From taking care of their families to managing their careers, mothers already have plenty on their plate. However, as Ochsner Baton Rouge cardiologist Desiree’ Dawson, MD, tells us, it is important to always make time for yourself, especially when it comes to your health. She says, "It's a balancing act, but never, never forget about you. You wanna exercise, you wanna eat right, but you wanna listen to your body. Do not ignore symptoms. You definitely want to pay attention to anything that's new and causing any kind of discomfort in your body. Especially if it's something as significant as chest pain, discomfort or tightness."

Every 60 seconds, someone in the United States dies from a heart-disease related event. In fact, more people in this country are diagnosed with heart disease than from all forms of cancer combined. The statistics are staggering but they don’t tell the whole story.

There is hope and it’s closer than you think. It’s right here at Ochsner. With treatment options so revolutionary they aren't available anywhere else in the region, the award-winning team at Ochsner is dedicated to changing and saving lives, and helping our patients fight back.

Connecting to care online has never been easier. You can now schedule virtual visits through your MyOchsner portal to meet with your cardiologist for various issues that do not require an in-person visit. Review frequently asked questions for cardiovascular virtual visits.

Why Cardiovascular Care at Ochsner?

Ochsner’s team of cardiologists and surgeons work closely with each patient to develop a customized healthcare plan that is both targeted and effective. From routine diagnostics to specialized procedures, Ochsner heart specialists are equipped to provide optimum care in cardiovascular medicine.

Offering new and innovative ways to manage chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and congestive heart failure, Ochsner’s Digital Medicine program allows real-time patient data to be shared with a care team via smart technology, enabling immediate medical and lifestyle adjustments.

With the only dual-provider, fellowship-trained vascular medicine program in the Gulf South, Ochsner is truly on the leading edge. The Ochsner vascular surgery team is comprised of dedicated individuals with a passion for preventing vascular disease in all parts of the body. Patients here receive one-on-one consultation and treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.