by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of all races in the United States. Also known as cardiovascular disease, it’s caused by inflammation and plaque buildup inside blood vessels. This leads to narrowing or blockage inside the vessels, which causes heart attacks and strokes.
American Heart Month is focused on raising awareness about heart disease. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we’re here to be your partner in heart health. Our team is highly trained in preventing and managing heart disease, helping men and women make smart choices to improve cardiovascular health and overall wellness.
To find out more about how you can reduce your risk of heart disease, book a consultation with our cardiologist, Dr. Kunal Patel, online or on the phone. Today, Dr. Patel shares 10 heart-healthy foods to work into your diet and why they’re beneficial for your body.
1. Avocado
Fats often get a bad reputation in the world of healthy eating, but monounsaturated fats are healthy fats that are linked to improved brain function, heart health, and more. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats along with potassium for heart health.
Eating avocados regularly can reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and high cholesterol. The potassium in avocados can contribute to lower blood pressure and lower risk of stroke.
2. Leafy greens
Leafy greens are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamin K, which is found in greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, helps keep arteries healthy and promotes healthy blood clotting.
Regularly eating leafy greens can reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease. The nitrates in leafy greens fight arterial stiffness and improve blood vessel function.
3. Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries have antioxidants called anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and free radical damage that contribute to heart disease.
Eating berries can reduce cholesterol, lower your risk of metabolic syndrome, and control blood pressure. Consider snacking on berries to boost heart health or make berries the centerpiece of salads and desserts.
4. Whole grains
Whole grains contain all the most beneficial parts of grain. Foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa are examples of whole grains. When foods contain not only the nutrient-rich germ and endosperm, but also the fiber-rich bran, they can lower your risk of heart disease.
When compared to refined grains like white bread and commercially-baked cakes and pastries, whole grains have more fiber, which may help lower both “bad” cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
5. Nuts
Almonds and walnuts are dense in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese. They’re also high in fiber and monounsaturated fats, which are both good for your heart health.
Regularly eating almonds and walnuts can contribute to lower cholesterol levels, which is a plus for your heart. While nuts have numerous heart-healthy benefits, they’re also high in calories, so watch your portion sizes.
6. Seeds
Flax, hemp, and chia seeds can all have heart-healthy benefits. They contain omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and contribute to lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation.
These seeds can be baked into breads or added to oatmeal or smoothies for a heart-healthy boost.
7. Fatty fish
Omega-3 fats boast numerous benefits for the heart. Fatty fish, including tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines, all contain high levels of this supernutrient. Omega-3 fats improve heart health by reducing inflammation, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
However, many Americans don’t eat much seafood. If you don’t want to add fish to your diet, consider taking fish oil supplements, which is an alternative way to get omega-3 fats and reap the heart-healthy benefits.
8. Beans
Beans have a compound called resistant starch that helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut. Eating beans and legumes can reduce cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. Diets rich in beans and legumes may also lead to lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation, both of which can lower your risk of heart disease.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a popular seasoning, but it also has medicinal benefits. Allicin, a compound naturally found in garlic, has been proven to help treat high blood pressure.
Garlic may also reduce cholesterol levels in people who suffer from high cholesterol. In some cases, compounds in garlic help stop platelet buildup in blood vessels, which can reduce your risk of blood clots and stroke.
Eating raw garlic or crushing it and letting it rest for a couple of minutes before adding it to your meal allows the allicin to form. If you want the benefits of garlic without adding it to your food, oral garlic supplements are available.
10. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that benefit the heart. Eating dark chocolate regularly has been linked to lower risk of heart disease and lower risk of calcified plaque buildup in arteries.
Despite the heart healthy benefits of dark chocolate, it can be high in calories and sugar. When adding chocolate to your diet for heart health, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and enjoy it in moderation.
Making a few small changes to your diet can result in stronger heart health and improved well-being. Let our team help you find the right heart-healthy lifestyle changes for you. Book an appointment online or call one of our offices in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chest pain is a common symptom in the United States. Each year more than eight million Americans visit the ER because of chest pain. It’s the second biggest cause of ER visits.
Our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, which includes board-certified cardiologist Dr. Kunal Patel, knows that chest pain can be scary. But we also know that not all cases of chest pain warrant a trip to the ER. So let’s discuss when you should go to the ER for chest pain.
