Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists

03/31/2026

💙 Wrapping Up March: A Month of Heart-Healthy Habits 💙

As March comes to a close, we’ve spent time focusing on the everyday habits that support heart health, from better nutrition and staying active to recognizing symptoms and keeping up with routine checkups.

The takeaway? Small, consistent choices truly make a difference. Whether you made one change or several this month, it all adds up.

As we head into April, keep the momentum going, your heart will thank you. ❤️

03/25/2026

🩺 When Was Your Last Heart Check-In?

Heart disease often develops quietly, which is why routine checkups and screenings are so important, even if you’re feeling well. Keeping track of key numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help catch potential issues early.

A few simple steps to stay on track:
✔️ Schedule your annual checkup
✔️ Stay up to date on recommended screenings
✔️ Talk to your provider about your personal risk factors
✔️ Don’t ignore changes in how you feel

Taking a proactive approach now can help prevent bigger problems later. Your heart health is worth it. 💙

03/18/2026

❤️ Know the Signs. Trust Your Instincts.

Heart symptoms are not always sudden or obvious. While chest pain is the most well-known sign, there are other symptoms that should never be ignored.

Be aware of:
⚠️ Shortness of breath
⚠️ Unexplained fatigue
⚠️ Dizziness or lightheadedness
⚠️ Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw

Symptoms can look different for everyone, especially in women, and may come on gradually or feel less severe. In fact, women are more likely to experience symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or back and jaw pain that can easily be mistaken for something else.

If something does not feel right, it is always better to get it checked. Early attention can make all the difference.

Learn more about the signs of heart disease in women here:
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women

Your heart health matters every day. 💙

Learn more about the warning signs of heart attack and stroke in women that may differ from those men experience.

03/16/2026

🌟 Employee of the Month: Lillie Kirkendall 🌟

We are excited to recognize Lillie Kirkendall as our Employee of the Month for February!

Lillie has been a Medical Assistant with ACS for nearly two years and consistently makes a positive impact on both our patients and our team. Her coworkers describe her as kind, professional, and always smiling, even when handling difficult situations. Most importantly, she treats every patient with kindness and respect.

A few fun facts about Lillie:
💙 She loves trying new hobbies
💙 Proud boy mom and dog mom
💙 Enjoys spending time at home with her family
💙 Loves binge-watching shows
💙 Currently a pre-nursing student

Thank you, Lillie, for your dedication and for the positivity you bring to ACS every day!

03/12/2026

Today is World Kidney Day! Did you know your heart and kidneys are deeply connected?

When one is under stress, the other often feels it too. High blood pressure is also one of the leading causes of kidney disease and, in turn, poor kidney function can raise blood pressure and put added strain on your heart.

This World Kidney Day, here are a few habits that protect both:
🥗 Eat a diet low in sodium and processed foods
💧 Stay well hydrated throughout the day
🚶 Stay physically active to keep blood pressure in a healthy range
🩺 Know your numbers: get your blood pressure and kidney function checked regularly

Caring for your heart means caring for your whole body. Want to learn more about how these two vital organs work together? The National Kidney Foundation has a great resource breaking down the heart-kidney connection: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/heart-and-kidney-connection

Your heart can affect the health of your kidneys and your kidneys can affect the health of your heart.

03/05/2026

Sheila DeVaugh has been a valued member of Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists since 2000 and brings more than 20 years of emergency and critical care nursing experience to our practice. Before joining ACS, she dedicated her career to emergency medicine, where she also taught cardiac, trauma, pediatric, and adult medical care to fellow healthcare professionals.

Sheila earned her nursing degrees from Lamar University and the University of Texas Medical Branch and is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her calm presence, deep clinical knowledge, and commitment to patient education make her an essential part of our care team.

When she’s not caring for patients, Sheila enjoys spending time with her family and tending to her flower garden. We’re grateful for her compassion, experience, and dedication to our patients’ heart health. 🌸❤️

03/03/2026

🌱 March Into Heart Health with Smart Nutrition ❤️

As we move into March, we’re continuing the momentum of American Heart Month by focusing on something that has a major impact on your cardiovascular health: what you eat. March is National Nutrition Month, and there’s no better time to think about the choices that fuel your heart and your body.

Here are a few heart-smart tips to try this month:
🥗 Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables and fruit
🍞 Choose whole grains instead of refined grains
🐟 Include lean proteins like fish, beans, and poultry
💧 Stay hydrated and be mindful of added sodium

To learn more about heart-healthy eating and lifestyle recommendations, check out this helpful guide from the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations

Small, consistent nutrition choices add up to big heart benefits. Let March be the month your meals match your heart goals. 💙

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.

02/27/2026

Dr. Jorge Hernandez has been a trusted part of Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists since 2007, bringing decades of experience in cardiology and interventional care to our patients in Southeast Texas. Prior to joining ACS, he served as Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Arkansas.

Known for his dedication to innovation and patient care, Dr. Hernandez has been involved in numerous “first-of-their-kind” cardiovascular procedures throughout his career. He is board certified in cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiovascular disease and remains actively involved in national cardiology organizations.

Outside the office, Dr. Hernandez enjoys traveling, reading philosophy and Latin-American literature, playing soccer, and spending time with his family. We’re proud to have him on our team and grateful for the expertise and compassion he brings to our patients every day. ❤️

02/24/2026

🫀 This American Heart Month, Learn a Lifesaving Skill ❤️

Did you know that CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival if their heart suddenly stops beating? When cardiac arrest happens outside of a hospital, immediate CPR from a bystander can make all the difference before emergency responders arrive.

Many people hesitate because they believe CPR requires extensive training. In reality, Hands-Only CPR is simple to learn and can be performed by anyone in an emergency.

This Heart Month, consider taking a few minutes to learn the basics of CPR. You never know when that knowledge could help save a life, whether it is a loved one, friend, coworker, or even a stranger.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers

Join a Nation of Lifesavers. You could be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a cardiac event. Be ready to act by learning CPR.

02/14/2026

Roses are red ❤️
Violets are blue 💙
Taking care of your heart
Is one of the best things you can do.

This Valentine’s Day, remember that loving your heart means making choices that support your health all year long. Stay active, eat well, manage stress, and keep up with your checkups.

From our team to you, we wish you a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day!

02/10/2026

❤️ Heart Health Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All ❤️

During American Heart Month, it’s important to remember that every heart is different. Risk factors like family history, lifestyle, age, and existing conditions all play a role in heart health, which is why personalized care matters.

A few questions worth asking yourself this month:
🫀 Do I know my heart health risk factors?
🫀 Have I had recent heart testing or labs?
🫀 Am I managing stress, sleep, and activity in a way that supports my heart?

Whether you’re being proactive or managing an existing condition, having the right care team makes all the difference. At Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, we focus on individualized, comprehensive cardiovascular care to meet patients where they are.

This Heart Month, make your heart health personal. 💙

02/06/2026

❤️ Today our ACS team proudly wore red in support of National Wear Red Day and American Heart Month.

National Wear Red Day helps raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading cause of death. By wearing red, we stand together to promote education, prevention, and early detection of heart disease.

We are proud to support heart health awareness and to care for our community every day. Thank you to our amazing team for showing their support and helping spread an important message.

Take this month as a reminder to check in on your heart health and encourage your loved ones to do the same. 💙