The heart has four chambers separated by walls called septa. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormal opening in the wall between the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This opening allows blood to between the chambers, potentially causing strain on the heart and lungs over time. In many cases, small ASDs cause no symptoms and may not require treatment. However, larger ASDs or those leading to complications – such as shortness of breath, fatigue or an enlarged heart -- may need to be closed to protect long-term health.

When children are sick and dehydrated, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) can be a lifesaving tool for parents. It’s a simple, at-home method to prevent and treat dehydration, helping your child recover faster, avoid complications and stay out of the doctor’s office. ORT involves giving small amounts of fluid every few minutes over several hours to effectively rehydrate the body. "Oral rehydration therapy is a simple yet powerful tool for managing dehydration,” according to SIU Medicine pediatrician Dr. Sandra Yockey. “The key is patience and persistence—small sips over time can make a big

When children are sick and dehydrated, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) can be a lifesaving tool for parents. It’s a simple, at-home method to prevent and treat dehydration, helping your child recover faster, avoid complications and stay out of the doctor’s office. ORT involves giving small amounts of fluid every few minutes over several hours to effectively rehydrate the body. "Oral rehydration therapy is a simple yet powerful tool for managing dehydration,” according to SIU Medicine pediatrician Dr. Sandra Yockey. “The key is patience and persistence—small sips over time can make a big

When children are sick and dehydrated, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) can be a lifesaving tool for parents. It’s a simple, at-home method to prevent and treat dehydration, helping your child recover faster, avoid complications and stay out of the doctor’s office. ORT involves giving small amounts of fluid every few minutes over several hours to effectively rehydrate the body. "Oral rehydration therapy is a simple yet powerful tool for managing dehydration,” according to SIU Medicine pediatrician Dr. Sandra Yockey. “The key is patience and persistence—small sips over time can make a big

Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) can be challenging, especially if it remains uncontrolled despite medications and lifestyle changes. For people with resistant hypertension—a condition where blood pressure remains high even with multiple medications—there’s a new, minimally invasive treatment option: ultrasound renal denervation . This innovative procedure targets overactive nerves in the kidneys that contribute to high blood pressure, offering another tool to help lower your numbers and reduce cardiovascular risks.

If you have experienced a stroke with no clear cause , your doctor may have mentioned something called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) . A PFO is a small, flap-like opening between the upper chambers of your heart (the left and right atria) that did not close properly after birth. For most people, a PFO does not cause any issues, but in some cases, it can allow small blood clots to bypass the lungs and travel to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). If your doctor determines that your stroke might be linked to a PFO, close this opening could help reduce

Each February, SIU Medicine hosts a series of events to honor Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew, the first Black physician in the United States to build and operate a private surgical hospital.

Each February, SIU Medicine hosts a series of events to honor Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew, the first Black physician in the United States to build and operate a private surgical hospital.

Each February, SIU Medicine hosts a series of events to honor Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew, the first Black physician in the United States to build and operate a private surgical hospital.

Each February, SIU Medicine hosts a series of events to honor Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew, the first Black physician in the United States to build and operate a private surgical hospital.