by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Heart palpitations are a common sensation where your heart feels like it's racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. The episodes can happen when you’re active or resting, and you might feel them in your chest or your throat.
Palpitations can be unsettling, and it’s normal to want to know what’s behind them. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in heart care, and we’re here to help you get to the root of your heart palpitations.
Most of the time, heart palpitations are harmless — but frequent or severe palpitations warrant a comprehensive evaluation to determine their underlying cause. Here’s what you should know.
Getting a comprehensive evaluation for heart palpitations
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we take your heart health seriously. That’s why we follow a systematic approach to diagnose the root cause of your heart palpitations and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Medical history and symptom review
We begin by discussing your medical history and current symptoms. This includes assessing lifestyle factors, like stress levels, exercise routines, and stimulant intake like caffeine or nicotine.
We ask questions about your emotional health and evaluate you for conditions like chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or panic disorders, all of which can contribute to heart palpitations.
Last but not least, we consider any existing medical conditions or known health issues you have. For example, thyroid disorders and anemia can impact heart health, and hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause can also have an effect.
Diagnostic tests
Based on your initial assessment, Dr. Patel may recommend some diagnostic tests to better understand the potential causes of your heart palpitations. These can include:
Blood tests to detect preexisting conditions like anemia or thyroid imbalances
Stress test to evaluate how your heart functions under physical exertion
Doppler ultrasound to examine blood flow and pressure in your heart's chambers and valves
Echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart that provides detailed images of its structure and function
These evaluations aim to uncover any underlying conditions contributing to your palpitations. Once we understand what’s behind your heart palpitations, we work with you to address the issue and manage your health.
Understanding common causes and treatments for heart palpitations
Understanding the root cause of any health issue is key for effective treatment, and heart palpitations are no exception. Every case is unique, but some of the most common causes we see are:
Lifestyle factors
Stress, anxiety, excessive caffeine or nicotine intake, and strenuous exercise can all trigger palpitations. In these cases, we often recommend starting by proactively managing stress and reducing stimulant consumption to help alleviate symptoms.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances can lead to palpitations. While pregnancy-related palpitations typically resolve on their own after delivery, addressing these other hormonal factors with medication and lifestyle adjustments can also help reduce palpitations.
Arrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms may cause palpitations. Treatment options range from medications to procedures like ablation, and treating the arrhythmia often has a positive effect on palpitations.
Medical conditions
Underlying conditions like hyperthyroidism or anemia can contribute to palpitations. Fortunately, by proactively managing the condition itself, you can reduce symptoms like palpitations and improve your overall well-being.
If you're experiencing heart palpitations and you’re concerned about what it might mean for your health, our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here for you. Contact us online or call our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, to schedule an evaluation and take proactive steps toward better heart health.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Heart disease is a leading cause of illness and death in the United States, but it’s not a single condition. It’s actually an umbrella term that includes a range of cardiovascular problems. Understanding the different types of heart disease is the first step in recognizing risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
The Heart Smart Program at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is designed to help you take control of your heart health. From prevention to expert diagnosis and long-term heart disease management, we’re with you every step of the way.
Here’s more information about five of the most common types of heart disease and how we can help you manage them.
1. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
CAD is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when plaque buildup — leading to a condition called atherosclerosis — narrows or blocks the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle.
These blockages limit blood flow and can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.
2. Heart arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can make your heart beat too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm. Common arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia.
While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can increase your risk of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest. Symptoms of arrhythmias can include palpitations, dizziness, and fainting.
3. Heart failure
Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working, but it does mean your heart can’t pump blood as efficiently as it should. Heart failure is typically a result of other conditions like CAD or high blood pressure.
Inefficient blood flow can lead to fluid buildup in your lungs, legs, and other parts of your body. Common symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and difficulty breathing — especially during physical activity or when you’re lying down.
4. Valvular heart disease
Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. Valvular heart disease develops when one or more of these valves doesn’t open or close properly.
Common causes of valvular disease are stenosis (narrowing), regurgitation (leakage), or prolapse, and symptoms can range from mild fatigue to severe shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
5. Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease refers to heart problems present at birth. Some are detected and treated early, while others may not show symptoms until adulthood. Congenital heart defects can affect your heart’s structure and function, and may require monitoring or surgery, depending on severity.
