Blog Archive
Your circulatory system includes arteries that carry freshly oxygenated blood from your heart to the rest of your body, including your abdominal organs, arms, and legs. These are peripheral arteries, which are vital to your overall health. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New Hyde Park, Jamaica, and Forest...
The heart is an incredible organ that relies on electrical signals to maintain a steady and synchronized beat. However, when these signals go awry, you can develop life-threatening arrhythmias. Our specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York use electrophysiology studies to obtain detailed information about your heart’s electrical system....
Detecting rhythm irregularities early can prevent serious health complications linked to an abnormal heartbeat, ranging from stroke to sudden cardiac death. Our Premier Cardiology Consultants team uses reliable, highly advanced testing to detect and treat heart arrhythmias. From studies that provide a 60-second glimpse of your heart’s rhythm to long-term...
Most adult hearts beat steadily at about 60-100 beats per minute. That’s approximately 100,000 times a day, or 3 billion times over an average lifespan. We expect heart rates to vary depending on age, activity, and fitness level. For instance, your heart typically beats more slowly when you’re resting than...
Chest discomfort is understandably alarming and shouldn’t be ignored. However, how quickly you seek help sometimes depends on the nature of the pain and other symptoms you might experience. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants provides personalized, top-level cardiac care for patients of all ages. You can visit us at...
Your heart sends alerts when it’s not functioning effectively, from dizziness to extreme fatigue to swelling in the legs and feet. However, it takes some investigation to determine precisely what’s causing the problem. A MUGA scan helps with that. Our team of board-certified cardiologists at Premier Cardiology Consultants serves residents...
Despite its prevalence, hypertension often goes undetected because symptoms are nearly silent – until it leads to severe health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and death. The cardiologists at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York City can help with the health complications of elevated blood pressure. However, we’d prefer to...
Your body needs cholesterol. However, not all cholesterol types are equally beneficial. Understanding the difference between LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is crucial for maintaining heart health and overall well-being. Our team of interventional cardiologists at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York have significant expertise in diagnosing and...
Heart palpitations are common, typically temporary, and not usually dangerous. However, because their causes can range from too much caffeine to a structural problem within the heart, they do require a second look. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants offers NYC residents comprehensive cardiology care, including diagnosing and treating the...
Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States. It’s also one of the most treatable or preventable chronic diseases, highly amenable to changes in diet and other heart-healthy habits. From early detection to treatment monitoring, the insights provided by nuclear imaging are instrumental in...
Exercise is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, offering numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. However, chest pain after exercise could indicate a problem with your heart. The discomfort could also stem from numerous other issues that may or may not be life-threatening. Our team at Premier...
When healthy, the human heart tirelessly pumps blood to nourish every cell in the body. Unfortunately, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 33 seconds. One way of combatting heart-related mortality is identifying and treating conditions or areas of...
When it comes to health concerns, many people associate heart disease with aging. However, the reality is that heart disease, still the number one cause of death in the United States, doesn't discriminate based on age. In fact, the early warning signs of coronary artery disease, a common cause of...
A stroke is an urgent medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. This lack of blood deprives the brain cells of oxygen, leading to cell death. The aftermath of a stroke can be devastating. Thus, preventing strokes is a significant focus for many...
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is often called the "silent killer" because many people do not exhibit symptoms until the condition becomes severe or causes complications, including heart disease, stroke, and irreversible kidney damage. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants is committed to providing information that helps our fellow New Yorkers...
The MUGA (multi-gated acquisition) scan or radionuclide angiogram is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure to evaluate how well your heart functions. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York City may include a MUGA scan as part of your workup when diagnosing and treating heart failure and other conditions that...
According to CDC estimates, nearly one million Americans have a heart attack each year. And surviving a heart attack often depends on how quickly you receive medical care. The first step then is to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which can vary significantly between women and...
During exercise, your body requires more oxygen to fuel the increased physical demand. This leads to faster and deeper breathing, a normal physiologic response often described as shortness of breath. However, there are times when shortness of breath with exertion signals potential health issues that need further investigation. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants is...
Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in our bodies and certain foods, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including cell generation and hormone production. However, an excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (so-called "bad" cholesterol) can contribute to heart disease. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants takes a comprehensive approach to...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 805,000 adults in the U.S. have a heart attack each year. That’s about one person every 40 seconds. Fortunately, most people survive their first heart attack, and sticking with treatment guidelines during recovery can help you live a long...
