Blog Posts

What is a Peripheral Artery Disease Screening — And Who Needs One?

We focus a lot on the arteries that carry blood to your heart. But what about the blood vessels fueling other parts of your body? We’ll explain how a simple screening test helps gauge peripheral artery health and why it’s important.

Dec 12th, 2024

Electrophysiology Study: What to Expect

Understanding the cause of unexplained heart palpitations, dizziness, or irregular heartbeats is crucial to your heart health. Electrophysiology studies can provide the answers we need to develop a winning treatment strategy. Here’s what to expect. 

Nov 8th, 2024

3 Reasons Why Your Cardiologist Is Monitoring Your Heart Rhythm

The rhythm or pace at which your heart beats is a crucial indicator of cardiac health. Keep reading to learn more about how we monitor heart rhythm and what the results say about your overall health and risk of cardiac disease.

Oct 14th, 2024

What Does a Pacemaker Do?

Your body relies on your heart’s ability to beat at a steady pace and rhythm as it pumps oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood through your arteries to your tissues. When that beat becomes persistently irregular, a pacemaker can save your life.

Sep 16th, 2024

Chest Pain vs. Muscle Soreness: How to Spot the Difference

Most people would like to avoid chest pain at all costs since it could be a heart attack. But what if it’s “just” a pulled muscle? Do you need a doctor? Our team explains the difference between muscle strain and heart pain.

Aug 1st, 2024

How to Prepare for Your First MUGA Scan

If you’re having problems with your heart, a MUGA scan can help us determine where, when, and why it’s faltering. There’s not a lot of prep for this outpatient study, but you must follow pre-procedure directions carefully.

Jul 22nd, 2024

The Dangers of Hypertension

Left untreated, hypertension is a dangerous condition that affects millions of people. It’s also one of the easiest conditions to treat. Learn more about the dangers of hypertension and how our team can help prevent its effects on your health.

Jun 19th, 2024

What's the Difference Between LDL and HDL?

You’ve heard for years that high cholesterol is bad for your health. Not always. There are several types of cholesterol, and many people with “high cholesterol” could benefit from a boost in one kind.

May 21st, 2024

Are My Heart Palpitations Dangerous to My Health?

That sudden pounding or fluttering sensation in your chest, commonly called heart palpitations, can be alarming. Fortunately, palpitations are usually brief and harmless. Sometimes, however, they can indicate a problem that needs medical attention.

Apr 11th, 2024

What Can I Expect During a Nuclear Heart Scan?

A nuclear heart scan, or nuclear stress test, is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that can track blood flow to and through the heart. Learn what to expect during the study and what it can reveal about your heart.

Mar 7th, 2024

Is Chest Pain After Exercise Always Serious?

It’s hard not to think “heart” when you mention chest pain. However, that discomfort in your chest could be related to sore muscles, an upset stomach, or a heart attack. So, is it serious? Maybe. Maybe not. Check these facts from our specialty team.

Feb 2nd, 2024

What an Exercise Stress Test Reveals About Your Heart Health

An exercise stress test does exactly what it says – tests your heart as it undergoes exercise-related stress. Learn more from our specialty team about who benefits from a stress test and what to expect during the study.

Jan 1st, 2024

Can You Ever Be Too Young for Heart Disease? 

If you’re putting off focusing on heart health until you’re much older, you probably shouldn’t. Learn about the factors that increase your risk of heart disease at any age and what you can do to prevent it. 

Dec 4th, 2023

Guarding Against Stroke: Explore the Benefits of the Watchman Procedure

Strokes are a growing problem in the United States, many of which are caused by clots breaking away from the heart and blocking arteries that supply blood to the brain. Learn how a tiny umbrella-like device called the WATCHMAN™ helps prevent stroke.

Nov 3rd, 2023

3 Subtle Signs of Hypertension

One of the concerns of hypertension is that you may have this potentially life-threatening condition for years without experiencing any symptoms. However, some subtle signs may indicate your blood pressure is creeping upward.

Oct 1st, 2023

What Happens Before, During, and After a MUGA Scan

You will need an injection, but a MUGA scan is an otherwise painless study that provides invaluable information about your heart health. Read what happens before, during, and after the scan and why your specialist may suggest one.

Sep 2nd, 2023

How Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different in Women Than Men

Research isn’t yet clear why, but it’s become increasingly evident in recent years that women can have different symptoms than men when experiencing a heart attack. Check these facts about heart attack symptoms and gender-specific variations.

Aug 1st, 2023

When to Worry About Shortness of Breath After Exercise

You probably expect to breathe harder when starting a new exercise routine or taking your workout to the next level. But should a leisurely stroll make it hard to breathe? Check these facts about when to see the doctor for shortness of breath.

