by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chest X-rays are quick, noninvasive imaging tests that provide a detailed picture of the structures inside your chest, including your heart, lungs, airways, and bones.
A chest X-ray is often one of the first steps your doctor might recommend when evaluating symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fatigue. And at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and his team use chest X-rays as part of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of heart conditions.
When your doctor might recommend a chest X-ray
Dr. Patel may refer you for a chest X-ray if you’re experiencing new or unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent coughing, or fatigue. It’s also a standard part of many routine cardiac evaluations and preoperative assessments.
Because chest X-rays are fast, accessible, and carry minimal radiation exposure, they can be a reliable first step in identifying or ruling out serious health concerns.
During the procedure, you stand or lie still while a small amount of radiation captures detailed images of the structures inside your chest. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes and gives your care team the ability to closely evaluate your heart, lungs, and surrounding bones.
What chest X-rays can show
A few things we might evaluate are:
Changes in heart size and shape
One of the most important things a chest X-ray can reveal is the size and shape of your heart. An enlarged heart may indicate underlying conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy.
If Dr. Patel suspects a cardiovascular issue, this simple imaging test can offer important clues about how well your heart is functioning and whether further testing — such as an echocardiogram or stress test — is needed.
Lung and airway conditions
Chest X-rays can also help evaluate your lungs and airways. They can detect infections like pneumonia, chronic conditions like COPD, or complications like fluid buildup in or around your lungs.
A chest X-ray may also show signs of lung nodules or masses that require additional imaging. If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms, this test helps differentiate between heart-related and lung-related causes of discomfort.
Signs of fluid or inflammation
Sometimes chest pain or breathing issues are caused by fluid accumulation in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or around the heart (pericardial effusion). These conditions are often visible on a chest X-ray and help us make more informed decisions about your care.
Inflammation from infections or autoimmune diseases can also be identified through certain patterns visible on the image, guiding Dr. Patel toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
How well medical devices are working
If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or central venous catheter, a chest X-ray can confirm that the device is in the correct position. We also use chest X-rays to track the progress of a diagnosed condition or monitor how well a treatment is working.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we use chest X-rays in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide complete, ongoing care for patients with chronic or complex conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms — or if you have concerns about your heart or lungs — we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind when it comes to your heart health.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can be a visible sign of changes happening inside your veins — and if your varicose veins look different than they used to, it’s important to take note.
Varicose veins that look larger, darker, or more twisted can leave you wondering if something more serious is going on. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer varicose vein treatment, and understanding the common reasons varicose veins become more pronounced is the first step toward better comfort and long-term vein health.
Here are four possible reasons why your varicose veins might have started looking bigger and darker lately.
1. Increased pressure inside your veins
Healthy veins send blood from all corners of your body back to your heart. Varicose veins form when the small valves inside your leg veins weaken and blood starts to flow backward and pool instead of going back to your heart.
The backward flow and pooling increases pressure inside your veins and makes them stretch, bulge, and adopt a darker, more twisted appearance. Common causes of varicose veins include prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, and advancing age — and if you don’t address them early, they tend to become more pronounced with time.
2. Skin thinning or sun exposure
Sometimes, you might notice that veins appear darker simply because they’re more visible as your skin starts to get thinner with age. Skin thinning is a natural process, and it happens because collagen and elastin production decrease and the supportive fat layer under your skin also diminishes with time.
Other factors like sun exposure and heat can make veins stand out more sharply, too, even if their internal structure hasn’t changed. Exercise or high blood pressure can also temporarily make your veins look more prominent.
3. Inflammation and skin discoloration
Untreated varicose veins contribute to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins in your legs can’t effectively send blood back to your heart. The increased pressure and blood pooling that creates varicose veins in the first place can get more severe and cause more symptoms like inflammation and discoloration in your legs.
Along with inflammation, blood cells may start to break down, and this can cause changes in skin tone. You might notice darker patches of skin with brownish or rusty discoloration, particularly around your lower calves and ankles.
4. Lifestyle habits and hormonal changes
Other factors can have a significant impact on the look of your varicose veins, too. For example, pregnancy and hormonal shifts relax vein walls and elevate blood volume, amplifying a darker, swollen vein appearance.
Smoking damages vein walls and valves, increasing visible vein prominence. And even something as simple as wearing tight clothes or tight socks can make varicose veins look darker quickly.
Treatment options for varicose veins
If your veins are becoming more noticeable, and especially if they’re causing pain, itching, or other bothersome symptoms, treatment can help. Dr. Patel and our team start with a comprehensive exam and ultrasound mapping to assess vein function, and then we develop a personalized treatment plan.
Mild varicose veins may improve with simple lifestyle changes, like wearing graduated compression stockings to help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and protect nearby tissues.