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. But it’s not the most common cause of chest pain. That title belongs to digestive disorders such as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But heart-related chest pain is often mistaken for indigestion, and many people...
Defibrillators are standard equipment in most medical facilities. Physicians use them to deliver an electric pulse to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during cardiac arrest. In addition, automated portable defibrillators are available for use outside hospitals and clinics. There is even a model small enough to fit inside...
Nearly half of the adults in the United States have elevated blood pressure (hypertension). Long-term health complications related to uncontrolled hypertension are significant. Fortunately, medication and lifestyle changes can usually keep your blood pressure under control. The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants offers quality cardiology care to people throughout New York City. Many of...
Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) have been around since the 1800s. The machines used in the early tests have undergone significant changes, including drastic downsizing. The first EKG machine weighed 600 pounds. Today’s digital consumer version is available via a smartphone app. However, despite its age, the EKG remains one of the...
Our team of board-certified cardiologists at Premier Cardiology Consultants is known for offering advanced cardiac diagnostic studies and top-level care to people throughout New York City. We’re happy to provide more information about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and the treatments available for this common...
Shortness of breath is a symptom of numerous illnesses or chronic health conditions, ranging from anxiety to carbon monoxide poisoning to abnormal curvature of the spine (kyphoscoliosis). Most often, however, shortness of breath is related to your lungs or heart, sometimes both. The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants is well...
An aneurysm occurs in an area of damage or weakness in an artery. Many remain symptomatic throughout your life. However, they can eventually leak or rupture, causing severe health complications. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants explains the potential health complications related to an aneurysm and the factors that increase your risk. What is...
Along with helping you feel alert and ready to face the day’s challenges, a good night’s sleep can keep your heart beating its best. Restful sleep is also great for your digestion, nervous system, circulation, and bone health. Unfortunately, one in three adults admits they don’t get the seven to eight hours...
Although palpitations are usually a temporary heart flutter that’s safe to ignore, they can indicate an underlying medical concern that requires attention. The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants explains the causes of heart palpitations and what they might mean about your cardiac health. What does a heart palpitation feel like? People often describe palpitations...
Holter monitoring is a cardiac test that New York’s Premier Cardiology Consultants may recommend if a standard EKG doesn’t provide enough detail about your heart health. The team explains the benefits of Holter monitoring and why they may recommend this painless but lengthy diagnostic study. What is Holter monitoring? A Holter monitoring test...
The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants offers New York residents a wide range of advanced diagnostic studies and treatments for managing and preventing heart disease. Read what these experts say about genetics and cardiovascular disease and how you can use that information to help prevent heart attack, stroke, and other disabling illnesses. Understanding genetics and your...
Atrial flutter can make you feel like your heart is fluttering or beating much faster than the average rate of 60-100 beats per minute. Without treatment, atrial flutter can eventually cause several serious health problems. Fortunately, it often responds well to medication or an outpatient procedure called catheter ablation. The...
Healthy nutrition is often at the top of the list when you’re focusing on improving or maintaining your heart health. You’re not alone, though, if the many messages about what you should and shouldn’t eat leave you feeling overwhelmed and more than slightly confused. The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants,...
Defibrillators come in a variety of styles and types. Yours may be small enough to fit in your chest or smart enough to give you explicit instructions about when and how to use it. All defibrillators, however, are designed to do just one thing — restore a normal life-saving rhythm...
While most people are mainly concerned with the cosmetic effects of varicose veins, they can also cause persistent leg swelling, open skin ulcerations, and other painful symptoms that make them difficult to ignore. The team of board-certified specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants offers state-of-the-art cardiac care to patients of all...
It’s natural to think “heart” whenever you experience chest pain. And you should take it seriously since it’s one of the warning signs of a heart attack. You might be relieved to learn, however, that chest pain is not always about your heart. Our team of board-certified cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and...
The CDC estimates that about 94 million adults over the age of 20, and 7% of children aged six to 19 in the United States, have high cholesterol, which greatly increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It makes sense then that cholesterol is likely one of...
