by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Crushing chest pain. Shortness of breath. Sudden lightheadedness. Breaking out into a cold sweat. There’s no denying these symptoms are scary. They come on suddenly, and if you’re experiencing them, your first thought might be that you’re having a heart attack.
While it’s true that these are all signs of a heart attack, they’re also signs of something much less life-threatening: a panic attack. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that aren’t in proportion to the situation, but the symptoms are so similar that it can be hard to tell the difference in the moment.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help. We specialize in identifying the cause of your chest pain so you can get the care you need. Here, we share how to tell the difference between panic attacks and heart attacks, and what to do if you start experiencing symptoms.
Why panic attacks and heart attacks feel similar
Both panic attacks and heart attacks come on suddenly. Panic attacks happen when stress hormones trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, which elevates your heart rate. A heart attack happens when your heart doesn’t get all the blood it needs.
Since they both impact your heart, panic attacks and heart attacks can cause symptoms that include:
Chest pain or pressure
Cold sweat
Feeling of impending doom
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Nausea
Racing heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Symptoms range in intensity, and they’re so similar that it’s not always easy to determine what the cause is — especially if you’ve never had a panic attack or a heart attack before.
However, learning the difference is very important. Although they’re scary, panic attacks aren’t life-threatening. Heart attacks are, and they require immediate emergency medical care to prevent serious complications or death.
Identifying the differences between a panic attack and a heart attack
Although they share some similar symptoms, panic attacks and heart attacks are very different medical conditions. Panic attacks are often triggered by mental or emotional stress. Heart attacks happen when something blocks blood flow to your heart.
Signs it’s a panic attack
Panic attacks can happen at any time, including when you’re resting or sleeping. Along with other symptoms, you might experience shaking, trembling, or weakness.
Panic attack symptoms typically last for a few minutes to about an hour. The symptoms go away on their own with time, and you feel better afterward.
Signs it’s a heart attack
Unlike panic attacks, heart attacks usually develop after physical exertion or strenuous exercise. Chest pain from a heart attack is intense. It doesn’t always stay in your chest — it may radiate to your arm, neck, or jaw. The pain might ebb and flow, but it doesn’t go away.
Your symptoms are more likely to be caused by a heart attack if you have a history of chest pain or other heart conditions. If you think you might be having a heart attack, don’t wait to seek help. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
Heart attacks require immediate medical attention. Panic attacks don’t require emergency care, but still, you shouldn’t ignore your symptoms. If you’ve had a panic attack, talk to your health care team about possible causes and treatment to help you feel better.
Not sure what’s causing your symptoms? Get your chest pain checked out at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, to schedule your appointment.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that appear just under the surface of your skin. They’re usually blue or purple, and they’re most commonly found on the legs and feet.
Varicose veins form when faulty valves in your veins allow blood to flow backwards and pool up. All that excess blood enlarges the veins, making them appear discolored, twisted, and unsightly. While varicose veins are often brushed off as a cosmetic concern, they’re a common cause of discomfort — and they could even be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
That means if you have varicose veins, it’s important to seek treatment. Kunal Patel, MD, is a vein specialist at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. He has experience diagnosing and treating varicose veins, and our team is here to help you get the care you need.
Varicose vein treatment relieves your symptoms
Varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing, but seeking treatment for varicose veins goes far beyond simply improving your appearance. Here are a few reasons why Dr. Patel and our team always recommend treating varicose veins:
Improves your circulation
Varicose veins are a sign of poor circulation, which means your legs and feet may not be getting all the blood they need. Poor circulation can make your legs and feet feel tired and achy, and treatment can help improve your circulation and your symptoms.
Relieves discomfort
For many people, varicose veins cause uncomfortable symptoms like:
Aching, heavy-feeling legs
Muscle cramps
Swelling
Itchy skin
Pain or tenderness
Treatment eliminates the varicose vein, which helps alleviate these symptoms and improves your quality of life.
Prevents venous complications
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious vein problems. Your risk of blood clots, skin ulcers, and swelling may be higher if you have varicose veins. Fortunately, early treatment can help prevent these complications.
Improves your appearance and your confidence
Last but not least, treatment addresses the appearance of your veins. Varicose veins can be unsightly, and they may impact your self-confidence. Treating varicose veins can eliminate or reduce their appearance and boost your self-esteem.
