The evolution of smartwatches has ushered in a new era of personalized health monitoring. Many of these devices now come equipped with an electrocardiogram (ECG) feature, allowing wearers to independently record their heart's rhythm.

This was the case for Val Chaban, a retired law enforcement officer from Lodi, who noticed that he was frequently experiencing a subtle but persistent fluttering sensation in his chest after his routine workouts.

We're pleased to share that Mercy General Hospital has recently received several recognitions for providing high-quality patient care. Congratulations to the many Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group physicians and advanced practice providers who helped make these awards possible.

When Kern County resident, Kimberly Marchant first found out she had a blood clot in her heart that needed to be removed, her first thought was “I don’t know how I’m going to do this.” Kimberly was thinking about how she would manage the recovery from open-heart surgery, the proposed treatment for her condition.

Together, exercise and good nutrition have numerous benefits for our overall health. Just 30 minutes of aerobic workouts, five days a week can impact cardiovascular health, including lowering the risk of heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. 

Jonathan Hemphill, MD, a cardiologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, shares why regular physical activity is a key component to heart health, and how to incorporate heart-healthy exercise and eating habits into your own life.

Many of us know that chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack, but did you know that women may experience other, less common symptoms? We talked to Jon Sherman, MD, FACC, FACP, FSCAI, an interventional cardiologist with Dignity Health Medical Group — Ventura County about signs and risks women should know.