5 Things You Should Do About High Cholesterol

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Sep 8, 2020 | Blog, Heart Health

Cholesterol is a waxy substance naturally found in your blood. It’s an essential building block for healthy cells, but having too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to buildup in your arteries.

This buildup can narrow the arteries, making your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body. High cholesterol is a top risk factor for heart disease, which is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States for both men and women.

An estimated 102 million Americans have high cholesterol, but since this common condition doesn’t have obvious symptoms, that number is likely even higher. Having high cholesterol increases your risk of developing heart disease, but the good news is that lifestyle changes can make a big difference for your cholesterol levels and your overall well-being.

Kunal Patel, MD and our heart specialists at NJ Cardiovascular Institute help people manage their cholesterol levels. Today, we’re sharing some of our best tips for lowering cholesterol and boosting heart health.

1. Get moving

Incorporating physical activity into your routine is good for your cholesterol levels and your heart. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, which translates to about 30 minutes most days of the week.

Exercise improves cholesterol levels by boosting HDL, which is “good” cholesterol. Before you start a new exercise plan, talk with Dr. Patel to find activities that are safe for you. If you find working out for 30 minutes at a time too strenuous at first, you can still reap heart-health benefits from shorter sessions of 5-10 minutes at a time.

2. Eat heart-healthy foods

Some foods boast heart-healthy benefits because they lower LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. Soluble fiber is an important substance found in whole grains and beans that may reduce the amount of cholesterol your blood absorbs. Foods with omega-3 fats (like fish) are also good for your health.

Foods high in trans fats elevate cholesterol levels, so reducing or eliminating these from your diet can help you manage high cholesterol. Store-bought baked goods and fast foods are often high in trans fats. Too much sugar can raise your blood triglyceride levels, which can also up your risk for heart disease.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying extra weight may elevate your total cholesterol levels. If you’re overweight or obese, losing just a few pounds can help lower your cholesterol. Dr. Patel and our team are here to help you find healthy ways to lose weight by making long-term lifestyle changes.

The best way to lose weight and keep it off is by integrating a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise into your daily life. Try eliminating foods with extra fat and sugar, and strive to find activities you enjoy (like taking your dog for a walk) to move your body more.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking cigarettes damages the walls of blood vessels. The damage increases your risk of developing arterial plaque, which makes your heart work harder. Quitting smoking prevents damage from continuing, and it also improves HDL cholesterol levels.

Research shows that in as little as 20 minutes after you smoke your last cigarette, your blood pressure and heart rate drop to healthier levels. After three months, blood circulation improves, and after one year, your risk of heart disease can drop by 50%.

5. Visit the doctor regularly

Make visiting the doctor part of your ongoing healthcare routine. Not only can our team diagnose high cholesterol, but we’re here to help you manage it and improve your heart health.

We can recommend diet tips and other lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol naturally, and if that’s not effective enough, we can prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication. Whether you’re taking medication or not, regular check-ups with Dr. Patel are important to help you stay in control of your health.

There are plenty of ways to achieve lower cholesterol, and you don’t have to do it alone. Get personalized support by booking a consultation online or calling the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you. We have offices in Secaucus and Newark, New Jersey.

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How to Know if a Loved One Has a Congenital Heart Defect

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jul 10, 2020 | Blog, Heart Health

An estimated 2 million people in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect. Congenital heart defects, sometimes called congenital heart disease, are problems in or around your heart that affect how it works.

The term “congenital” means present from birth, but that doesn’t mean that all congenital heart defects are identified when a baby is born. Some can go undetected until a child is older, while others may not show signs until adulthood.

Getting a congenital heart defect diagnosis can be scary, whether it’s you, your child, or another loved one that’s affected. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and our team are here for you. We offer the latest in heart care services so you and your family can enjoy healthy, active lives.

Understanding congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defects are problems with the way a baby’s heart developed before they were born. There are at least 18 different types of congenital heart defects, ranging in severity from a small hole in the heart to severely deformed or missing parts.

