by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Mar 3, 2020 | Blog, Heart Health
About half a million Americans suffer cardiac arrest each year. It’s a serious medical condition that develops quickly and without warning. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops beating, which halts blood flow throughout your body. Symptoms include no pulse, loss of consciousness, and no breathing. Cardiac arrest can cause death — but with prompt medical care, it’s possible to survive.
NJ Cardiovascular Institute is your expert resource for heart health. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team are highly trained in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart palpitations, that can cause problems like cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest is sudden, but certain factors increase your risk of experiencing this severe cardiac event. You could have a greater risk of cardiac arrest if:
You have coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition. It develops when your coronary arteries become narrow because they’re blocked by plaque buildup. The coronary arteries are responsible for transporting blood to your heart, and if they’re blocked, your heart doesn’t get enough blood.
Most people who suffer cardiac arrest have coronary artery disease. In addition to increasing your risk for cardiac arrest, this chronic condition also increases your chances of suffering a heart attack. Angina (chest pain) is the top symptom of coronary artery disease.
Having other heart conditions can increase your risk of cardiac arrest, too. Electrical pulse problems, congenital heart disease, and an enlarged heart may put you at greater risk of cardiac arrest.
You have a history of heart attack
It’s possible to experience cardiac arrest at the same time as a heart attack. Heart attacks caused by coronary artery disease can trigger an irregular heartbeat that then leads to cardiac arrest within the same episode.
But even if you have a heart attack without cardiac arrest, the heart attack can leave behind scar tissue and weaken your heart. These side effects may make cardiac arrest more likely later on. People who have a family history of heart attack or cardiac arrest may also be more likely to experience these cardiac events in their own lifetimes.
You have certain lifestyle habits
Your heart health is linked to your overall health. Your heart health could be at risk if you:
Live a sedentary lifestyle
Eat a diet high in fat and low in vitamins and minerals
Smoke cigarettes
Are obese
Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase your chances of developing coronary artery disease and cardiac arrest.
Other factors that you can’t change affect your risk of cardiac arrest, like age and gender. Men over age 45 are at greater risk for cardiac arrest than women or younger men. Those with a family history of heart problems are also at greater risk.
There are certain symptoms that could indicate heart problems, regardless of other risk factors you might have. Signs that you should come in for a heart health evaluation include:
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Dizziness
At any time, if someone near you is struggling to breath or has lost consciousness, call 911 immediately. People who suffer cardiac arrest can benefit from a defibrillator or CPR from someone who’s trained while waiting for emergency medical assistance.
If you’re at greater risk for suffering cardiac arrest, it’s more important than ever to take care of your heart. Book an appointment with our team at one of our offices in Newark or Secaucus, New Jersey, to get started on a treatment plan that helps you keep your heart as healthy as possible.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Feb 1, 2020 | Blog, Blood Pressure, Heart Health
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 NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Dec 1, 2019 | Blog, Heart Health
By now you don’t have to be a nutritionist to know that too much cholesterol is bad for your heart health. If you have high cholesterol, you certainly aren’t alone. About 95 million adults in the United States have unhealthy cholesterol levels. This makes fighting high cholesterol a health priority.
To arm patients with knowledge on managing cholesterol, we’ve put together seven practical ways you can start getting your cholesterol under control today.
Tip #1: Eat cholesterol-fighting foods
What you eat has a major impact on cholesterol balance. Indulge in too much saturated fat and levels of harmful cholesterol will rise. The good news is you can use food to your advantage. Incorporating cholesterol-lowering foods into your diet is an excellent way to fight high cholesterol. Here are our top three cholesterol-fighting picks:
Oats
If you pick up a container of oats, you may notice a heart symbol with a statement that oats lower the risk of heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration approved this claim because oats contain beta glucan, a soluble fiber that reduces cholesterol. Make oats a part of your heart-healthy diet.
Beans
Oats aren’t the only cholesterol-lowering food though, as beans are especially rich in soluble fiber, too. With so many types of beans and the myriad ways to prepare them, you have endless options for incorporating more beans into your diet. No matter what type of bean you like best, they’re all rich in soluble fiber and provide cholesterol-lowering benefits.
Fish
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats your body needs to function properly and that also help lower LDL cholesterol. To reap cholesterol-battling benefits, aim to eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week.
Tip #2: Limit saturated fat
Out of all the components in your diet, saturated fat has the strongest influence on raising levels of bad cholesterol. Limiting saturated fat from fatty cuts of meat, butter, cheese, and other dairy foods and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can get your cholesterol numbers moving in the right direction.
Tip #3: Lose weight
Most adults are carrying some excess weight, and the extra pounds work against healthy cholesterol levels. On the upside, even modest weight loss of 10% of your total body weight has a potent impact on lowering cholesterol. If you’re overweight, shedding some of the excess weight can have a major impact on fighting high cholesterol.
Tip #4: Quit smoking
Despite what we know about the negative health effects of smoking, it’s estimated that more than 34 million American adults smoke cigarettes and roughly half of them are living with a smoking-related disease. Not only does smoking damage your arteries, it lowers levels of good cholesterol.
