Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D.
Gerald S. Berenson Endowed Chair in Preventive Cardiology
Tulane University School of Medicine
“I will honor Heart Month by helping my patients and community focus on the need to control cardiovascular risk factors, especially hypertension, the most prevalent and potent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Empowered patients help clinicians control hypertension, including in African Americans, for whom hypertension is more prevalent, severe and uncontrolled. During COVID-19, having a healthy heart and optimal risk factor control may assist with avoiding the potential severe complications. Uncontrolled hypertension, high blood sugar, chronic kidney disease and heart disease do not cause COVID-19, but make infections with the coronavirus even more deadly.”
Eugene S. Kofman, M.D.
Interventional Cardiologist, Touro
For the month of February, we’ll be recognizing Heart Month by sharing the red through awareness and educational initiatives promoting heart-healthy lifestyles. Join us for our annual “Women’s Heart Health and Wine” and learn from our experts on how to keep your heart healthy. We’ll be sharing heart-healthy tips and recipes and will host a Facebook Live with a group of Touro’s heart care team to answer your questions. For more information, please visit touro.com/events.
Ahmad Jabbar, M.D.
Interventional Cardiologist
Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Did you know that heart disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined? With heart disease accounting for 25% of deaths in our state, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) understands the great importance of education and Louisiana heart health. Knowing your risk factors and maintaining visits with your cardiologist are some of the best ways to ensure your ticker stays in tip-top shape.
Jose D. Tafur, M.D.
Interventional Cardiologist, Associate program director of the Cardiology fellowship
Ochsner Health
February is a very special month for me. I get to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my wife and family. A week later, I get to celebrate again on my wedding anniversary. Many of us believe that the heart is the vault that holds the beautiful feeling we call love. What better occasion to raise awareness of heart health than this time of the year? It’s very important for our community to recognize the impact of heart disease so we can continue our efforts to prevent it, treat it and promote heart healthy living.
Russell Reed, M.D.
Cardiologist
St. Tammany Health System
During February, we are conducting e-seminars and collaborating with local senior programs and healthy partners like the YMCA. We are AHA Heart Walk presenting sponsors with our partner, Ochsner Health, and fellow service district, Slidell Memorial Hospital. We are an accredited chest pain center and the only health system on the Northshore to offer everything from angioplasty, TAVR and open-heart surgery to cardiac rehabilitation, nutrition counseling and ongoing cardiology care.