A few common symptoms that newborn babies may exhibit if they have a congenital heart defect include:

Rapid breathing

Bluish tint to skin, lips, or nails

Fatigue

Poor blood circulation

Along with these symptoms common in babies and children, others can develop in adults with congenital heart problems.

Symptoms affecting adults can include:

Abnormal heart rhythms

Swelling of tissue or organs

Tiring quickly with exertion

Some congenital heart defects don’t show symptoms right away, and others never show symptoms. It’s also possible that a congenital heart defect that was treated years ago can begin showing symptoms again.

Diagnosing a congenital heart defect

It’s possible to identify and diagnose congenital heart defects at any point in your life. Sometimes, fetal echocardiogram testing identifies defects before a baby is born. Most commonly, defects are found after birth or during childhood.

At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to evaluate heart health, including echocardiograms and stress testing.

Having a congenital heart defect may put you or your loved one at risk for other heart problems throughout life.

Common conditions that occur alongside congenital heart defects include:

Pulmonary hypertension

Abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations

Congestive heart failure

Getting a diagnosis is the first step to better understanding your heart health. With the right treatment, it’s possible to enjoy a long and healthy life.

Life with a congenital heart defect

Since there are so many different types of congenital heart defects, treatments vary from one person to another. Mild or moderate defects may not require treatment at all. Instead, you or your child will need to visit with Dr. Patel regularly to ensure there aren’t any changes in heart health.

More serious congenital heart defects may require surgery or another procedure, like cardiac catheterization. Our goal in treating congenital heart defects is to correct them or minimize the effects that they have on your health.

As your child grows, talk to us about ways to keep them safe. Physical activity is generally good for the heart, but your child may need modifications at school to ensure they stay as healthy as possible.

If you or a loved one experiences chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911 or go to the emergency room. If you notice symptoms of a congenital heart defect and you’ve been diagnosed or treated for a defect in the past, make an appointment to see us.

These days, people born with heart defects can live long, healthy, and active lives. To learn more about caring for a loved one with a congenital heart defect, talk to Dr. Patel and our team. Call the office nearest you, in Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey, or use the “book online” feature today.

Little-Known Causes of Chest Pain

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jun 11, 2020 | Blog, Heart Health

Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. Experiencing chest discomfort can be scary, and many people assume it means they’re having a heart attack. Angina is the kind of chest pain that accompanies a heart attack, and it’s caused by decreased blood flow to the heart.

While it’s true that chest pain is a symptom of serious heart problems like a heart attack, it’s also a symptom of other, less serious conditions. Your heart can cause chest pain, but so can your lungs, digestive system, and nearby muscles.

At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain. Dr. Kunal Patel and our team offer comprehensive heart care, and we’re here to help you find the treatment that works.

If you experience crushing or squeezing chest pain that lasts for several minutes, with or without other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or radiating pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If your symptoms are different, it’s time to learn more about a few lesser-known causes of chest pain.

Pneumonia or bronchitis

Your lungs can cause chest pain, especially if you have a condition like pneumonia or bronchitis. Both pneumonia and bronchitis can make breathing difficult or painful, and you feel the pain inside your chest.

Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of the airways, which can result in chest pain. Bronchospasm can develop along with pneumonia or bronchitis, but it can also occur with chronic conditions. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma may be more likely to experience bronchospasm.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux, also called heartburn, can make your chest hurt. Acid reflux develops when the contents of your stomach travel backward into your esophagus, causing an unpleasant burning sensation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux, which means you suffer from heartburn regularly. If you have chest pain with GERD, you might notice pain gets worse when you cough or take a deep breath.

Shingles

Shingles is a type of viral infection that typically causes a painful rash, but it can also cause chest pain. In fact, chest pain may develop before a rash appears. Chest pain associated with shingles often feels like a band of sharp pain. The rash may appear a few days after you notice chest pain.

