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.

What should have been a dream getaway became a nightmare when a car accident forced Kelsey O’Connor and her friend off the road and into emergency care in a foreign country.

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.

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.

While thousands linger on organ waiting lists, the national transplant network is ditching 40-year-old systems and struggling to remake itself. The Beacon talked with local health leaders about the state of organ transplantation today.

Anthony Weatherspoon, who received lifesaving heart and kidney transplants, is grateful for the gift of life this April.