WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Heart Valve Disease

STAY a STEP AHEAD with These SuperfoodsSTAND UP FOR YOUR HEALTH And Get Moving

Spring 2017Y O U R G U I D E T O A H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E

2 Loma Linda University Health • Living Well

Heart valve disease occurs if one or

more of your heart valves doesn’t

work well.

The heart has four valves: the tricuspid,

pulmonary, mitral and aortic. Generally,

disease involves the aortic and mitral

valves on the left side of the heart. These

valves have thin and delicate tissue flaps

that open and close with each heartbeat.

The flaps make sure blood flows in the

right direction through your heart’s four

chambers and to the rest of your body.

Heart valve disorders can arise from

two main types of problems:

• Regurgitation (or leakage of the valve).

When the valve does not close com-

pletely, it causes blood to flow back-

ward through the valve. This reduces

forward blood flow and can lead to

volume overload in the heart. If the

problem involves left-sided valves, this

may cause flooding of the lungs, too.

• Stenosis (or narrowing of the valve).

When the valve opening becomes nar-

rowed, it limits the flow of blood out of

the ventricles or atria. The heart must

then pump blood with increased force

to move blood through the narrowed

or stiff (stenotic) valve.

What Are the Symptoms?Mild to moderate heart valve disease

may not cause any symptoms. If present,

these are the most common symptoms

of heart valve disease:

• Heart failure with symptoms of short-

ness of breath with exercise, lying

down or at night

• Chest pain

• Palpitations

caused by

irregular

heartbeats

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Low or high blood pressure, depending

on which valve disease is present

• Shortness of breath

• Abdominal pain due to an enlarged

liver (if there is tricuspid valve

malfunction)

• Leg swelling

Symptoms of heart valve disease may

look like other medical problems. Always

see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatment Options In some cases, your doctor may just want

to closely watch the heart valve problem

for a period. However, other options may

include medical management or surgery

to repair or replace the valve. Treatment

varies, depending on the type of heart

valve disease.

“Patients with heart valve disease do

not necessarily need surgery,” says Adnan

Cobanoglu, M.D., director of Cardiotho-

racic Surgery at Loma Linda University

Medical Center–Murrieta. “Once diag-

nosed, most can be followed closely for

varying periods of time. If surgery be-

comes necessary, it can generally be done

safely and with very good results, if done

in a timely fashion before damage to the

heart occurs,” he adds.

ADNAN COBANOGLU, M.D., is a board certified cardiothoracic surgeon and faculty physician

at Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta.

Visit www.llumcmurrieta.org to learn more or call

951-290-6322 to schedule an appointment.

Message from the Administrator

On behalf of Loma Linda University

Medical Center–Murrieta, I am proud

to welcome you to this first edition of

our community newsletter, Living Well. Connecting with our community

and keeping you informed of our

continued efforts to deliver the best

in whole person care is a very impor-

tant goal this year.

The year 2016 marked a milestone

for our hospital as we celebrated five

years in Southwest Riverside County,

performed our 500th open heart sur-

gery and received clinical designation

as a Primary Stroke Center.

This year, we will focus on the

launch of a new Neonatal Intensive

Care Unit (NICU). Our NICU opening

is slated for the latter part of 2017.

We are pleased to offer parents and

their newborns access to advanced

perinatal services closer to home.

We are also expanding our Emer-

gency Department in an effort to

improve our services and enhance

the overall patient experience.

For this first edition of Living Well, we are excited to bring you the lat-

est on heart valve disease from our

director of Cardiothoracic Surgery,

Adnan Cobanoglu, M.D., along with

informative tips on healthy living

as part of Loma Linda University

Health’s commitment to wholeness.

We hope you enjoy the newsletter

and find the information provided

useful.

Be well,

Peter Baker, J.D., M.B.A.

Administrator, LLUMC–Murrieta

Understanding Heart Valve Disease

WHAT IS A TIA?A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also considered a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, often due to a blood clot. TIAs are known as mini-strokes because they cause the same symptoms as a stroke but last only a few minutes. “A TIA is a neurological emergency,” says neurologist Ricardo Olivo, M.D.