Common causes of chest pain
While chest pain is a telltale sign of heart problems, it could be from a different medical condition, including:
Panic attack
Gallstones
Pulmonary embolism
Peptic ulcers
Myocarditis
Muscle strains, which cause inflammation in the ribs
Heartburn
Some medical conditions may feel like a heart attack. Myocarditis, for example, has similar symptoms to a heart attack. So, knowing if your chest pain is from a heart attack or other heart conditions is important.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is a serious condition that can lead to a heart attack. It occurs when your arteries become narrow or blocked by plaque build-up. Long-term high cholesterol often causes coronary artery disease.
The main symptoms of coronary artery disease are chest pain and angina. Angina causes a crushing or squeezing feeling in your chest. It also causes chest pain that can spread to your arms, neck, and jaw. Go to the ER immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Chest pain not caused by heart disease
Chest pain that’s caused by a muscle strain isn’t the same as heart-related pain. It’s likely that your chest pain is not from heart disease if:
It happens with certain movements
It can be pinpointed
Pain occurs with deep breaths
The pain goes away after a few seconds
Never dismiss chest pain — no matter what’s causing it. If your chest pain is severe and it concerns you, go to the ER. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your health.
When to visit the ER for chest pain
You should go to the ER if you experience chest pain along with other symptoms. This usually indicates a heart attack. Call 911 or get to the ER right away if you experience chest pain with:
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
Sweating
Chest pain that moves to include your arms, neck, or jaw
Symptoms last more than five minutes
Angina (squeezing, tightness, or crushing sensation in your chest)
Heart attacks are often fatal and can cause permanent damage to your heart. That’s why if you experience heart attack symptoms, get medical help. The sooner it’s treated, the less damage it does.
Treating your chest pain
As mentioned, not all occurrences of chest pain need emergency medical help. However, it can eventually lead to more serious problems and put you at a greater risk for heart attacks.
Treating your chest pain at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, located in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey, can prevent serious complications. To set up your appointment with Dr. Patel, use our online booking tool or call the office.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Our hearts beat between 60 and 100 times a minute on average — and more if we're exercising. Doesn't it make sense to make sure your ticker is working as efficiently as possible? A stress test can do just that.
Here at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, with offices located in Secaucus and Newark, New Jersey, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Kunal Patel and our highly trained team can address all of your heart-health concerns. We strongly believe in the power of prevention and conduct diagnostic procedures including stress tests.
A stress test can help you identify heart issues early and prevent more serious complications. Read on to find out how a stress test works, and what to expect.
What is a stress test?
Also called a treadmill test or exercise test, a stress test makes your heart work harder through physical activity. This causes it to need more oxygen and beat faster to pump more blood. During this period of exertion, doctors can more easily diagnose issues with the heart or blood flow that may not be detected during less strenuous activity.
Reasons for a stress test
Stress tests are conducted for a number of reasons, and a medical professional can evaluate if you need one. In general, a stress test can confirm or rule out either of the following:
Coronary artery disease, which typically occurs when the arteries have become damaged by a buildup of cholesterol and plaque deposits
Heart arrhythmias, or problems with the electrical impulses that coordinate your heart rhythm
In addition to helping diagnostically, the test can be used to guide a treatment path. For example, it can determine how well an existing regimen is working or assist in deciding when a valve replacement, heart transplant, or other advanced procedure may be needed.
Stress test procedure
You will be given specific instructions before your stress test. Those may include not eating or drinking before the test, as well as abstaining from smoking and caffeine for a set period of time beforehand. Your medications may need to be modified as well.
Before the in-office test, Dr. Patel conducts a thorough medical history and evaluates your heart and lungs. He then puts a blood pressure cuff around your arm and attaches electrodes to certain areas on your chest and legs.
Next, you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike until your heart rate hits the desired target number. If you experience any discomfort, pain, or shortness of breath, be sure to report it immediately.
The test results provide a unique insight into your heart and help guide your customized treatment plan to maintain or improve your health.
If you want to learn more about the status of your arteries, electrical rhythm, and heart in general, call us at 201-866-7000 or click our “book online” button to make an appointment with Dr. Patel today.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Most of the time, your heart beats regularly and you don’t notice it. But sometimes, a skip, flutter, or change in heart rate can catch your attention. These irregular heartbeats can happen while you’re active or at rest, and they might make you worry about the health of your heart.
Irregular heartbeats, also called heart palpitations, can be unnerving, but they generally aren’t a sign of something more serious. But if you experience palpitations regularly — or if you have an underlying heart condition — make an appointment to have your heart examined.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey, have the expertise to diagnose and treat many common heart issues, including heart palpitations.