For more advanced varicose veins, minimally invasive procedures may be a good option. Treatments like radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser therapy, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy close or collapse problematic veins with precision and minimal downtime.
Noticing changes in the appearance of your varicose veins doesn’t have to be cause for alarm. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer a full spectrum of treatments to help you manage symptoms, improve vein health, and restore comfort.
Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, to take the next step.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
When arteries in your legs are narrowed or blocked, the muscles and tissues below don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly. That’s what happens with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
It’s a common condition — but while many people expect PAD to cause dramatic symptoms, the first sign is often subtle: leg pain when walking, or a heaviness or crampy feeling that goes away when you rest. This warning sign is called claudication, and it’s important to take it seriously.
That’s because the same artery-narrowing process that causes PAD can affect other arteries in your body, which may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. The good news is that PAD is treatable.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in cardiovascular care in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. We want patients to know that persistent leg pain isn’t something to shrug off, and here’s why.
Understanding peripheral artery disease
PAD develops when the arteries that send blood from your heart to your legs become narrowed or blocked. The primary cause is atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque), cholesterol, calcium, and other materials along artery walls.
Atherosclerosis is one of the most common types of heart disease. And when you have PAD, plaque builds up inside your arteries over time, gradually reducing blood flow and making it more difficult for your leg muscles to get the oxygen they need when you walk or exercise.
It’s important to note that plaque buildup doesn’t just affect your legs. The same condition can affect arteries that supply your heart or brain, and that means PAD is closely linked with other forms of vascular disease. People with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of smoking, or prior heart disease are at higher risk.
How leg pain can be a warning sign of PAD
One of the earliest and most common symptoms of PAD is leg discomfort during activity like walking or exercising. It can appear in your calves, thighs, or buttocks, and it usually starts when you’re moving and eases when you rest. You might notice:
A crampy, aching, or tight feeling in your legs
Weakness, tiredness, or a feeling of heaviness in your legs, even if it isn’t sharp pain
Coldness, numbness, or a change in skin color in your foot or lower leg — especially when compared with your other leg
Slow healing sores or wounds on your legs, ankles, or feet
Shiny or thin skin on your legs
Leg hair changes or toenail changes
Symptoms of PAD come and go, and it’s not uncommon to only experience them during activity. Many people dismiss this type of leg pain as just getting older or having sore muscles, but it’s important to pay attention to persistent or recurring discomfort, even if it’s mild.
What to do if you think you might have PAD
The leg pain that PAD can cause isn’t just about your legs. If arteries in your legs are narrowing, chances are other arteries might be, too — and that overlap can increase your risk of serious complications like heart attack and stroke.
If you experience leg pain when walking or you notice changes in leg comfort, don’t wait. Our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offers comprehensive consultations, where we review your symptoms, your risk factors, and your overall cardiovascular health.
We can order vascular testing — such as an ankle-brachial index, blood flow studies, or imaging — to check for narrowed arteries or reduced blood flow. Once we diagnose your condition, we work with you to create a customized treatment plan.
Depending on your specific needs, we may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, medication, or interventional procedures. Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors makes PAD more likely, so lowering those risk factors can reduce the chance of PAD progression and help protect your heart, too.
Don’t ignore leg discomfort. Once it’s diagnosed, PAD is manageable — and by acting early, you have the best opportunity to protect your legs, your heart, and your long-term health. Contact NJ Cardiovascular for an appointment, and we’ll help you find a path to stronger vascular health and peace of mind.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. And with those celebrations often come opportunities to indulge. Large meals, decadent desserts, and alcohol can put strain on your body and your heart, but it doesn’t mean you have to skip the festivities completely.
Whether you have a cardiovascular condition or simply want to keep your heart in good shape, it’s entirely possible to enjoy holiday foods without derailing your health goals. Small adjustments and mindful choices can help you celebrate and take care of your heart.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in cardiovascular care. Our Heart Smart Program is designed to help you navigate the real world and protect your heart health — and here’s how to get started this holiday season.
How the holidays pose a risk for heart health
The holiday season is short, and it’s easy to assume that overindulging at holiday meals doesn’t really affect your health in the long term. But the truth is that these changes can cause spikes in blood pressure, fluid retention, or undue stress on the cardiovascular system, especially if you’re managing a condition like hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
During holiday gatherings, we often face large portions, rich foods high in saturated fats, salt, and added sugars, and festivities that disrupt our routines. Add in late nights, alcohol, and reduced physical activity, and it can be enough to have an impact on your heart health and your overall well-being that lingers into the new year.
Tips for enjoying the holidays without sacrificing heart health
Maintaining your best possible heart health doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festivities. A few simple tips from our team can help you navigate the season in a heart-healthy way.