Watch for Warning SignsSymptoms occur suddenly and include the following: • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or

leg, especially on one side of the body • Confusion or dizziness• Trouble speaking or understanding• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes• Difficulty walking• Loss of balance or coordination• Severe headache with no known cause

Lower Your RiskSome factors that put you at risk for both TIA and stroke are out of your control, such as aging, family history of stroke, or having African-American, Hispanic or Asian-Pacific Islander ethnic background. “But knowing your personal risk factors can help in the prevention of a TIA or stroke,” adds Dr. Olivo.

Reduce your risk by taking the following steps:• Keep your blood pressure and

cholesterol in check.• Control diabetes, if you have it.• Manage your weight.• Get plenty of exercise.• Stop smoking.

Ricardo Olivo, M.D., is a neurologist at Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta and assistant professor of neurology at Loma Linda University Health. Dr. Olivo specializes in epilepsy, neuropathy, myopathy and general neurology.

SCHEDULE A NEUROLOGY APPOINTMENT Please call us at 909-558-2880.

Expertask the

1-877-LLUMC-4U • lluhealth.org 4

THE OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION THERAPY PROGRAM

at Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta provides

specialty pelvic floor therapy services for women and men with newly

diagnosed or existing pelvic floor conditions. Call 951-290-6550 for

more information or to make an appointment.

!

They’re not the kind of moments

you discuss at the dinner table.

But they happen every day to

millions of women nationwide:

• Urine leaks when sneezing, jumping

or lifting something heavy

• Prenatal or postpartum pain

• Trouble holding bowel movements

on the way to the bathroom

• Feelings of fullness, discomfort

or pain in the lower abdomen

These can be the signs of a pelvic

floor disorder.

Time Takes Its Toll on Important MusclesYour pelvic muscles form a sling that

holds up your bladder, uterus and

other pelvic organs. Childbirth, preg-

nancy, obesity or simply the passage

of time can weaken these muscles.

The result often is incontinence,

or being unable to control when you

go to the bathroom.

According to research, nearly one-

fourth of women ages 20 and older

have symptoms of at least one pelvic

floor disorder. The condition is more

common with age.

Check Your Pelvic Floor HealthTalking with your doctor about

these problems can help you get

the right treatment, which may

include specialty therapy. Pelvic

floor physical therapy involves a

unique combination of rehabilitation

services designed to treat symp-

toms associated with pelvic floor

dysfunction (PFD). Lifestyle changes,

such as avoiding caffeine or losing

weight, may also help.

3 Loma Linda University Health • Living Well

PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS: Common in Women of All Ages

A common myth about meditation

is that it takes a lot of time and

devotion. But one study found

growth in key brain areas after just

eight weeks of practicing mindful-

ness meditation.

Participants in the study were

instructed to practice for up to 40

minutes every day—and the more

they practiced, the more growth

was seen. Researchers concluded

that people can get mental

benefits from meditating as little

as 20 minutes a day, a couple

of times a week. Contrary to the

myth, that’s something almost

anyone can do.

THE BEHAVIORAL

MEDICINE CENTER at

Loma Linda University Medical

Center–Murrieta provides a holistic

approach to behavioral and mental

health needs, focusing on mind,

body and spirit. Call 951-290-6523

for more information or to make an

appointment.

You can’t play badminton without a racquet, bridge without cards or most

board games without dice. In life, as in these games, success starts with

having the right tools. These five foods contain vitamins, minerals and other

nutrients that form the building blocks of good health. Earn extra points by

combining them into a delicious, healthful meal for your family.

Chia SeedsWhat: These small kernels come from the desert

plant Salvia hispanica, which is related to mint.

Why: Tiny but mighty, chia seeds contain omega-3

fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants and

minerals. Include them in a healthy diet, and

recent research suggests they may help lower

blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides,

a type of fat found in your blood.

How: Sprinkle ground or whole seeds on cereal,

rice or yogurt. Or let them sprout and eat them

in salads or sandwiches.