Understanding heart palpitations
Heart palpitations occur when your heartbeat changes pace. It might feel like a fluttering, a skipped beat, or a pounding sensation. Some people feel palpitations in the chest, while others notice them in their throat or neck.
The way palpitations feel can vary greatly from person to person, but no matter how they feel, many people find them worrisome. The truth is that they’re most often the result of factors not related to your heart, which can include:
Anxiety or stress
Vigorous exercise
Too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol
Hormonal changes
Prescription medications
Illicit drugs
Some health conditions can make it more likely that you’ll experience heart palpitations. These include anemia, thyroid disease, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure. Pregnancy can also be a cause of heart palpitations.
When heart palpitations should be checked out
Don’t hesitate to visit our team if you’re concerned about your heart. Unless you have a pre-existing heart condition, most heart palpitations are a rare occurrence. But even if your heart palpitations aren’t a sign of a more serious health issue, getting checked out can help put your mind at ease.
If your heart palpitations are accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention. If you have a known heart condition, such as a prior heart attack, heart disease, or coronary artery disease, seeking care for heart palpitations can help your heart stay strong.
Heart palpitations generally happen quickly, and the irregular heartbeat is gone by the time you come in to the office. Consider keeping notes when you experience a palpitation, and come to your appointment prepared to talk about your symptoms.
The doctor performs a physical exam and listens to your heartbeat. If your heart palpitations are caused by a murmur, he can detect irregular sounds and potential issues with your heart’s valves through this exam.
We may recommend additional testing depending on your symptoms and medical history. A blood test can evaluate the possibility of thyroid imbalance, low potassium, or anemia. Another common test to evaluate heart palpitations is an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Once we determine the cause of your heart palpitations, we can prescribe treatment to help your heartbeat stay normal. In many cases, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting more sleep can lead to significant improvements in your heart health.
Find top-quality care for your heart at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. If you’re concerned about heart palpitations, call one of our offices today or book an appointment online.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
About one in four Americans has varicose veins — those large, twisted veins that appear just below the skin’s surface on the legs and feet. Varicose veins range from purplish red to blue, and they’re a source of embarrassment for many people.
Varicose veins form when valves inside your veins malfunction, causing blood to flow back the wrong way or pool inside your veins. Most of the time, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern and don’t pose serious risks to your health, but they can lead to more severe complications if left untreated.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to help — whether you’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, or you’re unhappy with the way your legs look. Our varicose vein team offers treatments to improve your legs’ appearance and reduce your risk of suffering medical complications related to varicose veins.
More than just a cosmetic issue, a few potential dangers of varicose veins include leg pain, stasis ulcers, and blood clots.
Leg pain
Varicose veins can develop anywhere in the body, but they’re most often located in the legs or feet due to increased pressure inside your veins when you stand and walk. After cosmetic concerns, the most common symptom of varicose veins is leg pain.
Pooling blood can make your legs feel heavy or achy. In more severe cases, varicose veins may cause burning, throbbing, or swelling in affected legs. Discomfort may increase when you sit or stand for long periods of time, and sometimes the skin around varicose veins becomes itchy.
Stasis ulcers
Varicose veins form when blood isn’t effectively pumped back to your heart. As a result, blood collects in the veins, stretching the walls and creating more pressure. This may cause chronic swelling around the veins, and proteins inside your blood can leak into surrounding tissues and create skin ulcers, also called stasis ulcers.
Stasis ulcers may cause skin discoloration and scaling on your lower legs. Discoloration can appear dark red or purple, because blood spreads into surrounding tissue. The ulcer itself may appear shallow but large, and usually develops around your calf or ankle. Ulcers increase your risk of developing an infection and require professional medical care.
Blood clots
Although rare, blood clots are another potential danger of varicose veins. Clots can form inside superficial veins, causing swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Blood clots in superficial veins can be painful, but they generally don’t travel to the lungs or cause other health complications.
However, it’s possible for blood clots to develop in severe varicose veins deep inside your legs. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that can cause a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) and related complications. Talk to our team to find out if you’re at risk for DVT.
Finding treatment for varicose veins
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us at NJ Cardiovascular Institute if you’re concerned about your varicose veins. We offer vein evaluations and various treatment options for both cosmetic and health reasons.
We perform a complete evaluation, that may include ultrasound testing, to diagnose circulation problems, and then we recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Improve your health and your appearance with varicose vein care at one of our offices in Newark or Secaucus, New Jersey. Call us or book a consultation online to get started today.
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