Jul 12th, 2023

Do Foods Play a Role in High LDL Cholesterol?

Some foods can play a pivotal role in elevating your LDL cholesterol. However, many foods help lower your levels. Our team separates fact from fiction regarding cholesterol and lowering LDL with healthy fats and fiber.

Jun 1st, 2023

How to Care for a Loved One After a Heart Attack

Successful recovery after a heart attack is a team effort involving family, friends, medical professionals, and your loved one’s determination. Learn how to help someone you love to experience a better life after a heart attack.

May 10th, 2023

5 Common Causes of Chest Pain and What to do About It

The rules about chest pain are pretty clear: don’t panic, don’t ignore it, and call the doctor. But, how quickly you reach out for medical help depends on the nature of your pain. Read what our team recommends for five common causes of chest pain.

Apr 10th, 2023

Benefits of a Defibrillator After a Cardiac Arrest

Hopefully, you’ll never need one, but a defibrillator can save your life if you’re at risk of a sudden cardiac arrest. Learn which heart problems may respond to a defibrillator, when your specialist may recommend one, and what types are available.

Mar 6th, 2023

5 Serious Health Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension

You may be aware that uncontrolled hypertension negatively affects your heart and arteries. However, did you know it can also affect your kidneys, brain, and other major organs? Check these facts about your health and high blood pressure.

Feb 8th, 2023

What an Electrocardiogram Can Reveal About Your Heart

It may only take a minute and is absolutely painless, but an electrocardiogram can say a lot about how well your heart is beating. Learn more about the different types of electrocardiograms and when a cardiologist might recommend one.

Jan 3rd, 2023

All About A-Fib: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common disorder that affects your heart’s ability to beat normally, leading to blood clots and other serious cardiac concerns if left untreated. Read more about A-fib and treatments that restore healthy heart function.

Dec 5th, 2022

Why You Should Never Ignore Shortness of Breath

When you’re feeling breathless, you may think the problem is in your lungs. But did you know that shortness of breath can also signal heart problems? Our team explains how to spot the difference and when to call the doctor.

Nov 1st, 2022

Understanding Your Aneurysm Risk Factors

Unfortunately, you may not realize you have an aneurysm until it ruptures, which can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. However, certain health conditions do increase your risks of developing one. Check these facts about aneurysms.

Oct 6th, 2022

How Restful Sleep Improves Your Heart Health

Do you feel like you need a good excuse to get to bed at a reasonable hour tonight? How about preventing elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, and clogged coronary arteries? Check these facts about quality sleep and your heart health.

Sep 6th, 2022

Causes of Heart Palpitations

The fluttery feeling in your chest could be related to that extra cup of coffee this morning, your cold medication, or something more serious. Our team discusses the causes of heart palpitations and when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Aug 1st, 2022

What to Expect During Holter Monitoring

Does your heart feel like it’s beating too fast? Feeling dizzy on and off? Having more palpitations than usual? You might need a Holter monitoring test. Find out what that is and what it reveals about your heart.

Jul 1st, 2022

Are Heart Problems Genetic?

Genes do play a role in many heart problems. However, if you’re paying attention, your family history can serve as an early warning system for preventing severe illness. Check out the facts about how DNA affects heart health.

Jun 12th, 2022

What is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter is related to a short circuit in your heart’s electrical system that causes your heart to beat too quickly. Learn more about this potentially dangerous disorder that increases your stroke and heart failure risk.

May 1st, 2022

The Best Heart-Healthy Foods

Your diet plays a significant role in preventing heart disease, but a heart-healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to avoid tasty foods. Our specialty team provides tips on developing menus that please your taste buds as well as your heart.

Apr 7th, 2022

What You Should Know About Defibrillators

Defibrillators are common in hospital emergency rooms and ambulances. Many workplaces and community gathering sites also have a portable version in their first aid kit. Find out what these life-saving medical devices can and can’t do.

Mar 17th, 2022

Varicose Veins Run in My Family — Can I Prevent Them?

Varicose veins do tend to run in families. You can’t change your ancestry. You can, however, help lower your risk of developing these problematic veins by incorporating a few healthy habits into your daily routine.

Feb 28th, 2022

Is Chest Pain Serious?

Whether it’s a sharp twinge, a dull ache, or something more, chest pain tends to get attention. And it should. Our team talks about various types of chest pain and why you shouldn’t ignore them.