1. Bring a heart-friendly dish
If you're attending a potluck, take the opportunity to bring a dish you know fits your heart goals. A colorful salad with extra vegetables, legumes, or a whole-grain casserole can offer balance when the table is loaded with richer options. And this way, you know there's at least one option that supports your diet.
2. Start with lighter fare and use smaller plates
Before diving into heavy dishes, fill a portion of your plate with vegetables or a broth-based soup to help you feel satisfied faster. Opting for smaller plates also helps control portions psychologically without leaving you feeling deprived. Starting light gives your system time to adjust and may reduce the impulse to overindulge later on.
3. Make smart swaps
You don’t need to avoid your holiday favorites entirely. Instead, choose modifications that reduce their impact on your heart. Consider leaner meats (turkey breast or fish instead of dark meat), trimming visible fat, using herbs and citrus rather than heavy sauces, and substituting whole grains for refined. You can also limit salt by seasoning thoughtfully with fresh herbs or low-sodium options.
4. Savor your food and pause between bites
Mindful eating can help you enjoy your meals without overdoing them. Eat slowly, chew fully, and pause between bites. If you’re engaging in conversation, avoid eating when you’re not paying attention. Sometimes, a short walk after the meal or a glass of water can help signal fullness to your brain.
5. Stay active and maintain routines
Even though holiday days are busier, try to maintain your activity level. Break up your regular exercise routine into smaller segments if you don’t have as much time as usual, and remember that ten minutes here and there adds up.
A short walk before or after meals aids digestion and supports circulation. And sleep and stress management also matter: getting adequate rest and using relaxation techniques helps modulate blood pressure and cardiac stress.
Join our Heart Smart Program for personalized support
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our Heart Smart Program is designed to provide ongoing support for people managing heart conditions or those aiming to prevent them. The program offers:
Dietary monitoring and nutritional counseling tailored to your needs
Educational sessions to help you build awareness of heart-healthy choices
Exercise planning aligned with your cardiac status
Onsite case management and preventive testing
Tools for rhythm monitoring, pain management, and medication oversight
As you navigate holiday feasts, having a Heart Smart plan means you’re not going it alone. We’re here to give you personalized guidance and help you make sustainable, heart-smart decisions during the holidays and beyond.
Your holiday memories should center on connection, laughter, and warmth — not excess and regret. With mindful habits, flexibility, and the right support, you can enjoy festive meals and still protect your heart for the years ahead. Call us at 201-866-7000 or send us a message online to learn more.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
You may already be thinking about setting New Year’s resolutions, and if you’re hoping to take charge of your health in 2026, there’s no better place to start than your heart. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, but with simple, consistent lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk and improve your long-term wellness.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our Heart Smart Program is designed to help patients do exactly that: make sustainable lifestyle changes, manage risk factors, and monitor heart health under expert supervision. Here are five resolutions to get your heart in top shape this year, courtesy of cardiologist and varicose vein specialist Kunal Patel, MD, FACC.
1. Move your body every day
Regular physical activity strengthens your heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, which works out to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
You don’t have to run marathons or even join a gym to get results. Brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or even doing yard work can make a big difference. The key is consistency, so find something you enjoy and stick with it.
If you have heart disease or risk factors like hypertension or diabetes, always talk to your healthcare team before starting a new exercise plan. Our team can offer personalized exercise recommendations to help you stay active safely and effectively.
2. Eat more whole, heart-healthy foods
Your diet has a direct impact on your cardiovascular health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Make a resolution to:
Choose lean proteins like fish, poultry, and legumes
Incorporate heart-healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and olive oil
Limit processed foods that are high in sodium and sugar
Focus on portion control and mindful eating
Our Heart Smart Program includes nutrition counseling and meal planning guidance tailored to your personal health goals, making it easier to make lasting dietary changes.
3. Manage stress effectively
Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure, increase inflammation, and make it harder to stick to healthy habits. Resolve to make it a priority to find ways to manage stress that work for you.
Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or journaling to help calm your mind. Even simple lifestyle changes like spending more time outdoors or setting aside time for hobbies can support both your mental and cardiovascular health.
4. Stay on top of your numbers
Knowledge is power when it comes to your heart. Regular checkups help you monitor key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels — and detect issues before they become serious.
Our Heart Smart Program uses advanced diagnostics and ongoing monitoring to track your heart health and tailor your care plan. Whether you’re managing an existing condition or you simply want to prevent one, staying proactive is one of the best resolutions you can make.
5. Don’t go it alone
Healthy changes are easier to make — and stick with — when you have guidance and accountability. That’s where our Heart Smart Program shines.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that helps you set achievable goals, stay motivated, and make lasting improvements in your heart health. We’re here to support you every step of the way with education, monitoring, and individualized care.
Looking ahead to the new year, make the commitment to take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier heart and a longer, more active life. To get started, contact us online or call 201-866-7000 to make an appointment at one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
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