Take charge with the Heart Smart Program
A heart disease diagnosis can be scary, but it doesn’t mean your quality of life has to suffer. Our Heart Smart Program is designed to provide personalized care and proactive management for people living with heart disease.
Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or you’re looking to better control a chronic condition, our comprehensive approach focuses on prevention, education, and lifestyle support. We help you understand your risk factors, stay on top of your medications, and make heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
Through close monitoring and compassionate care, we’re here to empower you to take charge of your heart health. Call NJ Cardiovascular Institute at 201-866-7000 to schedule your first appointment or send us a message to learn more.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Millions of Americans have high cholesterol, one of the risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol usually develops without any symptoms, which means you could have it without knowing it — but the good news is that small dietary changes may make a big difference.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in high cholesterol, and understanding how foods may affect cholesterol levels can empower you to take control of your heart health naturally. Here’s how to get started.
How your diet affects your cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in every cell of your body. You need some cholesterol to support bodily functions like producing hormones, vitamin D, and digestive bile.
But too much cholesterol — particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol — can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” kind, helps carry cholesterol to where it can be removed from your bloodstream.
While your body produces cholesterol naturally, your diet also plays a key role in your overall cholesterol levels. Trans fats from processed foods can raise LDL cholesterol, but other types of foods can help lower LDL, raise HDL, and improve your overall heart health.
If you’re looking to achieve healthier cholesterol numbers, Dr. Patel recommends incorporating five common foods into your meals.
1. Oats and other whole grains
Oats are rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan. This type of fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol by forming a gel-like substance in your digestive tract that traps cholesterol-rich bile acids and removes them from your body.
Starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal or adding barley, whole wheat, and brown rice to your meals can gradually lower cholesterol and provide fiber to improve digestion.
2. Fatty fish like salmon
Fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna, are high in omega-3 fats. Omega-3s help reduce your triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and slow the growth of plaque in arteries.
Eating fatty fish two to three times a week may help raise your HDL cholesterol and support overall heart health. Grilling, baking, or broiling fish (instead of frying) helps preserve its benefits without adding additional fat.
3. Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts
Nuts are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and plant sterols, all of which support lower cholesterol levels. Walnuts are especially rich in omega-3s, and almonds can help reduce LDL when eaten regularly.
A small handful of unsalted nuts makes a heart-healthy snack, but be mindful of portion size since nuts are calorie-dense.
4. Avocados
Avocados are another rich source of monounsaturated fats, which may help lower LDL cholesterol and help you maintain or increase HDL. They also contain fiber and potassium, which benefit blood pressure and heart function.
Try adding avocado to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies for a creamy, heart-smart boost.
5. Legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas
Legumes are another excellent source of soluble fiber and plant-based protein. Regularly eating beans, lentils, and chickpeas can reduce LDL cholesterol and help you feel fuller longer. Replacing animal protein with legumes a few times per week can lower your overall fat intake as well.
Whether your cholesterol numbers are higher than you’d like or you simply want to take a more proactive approach to your heart health, incorporating these cholesterol-lowering foods into your daily diet is a simple and natural way to support your heart.
Dr. Patel and our team are here to answer your questions and provide personalized guidance, along with prescription medication, if needed. Combined with regular exercise, stress management, and routine check-ups, your diet can be one of the most powerful tools in protecting your cardiovascular health.
Learn more about how nutrition affects your heart health with a consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. Call us at 201-866-7000 or send us a message online to get started.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Are you scheduled for an echocardiogram? You might be wondering what it involves and what to expect afterward — and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help. An echocardiogram is a common, noninvasive test that gives your cardiologist a detailed look at how your heart is functioning.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team perform echocardiograms to help diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions. So whether you’re managing a known heart issue or checking on new symptoms, here’s what you should know about the process and what comes next.
Why you might need an echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart's chambers, valves, walls, and blood vessels. This test allows us to see how your heart beats and how well it pumps blood without an invasive procedure.
