by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jan 2, 2024 | Blog, Heart Health
Staying healthy is a delicate balance of nutrition, exercise, lifestyle choices, and medical care. Physical activity alone can help maintain healthy blood pressure, improve your mood, promote healthy cholesterol levels, and improve blood circulation. However, if you’re keeping active to stay healthy, you may experience problems that make that harder to do, like chest pain.
There are a number of reasons you can experience pain in your chest during physical activity like cardio, and you should better understand why it can happen and what it means for your health. To that end, let’s explore the possible causes of chest pain, why it may occur during exercise, and how to prevent and manage the problem.
If you live in the Secaucus, Elizabeth, Paramus, or Lakewood, New Jersey, and you’re experiencing chest pain or other cardiovascular problems, Dr. Kunal Patel and our experienced medical staff at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help.
Understanding chest pain
This is a broad term for different kinds of pain you can experience in your chest, ranging from a dull ache to a stabbing sensation.
Heart-related chest pain can be a crushing or burning feeling and can travel to different areas, such as the neck, jaw, or arms. It may also be accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweats, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or accelerated heartbeat.
If the pain is not related to heart problems, however, you may have other symptoms, like a sour taste while eating, problems swallowing, or pain when you cough.
Reasons for chest pain during exercise
Pain in the chest can result from issues with different systems in your body, including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and digestive systems.
Cardiovascular problems
During cardio exercise, you breathe faster. Your heart pumps faster and harder to get the oxygenated blood to your muscles. If you have chest pain while exercising, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition, so it’s always best to see a heart expert like Dr. Patel. He can examine you and do testing to determine if your pain is heart-related or a result of another condition.
Cardiovascular causes of chest pain may include coronary artery disease, heart attack, mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery dissection, myocarditis, or pericarditis.
Pulmonary problems
Lung conditions that may cause your chest to hurt include pleuritis, lung abscess, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, pneumothorax. Chest pain can also occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive asthma.
Digestive problems
Various problems in the digestive tract can also lead to chest pain, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal contraction disorders, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, pancreatitis, and gallbladder conditions.
Prevention and treatment
The best way to prevent chest pain depends on the root cause of the pain. Some basic steps you can take to prevent heart-related chest pain include eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, managing your blood pressure, and adjusting physical activities in accordance to doctor’s orders.
If you have another condition, such as asthma, prevention may include using your medications and inhalers as prescribed and avoiding any allergy triggers.
If you do have chest pain while exercising or at rest, the treatment depends on the underlying condition that is triggering the pain. For example, for heart-related chest pain called angina, prescription medications that relax the arteries may help ease the pain. Pain caused by GERD may improve with medication that reduces stomach acid.
If you’re having chest pain while you’re walking, biking, or doing other physical activities, don’t ignore it. To find out why your chest hurts and what we can do to help, make an appointment with Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute today.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Nov 1, 2023 | Blog, Heart Health
The holiday season is a time for joy, gratitude, and celebration. And it's also a time when many people tend to indulge in rich, decadent foods and let their usual healthy habits slide.
While it's perfectly okay to enjoy some holiday treats, don’t let the coming months put your heart health at risk. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to help you find a sustainable approach to heart-healthy choices, no matter the season.
Here are a few of our favorite tips and strategies for making heart-smart decisions and still savoring the holiday season.
1. Plan your meals
Planning your holiday meals in advance can make it much easier to stick to heart-healthy choices when you’re gathered around the table. Start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your menu so you’re getting essential nutrients and fiber, which help support heart health.
2. Choose heart-healthy ingredients and cooking methods
The way you prepare your holiday meals can have a big impact on heart health. Opt for cooking methods like baking, grilling, steaming, and roasting instead of frying or deep-frying. These methods use less oil and help preserve the nutritional value of the food.
Look for festive, heart-friendly recipes or modify traditional holiday recipes by using substitutions. Swap in healthy fats like olive oil or avocado oil. Choose whole grains over refined grains and opt for lean proteins like turkey or fish. When cooking at home, use herbs, spices, and citrus to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of sugar or salt.
3. Enjoy alcohol mindfully
Alcohol can be part of holiday celebrations, but always remember to consume it responsibly. Sugary drinks and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain and negatively impact heart health. So limit your alcohol intake, and consider alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones like sparkling water.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day. Be aware of the potential interactions between alcohol and any medications you may be taking. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to consult with Dr. Patel and our team.
