News

The same genes that predispose humans to atherosclerosis, the disease that causes heart attacks and strokes, may have advantages earlier in life, new findings published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journal Circulation suggest.

Many are familiar with the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seeds and nuts, plus the liberal use of extra virgin olive oil.

At 66, Craig has spent half his life with coronary heart disease (CAD). His first heart attack occurred in his early 30s, and he has since had two bypass surgeries and 30-plus coronary stent placements to keep his heart healthy.

Born with congenital heart disease, 41-year-old Christin Murphy has undergone three heart surgeries to repair pulmonary valves. They have been tough to get through, but Murphy says this latest one at Saint Luke’s changed her outlook.

Diane Hick's two sisters suffered from kidney failure before passing, and her doctor saw similar complications in her. She worried she would face a similar fate, but a kidney transplant through Saint Luke's changed the game.

Five years ago, 66-year-old Diane Hicks had a health scare that turned out to be a turning point for her entire life. She learned she needed to seriously consider a kidney transplant to improve her overall health and life expectancy.

To combat rising maternal mortality, researchers at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and UMKC are leading a first of its kind study to create better care for moms with heart conditions during pregnancy.

Almost 30 years after his life-saving kidney transplant at Saint Luke's, Chris Paxton continues to express gratitude and raise awareness for organ donation through his participation in the Transplant Games of America.

Matthew Wilkinson, MD, a surgeon with Saint Luke’s kidney and liver transplant program, and Erica Sparks, a transplant coordinator with Saint Luke's, discuss the transplant process and importance of organ donation.