Expert Commentary
The American Heart Association has updated high blood pressure guidelines
In August 2025, the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) published updated high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) guidelines. The guidelines, updated for the first time since 2017, include several new recommendations that patients and their primary care providers should know. “These are the most up-to-date guidelines for treating patients with one of…
Read MoreInova’s commitment to using blood wisely
Alan M. Speir, MD, is Director Emeritus of Cardiac Surgery for Inova and a Senior Associate Director of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular. He is board certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery. Mary Looby, PharmD, BCCCP, is a critical care clinical pharmacy specialist who currently serves as the Director of Quality for Inova Schar Heart…
Read MoreNew year, new goals: reducing your health risks from alcohol and tobacco
John McConnell, MD, is a primary care physician board certified in internal medicine. Dr. McConnell uses evidence-based medicine to provide effective patient-centered care focuses on preventive medicine that is founded in evidence-based practice. His favorite part of practicing primary care medicine is the opportunity to personalize a patient’s health plan. He sees patients in the…
Read MoreHow to create positive and successful new year’s resolutions
Poonam Maru, DO is a primary care physician board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Maru is passionate about primary care, preventive medicine, nutrition and climate health – helping patients live healthier, longer lives in ways that are sustainable and personalized. She sees patients in the Inova 360º Concierge Medicine – Elm St. office. Every year, many people set…
Read MoreFor a healthier mindset in the new year, ditch the pressure
As Jan. 1 approaches each year, the messages seem to crop up everywhere: “new year, new you!” And for some people, the idea of resolving to make a significant life change can offer a burst of inspiration and motivation. For others turning over a new leaf as the calendar flips can be overwhelming – and…
Read MoreRespiratory viruses and vaccines: common questions answered
Sujata H. Ambardar, MD, is an infectious disease specialist at Inova. As cold and flu season ramps up, she shares important information about respiratory viruses and the role of vaccines in safeguarding the community’s health. It’s winter, and ‘tis the season for respiratory illness. The coughs, sniffles, sore throats and fevers seem to be everywhere…
Read MoreDemystifying spine surgery: how shared decision-making improves your experience
It’s common to feel overwhelmed, uncertain or even fearful the first time you meet with a spine surgeon. Many people hear common myths that spine surgeries are ineffective or highly risky. For Andrew Mo, MD, demystifying spine surgery is a big part of your first visit. “I always tell patients that they don’t have to…
Read MoreThree more conditions your primary care provider sees every week
Board-certified family medicine physician Naveed H. Butt, MD, specializes in preventive care and encourages healthy lifestyle changes to help patients avoid chronic medical conditions. He has been in practice for more than 30 years and sees patients at Inova Primary Care – Purcellville. In part one of this two-article series, we covered four of the issues that bring…
Read MoreInova offers two new, leading-edge technologies to treat and prevent AFib
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm, affecting more than 12 million people in the United States. When a person is experiencing AFib, the heart’s top two chambers are not beating in sync with the heart’s lower two chambers. This means that blood is not flowing through the heart efficiently,…
Read MoreFour conditions your primary care provider sees the most
Board-certified family medicine physician Naveed H. Butt, MD, specializes in preventive care and encourages healthy lifestyle changes to help patients avoid chronic medical conditions. He has been in practice for more than 30 years and sees patients at Inova Primary Care – Purcellville. My measure of success as a primary care physician is based on…
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