Jan 11th, 2022

HDL vs. LDL: Understanding Cholesterol and Your Health

Confused about what your “good” and “bad” cholesterol levels mean and why your doctor keeps mentioning your triglycerides? Our team highlights the importance of all three and discusses what you can do to change your numbers.

Dec 8th, 2021

What Causes Heart Valves to Fail?

Have you been told you might have valvular heart disease? Wondering what that is and how it’s treated? Our experts explain more about this potentially less familiar but relatively common heart condition that may be tied to longevity.

Nov 1st, 2021

What Conditions Can Be Treated with a Defibrillator?

If you’ve ever watched a television series that’s a medical drama, odds are you’ve seen at least one victim “shocked” back to life with an external defibrillator. Learn the truth about how defibrillators work.

Oct 4th, 2021

What Can I Expect After I Get Stents?

Wondering what happens once your cardiologist sends you home with stents in place? Here’s what our specialty team wants you to know about living your life after stent placement.

Sep 6th, 2021

How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Blood Pressure

Are you confused about how a condition that keeps you up at night causes problems with your blood pressure? Learn more about the health effects of sleep apnea and why effective treatment is so important.

Aug 5th, 2021

Using Vascular Ultrasound to Examine Your Varicose Veins

You may be familiar with an ultrasound that’s used to monitor the health and wellbeing of a baby during pregnancy. Did you know, though, that physicians also use ultrasound to gauge the health of your veins? Find out more.

Jul 19th, 2021

Does Stress Impact Your Heart?

You’ve likely heard that stress can cause anxiety, heartburn, and even wrinkles. But what does it do to your heart? Read what the specialists say about that.

Jun 23rd, 2021

The Link Between Your Diet and Heart Health

You’ve been hearing about heart healthy diets for years, but do they really make a difference? Our experts break down the facts about how what you eat affects your heart.

May 20th, 2021

Chest Pain: Is it Ever Normal?

For most of us, it’s not so much the chest pain itself but what’s causing the discomfort that worries us. Our experts share insight regarding chest pain and when it might be time to worry.

Apr 13th, 2021

Adjusting to Life with a Pacemaker

Once in place and functioning as programmed, a pacemaker can greatly improve your quality of life. Like all things new, however, there’s an adjustment period. Read our expert guidelines about living with a pacemaker.

Mar 10th, 2021

Are Heart Palpitations Dangerous?

Are you wondering about that strange fluttering you feel in your chest occasionally? Does it seem like your heart is beating faster than normal? Should you be worried? Read what our cardiologists say about palpitations and what they might mean.

Feb 12th, 2021

Am I at Risk for Hypertension?

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about half of all Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension). So? Learn what your blood pressure may reveal about your health and why it matters.

Jan 14th, 2021

What Can Be Learned from a Stress Test?

Your heart works differently at rest than it does when you’re under physical stress. Find out why your cardiologist may want to see how your heart handles a workout and what the results might say about your health.

Dec 9th, 2020

When a Pacemaker Is Necessary

It’s understandable if you feel anxious about needing a pacemaker. But the lifesaving benefits of these small medical devices far outweigh their very minimal risks and relatively minor inconvenience. Learn more about pacemakers and how they work.

Nov 10th, 2020

Measuring Heart Function with a MUGA Scan

Wondering how well your heart is functioning? Learn what a MUGA scan is and why a cardiologist might recommend it to check your heart health.

Oct 7th, 2020

Identifying Your Irregular Heart Rhythm with an Implantable Loop Recorder

To effectively treat the condition causing your irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), your doctor must know which type of arrhythmia you’re experiencing. Find out how a cardiologist uses an implantable loop recorder to do just that.

Sep 9th, 2020

The Benefits of Atherectomy for Improving Circulation

Are you experiencing pain, swelling, or skin discoloration in your ankles, feet, or legs? Minimally invasive atherectomy may be the solution for relieving your symptoms and restoring blood flow to your extremities. Read on to learn more.

Aug 13th, 2020

The Many Faces of Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia occurs when your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an uneven rhythm. Find out more about the different arrhythmia types and their possible impact on your health.

Jul 22nd, 2020

What Are the Different Types of Angina?

Angina, a general term for cardiac-related chest pain, is not a disease but a symptom that may signal problems with blood flow to your heart. It doesn’t always indicate, however, that you’re having a heart attack. What? Read on to learn more.

Jun 24th, 2020

5 Symptoms that May Mean You Need a Pacemaker

A pacemaker can keep your heart beating as it should and, in the process, help restore the physical energy and health often lost with many cardiac conditions. Find out more about pacemakers and the symptoms that suggest you might need one.

