Heart Month at South Heart Clinic: Education, Prevention & Powerful Patient Stories
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- 3 min read
February 27, 2026
February was an impactful month for our team at South Heart Clinic as we celebrated Heart Month by bringing cardiovascular education, and inspiration directly to our community. Through a series of Doc Talks and a very special patient reunion hosted at Harlingen Medical Center, we focused on prevention, early recognition, and the life-changing impact of cardiology care.
Community outreach is central to our mission, and this month reflected exactly that.
Lowering LDL Cholesterol to Reduce Cardiac Events
Dr. Flores shared an important message: lowering LDL cholesterol lowers cardiac events.
Elevated LDL (“bad” cholesterol) contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and future cardiac procedures such as stents or structural heart interventions. His talk emphasized that prevention starts early and is often within a patient’s control.
Key prevention strategies included:
Heart-healthy nutrition rich in fiber and lean proteins
Regular physical activity
Weight management
Medication compliance when prescribed
Routine lipid panel monitoring
Lowering LDL isn’t just about improving numbers — it’s about reducing risk and protecting long-term heart health.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
Dr. Frank Mazzola focused on Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib), one of the most common heart rhythm disorders.
A-fib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure if left untreated. He discussed common causes such as high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea, along with the different types of A-fib and available treatments.
From medications and blood thinners to cardioversion and catheter ablation, patients have options — but early diagnosis is critical. Recognizing symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness can make all the difference.
What To Do When You Have Chest Pain
Nurse Practitioner Martina Briseno-Lucio delivered a practical and empowering talk on what to do when experiencing chest pain.
Her message was clear:
Do not ignore persistent or worsening chest discomfort
Seek emergency care when symptoms are severe or accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating
Know your risk factors
Follow up with a cardiology provider
Quick action can save heart muscle and lives. Educating our community on when to act is one of the most important steps in preventing long-term damage.
A Heartfelt Reunion: The Power of Patient & Physician Connection
One of the most moving moments of the month was our Heart Reunion event, where patients were reunited with the cardiologists who helped care for them during life-threatening cardiac events.
Hearing patients share their stories and seeing them reconnect with the physicians who walked alongside them during critical moments was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Behind every procedure, every hospital round, and every clinic visit is a life, a family, and a story.
It was a celebration not just of survival, but of partnership between patient and provider.
Committed to Our Community
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but education and prevention can change that story. Through these Heart Month Doc Talks and events at Harlingen Medical Center, South Heart Clinic continues its commitment to proactive care, patient education, and compassionate cardiology.
When our community understands their risk factors, recognizes symptoms early, and seeks care promptly, outcomes improve.
Prevention. Education. Compassionate care. That’s the heart of what we do. ❤️
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