Varicose vein treatment is customizable
There are several treatment options available for varicose veins. When you come to NJ Cardiovascular Institute for care, Dr. Patel does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms.
Then, he develops a customized treatment plan for your varicose veins. He may recommend lifestyle changes first, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. Compression stockings can also help by applying gentle pressure to your veins to enhance circulation.
In more advanced cases, Dr. Patel may recommend medical treatment. He specializes in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which gently heats the damaged veins to seal them and stop blood from entering.
The best treatment option for you depends on the severity of your varicose veins and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Together, you work with Dr. Patel to address your symptoms and improve your vascular health.
If you have varicose veins, don’t wait to schedule your evaluation. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online to get started.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
High cholesterol is a common — but serious — health problem. Cholesterol is a substance that your body uses to build cells, but having high cholesterol means there’s too much of it in your blood.
Excess cholesterol can build up in your arteries, narrowing them and making your heart work harder over time. When you have high cholesterol, your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, is higher, too.
Fortunately, you can improve your cholesterol levels and your health. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to teach you how.
Understanding your cholesterol numbers
Cholesterol tests measure two main types of cholesterol in your blood: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
HDL is often called the “good” cholesterol, because it removes excess cholesterol from your blood and takes it to your liver. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol, because this is the type that builds up in your arteries and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
When you get a cholesterol test, Dr. Patel takes a small sample of your blood and measures your HDL and LDL. Your cholesterol is in a healthy range if your HDL is 60 or higher, your LDL is under 100, and your total cholesterol is under 200.
You’re considered at risk if your HDL is 40-59 (for men) or 50-59 (for women), your LDL is 100-159, and your total cholesterol is between 200-239.
You’re diagnosed with high cholesterol if your HDL is under 40 (for men) or under 50 (for women), your LDL is 160 or higher, and your total cholesterol is 240 or higher.
Many cholesterol tests also measure triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood. High triglyceride levels can also increase your risk of heart disease.
How to lower your high cholesterol
Whether you already have high cholesterol or your cholesterol test showed that you’re at risk, it’s not too late to improve your numbers. Lifestyle habits are the main contributor to harmful cholesterol levels, and making healthy changes is an effective way to lower your cholesterol.
A few of the changes Dr. Patel and our team recommend are:
1. Getting regular exercise
Physical activity is one of the best ways to manage your cholesterol naturally, and we recommend making a habit of exercise for better heart health. Exercise increases your good cholesterol levels and decreases both bad cholesterol and blood pressure.
You should aim to get about 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days a week. Along with controlling cholesterol levels, exercise helps you lose extra pounds. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help lower your risk of heart disease and other complications.
2. Eating a heart-healthy diet
Trans fats contribute to high cholesterol, and eating foods that contain this type of fat can raise your cholesterol levels. Avoid foods that have “hydrogenated oils” in the ingredients, as these contain trans fats. Packaged baked goods, fast foods, and processed snack foods may contain trans fats.
Eating too many foods with saturated fats may also contribute to high cholesterol levels, so try to limit your intake of fatty meats and full-fat dairy products.
Instead, focus on eating foods low in fat, salt, and added sugars. Choose low-fat dairy products, lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and nuts. Foods high in fiber (like beans and oats) can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels.
3. Quitting smoking
Smoking elevates bad cholesterol levels and reduces good cholesterol levels. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage your blood vessels, which hardens your arteries and makes it more likely that bad cholesterol will build up.
If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting can have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels and your heart health. Talk with Dr. Patel and our team to get help with smoking cessation.
4. Limiting alcohol
While some research indicates that red wine offers heart-health benefits, too much alcohol can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which increases your risk of heart disease and other heart problems.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol. In general, that means no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women.
Surprised by your cholesterol numbers? You’re not alone, and it’s not too late to change them. Book an appointment online or call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you to get personalized support for better heart health.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Flip-flopping in your chest. Pounding in your throat. Rapid beats that make you feel a little lightheaded. All these and more are signs of a common phenomenon: heart palpitations.
Palpitations are irregular heartbeats, and they can draw your attention to your heart and make you wonder if something is wrong. Most of the time, palpitations aren’t a sign of something more serious — but it’s important to know when to get your heartbeat checked out by a pro.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute provide comprehensive heart care. Lots of people ask us if they should be concerned about their heart palpitations, and here’s our answer.