Fractures or muscle strains

Musculoskeletal injury can cause chest pain. Bruised or broken ribs, along with compression fractures, can trigger pain within your chest. People with damaged bones generally experience intense pain at the time of injury.

Strenuous physical activity can strain the muscles and tendons around your ribs and chest. This strain may cause inflammation and lead to chest pain. If your pain gets worse with activity, it may be due to sore muscles.

When chest pain necessitates immediate medical care

If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Symptoms of a heart attack include the sudden onset of symptoms such as:

Chest pain (angina)

Pain that spreads to the shoulders and arms

Shortness of breath

Nausea or vomiting

Lightheadedness

Cold sweat

On the other hand, there are many conditions that affect heart health and don’t show obvious signs or symptoms. A few of these are high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which can lead to heart disease and other heart issues.

The only way to ensure you’re enjoying your best health is to keep up with your regular doctor’s appointments. Learn more about what our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can offer you with a consultation.

We have offices to serve you in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey. Call the office nearest you to schedule an appointment today.

AFib Screening Can Help Older Adults Avoid a Stroke

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Apr 15, 2020 | Blog, Heart Health

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of heart arrhythmia that affects as many as 6 million Americans. This common heart condition causes rapid, irregular heartbeats, and your risk for having it increases as you get older.

Some people with AFib don’t have any symptoms and don’t know they have it, but AFib is linked to increased risk of stroke, among other health issues. In fact, people with AFib are nearly five times as likely to suffer a stroke than those who don’t have it.

But having AFib doesn’t mean a stroke is inevitable. The team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute understands the risks that AFib brings, and we’re here to help you maintain your best health. We offer AFib testing, such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor, and ongoing care management to keep your heart strong and reduce your chances of stroke.

The link between AFib and stroke

In a healthy heart, the upper chambers (atria) beat in tandem with the lower chambers (ventricles) to move blood through your body. AFib is a heart arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, that causes the atria to beat out of sync with the ventricles.

When the atria and ventricles aren’t coordinated, blood can pool and clot in the atria. It’s possible for a clot to break off and travel to your brain, blocking cerebral arteries and triggering a stroke.

A stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate care to prevent permanent damage or death. It often causes sudden numbness, dizziness, or changes in vision and speech. If you or someone near you shows signs of stroke, call 911 immediately.

Some people notice symptoms like heart palpitations or fatigue with AFib, but many more don’t know they have it until they begin experiencing other heart issues. To preserve your health as you age, getting screened for AFib is important.

When to consider getting an AFib screening

At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our team offers echocardiograms (EKGs) to identify potential heart problems before you suffer a stroke or heart attack. An EKG is a noninvasive test that allows us to examine the condition of your heart’s chambers and your heartbeat.

You could benefit from an AFib screening if you:

Are over the age of 50

Have heart disease

Have diabetes

Have high blood pressure

Are obese

Have a family history of AFib

Certain other health conditions, like sleep apnea, can increase your risk of AFib. If you have a history of heart problems or you have other risk factors, you could benefit from AFib screening beginning as early as age 40.

Up to 20% of people who experience a stroke have AFib, and many risk factors are the same. Older adults are at the greatest risk for both, and getting screened can help you take control over your health.

If you have AFib, we can recommend treatment options that reduce your risk of stroke. Blood-thinning medications work to prevent blood clots, and routine monitoring can help us track any changes in your heart health that could make a stroke more likely.

Getting a diagnosis is the first step to actively reducing your risk of stroke and other health problems. When you partner with our team to preserve your heart health, it’s possible to stay healthier longer.

AFib screening is an important preventive measure for older adults. Whether you’re at risk for AFib or you already know you have the condition, book an appointment with us for top-quality heart care. You can choose the office closest to you in either Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey.

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Three Things a Stress Test Can Tell Us About Your Heart Health

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Apr 5, 2020 | Blog, Heart Health

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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