HeartSense

10/09/2026

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, and understanding the difference between these two medical emergencies could help save a life.

Think of your heart as having two essential systems: plumbing and electrical.

🫀 HEART ATTACK — A Plumbing Problem
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. The heart usually continues beating, but the affected muscle is deprived of oxygen.

⚡ SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST — An Electrical Problem
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to suddenly stop pumping blood effectively.

A person may suddenly collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing normally. Cardiac arrest can affect people of all ages, including those who appear healthy.

Both are medical emergencies, but they are NOT the same thing.

🚨 Knowing how to respond can save a life. Call 911 immediately if you suspect either emergency. If someone collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as one is available, following emergency dispatcher instructions.

Source: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (sca-aware.org)

09/29/2026

❤️ Every heart deserves the chance for a healthier future.

On World Heart Day, HeartSense celebrates the power of education, prevention, and early detection to help people better understand and protect their cardiovascular health.

From knowing your numbers to recognizing when something doesn’t feel right, small steps toward greater heart-health awareness can make a meaningful difference.

Today—and every day—we remain committed to bringing heart health education and screening opportunities directly into the communities we serve.

09/15/2026

🫀Bradycardia: When Your Heart Beats Slower Than Expected

Bradycardia generally refers to a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute (bpm) in adults.

But a slower heart rate doesn't always mean something is wrong. People who are physically fit may naturally have a resting heart rate below 60 bpm. In other cases, bradycardia may be related to medications, changes in the heart's electrical system, or an underlying medical condition.

Some people have no symptoms. Others may experience:
💫 Dizziness or lightheadedness
😴 Fatigue or weakness
🫁 Shortness of breath
⚠️ Fainting or near-fainting

The number is only part of the story. Your symptoms, overall health, medications and activity level all matter.

Knowing what's normal for your heart can help you recognize when something has changed.

08/19/2026

Your heart rate naturally speeds up when your body needs more oxygen—during exercise, excitement, stress, or even when you’re fighting an illness.

But what does it mean when your heart is beating fast while you’re at rest?
Tachycardia generally refers to a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest in adults.

A faster heart rate can have many causes. Exercise, fever, dehydration, stress, caffeine, certain medications, and other factors can temporarily increase your heart rate. In other cases, tachycardia may be related to an abnormal heart rhythm or an underlying medical condition.

Some people may experience:
⚡ A racing or pounding heartbeat
🫁 Shortness of breath
💫 Dizziness or lightheadedness
❤️ Chest discomfort
😴 Weakness or fatigue
🩺 Or sometimes, no noticeable symptoms at all

The number is only part of the story. Your healthcare provider may also consider when the fast heart rate occurs, how long it lasts, whether the rhythm is regular, your symptoms, and what may be causing it.

08/12/2026

Your heart has its own electrical system that tells it when to beat. A normal sinus rhythm begins in the heart's natural pacemaker—the sinoatrial (SA) node—and keeps the heart beating in a steady, organized pattern.

For most adults at rest, a normal heart rate is generally 60–100 beats per minute (bpm).

But your healthcare provider isn't looking at the number alone. They're also paying attention to whether your heartbeat is regular and consistent.

Your heart rate can naturally change throughout the day. Exercise, stress, sleep, medications, caffeine and other factors can make it speed up or slow down—and that doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.

Knowing what is normal for you can help you recognize when something feels different.

08/10/2026

Ever wonder what your healthcare provider is looking for when they check your pulse?

Every heartbeat tells a story. Your healthcare provider isn't just counting how fast your heart beats—they're also looking at your heart's rhythm and regularity, which can provide important clues about your cardiovascular health.

In this HeartSense educational series, we'll explore:
❤️ Normal Sinus Rhythm
⚡ Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
🫀 Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

Understanding these common heart rhythms can help you better understand your heart—and know when it's time to seek medical attention. Follow HeartSense as we break down each rhythm and what it may mean for your heart health.

08/08/2026

100 Black Men of Savannah, Inc. celebrating movement. For those in Savannah, please join us at the Health Fair for connection and community.

🚨 DON'T FORGET! PACKET PICK-UP IS TOMORROW! 🚨

Calling all "Mentors on the Run"!

Your race day (August 8th) is almost here. Before you hit the starting line, you'll need to grab your packet. This is your chance to get your official race bib, event shirt, and any other goodies!

🗓️ TOMORROW, AUGUST 7th⏰ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM📍 Howe 2 Run
11 Gateway Blvd S, Suite 54, Savannah, GA 31419

Please make every effort to pick up your packet tomorrow during these hours. Having your packet ready will ensure a smooth and stress-free start on race day!

See you tomorrow at Howe 2 Run!

And if you still haven't signed up, it’s not too late! Scan the QR code in the image or use the link in our bio to register now. Join the 100 Black Men of Savannah for an incredible 5K or 10K walk/run for mentorship!

https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Savannah/100blackmen

Race Day Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, August 8th

📍 Location: Howe 2 Run (11 Gateway Blvd S)

🏁 Start Time: 08:00 AM

07/29/2026

❤️ A diagnosis of heart failure is not the end of the story.

Advances in medicine have transformed the way heart failure is treated. Today, many people with heart failure are living longer, staying more active, and enjoying a better quality of life than ever before.

Successful treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause of heart failure and developing a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment may include:
💊 Guideline-directed medications that help the heart pump more efficiently, reduce strain on the heart, remove excess fluid, and slow the progression of disease.

❤️ Lifestyle modifications, including a heart-healthy diet, limiting sodium, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

🩺 Close monitoring and follow-up, allowing your healthcare team to detect changes early and adjust treatment before symptoms worsen.

⚡ Advanced therapies, including implantable devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), specialized procedures, or surgery when appropriate.

The most important step is early diagnosis. The sooner heart failure is identified, the greater the opportunity to preserve heart function, reduce complications, and improve long-term outcomes.

07/24/2026

Did you know there are different types of heart failure?
Heart failure is not a single condition. It can affect different parts of the heart and develop for different reasons.

❤️ Left-Sided Heart Failure
The left side of the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This is the most common type of heart failure and includes:

• HFrEF (Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction): The heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood effectively.

• HFpEF (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction): The heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot relax enough to fill properly between beats.

• HFmrEF (Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction): A form of heart failure that falls between HFrEF and HFpEF, sharing characteristics of both.

💙 Right-Sided Heart Failure
The right side of the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to the lungs. This can cause fluid to build up throughout the body, often leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.

💧 Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure is a term used when heart failure causes fluid to back up in the lungs or other parts of the body, resulting in congestion and swelling. It is not a separate disease, but rather a description of heart failure with fluid buildup.

Understanding the different types of heart failure can help you better understand your diagnosis and the treatment options available.

07/16/2026

Heart failure symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for aging, stress, or simply being "out of shape." Knowing the warning signs can help you seek care sooner.

Common symptoms include:
❤️ Shortness of breath
❤️ Fatigue or decreased energy
❤️ Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
❤️ Persistent cough or wheezing
❤️ Sudden weight gain from fluid buildup
❤️ Difficulty lying flat or trouble sleeping because of shortness of breath

If you experience new, persistent, or worsening symptoms, don't ignore them. Early evaluation and treatment can help improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.