People who smoke are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease than nonsmokers. If you smoke and you struggle with high cholesterol, it’s even more crucial that you take steps to stop smoking. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully in the past, talk to your doctor about resources to help you quit. Medications and programs are available.
Tip #5: Move more
Along with making changes to your diet, exercise is one of the most effective ways to fight high cholesterol naturally. Physical activity boosts good cholesterol and lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. It does this even if you’re currently overweight. Research shows that when combined with a heart-healthy diet, physical activity like walking, jogging, or cycling improves cholesterol in obese adults.
Tip #6: Moderate alcohol consumption
Moderate alcohol consumption may offer health benefits, such as boosting good cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease. This is no reason to start drinking if you don’t currently consume alcohol though.
Heavy drinking, on the other hand, has a negative influence on cholesterol and increases the risk of developing heart disease. Avoiding heavy alcohol consumption can improve your cholesterol levels. Stick to moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate intake is considered two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women.
Tip #7: Discuss medication
Lifestyle changes are often enough to bring your numbers down if you have high cholesterol. However, if your cholesterol is severely elevated or you have other factors that make it more difficult to control cholesterol, lifestyle changes aren’t always enough. Protecting your heart is the number one priority. If your levels remain elevated despite lifestyle changes, discuss cholesterol-lowering medication with your doctor.
High cholesterol is a serious threat to your heart health. Partnering with a health professional like our board-certified cardiologist Dr. Kunal Patel, is a wise place to start on the path to improved cholesterol. Visit us here at the NJ Cardiovascular Institute for a checkup and for more information about how you can keep your heart healthy. Call 201-866-7000 to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey. Additionally, we accept booking requests here on our website
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Nov 14, 2019 | Blog, Heart Health
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 NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Oct 1, 2019 | Blog, Heart Health, Men's Health, Womens Health
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 NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Sep 1, 2019 | Blog, Heart Health
Your heart is one of the most important organs. It pumps blood throughout your whole body, supplies oxygen and nutrients to your other organs and tissues, and removes waste products like carbon dioxide. Medical conditions that make it difficult for your heart to do its job are collectively known as heart disease.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Kunal Patel is a highly experienced, board-certified cardiologist who helps you take good care of your heart. Dr. Patel uses a preventive approach to help you improve your heart health, as well as avoid or manage conditions like heart disease. Here’s what our team would like you to know about the nature of heart disease, some of its lifestyle-related risk factors, and what you can do about them.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is very common, and it’s also deadly. About 610,000 Americans die every year from heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is an umbrella term that includes a number of conditions such as coronary artery disease, angina, and congenital heart defects.
There are a number of factors that affect how likely you are to develop heart disease. These are known as risk factors. Some of these factors are set, such as your age, gender, and genetics. However, you have much more control over certain risk factors that are based on your lifestyle.
Risk factors you can change
Smoking
Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack than those who never smoked. Smoking damages your arteries, resulting in a buildup of fatty material, which in turn narrows your arteries. This narrowing of the arteries can cause a heart attack, because blood can’t travel through them.
If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart is to quit. Also, avoid spending time around people when they’re smoking, since secondhand smoke isn’t good for your heart, either.
Cholesterol
Your liver produces cholesterol, which is a component of all your cells that is used to make essential substances such as hormones. You also take in cholesterol from the foods you eat. Cholesterol comes in two forms: low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is usually known as the “bad” cholesterol because if you have too much of it, it can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease. High density lipoprotein is called the “good” cholesterol because it helps flush excess cholesterol back to your liver. Eating foods high in LDL, such as rich meats and fatty dairy products, can cause you to have high levels of cholesterol.
Hypertension
Hypertension means that you consistently have high blood pressure, so the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. If not controlled, this pressure can cause damage to the tissues inside your arteries, creating a place for cholesterol to gather and narrowing the space where your blood can flow.
Inactivity
It is estimated that 35% of heart disease deaths occur as a result of physical inactivity. Your heart is a muscle, and it needs to be exercised regularly to keep it strong. In addition, regular exercise reduces blood pressure, decreases the chance of developing diabetes, and reduces obesity — which are three other risk factors for heart disease.
Obesity
Obesity puts you at risk for heart disease because it can increase your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to fatty buildup in your arteries, reducing the flow of blood and creating a risk for heart attacks. In addition, obesity can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure. Losing some weight can take a lot of strain off your heart.
Uncontrolled diabetes
A hormone called insulin allows your body to turn sugar (glucose) that’s in your blood into energy for your body. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough. This results in high levels of glucose remaining in your blood, which is a state known as hyperglycemia. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can damage your blood vessels, resulting in heart disease.
Heart disease is a very serious medical condition, but there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make that will help keep your heart healthy. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Kunal Patel takes care of your heart and teaches you how to prevent heart disease. Call our office or set up an appointment using our online booking tool today.
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