by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Have you been told you need a stress test? Also called an exercise stress test, this diagnostic procedure involves exercising for a set period of time while your heart and breathing are closely monitored.
Stress tests are painless and noninvasive, and they offer valuable insight into your heart health. In fact, stress tests can diagnose arrhythmia, estimate your risk of heart disease, and more.
Dr. Kunal Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer diagnostic stress tests as part of our comprehensive heart care services. If you’re considering a stress test, here’s what this simple screening can tell us about your heart.
What a stress test does
Stress tests give Dr. Patel and our team a few major insights into your heart health. We use stress testing to:
1. Evaluate how well your heart functions when you’re active
Exercising creates a demand on your body that makes your heart work harder and your blood pump faster. When your heart is working harder, potential issues with your arteries or your heart itself may be easier to identify than when you’re at rest.
When you participate in a stress test, our team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Your heart rate rises as you exercise, and we can see changes in your heart function and breathing rate throughout the test. These results give us insight into your physical fitness, as well as your overall heart health.
2. Identify arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that’s caused by changes in your heart’s electrical signals. An arrhythmia can feel like an uncomfortable fluttering or racing heart, and it may occur when your heart is beating too fast or too slow. While arrhythmias don’t always mean you have a more serious heart issue, some types of arrhythmia get worse with exercise.
Dr. Patel may order a stress test if you have symptoms of a heart arrhythmia. Our team watches your heartbeat for irregularities during your stress test. We may recommend additional testing, such as an echocardiogram.
3. Determine your risk of coronary artery disease
Often, the main purpose of stress testing is to determine your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is one of the most common types of heart disease, and it develops when the primary arteries that supply your heart get damaged or blocked.
Your stress test can tell Dr. Patel and our team if you have 70% or greater blockage in a one or more coronary arteries. If you do, you may have CAD. Stress testing alone can’t confirm heart disease, so Dr. Patel may order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis.
What to expect during your stress test
Dr. Patel may order a stress test if you have risk factors for CAD or symptoms of a heart problem. It’s a simple noninvasive test that gives our team valuable information about the state of your heart.
On the day of your stress test, our team attaches electrodes to your body and places a blood pressure cuff on your arm. You walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike until your heart rate reaches a predetermined target. We monitor your vital signs and how you’re feeling, then you stop exercising and we remove the monitors.
Once your results are ready, Dr. Patel reviews his findings with you. If he identifies heart disease, starting a treatment plan can help manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
Our Heart Smart Program gives you the education and tools you need to make heart-healthy changes in your life. We work with you to monitor your health, and we may recommend future stress tests to track changes over time.
A stress test tells Dr. Patel how well your heart works under pressure, and whether a serious condition could be threatening your health. To find out if you could benefit from a stress test, contact our offices in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or book an appointment online now.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Your heart beats more than 35 million times in a single year. Over the course of your lifetime, you’ll clock over 2.5 billion heartbeats. And with every beat, your heart works hard.
Your heart pushes blood into your blood vessels, throughout your body, and back with every heartbeat. It’s an essential process that keeps you alive, but your heart changes as you get older — and your risk of certain heart conditions goes up.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in comprehensive heart care in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. We’re here to help you understand how your heart ages so you can enjoy your best health at every age.
If you’re getting older, here are five of the most common age-related heart conditions and what you can do about them.
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the pressure inside your blood vessels is too high. Your blood pressure is measured by two numbers — systolic and diastolic — and systolic pressure naturally rises with age.
An estimated 90% of people will have high blood pressure at some point in their lives. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other issues. Fortunately, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, no matter your age.
2. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is another heart condition that gets more common with age. It develops when cholesterol and fats build up inside the walls of your arteries, hardening them and restricting blood flow. Your heart and blood vessels naturally grow stiffer over time, which can accelerate the condition.
3. Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It includes a lot of different conditions, and many of them develop due to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Your risk of certain types of heart disease goes up as you get older. Coronary artery disease is the most common among people over age 65, and congestive heart failure occurs 10 times more often in people over age 75 than in younger adults.
