Did you know the average human heart beats about 2.5 billion times over a lifetime? That’s billions of steady, faithful pulses delivering oxygen and nutrients to every corner of your body — and carrying away waste to keep everything in balance.

Your heart works tirelessly. But how well it performs depends greatly on the choices we make every day.

Poor diet, inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and unmanaged stress can all strain the heart. Genetics can also influence your risk for heart disease and heart attack. The good news? There’s a lot within your control — and you don’t have to navigate heart health alone.

At Transylvania Regional Hospital (TRH), compassionate care and advanced cardiac services come together to help protect what matters most: your heart.

Everyday Steps to Strengthen Your Heart

Caring for your heart doesn’t require dramatic changes overnight. Small, consistent habits can make a powerful difference.

Nourish Your Body

Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods like:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Beans and whole grains

• Lean proteins such as fish

• Nuts, seeds, and olive oil

Limit processed foods, excess salt and sugar, fried items, and heavily processed meats.

Move Regularly

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Even brisk walking counts.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress impacts heart health. Create balance through:

• Time outdoors

• Mindfulness practices like meditation or prayer

• Protecting work-life boundaries

Prioritize Oral Health

Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day isn’t just about your smile — poor dental hygiene has been linked to heart disease.

Seek Support for Lifestyle Changes

If you’re trying to quit smoking or lose weight, your primary care provider can guide you toward safe and effective programs.

Care for Your Mental Health

Conditions like depression and anxiety are connected to heart disease. Seeking support from a mental health professional is an important part of whole-person care.

Advanced Cardiac Testing and Treatment at TRH

If a cardiac event does occur, TRH offers state-of-the-art testing and treatment close to home.

Cardiac Stress Testing

Evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound image of the heart that shows how effectively it pumps blood.

Holter Monitoring

A portable device worn for 24 hours to track heart rate and rhythm, helping detect irregularities.

New Technology: CT Angiography

Exciting advancements are coming to TRH. The hospital has been approved to upgrade its CT imaging capabilities to perform CT angiography.

This sophisticated test combines advanced imaging with contrast dye to create detailed 3D images of the heart’s blood vessels. It allows providers to identify:

• Blockages

• Narrowed arteries

• Tears in vessel walls

• Aneurysms

• Calcium buildup (plaque) in coronary arteries

Plaque accumulation increases the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Early detection gives providers the ability to intervene before serious complications develop.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on advanced diagnostic findings, care plans may include:

• Medication management

• Lifestyle modification strategies

• Stent placement to improve blood flow

• Surgical procedures such as bypass surgery

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring care that aligns with each patient’s needs and goals.

Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation

Recovery doesn’t stop after treatment. TRH’s cardiac rehabilitation program supports patients who have experienced a heart attack or live with heart disease.

Participants benefit from:

• Supervised, customized exercise programs

• Close medical monitoring

• Education on heart-healthy living

• Peer support from others with similar experiences

Rehabilitation is about more than physical recovery — it’s about restoring confidence and improving quality of life.

A Commitment to Partnership in Care

At Transylvania Regional Hospital, heart care is centered on partnership. The team works closely with patients to:

• Detect heart issues early

• Provide advanced diagnostic services

• Deliver high-quality treatment

• Support long-term recovery and prevention

Every heartbeat matters — and having a trusted care team makes all the difference.

About the Leadership

Michele Pilon, MS, BSN, RN, NE-BC, serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer of Transylvania Regional Hospital. With experience ranging from bedside nursing to executive leadership across Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina, she brings both clinical insight and strategic vision to the hospital’s mission of compassionate, high-quality care.

Your heart works for you every second of your life. With the right habits, regular screenings, and expert support when needed, you can protect it for years to come.

And if you ever need advanced cardiac care, Transylvania Regional Hospital is here — every beat of the way.