Dr. David Kandzari, Chief of the Piedmont Heart Institute and Chief Scientific Officer at Piedmont Healthcare, breaks down what high blood pressure really is, why nearly one in two adults in the United States are affected, and how even modest reductions can lead to meaningful decreases in the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

He explains the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, how genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to hypertension, and why the condition is often called a silent killer.

The conversation also covers proper home monitoring, white coat hypertension, and the importance of tracking blood pressure over time rather than relying on single readings.

Dr. Kandzari shares today’s treatment approaches, including lifestyle changes, medications, and newer therapies for resistant hypertension, and emphasizes why knowing and managing your numbers is one of the most important steps in preventing long term complications.

Dr. Mabra, a primary care physician with Piedmont Healthcare, joins Living Real Change to discuss the growing role of wearable technology in modern healthcare. From activity trackers and smartwatches to medical grade tools like continuous glucose monitors, Dr. Mabra explains how wearables are helping patients and physicians gather meaningful data beyond the office visit.

In this conversation, she shares how wearables support prevention, personalize treatment plans, and empower patients to better understand their health day to day. Dr. Mabra also offers practical guidance on setting realistic goals, avoiding anxiety around health metrics, and using data thoughtfully to improve long term outcomes.

Host Dr. Lacy Knight talks with Dr. Andrew Page, surgical oncologist at Piedmont HealthCare, about pancreatic cancer, why it is often difficult to detect early, and what patients and families may want to understand. They discuss trends seen across the Southeast, factors that can influence risk, and the importance of coordinated care and awareness.

Dr. Page also describes the work taking place within Piedmont’s Early Detection Clinic, including efforts to strengthen screening through imaging, blood assays, genetic evaluation, and research partnerships. He walks through the general pathway of diagnosis and treatment and reflects on how new approaches are shaping care for people facing this disease.

This conversation offers a grounded look at pancreatic cancer, from understanding risk to the evolving tools that may support earlier detection and treatment.