4. Stroke
Strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) occur when something blocks blood flow to your brain. A TIA is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. The most common cause is a blocked artery, often due to atherosclerosis or a blood clot.
Anyone can suffer a stroke, but unfortunately, one of the biggest risk factors for stroke is your age. Your risk of suffering a stroke nearly doubles every 10 years after you turn 55.
5. Heart attack
A heart attack happens when something restricts blood flow to your heart. Like strokes, heart attacks are serious medical emergencies.
Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart attack. Your risk goes up as you get older, and most heart attacks occur among men over 45 and women over 55.
Protecting your heart health at every age
Some age-related heart changes are unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean that heart disease and other heart conditions are inevitable.
There’s a lot you can do to maintain your heart health as you get older, and taking a proactive approach is the best place to start. Dr. Patel and our team provide comprehensive care to help lower your risk of heart problems, from medication management to lifestyle recommendations.
Get personalized care for every stage of life at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Book your first appointment online or call the office nearest you today.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
A heart palpitation is an irregular heartbeat. It may only last a second or two, but it feels different than your heart’s normal rhythm. It can make you become very aware of your heartbeat — and you might begin to worry about your health.
Palpitations are fairly common. In fact, they can be caused by anything from a strenuous workout to an extra cup of coffee. Most palpitations go away on their own, and experiencing the occasional irregular heartbeat doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong with your heart.
That being said, it’s important to listen to your body and know when it’s time to make a doctor’s appointment. Palpitations can sometimes be a sign of arrhythmia, a chronic heart condition that requires close monitoring.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing palpitations and treating chronic arrhythmias. If you’re concerned about your heart, here’s what you should know about heart palpitations and what could be causing them.
Palpitations: a sign of a heart arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a heart condition that develops when your heart beats irregularly, too slowly, or too quickly. The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, or Afib.
On its own, Afib generally isn’t life-threatening. However, having Afib increases your risk of blood clots, heart failure, stroke, and other heart conditions.
Experiencing heart palpitations doesn’t always mean you have an underlying heart condition, and it’s important to learn the differences so you can get the care you need.
Identifying harmless palpitations
Harmless heart palpitations happen once in a while, and they can usually be traced to a clear trigger. These triggers often include:
Caffeine or other stimulants
Hormonal changes
Strenuous exercise
Stress or other mental health issues
In these cases, palpitations are generally short-lived and infrequent.
Recognizing the signs of a more serious issue
On the other hand, the cause of palpitations from arrhythmia and Afib may not be so easy to identify. Your palpitations may be a sign of an underlying heart condition if you have:
Chest pain
Fainting or lightheadedness
Frequent or worsening palpitations
Resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute
Risk factors for heart disease
Shortness of breath
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have an underlying heart condition, and you should make a cardiology appointment for further evaluation.
Seeking treatment for heart palpitations
Experiencing heart palpitations can be scary. If you're concerned about your heart health, never hesitate to make a doctor’s appointment. Dr. Patel and our team offer comprehensive heart evaluations, and we can identify any potential issues so you can get the care you need.
We start with a thorough review of your medical history and a physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, we may order a stress test or an echocardiogram to gather more details about how your heart functions.
Heart palpitations are often so brief that it’s difficult to catch them in a single doctor’s appointment. To reach a diagnosis, we may have you wear a heart monitor for a few days or weeks to evaluate any recurring irregularities.
If you have Afib or another type of arrhythmia, identifying the condition gives you the opportunity to manage it. We offer ongoing heart care and personalized treatment plans to help you better protect your health.
Concerned about irregular heartbeats? Book an appointment with our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute to ease your mind. Call one of our offices in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online now.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
How much sleep did you get last night? Did you wake up feeling rested and alert? Adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, 40% of Americans don’t get enough of it.
In today’s world, quality sleep might seem like a luxury — but it’s an essential process that you can’t afford to skip. Lack of sleep makes your brain feel foggy, and even worse, it can have serious effects on your health.
In fact, lack of sleep increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. In turn, these health issues can elevate your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The good news is that prioritizing sleep can boost your heart health, and it’s easier than you might think. As part of our comprehensive Heart Smart Program, Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can teach you how to start sleeping better.