According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, valvular heart disease affects about 5 million individuals in the United States. It may not receive the same media attention as artery-clogging atherosclerosis and other potentially life-threatening heart ailments. Notably, however, the health ramifications of valve failure...
Contrary to popular fiction, a defibrillator can’t bring your heart back to life once it’s flatlined or stopped beating completely. The device can, however, deliver an electric jolt that kicks your heart back into a more regular, life-saving rhythm if you’re experiencing a dangerous arrhythmia that may lead to sudden...
Stents are relatively tiny medical devices that specialists use to help maintain adequate blood flow through arteries clogged by atherosclerosis. But can a small mesh-like tube that’s about ⅛-inch in diameter really save your life? Yes. The physicians and support staff at Premier Cardiology Consultants are well-known for using the...
Sleep apnea is a disorder that prevents you from getting restful sleep, often causing daytime drowsiness, irritation, and forgetfulness. Did you know, though, that it can also have a significant impact on your blood pressure? The board-certified specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants, known for providing the highest-quality cardiac care available...
The board-certified specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants, with locations throughout New York City, have earned a solid reputation for providing top-level care that combines medical expertise with the most advanced technology available. Read how they use vascular ultrasound to map the blood flow through your veins, and why that matters...
You may acknowledge that rushed deadlines, stalled traffic, and other daily stressors can affect your emotional self. Did you know, though, that stress can cause physical changes to your heart? The cardiac specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants discuss the effects of stress on your heart, and share tips on how...
Amazing developments in medical technology and technique are able to improve your odds of overcoming the devastating effects of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Yet heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death worldwide, claiming about 655,000 American lives every year. According to the Centers...
There’s nothing “normal” about pain. Joints, muscles, tendons, and other tissue structures experiencing discomfort reach out via nerve connections to sound an alarm and let your brain know that something isn’t quite right. But what does chest pain indicate? Is it always related to your heart? How can you tell?...
Premier Cardiology Consultants’ mission is to offer comprehensive and personalized cardiac care to people of all ages in New York City and its surrounding counties. We have four beautiful facilities — in New Hyde Park on Long Island and Forest Hills, Rochdale, Jamaica, and Richmond Hill, in Queens, New York...
Even perfectly healthy hearts may seem to skip a beat now and then. But is that occasional irregularity, commonly known as a heart palpitation, dangerous? Maybe. Maybe not. Premier Cardiology Consultants provides stellar cardiac care to New Yorkers from locations in New Hyde Park on Long Island, and Forest Hills,...
Have you ever wondered why someone checks your blood pressure every time you visit the doctor’s office? It seems to be part of the routine — whether you’re there for a headache, a sore throat, or a painful big toe. What’s your blood pressure got to do with any of...
The specialists here at Premier Cardiology Consultants are known for using the most accurate diagnostic studies available to measure your heart’s health. We’re pleased to offer outstanding cardiac care to residents throughout New York City from five convenient locations. We’re also committed to providing education about your heart function and...
You may be surprised to learn that your heart has a built-in electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat, but it’s key to your overall health. An abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) can cause death. When this natural electrical system isn’t functioning properly, an implanted pacemaker can...
Heart disease remains a significant health concern in the United States, affecting about 30 million individuals and leading to more than 647,000 deaths per year. The good news? Technology and advances in medical science continue to improve the outcome for individuals diagnosed with heart disease. Highly rated for their medical...
When it’s functioning normally, your heart beats at a steady rate and rhythm of from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias occur when your heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or with an irregular rhythm. A persistent arrhythmia can cause dizziness, fainting, stroke, and even cardiac arrest. The board-certified...
Did you know that the same plaque buildup that reduces blood flow in the arteries feeding your heart can also affect the vessels supplying vital, nutrient-rich blood to your legs and feet? Known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), this progressive condition affects over 8.5 million Americans and can greatly impair...
The average human heart beats about 100,000 times a day at a specific rate and rhythm. While an occasional skipped beat or palpitation isn’t typically serious, a pattern of irregularity can have a significant impact on your physical wellbeing. The expert team at Premier Cardiology Consultants is well-known for providing...
Chest pain is a primary symptom of a heart attack. Angina is cardiac-related chest pain. So, if you have angina, does that mean you’re having a heart attack? No. A heart attack is what happens when blood flow to your heart is blocked. Angina occurs when arteries carrying blood to...