StrawberriesWhat: This sweet spring treat likely needs no introduction.

Americans consume about 8 pounds of strawberries

per person per year.

Why: For only 50 calories, a cup of straw-

berries meets the daily vitamin C needs of

most adults. This nutrient helps your body

repair damaged tissues and keep your im-

mune system strong. One key antioxidant in

berries, anthocyanins, may even reduce the

risk for heart attacks in some women.

How: Eat them plain or dip them in vanilla yogurt for dessert. Or think beyond

the sweet side by chopping and mixing them with red onion and

avocado for a quick strawberry salsa.

AsparagusWhat: Another seasonal find, this versatile veggie has

a distinctive spear shape.

Why: Asparagus, with its signature pointy stalks,

may help battle cancer—each serving dishes

up antioxidants that could reduce your risk.

It’s also rich in vitamins A and K.

How: Steam, then stir into pasta or risotto.

Toss raw asparagus into salads.

Loma Linda University Health • Living Well 4

Stay a Step Ahead with These Superfoods

LET US SUPPORT your journey to wellness! Tune in to our online health

show at www.liveitlomalinda.org.!

!

Did You Know?

Mindful Living Tip

The more time you spend planted on

your couch or at your desk chair,

the greater the risks to your health and

longevity. The solution? Get on your feet

and move.

If you spend most of your work and

free time tied to your computer, glued to

the TV or driving, take heed: Research

shows it’s better for your health to avoid

sitting for long stretches.

Sitting for hours at a time has been

linked with weight gain and obesity,

type 2 diabetes, heart disease risk fac-

tors and unhealthy eating habits. It’s

also a culprit in deep-vein thrombosis.

In this potential killer, a blood clot forms

in a large leg vein and travels through

the bloodstream to the lungs, where it

can block blood and oxygen flow.

How much could sitting shorten

your life? A study in the

American Journal of Epide-

miology showed that men

and women who often

sat for more than six

hours at a time

increased their risk

of dying prematurely

by about 20 percent

and 40 percent, re-

spectively, compared with those who sat

for fewer than three hours a day. That

risk was independent of how much they

exercised. The people who sat the most

and worked out the least had an even

higher risk for death.

The Risks of Sedentary Time Sitting is bad for several reasons. For one

thing, it isn’t exactly a big calorie burner.

A 150-pound person expends just

35 calories in 30 minutes by watching TV.

That’s one of the reasons why sitting a lot

is linked with a higher body mass index.

Sitting also makes your muscles

inactive. When you move around, your

muscles contract in a way

that may help control im-

portant blood fats, such

as triglycerides and

low-density lipoproteins

(“bad” cholesterol), and

glucose (blood sugar) to

help keep your heart and blood

vessels healthier.

Of course, if you work at a com-

puter, you need to sit to

do your job. Still, you can

do a lot to make your life

less sedentary.

Don’t Sit One OutEvery hour or two that you’re at your

desk or sitting in an airplane, boost your

circulation by taking at least a five-min-

ute break from sitting. Stand up, stretch,

walk around or climb stairs if possible.

Meanwhile, make the rest of your day

active by moving around whenever you

can. When you are talking on the phone,

for example, stand up or pace. Pump

out a few desk push-ups while you’re

viewing a Web conference.

Activate Your DowntimeAt home, think about where your

schedule provides pockets of exercise

opportunity.

On average, Americans watch nearly

three hours of television a day. Why

not use some of that time for a bike

ride, a walk with your family or an

exercise DVD? Reward yourself with

your favorite show.

Even then, when you’re watching

TV, make it a point to get up and move

during every commercial. Just standing

and stretching is healthier for you

than being a couch potato.

Take a Stand Against Sitting

! TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before

starting an exercise program. For help

finding a physician, call 800-867-7011.

Loma Linda University Health • Living Well 5

MANY STRENGTHS. ONE MISSION.

Visit llumcmurrieta.org to learn how we can help make your future a healthier one.

Leaders in heart care. Pioneers in health.For over five years, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta

has been the trusted leader in advanced, lifesaving heart care in

Southwest Riverside County.