The most common causes of heart palpitations
Your heart follows a normal rhythm, but it’s not unusual for that rhythm to get disrupted occasionally. Your activity level, your emotional state, and even the foods you consume can change your heart rhythm.
A few of the most common causes of palpitations are:
Depression
Fever
Hormonal changes
Stimulants, like caffeine or nicotine
Strenuous exercise
Strong emotions, like anxiety, stress, or panic
Heart palpitations due to these factors are temporary, and they usually aren’t cause for concern.
When to go to the doctor for heart palpitations
Most of the time, heart palpitations aren’t a sign that something is wrong with your heart. However, about one in 18 Americans has an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmias require medical care, so it’s important to get your heart palpitations checked out if:
You get heart palpitations frequently
Almost everyone experiences palpitations at some point, but they’re usually fairly infrequent. Make an appointment with Dr. Patel if you regularly get more than six heart palpitations in one minute or if you get three or more palpitations at a time. You should also talk to Dr. Patel if you experience a sudden change in palpitations.
You’re at risk for heart disease
Heart palpitations could be a sign of heart disease, a group of conditions that limit your heart function and put your health at risk. Anyone can get heart disease, and factors that increase your risk include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Poor diet
Smoking
Talk to Dr. Patel about your heart palpitations if you’re at risk of heart disease or if you have a history of heart disease.
You have additional symptoms with palpitations
In rare cases, heart palpitations could be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 if you get palpitations along with:
Confusion
Chest pain or pressure
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Excessive sweating
Fainting or loss of consciousness
These symptoms could indicate that you’re having a heart attack. A heart attack is a medical emergency.
If you’re worried about your heart, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. Dr. Patel and our team run diagnostic tests to evaluate your heart health and pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. Once we know what’s causing your palpitations, we work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Contact NJ Cardiovascular Institute online or call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, to make your first appointment.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Experiencing chest pain is scary. But when the pain comes and goes, it can be difficult to know whether it’s a cause for worry.
Intermittent chest pain refers to any type of chest pain that occurs on and off, rather than constantly. It can be sharp or dull, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
If you have chest pain, you should always take it seriously. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain, and we’re here to help you find answers.
Here’s what you need to know about intermittent chest pain and when to go to the doctor for it.
Common reasons for intermittent chest pain
Some of the most common causes of intermittent chest pain are:
Acid reflux
Also known as heartburn, acid reflux often causes a burning sensation in your chest that’s easy to mistake for chest pain. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus. While it irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes discomfort, it doesn’t have anything to do with your heart.
Angina
Angina is a common type of chest pain that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina pain can be intermittent, and many people describe it as a tightness or pressure in the chest.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to your lungs and blocks blood flow. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms — and it’s a medical emergency that requires prompt care.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear and overwhelm. One of the most common symptoms of a panic attack is chest pain, and some people say it feels like having a heart attack. Other symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis develops when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone gets inflamed. It can cause sharp, intermittent chest pain. Like panic attacks, the symptoms of costochondritis can easily be mistaken for a heart attack.
When to go to the doctor of intermittent chest pain
If you have chest pain, you should always go to the doctor to have it checked out. Even if it’s not a medical emergency, it’s always best to seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.
Dr. Patel and our team perform a physical exam, take your medical history, and do a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, or electrocardiograms.
Depending on your diagnosis, we may prescribe medications to manage your symptoms or treat an underlying condition. Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly, can also help manage your symptoms.
When to seek emergency medical care for chest pain
Not all causes of intermittent chest pain are serious, but some are. The situations where it’s especially important to seek immediate medical attention include chest pain that:
Is severe or persistent
Is accompanied by other symptoms
Occurs during physical activity
Occurs with a known heart condition
Severe chest pain or pain that comes along with other symptoms could be signs of a more serious condition. If you experience chest pain during physical activity or exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Last but not least, always seek medical care if you have new or worsening chest pain and you have a history of heart disease or have been diagnosed with a heart condition.
Intermittent chest pain can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. While not all cases of intermittent chest pain require immediate medical attention, it’s not easy to determine the right course of action on your own.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute to learn more and find a treatment plan that’s right for you. Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online today.