Centuries before the first implantable pacemaker arrived on scene in 1958, medical pioneers such as Hippocrates, and even revered philosophers like Aristotle, were interested in how heart rhythms affected one’s physical health and overall wellbeing. Great advances in medical technology, combined with a better understanding of how the heart works,...
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of long-term disability. The risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after your 55th birthday. Are you at risk of stroke? Learn how you can reduce your risk with the...
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the major arteries in your heart often caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. In the United States, coronary artery disease affects more than 16 million men and women. Left untreated, this disease can continue to make your arteries narrower,...
Heart problems aren’t always visible when your heart is at rest. That's why stress tests are so important. They can help find problematic heart conditions, determine the cause of various symptoms, and let your care provider know if you need more extensive treatments. Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants, with multiple...
It's easy to confuse a heart attack with cardiac arrest, since both are serious problems that impact your heart. The key to telling the difference is to consider the cause. Heart attacks are caused by problems with your circulation, while cardiac arrest is an electrical issue. Because of this difference,...
Are you tired of taking your blood-thinning medication day after day? Are you ready to be free of blood thinners for good? Ditch blood thinners and their side effects forever with the only FDA-approved implant, the WATCHMAN. At Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York, our practitioners can help determine if...
Every year, more than 2 million Americans experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation, often described as a fluttering feeling in the chest caused by out-of-sync heart movements. Atrial fibrillation can put you at a much higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Understanding your condition and how to avoid episodes of...
About half of men and women have varicose veins by the time they reach age 50. Bulging, twisted and blue or dark purple in color, they’re easy to identify. And in most instances, they aren’t medically concerning. Sometimes though, varicose veins are symptomatic of a medical problem that requires intervention....
Heart health is not something that typically becomes a hot topic of discussion until we reach a certain age. You know, the age when our wrinkles become impossible to ignore and out stamina just isn’t what it used to be. According to statistics, there are just as many reasons to...
When exercising or exerting yourself, you may not be surprised by an increase in your heart rate. While sleeping or relaxing with a good book, however, a racing heart can be quite alarming. At rest, there is no reason whatsoever for the heart to pound uncontrollably. This type of event...
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. More than a frightening sensation of quivering, irregular heartbeat, AFib can present some potentially serious risks for complications, including heart failure, stroke, and blood clots. We...
For years, there has been a fair amount of confusion related to the “nature versus nurture” concept as it relates to the development of the disease. 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....
Statistics indicate that nearly 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year. Currently, strokes are listed as the fifth leading cause of death in our country. This can sound disturbing. What we want you to know is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Research suggests that approximately 80 percent...
The heart gets a fair amount of attention. Over hundreds of years, the heart has become the symbol of affection and love. Additionally, we know that the heart is central to health and longevity. When the heart is strong, we can expect to enjoy good overall health. A sick heart,...
From Springtime on into the summer months, millions of people struggle with allergies related to pollen and other environmental factors. Because they are so widely available, the common perception of over-the-counter allergy medications is that they are safe. This Isn’t Necessarily A Given. Allergy drugs, both prescription and commercial, can...
Studies suggest that approximately 11 percent of the population suffers from a general anxiety disorder at some point during their lifetime. Anxiety may be felt like a general but low sense of unease, or it may come and go in moments of stress. For some, anxiety involves panic attacks, events...
It is not uncommon to hear patients say that, when they started experiencing racing or skipping a heartbeat, they stopped drinking caffeinated beverages. In general, there is a widespread perception that caffeine may be a root cause of a racing heart, even in light of our overwhelming consumption of caffeinated...
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. Hearing that heart disease is the number one killer of women can feel frightening, understandably. For that reason, we want to follow...
Even those who did not grow up watching soap operas, the name Susan Lucci probably sounds familiar. The beloved soap opera star, age 72, has also appeared in television commercials and other shows, including Dancing with the Stars, through the years. Recently, the actress revealed that she had undergone emergency...
Discovering the cause of fluttering heart episodes can be both enlightening and a little frightening. Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heartbeat, one that may occur due to damage within the heart’s electrical system. Atrial fibrillation, known as Afib, may stem from coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, or other...