May 11th, 2020

Reduce Your Stroke Risk with the WATCHMAN™ Procedure

If you have atrial fibrillation and are at risk for stroke, you may have to take blood thinners for the rest of your life. Alternatively, the WATCHMAN™ implant may reduce the need for blood thinners and reduce your risk of stroke. Here’s how.

Mar 17th, 2020

What to Expect During and after a Stent Placement

If you need a stent to unblock a clogged artery, you may be wondering what happens during the procedure. Here’s what to expect during and after your stent placement.

Feb 4th, 2020

Start the New Year With a Healthy Heart: Why You Should Schedule a Stress Test

Do you struggle with heart problems or high blood pressure? Start the new year off the healthy way with a stress test, which can diagnose problems that can’t be seen when your heart is at rest. Read on to learn why you should schedule one today!

Jan 10th, 2020

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: Why They’re Not the Same

It's easy to confuse a heart attack with cardiac arrest. Both are serious problems relating to your heart, but causes and treatments for each are different. Read on to learn which is which and what you can do if you experience heart problems.

Dec 1st, 2019

WATCHMAN: Learn About the Only FDA-Approved Implant Proven to Reduce Stroke

Are you at increased risk for stroke? Are you currently on blood thinners, yet suffer in silence with the side effects? With the only FDA-approved device, the WATCHMAN, it is now possible to prevent stroke without medication.

Nov 1st, 2019

How to Protect Your Heart From Atrial Fibrillation

Do you suffer from heart palpitations that leave you dizzy, short of breath, and feeling pressure in your chest? You could be experiencing atrial fibrillation. Read on to learn what causes it and how you can treat it.

Oct 11th, 2019

Varicose Veins — More Than Just An Aesthetic Concern

Those enlarged, twisted veins on your legs may be more than a mere cosmetic concern. In some cases, varicose veins signal a greater, underlying health problem. Read on to learn more.

Sep 27th, 2019

Heart Attacks Don't Have An Age Preference

According to statistics, there are just as many reasons to be mindful about heart health during the twenties and thirties as there are in mid-life.

Aug 15th, 2019

SVT Could Be The Cause of Your Racing Heart

SVT is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. It results from an abnormality in the electrical impulses that cause the chambers of the heart muscle to contract.

Jul 29th, 2019

Catheter Ablation For AFib

Statistics indicate that over 2 million Americans are affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib). This cardiac condition is one of the most common types of arrhythmia.

Jul 15th, 2019

Addressing the role of family history in heart disease risk

Studies do suggest that a person’s family history does, in fact, have some connection to the risk of potentially serious conditions like heart disease.

Jun 30th, 2019

Types of Strokes and How To Lower Your Risk

Research suggests that approximately 80 percent of the strokes that occur could have been prevented. Here we discuss what a stroke is, the two kinds of strokes, and how you can reduce your risk.

Jun 15th, 2019

3 Tests to Get to Know Your Heart Better

Many men and women are affected by some type of heart disease without even a clue. Here, we propose 4 specific tests that can help you become more familiar with your heart as it is now as well as how it may be in the future.

May 30th, 2019

It's allergy season! What that might mean for you

From Springtime on into the summer months, millions of people struggle with allergies related to pollen and other environmental factors.

May 15th, 2019

Is It Anxiety or a Heart Problem?

Because anxiety can coincide with rapid heart rate, abnormal heartbeats, lightheadedness, and chest pain, many people wonder if they are having anxiety, a heart attack, or if symptoms indicate an underlying heart problem.

Apr 30th, 2019

Could your racing heart be caused by caffeine?

Whether you feel its effects or not, the fact is that caffeine does affect the heart. When caffeine is consumed in substantial amounts (and that can be a single energy drink), the level of epinephrine rises in the blood.

Apr 15th, 2019

More on Women and Heart Disease

In a recent article, we discussed the issue of heart disease and the subtle ways it presents in women, offering Susan Lucci’s recent health scare as an example.

Mar 30th, 2019

She acted on the signs, and it may have saved her life

The sensation that she was feeling that day, one of an elephant pressing on her chest, was the same described in that interview of a woman describing her symptoms before a heart attack. Listening to her intuition, Lucci immediately went to the hospital.

Mar 15th, 2019

Living with Atrial Fibrillation

If you have been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, your primary course of action may be to develop strategies that prevent episodes of heart fluttering. Here, we offer four easy suggestions.

Feb 28th, 2019

Slow Heart Rate: What You Need to Know

As a person gets older, they may experience a decline in their heart rate.

Feb 15th, 2019

New Risk Factors for Heart Disease Explained

Many people know that obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure put them at risk for heart disease. However, the bigger picture has recently expanded to include potentially sneaky factors that could pose a threat to heart health.