We use echocardiograms to detect a variety of issues, including:
Heart valve problems
Heart muscle weakness or damage
Congenital heart defects
Blood clots or fluid around the heart
Enlargement of the heart
Identifying issues like these helps us diagnose conditions like heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or valvular heart disease. We can also use echocardiograms to monitor known heart issues over time.
What happens during an echocardiogram
During the test, you lie down on an exam table while one of our technicians applies a special gel to your chest. Then, we move a handheld device called a transducer over your chest to capture images of your heart. The procedure is painless and typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Sometimes, Dr. Patel orders a stress echocardiogram, which involves exercising or receiving medication before the test to see how your heart performs under stress.
Depending on your situation, we might use a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), which involves inserting the transducer through your esophagus under mild sedation to get more detailed images of your heart at work.
What to expect after your echocardiogram
Once your testing is complete, there’s no recovery time required. If you’ve had a TEE, you may need a short observation period as the sedation wears off.
The technician who performs your echocardiogram isn’t responsible for interpreting the results, so don’t be concerned if they don’t offer any immediate insights. Instead, Dr. Patel reviews the images and data. He analyzes things like:
The size and shape of your heart
The movement and function of your heart walls and valves
The flow of blood through your heart
Once Dr. Patel has reviewed your echocardiogram, our team either calls you or schedules a follow-up appointment so you and Dr. Patel can discuss the findings.
Discussing echocardiogram results with your cardiologist
During your follow-up, Dr. Patel goes over the results of your echocardiogram in detail. If your heart function is normal, no further action may be needed. However, if any issues are detected, he explains his diagnosis and recommends next steps, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute — with offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey — we’re here to help you understand your heart health and guide you through any testing and treatment you may need.
If you have questions about your echocardiogram or heart care, we’re just a phone call away. Contact us today to get started.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that happens when the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles). Instead of contracting effectively, the atria quiver and create an irregular and often rapid heartbeat.
While AFib on its own typically isn’t life-threatening, it disrupts your heart’s ability to pump blood; left untreated, it can significantly increase your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. The good news is that AFib is treatable, and proactive care is the best way to protect your long-term health.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions with our Heart Smart Program. Here are five warning signs of AFib that everyone should know and no one should ignore.
1. Heart palpitations
Many people with AFib describe the feeling of their irregular heartbeats as a racing, pounding, or fluttering sensation in their chests. These sensations may come on suddenly and last for seconds, minutes, or longer.
2. Shortness of breath
Because AFib interferes with blood pumping, your body — and your lungs — may not always get enough oxygen. Even light activity, like walking or climbing stairs, can leave you unusually winded if you have untreated AFib.
4. Fatigue and weakness
If your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, it can make you feel drained all the time. Persistent tiredness — even after a good night’s sleep — can be a subtle but important red flag that means it's time to get your heart checked.
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness
Low blood oxygen can leave your lungs and body fatigued, and it can also affect your brain. Irregular heart rhythms due to AFib can reduce blood flow to your brain and make you feel faint or unsteady. In severe cases, this may even lead to fainting spells.
5. Chest pain or pressure
You should always take chest discomfort seriously. While not everyone experiences chest pain with AFib, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it, because chest pain could also signal a heart attack that requires immediate medical attention.
AFib may come and go (paroxysmal AFib), persist for long periods, or even become permanent. Regardless of the type, it affects your heart’s ability to pump blood, which not only causes uncomfortable symptoms but also raises the chance of blood clots traveling to your brain and causing a stroke.
When to schedule a heart check for AFib symptoms
Do any of these warning signs sound familiar? It’s important not to dismiss them. Early detection and treatment are essential to protect both your heart health and overall quality of life, so schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if you’re experiencing palpitations, fatigue, or unexplained shortness of breath.
Remember that if you develop sudden chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, call 911 immediately because these may be signs of a medical emergency.
Dr. Patel offers comprehensive cardiac evaluations, which can include an electrocardiogram (ECG), monitoring devices, or imaging tests to assess your heart rhythm and overall heart health. With the right diagnosis, treatment options like medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like ablation can help control AFib and reduce risks.
AFib is a serious but manageable condition when it’s caught early. By staying alert to common warning signs, you can take proactive steps toward protecting your heart. Call 201-866-7000 or book an appointment online with NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, to get started.
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