As a person gets older, they may experience a decline in their heart rate. Referred to as bradycardia, a slower-than-normal heart rate is not an uncommon situation. It is, however, one that your doctor will want to monitor and for which treatment may become necessary. At rest, everyone’s heart rate slows...
Historically speaking, people of a certain age tend to become aware of potential risks to their long-term health. 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...
The need to protect the heart is well-known. As we have discovered the various aspects involved in long-term heart health – and the lack thereof – more people are creating lifestyle habits that reduce their risk of heart disease and cardiac events. More people are reaching for whole foods and...
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? The question is warranted, and it’s a good one to ask because it provides the opportunity to see how...
The term “holiday heart syndrome” first appeared in 1987, when 24 patient cases were studied during the holiday season. Each of the patients in the study visited the hospital with atrial fibrillation, a condition with symptoms including heart palpitations, light-headedness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Atrial fibrillation occurs when...
Approximately 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes. It is estimated that another 8 million have undiagnosed diabetes and that 86 million Americans show signs of prediabetes. November is American Diabetes Month, and November 9th was National Diabetes Heart Health Awareness Day. Increased awareness...
High blood pressure is an epidemic in our country and one that we shouldn’t take lightly. Statistics from the CDC reveal that 1 in 3 adults in our country has high blood pressure. That accounts for about 75 million of us. What is more concerning is that many more people may...
Diagnostic tests are routinely performed to obtain valuable information regarding a person’s general health. Tests like ultrasounds and EKGs obtain data that helps doctors reach accurate conclusions about the symptoms a patient may be having. Every test is unique in some way. Here, we discuss the cardiac PET scan, what it is,...
Heart disease is a prevalent health problem for men and women. It has been estimated that 1 in 3 men develop heart disease. Because people with heart disease have a higher risk for cardiac events such as heart attack, it is vital to recognize the signs of this disease, as well...
Coffee is the morning beverage of choice for millions of people. The aroma, the rich flavor, and let’s not forget the nice little jolt of caffeine that comes in each cup. With every sip, the coffee lover feels more prepared to face the day. These aren’t the only attractive aspects...
People who quit smoking gain both health and financial benefits. These are obviously things to cheer about. What smokers don’t cheer about is the assumption that they will inevitably gain weight when they quit smoking. The issue of weight gain is certainly not one we should overlook. However, what smokers might find...
A recent study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation investigated the factors behind the relatively short life expectancy in our country. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations, the United States ranked #31 in the world for life expectancy. Why wouldn’t we want to explore the potential reasons...
When you hear the term “hike,” do you imagine huffing it up a steep mountain or scrambling over rocky surfaces? This may be somewhat accurate. However, it would be on the extreme end of the spectrum. Hiking is a common pastime that, according to experts, is appropriate for people of...
Several terms are commonly used to describe heart attacks; none of them are particularly helpful. Some, such as the grim-sounding “widow-maker,” can even cause unnecessary stress and confusion. While there is a need for quick and straightforward terminology, we realize the anxiety such terms may create. Here, we discuss the...
At first, the heat and humidity of summer can feel like a welcome reprieve from the freezing conditions of winter. As the temperature rises, though, new concerns come into play. The hotter it gets outside, the more we need to focus on hydration and sun protection. We also need to...
June can mean a lot to any father. For some, this is a month in which they get to watch high-school children transition into an exciting new stage of life. June also marks the beginning of summer fun for many families and, of course, Father’s Day is celebrated at this...
Clinical technologies are vital to the field of cardiology. In recent years, improvements in imaging modalities have helped cardiologists around the world observe various aspects of the heart in greater detail. We now have technology that enables us to see the beating heart, which allows us to provide the best...
The term “cardiovascular disease” is not unfamiliar these days, though it may commonly be called heart disease. Most people have some degree of awareness of the dangers of poor heart health. Generally, we are aware that our diet, lifestyle, and genetic makeup are involved in how well the heart functions...
If cardiac stress testing is not something you’ve ever had, this diagnostic screening may sound intimidating. Standing alone, the word stress is used to describe something “bad,” so putting the word cardiac alongside it may double its negative connotation. Let us assure you that cardiac stress testing need not be a complicated...
