Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one person dying of heart disease every 36 seconds. Although lifestyle factors play a major role in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute have determined that genetics may also play a role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors.

After having three open-heart surgeries, six cardiac catheterizations, five blood clots and two valve replacements all by the age of 13, Seth Wharton has overcome many obstacles and celebrated multiple achievements in his life. Now at the age of 44, Wharton has a new achievement under his belt — a Guinness World Record.

Most of the dramatic changes in our bodies happen in the first few decades of life. We don’t always see the slower changes in our bodies as adults, and they don’t happen at the same rate for everyone.

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease in most cases, but it can be controlled. People with this less common form of diabetes can lead a full life if they control their diet, check their sugar levels often, take insulin properly, and see their doctor regularly.

The most enduring art often honors bravery, especially when the subjects who inspired it beat the odds. The Peony Project is one such tribute, a collection of 50 unique flower paintings that represent the 50 Alabama moms who sought treatment during the first year of a unique UAB Medicine program that helps women overcome addiction during pregnancy.

Good nutrition can be a contributing factor to a healthy lifestyle, which may reduce medical problems later in life. So, it’s important to talk to your children about this early in their lives.

We are pleased to announce this month’s UAB Medicine DAISY Award, recognizing the extraordinary care and compassion that nurses provide for patients and families every day. Submissions and stories are reviewed each month, and then the winner is surprised at a special ceremony. Click here to nominate a UAB Medicine nurse for the DAISY Award.

No one wants to think about potential health issues when traveling. Unfortunately, long car rides or flights raise your risk of getting a blood clot, spoiling your vacation, or worse.

Through a month-long series of events and promotions, Legacy of Hope (formerly the Alabama Organ Center) observes National Donate Life Month in April. The celebration – established by Donate Life America to promote organ donation – highlights the various perspectives of families and individuals touched by donation and transplantation.

On September 30, 2021, a University of Alabama at Birmingham medical team transplanted two pig kidneys into a brain-dead human recipient, a major step toward future pig-kidney transplants to people with kidney failure.

Surgeons with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine reached an institutional milestone in February, surpassing 16,000 total organ transplants performed since its first almost 54 years ago.

As the UAB Heersink School of Medicine observes Women's History Month, it offers all, no matter what gender identity, an opportunity to recognize the many women who have made important contributions to medicine and science. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Dorothy Hodgkin, Katherine Johnson, Virginia Apgar, Marie Maynard Daly, and many more achieved significant firsts that paved the way for women today to follow in their footsteps.