Jan 30th, 2019

My father had a heart attack, will I have one too?

Anyone who has a family history of heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery bypass surgery, or other incidents related to coronary artery disease may have one question: will I have it, too?

Dec 15th, 2018

November is American Diabetes Month, a Perfect Time to Talk

Increased awareness regarding diabetes is important to our patients due to the direct relationship between this chronic health condition and cardiovascular disease.

Nov 15th, 2018

Want to lower your blood pressure? Here are some workable strategies!

Blood pressure can be managed with prescription medication. However, many people ask how they can either avoid medication, limit their time on it, or support their prescribed treatment plan. We have strategies and will share them with you here.

Oct 30th, 2018

What is a Cardiac PET Scan?

PET stands for positron emission tomography. The scan is a type of imaging test that is performed with a special dye, called contrast media.

Oct 15th, 2018

Study suggests that coffee has cardiovascular benefits

Here, we discuss the findings of a recent study that indicate a potentially profound chain of events that occurs with coffee consumption.

Sep 15th, 2018

Smoking or Weight Gain: Does One Have to Choose?

People who quit smoking gain both health and financial benefits. These are obviously things to cheer about.

Aug 30th, 2018

Take a Hike! Your Heart Will Thank You

When you hear the term “hike,” do you imagine huffing it up a steep mountain or scrambling over rocky surfaces?

Jul 30th, 2018

Beating the Summer Heat Keeps Your Heart Healthy

The hotter it gets outside, the more we need to focus on hydration and sun protection. We also need to take precautions with exercise and overall heat safety. Good habits are especially important for those with a cardiovascular condition.

Jun 30th, 2018

Dad, You Need to Listen to Your Heart!

There’s one more thing about June that makes it notable: it’s National Men’s Health Month.

Jun 15th, 2018

Here’s What a Cardiac CT May Show

Here, we want to discuss a few of the cardiac details that can be observed with cardiac CT, or Computerized Tomography.

May 30th, 2018

Who Should See a Cardiologist?

There are several reasons a person may need to see a cardiologist aside from what we have listed here.

May 15th, 2018

Cardiac Stress Testing: What is It and Who Should Get It?

If your doctor recommends that you have a cardiac stress test, know that there is nothing to fear. Here, we discuss what a cardiac stress test is and why it is beneficial.

Apr 30th, 2018

Tips for Managing Cholesterol Levels

As you may know, there is “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol. Working with your healthcare provider, your important job is to manage the two.

Apr 15th, 2018

Let’s Talk about Echocardiograms

Two common diagnostic tests performed include the echocardiogram and the stress echo (also an echocardiogram). Here, we want to discuss the details of each.

Mar 30th, 2018

Here’s What Just One Cigarette a Day Can Do

Here, we take a look at recent research from a study at UCL Cancer Institute at University College in London.

Mar 15th, 2018

Aspirin Really Does Help Cardiovascular Health

For many years, experts have extolled the use of low-dose aspirin to achieve this goal. Recent research further supports this recommendation and goes beyond the general guideline to demonstrate what happens if this protocol is stopped.

Feb 28th, 2018

Study Suggests Women Benefit from Increasing their Physical Activity

We often hear about the value of healthy eating and exercise for heart health (and weight management, and much more). However, what may be questionable about such suggestions is the range of exercise that is most beneficial.

Feb 15th, 2018

Does Your Heart Need a Checkup?

The body can tell you a lot when you listen. The problem is, when “interesting” signs and symptoms appear, what we really want to do is turn away.

Jan 30th, 2018

Could You be Facing Unknown Triggers for Afib?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to approximately 6 million Americans may have atrial fibrillation. Many of them don’t know it.

Jan 15th, 2018

Thinking of Becoming Vegetarian? Here’s How Your Body Can Benefit!

Obvious warning: going vegetarian does nothing for your health if your diet is filled with sugar and processed foods loaded with carbs and sodium.

Jan 14th, 2018

Heart Healthy Habits Also Support Optimal Aging

Here, we discuss a recent study that suggests a correlation between heart-healthy habits and cognitive health in the aging process.

Dec 30th, 2017

For Optimal Health, Look at Fat, not Weight

It may be the mountain of data that creates confusion related to body weight, body fat, and general health. We want to break it down into simpler terms.

Nov 30th, 2017

To Protect your Brain, Take Care of Your Veins

According to the chair of the department of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Albert Hofman, approximately 30% of a dementia diagnosis can be attributed to some vascular disorder.

Nov 15th, 2017