Cholesterol is a liver byproduct that serves an important role in physical function. For example, cholesterol is involved in the production of several hormones, and it lends flexibility to the walls of our cells. As you may know, there is “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol. Working with your healthcare provider,...
There are some ways in which doctors can observe heart function and several reasons why we would want to. By observing the heart in motion, we can understand better the potential reasons for various symptoms that may be occurring and are then better able to manage heart health. Two common...
Most people today are well aware of the dangers of smoking. The evidence is just too hard to ignore. On the other hand, the chemical constitution of cigarettes is so addictive that, once this habit is picked up, it can be one of the most difficult to quit. What many...
For individuals with a family or personal history of cardiac events or conditions such as high blood pressure, maintaining heart health is an important topic of discussion. 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...
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. Sure, any amount of physical activity is going to be good for the...
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. This kind of denial can lead to serious consequences. Here, we want to discuss a few ways your heart may be asking...
Atrial fibrillation, known as afib, is a condition that reflects an irregularity in a person’s heartbeat. Either the heart pumps too quickly or at an erratic pace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to approximately 6 million Americans may have atrial fibrillation. Many of them don’t...
There is a lot of interest in meat-free diets these days, with everyone who “goes vegetarian” having their reasons for doing so. The journey from carnivore to herbivore may not be the easiest for some people, but the endeavor can be more than a little worthwhile, especially when care is...
Staying abreast of research is an important aspect of patient care. Our team is committed to learning and following studies that facilitate a better understanding of how the body works. In so doing, we can support patients as they pave a path for a life of heart and brain health....
We all know that the lack of good sleep can make us feel foggy and cranky. As research continues on the topic of sleep patterns and long-term health and wellness, we are gaining insight into the immense value of several hours of deep, restful sleep. Recently, researchers have discovered a...
For many years now, there have been strong recommendations (and societal norms) related to weight. What is healthy? What is healthy for a man versus a woman? How do we manage the “natural” weight gain that occurs with age? These are all questions that people have even in light of...
Brain function is something that may diminish somewhat as we age, at least that is what many people believe. The truth is, our cognitive abilities do not have to decline sharply. We don’t have to forget important information or live in fear of dementia. When we know the factors that...
Usually, we celebrate when our blood pressure is a nice, low measurement. The reason that blood pressure is a common test performed on adults of all ages is that numbers that are higher than normal indicate an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. While the desire for lower blood...
Heart disease is a potentially serious condition that can affect men and women of all ages (even younger adults). However, research suggests that there are certain times in life when more heart-affecting risk factors exist. It used to be thought that the time after a woman stopped menstruating were some of...
Most adults have felt it a time or two: that thump or fluttering sensation in the chest. This may occur while engaging in some physical activity, like working out or working in the yard. Arrhythmias may also occur for seemingly no good reason at all. In many cases, this sensation...
We see bumper stickers dedicated to pets all the time. A popular message of late is “Who rescued who?” Whether a cherished pet was rescued from a shelter or not, this sentiment of love between a furry companion and owner cannot be denied. But the love that a human and...
Heart health is integral to optimal circulation. Blood is pumped from the heart, out into the body via a system of arteries and veins. When the arteries to the extremities, the head, and the stomach become narrow, a person may receive a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease or PAD. Statistics...
When you think of those whom you love, you might say that you feel it with your whole heart. We associate the heart with feeling and giving love, but we also need to recognize that the heart, the actual organ that beats without us having to ask, needs to get...
Based on the telltale signs most people associate with “The Big One,” you would think that you would know without a doubt if a cardiac event were to occur. Interestingly enough, almost fifty-percent of heart-attack victims don’t put two and two together at the time of their event. Are they...
Yoga is the hot new trend in fitness these days, and pretty much just a hot new trend in general. Those who try it once or twice tend to fall in love with the stretches, the poses; the savasana pose that ends all yoga practice. Those who haven’t yet tried...
As one of the most common cardiovascular problems today, coronary artery disease is an important topic of discussion between doctors and their patients. Sometimes, this condition is referred to as atherosclerosis. These terms are used to describe plaque buildup in the blood vessels that lead to the heart. The accumulation...
Over 20 million American adults have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, the diabetic condition in which the body is not efficient in its use of glucose. It is estimated that at least 8 million more have diabetes but don’t know it. Whether due to insufficient insulin production or an...