Make exercise a habit
Exercise is good for your body and mind, and regular physical activity can also improve your quality of sleep. Strive to get around 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week to sleep more soundly at night.
Exposure to natural daylight also helps regulate your body’s internal clock, so exercising outside offers a handful of benefits. Try taking a walk or biking outside in the morning or afternoon.
Establish a bedtime routine
One of the best ways to improve your quality of sleep is sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on the weekends.
Establishing bedtime habits can also help you prepare for a better night’s sleep. Avoid eating, drinking, and exercising within a few hours of bedtime. Make time for some self-care, such as taking a warm shower or reading a book.
Avoid artificial blue light as you wind down in the evenings. Consider setting the screens on your devices to warm or nighttime mode or using blue light filters to help prepare your body for more restful sleep.
Create a relaxing sleep environment
The place you sleep is just as important as your nighttime routine. A bright, loud, or messy bedroom can make it harder to fall asleep, while a relaxing environment can make sleep come faster.
Keep your bedroom dark and quiet by eliminating distractions like TVs, computers, and phones. Turn the thermostat down to make the room cooler, and choose soft, comfortable bedding and sleeping clothes. If you’re a light sleeper, a white noise machine can help drown out distractions.
Learn to identify (and treat) sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the country. If you have it, you stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep. Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart conditions, from high blood pressure to heart disease.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
Loud snoring
Insomnia
Morning headaches
Dry mouth in the morning
Daytime sleepiness
If you think you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait to schedule a sleep evaluation. Sleep apnea can be treated to improve your quality of sleep and lower your risk of complications.
When it comes to your heart health, don’t overlook the importance of a good night’s sleep. Contact our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Contact the office nearest you — in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey — to set up your first appointment.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Your circulatory system contains nearly 60,000 miles of arteries and veins. Arteries transport blood from your heart throughout your body, and veins transport blood back to your heart again with every heartbeat.
Healthy veins are usually invisible, but certain venous conditions can make veins swell and become more noticeable under your skin. In fact, nearly one in four American adults has varicose veins, the most common venous condition in the country.
Varicose veins are large, twisted veins, and they’re most common in your legs and ankles. While they’re also a cosmetic concern, severe varicose veins can compromise blood circulation in your legs.
The good news is that treatment can help. As a heart specialist, Kunal Patel, MD, also diagnoses and treats venous issues like varicose veins. If you’re concerned about varicose veins, our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you understand your treatment options.
Lifestyle changes for varicose veins
Not all varicose veins cause symptoms. But some people do experience bothersome symptoms that can include swelling, pain, itching, and muscle cramps.
Whether or not you experience symptoms, varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing. If you come to NJ Cardiovascular Institute for vein care, we start with a comprehensive exam and discuss your medical history and your symptoms.
Many people find that the appearance of their varicose veins diminishes and symptoms subside with a combination of lifestyle changes for varicose veins.
Dr. Patel may suggest conservative treatments like:
Avoiding foods high in salt
Elevating your legs when you rest
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Wearing compression stockings
These treatments can improve blood flow to and from your legs, reduce water retention in your body, and help minimize swelling in your veins. Even if you don’t have bothersome varicose veins right now, these habits can also help you prevent varicose veins from developing later on.
Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins
If conservative treatment and lifestyle changes don’t make a difference for your varicose veins, you’re not out of options. Talk to Dr. Patel to find out if you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat your varicose veins.
RFA is a safe and effective treatment for many people with varicose veins. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that we do in our office, and little to no downtime is required.
During RFA, Dr. Patel inserts a thin tube into the affected vein and uses an electrical current to gently heat it. The heat permanently damages the vein, and blood stops flowing into it. The entire process generally takes less than an hour.
You may need to wear a compression garment for about a week after RFA. In the weeks following your procedure, the varicose vein will fade from view and your symptoms should subside.
You don’t have to live with embarrassing or uncomfortable varicose veins. With offices in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help. Schedule a vein consultation over the phone or send us a message online today.
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