sodium. Sodium comes in more forms than your salt shaker. Canned foods, processed meats and most snack foods are high in sodium. Think fresh!
  • 02A desirable total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL. Ideal LDL levels are less than 130 mg/dL, and even lower levels (under 100 mg/dL) are recommended in the presence of pre-existing heart disease or other risk factors such as diabetes. Desirable levels of HDL are over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women.  A desirable blood pressure is 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic); however, due to individual health issues, YOUR desirable blood pressure could be different, so ask your physician.
  • 03What is Ejection Fraction (EF)? An echocardiogram or a nuclear MUGA are tests that determine how well your heart pumps with each beat. When your heart squeezes to eject the blood from the left ventricle (one of four chambers of the heart) to your aorta, it should push out approximately 50% to 70% of the volume of blood in the left ventricle. If this number is lower than 50% you may have damage to the heart muscle which is heart failure.
  • 04Ever feel like your iPod is the best workout partner you've got? You might not be kidding yourself. According to researchers in Italy, people work out harder while listening to music. What's more, women tend to work out longer when accompanied by tunes. Jump start your exercise playlist with some brainstorming at www.JogTunes.com and www.NikePlus.com.
  • 05Overweight people are more likely to have high cholesterol—a contributing factor to heart disease--but thin people can, too. Often people who don’t gain weight easily are less aware of how much saturated fat and transfat they eat. Nobody can “eat anything they want” and stay heart healthy. Have your cholesterol checked, no matter your body type.
  • 06What are triglycerides? They are a kind of fat that circulates in the bloodstream, made up of fat digested from food and fat made in the liver. Triglyceride levels are elevated by excess calories from food and alcohol, uncontrolled diabetes and obesity. When triglyceride levels are high (above 150 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol becomes “stickier” and even more likely to clog arteries.
  • 07Heat from hot tubs and saunas cause blood vessels to open up (vasodilation). Vasodilation also happens during normal activities like a brisk walk. If your doctor has asked you to avoid moderate exercise, you should also be careful when considering hot tubs and saunas
  • 08The American Heart Association recommends that heart attack prevention begin by age 20. Many first-ever heart attacks or strokes are fatal or disabling, therefore prevention is critical.
  • 09Cigarette smoking is a major cause of coronary artery disease, which leads to heart attack. Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the US. It accounts for almost a half million of the more than 2.4 million deaths annually. Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing several chronic disorders, such as coronary artery disease. If you smoke, STOP. For help, talk to your doctor or call 1-800-QUIT NOW.
  • 10Believe it or not, school age children from high-risk families (parents with high cholesterol, or parents or grandparents with heart disease at age 55 or younger) should have their cholesterol levels tested.
  • 11You can help prevent a heart attack by controlling your blood pressure, stop smoking, eating a healthful diet, getting regular exercise and knowing the warning signs!
  • 12The most common symptoms of a heart attack involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, or shortness of breath. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. You should seek immediate help.
  • 13The recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day, five times a week, is an easy goal to remember. However you will also experience benefits even if you divide your time into two or three segments of 10 -15 minutes per day to equal 150 minutes per week. Get moving!
  • 14There is no proven correlation between pulse rate and blood pressure. Your pulse rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Your blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries. Just because your heart rate increases doesn’t necessarily mean your blood pressure has increased, too.
  • 15Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms, so you may not be aware it's damaging your arteries, heart and other organs. Have your blood pressure checked regularly, and talk with your physician about keeping it in the normal range.
  • 16The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It's fun, free, easy, social and has the lowest dropout rate of any type of exercise. There are lots of ways to achieve your goal of 30 minutes of exercise per day. Leave your front door walking at a brisk pace. Walk 15 minutes and turn around and come back. You’re done!
  • 17Eat oily fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, trout, swordfish, orange roughy, Jack fish, mackerel, cod, haddock, herring, anchovies, fresh tuna, pilchards, kippers, and crab) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease.
  • 18Women with a waist size greater than 35” and men with a waist size greater than 40” can be at an increased risk of heart attack, even if the person is at a normal weight.
  • 19Ideally, you should set a goal of at least 10,000 steps during your daily routine, which is approximately 5 miles. And remember, to get the most benefit, walk briskly whenever you can. Walk like you've got some place to go. Take advantage of every step you take. Choose the farthest parking space from your destination. Take the stairs. Start with one flight up, and two flights down.
  • 20After menopause, women's risk for heart attack and stroke continues to rise with age. Loss of estrogen is a significant contributor to women developing heart disease after menopause. Talk with your doctor about the best way to protect your heart as you age.
  • 21More women die of stroke than do men. In a study following middle-aged healthy men for 20 years, it was found that every increment of three daily servings of fruits and vegetables equated to a 22 percent reduction in risk of stroke.
  • 22Women have lower chances of surviving heart attacks than men. Studies show that 23 percent of women die within a year, compared with 18 percent of men. At older ages, women who have had heart attacks are twice as likely as men to die from them within a few weeks.
  • 23Most men's cholesterol levels become more stable around age 55, while both LDL and total cholesterol levels in most women start to rise.
  • 24Chronic stress does not cause high blood pressure. The exact causes of high blood pressure are unknown, but contributing factors include being overweight, eating too much sodium (salt), lack of physical activity and drinking too much alcohol. But chronic stress can take a physical toll on you. It can weaken your immune system and cause uncomfortable physical symptoms like headache and stomach problems.
  • 25Today, about one of three American children and teens are overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects. Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.
  • 26Your medications are a very important part of your care. Take all medications as prescribed. It is very important for you to know the names of all of your medications, what they are for, how often and at what times to take them. Bring a list of your medications with you to all doctor visits.
  • 27The R’s have it. Think red when choosing fruits and veggies – cherries, cranberries, red bell peppers, red cabbage, tomatoes, etc. Scientists have found that some vegetables and fruits contain large amounts of healthful antioxidant substances called polyphenols. Polyphenols play an important role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. These veggies and fruits are often colorful.
  • 28We need sleep and exercise for our health. Your body and brain communicate constantly. By being physically active during the day your body can send the “I am tired” message instead of the “I am still awake” message when you are going to bed.
  • 29Research shows those who consume the most fruits and vegetables daily have the lowest chance of developing heart disease. Increasing fruit and veggie intake by as little as one serving a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by four percent. Much of this benefit is due to dark leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits.
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FAQ
Get answers to your questions here.

  • QWhat is Palmetto Health Heart Hospital?

    Palmetto Health Heart Hospital is South Carolina's only freestanding hospital dedicated solely to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Located on the campus of Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia, the Heart Hospital opened in 2006. At Palmetto Health Heart Hospital, you will find a true team of physicians and staff who utilize superior technology to perform high-risk surgeries. This clinical expertise is coupled with unmatched quality measures and the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the nation. If you or a loved one is having heart problems, insist on the only freestanding Heart Hospital in the state.

  • QWhat is heart disease?

    Heart disease is the leading killer in the nation. For a full listing of heart disease FAQ, visit here.

  • QWhere can I find other heart healthy information?

    You can always visit PalmettoHealth.org for the latest heart health information.

    For information on eating a healthy diet, visit Nal.USDA.gov, where you’ll find a helpful food guide pyramid from the USDA.

    Exercise is also a great way to keep your heart healthy. Before starting any exercise regimen, please consult your doctor.

  • QAre you on Facebook and Twitter?

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