Physical activity is one of the primary factors in leading a long and healthy life. We live in a day and age of extremism, though, including sports and methods of exercise. This can lead one to overdo what is best suited to their body. Here, we will break down the...
There is no planning for a heart attack. Therefore, the occurrence of such a cardiac event is highly likely to cause what we would describe as “aftershocks,” emotional reaction to the unexpected and potentially fatal experience. Research indicates that there are several common responses that a heart-attack victim may encounter,...
If you have been told that you have heart disease, a blockage in the coronary arteries, there is one thing we know for sure: you are frightened. This is the obvious response that most patients have when they realize that they may never look at their health and lifestyle the...
The experience of a cardiac event is not one that we think of and say “Boy! I hope I get to do that!” No. As much as possible, most people would love to avoid any unpleasant symptoms or conditions affecting their hearts. And yet, heart disease and other conditions continue...
As springtime progresses into full bloom, more of us are looking for ways to get outdoors more often, and to get into better shape. Perhaps there is no greater benefit to being physically fit than the general health one experiences. We all know that activity is important to a healthy...
Valentine’s Day is just barely behind us, which means you just might have a box of chocolates you’ve been eyeballing every time you look in the pantry or fridge. You don’t want to toss out the evidence of someone’s affection for you, but you don’t want to ruin your health...
Stenosis. It is a term used to describe the narrowing of some pathways. Aortic stenosis is a diagnosis that may sound frightening due to its relation to the blood flow coming from the heart. As you can imagine, the aortic valve is integral to a fully-operational heart. The presence of...
Individuals who have been diagnosed with heart disease or any cardiovascular condition that may require ongoing care know the value of building trust within the doctor-patient relationship. We recognize the importance of trust, as well. Our staff of physicians and assistants know the unsettling feeling that goes hand-in-hand with heart...
For many years now, Americans’ love for wine (red wine, in particular) has continually grown. Much of the hoopla stems from an early 1990’s report that touted the health benefits of resveratrol, in which research suggested that the regular consumption of cheese and red wine was at the heart of...
In order to live life to the fullest, you need a healthy heart. If you find yourself in our office, or in front of any cardiac specialist, you may have so many questions that you have difficulty forming them into complete thoughts in your head. The idea that you may...
Sodium. It’s a substance that people are told to limit when they visit the doctor, especially if they have any type of heart problem or high blood pressure. The reason that sodium, found in table salt and much more, as we will see, should be limited is that it causes...
The holiday season seems to creep up on us every year. One minute, we’re preparing for trick-or-treaters and the next, Buddy the Elf is on every television channel and holiday songs on every radio station. Whether you bounce right through the holidays or you would describe your journey as more...
Current statistics indicate that heart disease is a major problem for men and women around the world, taking nearly 7 million lives annually. Earlier this year, the American Heart Association joined with Google’s Life Sciences division to announce a $50 million contribution to research and development for a specific group...
If you have had the sensation of a quickly-beating heart, irregular beats, a flip-flop or fluttering sensation, or have occasionally felt as though your heart is skipping, you may have more than a slight concern that your heart is not functioning at optimal capacity. If your heart flutters are accompanied...
Over the past several decades, research has revealed more than we have ever known about what makes the heart tick, quite literally. We now have a number of tips on how to keep the heart healthy, such as avoiding processed, fried foods high in saturated fat. Most experts also encourage...
The various changes that a woman’s body encounters over time are too numerous to list. The major change that gets a great deal of attention, as it should, is the cessation of menstruation. Historically, jabs have been made about the monthly period, with women lamenting its exit from their lives...
We often hear of how we can take better care of ourselves to prevent heart attacks. Here, we want to discuss the issue of the “brain attack,” or stroke. Research is showing an increase in the number of strokes, especially among relatively young women. Because one cannot predict the onset of this...
According to previous studies, researchers have believed for some time that individuals who suffer a stroke may be more prone to depression following their event. In a more recent study, the correlation between the event and the chronic state of depression was studied in reverse, and the findings were quite...
Stress has become a prevalent problem that, in many Americans, simply goes unmanaged. Daily life seems to require our full attention from the moment we wake to the moment we drift off into an often restless sleep. The more we are learning about stress, though, the more we encourage our...