Our comprehensive cardiovascular program offers patients

experiencing heart disease unmatched treatment options with

convenient access to leading specialists, close to home.

In 2016, we became one of the first hospitals in Southern California

to begin using fully dissolvable stents — a major advance in the

treatment of coronary artery disease.

And when it comes to pioneering medical breakthroughs, training

future generations of physicians and advancing whole person health,

our Loma Linda University Health legacy

spans more than a century.

Advanced heart care you can trust is here,

close to home.

We LIVE to Lead

Birth and BeyondThis monthly series class covers childbirth, learning about newborns and breastfeeding basics. For information, call 951-290-4860.

Cancer Support Group This monthly support group is for individuals undergo-ing cancer treatment, caregivers and cancer survivors. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Professional Office Building Temecula Room at 28078 Baxter Road. For information, call 951-290-4860.

Living Well Health Education Series Join us for our new Living Well health education series on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The series will feature a presentation and Q&A from a cardiologist on atrial fibrillation and stroke. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited; reservation required. Register online at murrieta.lomalindahealth.org/living-well.

Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group This monthly support group for stroke survivors and caregivers provides education, resources, emotional comfort and information on rehabilitation. To register, call 951-290-4181.

Total Joint Replacement WorkshopThis weekly workshop offers an introduction to joint replacement, surgery planning, post-op care, exercises and rehabilitation. To learn more, call 951-290-4182.

GET INVOLVEDBig Hearts for Little Hearts—Temecula Valley GuildLoma Linda University Children’s Hospital volunteer guilds host events and activities to raise funds and bring awareness to help meet the health care needs of community children. Visit www.lluch.org/tvguild to learn more about how you can become a guild member.

LLUMC–Murrieta Hospital VolunteersOur volunteers provide comfort, support and cheer to our patients, their visitors and our employees. Areas of need include Guest Services, Emergency Department, Gift Shop, Surgery Waiting Room, Special Events and much more. Visit www.llumcmurrieta.org or call 951-704-1355 to learn how you can become a volunteer.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Living Well is published by Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. ©2017. Printed in the U.S.A.

Peter Baker, J.D., MBA Administrator, Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta

Heather Valentine Editor-in-Chief

Cibelle Burger Managing Editor

Printed on Recyclable Paper. Developed by StayWell. 11052M

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDLoma Linda University

Medical Center

Loma Linda University Medical Center11234 Anderson St.Loma Linda, CA 92354-2804

MANY STRENGTHS. ONE MISSION.

Visit llumcmurrieta.org to learn how we can help make your future a healthier one.

Leaders in heart care. Pioneers in health.For over five years, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta

has been the trusted leader in advanced, lifesaving heart care in

Southwest Riverside County.

Our comprehensive cardiovascular program offers patients

experiencing heart disease unmatched treatment options with

convenient access to leading specialists, close to home.

In 2016, we became one of the first hospitals in Southern California

to begin using fully dissolvable stents — a major advance in the

treatment of coronary artery disease.

And when it comes to pioneering medical breakthroughs, training

future generations of physicians and advancing whole person health,

our Loma Linda University Health legacy

spans more than a century.

Advanced heart care you can trust is here,

close to home.

We LIVE to Lead

MANY STRENGTHS. ONE MISSION.

Visit llumcmurrieta.org to learn how we can help make your future a healthier one.

Leaders in heart care. Pioneers in health.For over five years, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta

has been the trusted leader in advanced, lifesaving heart care in

Southwest Riverside County.

Our comprehensive cardiovascular program offers patients

experiencing heart disease unmatched treatment options with

convenient access to leading specialists, close to home.

In 2016, we became one of the first hospitals in Southern California

to begin using fully dissolvable stents — a major advance in the

treatment of coronary artery disease.

And when it comes to pioneering medical breakthroughs, training

future generations of physicians and advancing whole person health,

our Loma Linda University Health legacy

spans more than a century.

Advanced heart care you can trust is here,

close to home.

We LIVE to Lead