4. Prioritize physical activity
The holidays can mean a disruption in your usual routine, and it’s easy to start skipping workouts. Regular physical activity is a crucial component of heart health, so make sure your exercise habits don’t suffer this season.
Schedule time for your workouts, even if they're shorter than usual. Bundle up for a walk, engage in holiday-themed outdoor activities, or dance to your favorite holiday tunes. Regular exercise helps control your weight, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease.
5. Manage stress
The holidays can be stressful, and stress can negatively impact your heart health. Integrate stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your days to help you stay calm and centered.
A well-rested body is better equipped to manage stress, so make quality sleep a priority, too. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to enjoy lower stress levels and enhanced overall well-being.
6. Don't skip your regular check-ups
Last but not least, don't neglect your regular check-ups. Routine cardiology care is essential for monitoring your heart health and catching any potential issues early.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our Heart Smart Program is designed to help you protect and manage your heart health all year round. The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration without the temptation of unhealthy indulgence — and we’re here to help.
Learn more about lifestyle changes for heart health with an appointment at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online today.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Oct 21, 2023 | Blog, Heart Health
It’s no secret that regular exercise is a cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle. It helps keep your weight in check, boosts your cardiovascular health, and even improves your mood — but when you exercise daily and you still face health issues, it can be frustrating and confusing.
You’re not alone. Even dedicated exercise enthusiasts can find themselves grappling with high blood pressure, a condition that seems contradictory to their active lifestyle. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to help you find answers.
Here’s what you need to know about why high blood pressure can still develop and what you can do to get your numbers in check.
The connection between exercise and heart health
First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge the benefits that daily exercise has on your heart. Regular physical activity improves the efficiency of your heart, increases the flexibility of your blood vessels, and enhances blood flow — all of which are essential for optimal heart health.
While these benefits can lead to a reduction in blood pressure over time, there are instances where high blood pressure persists despite consistent exercise.
Factors beyond exercise: other possible causes of high blood pressure
Regular exercise is a great way to maintain heart health. But if your blood pressure is still high, a number of other factors could be at play.
Genetics
Genetics affect blood pressure regulation. That means if high blood pressure runs in your family, you might be more prone to developing it, even when you’re exercising regularly. Genetic predisposition can have a significant impact on your health and should be taken seriously.
Stress
Emotional stress contributes to high blood pressure. Daily life stressors, work pressure, and emotional strain can lead to elevated blood pressure. Along with exercise, engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help you manage stress.
Sleep pattern
Consistent poor sleep or sleep apnea can negatively impact your blood pressure. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall cardiovascular health, and see a doctor if you have symptoms of sleep apnea.
Dietary choices
Certain dietary choices can elevate blood pressure, including high intake of salt and processed foods and low intake of potassium-rich foods. Healthy foods, on the other hand, complement your exercise routine, so strive to eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.
Alcohol and tobacco
Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can significantly raise blood pressure, despite your exercise habits. Limiting your alcohol intake and quitting smoking are crucial steps for managing blood pressure numbers.
How to manage high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it's crucial to consult a health care professional. Dr. Patel and our team assess your individual situation, including your exercise routine, other lifestyle habits, and medical history.
We can recommend appropriate tests and create a tailored blood pressure management plan that addresses your unique needs. Along with exercise, we may recommend:
Dietary modifications
Limiting alcohol
Quitting smoking
Stress management
Blood pressure medication
These methods can all work together to enhance your heart health and lower your blood pressure. We keep a close eye on your progress and adjust your treatment plan, if needed.
Remember that exercise is an essential piece of heart health, but high blood pressure can persist despite daily workouts. To find out what’s contributing to your high blood pressure and get a personalized treatment plan to take back control, talk to Dr. Patel and our team.
Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online to get started.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Sep 1, 2023 | Blog, Heart Health
Heart disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, and it remains the top cause of death for both men and women. While certain risk factors — like age and family history — can’t be changed, heart disease is largely preventable.
In fact, your lifestyle is one of the biggest contributing factors to your heart health. Certain habits can lead to heart disease, and others can lower your risk and help you stay healthier throughout your life.
So, what do your habits mean for your heart health? Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help you find the answer. We specialize in heart disease care in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
Here are four common habits that can increase your risk of heart disease, and how you can start making healthier choices today.
1. An inactive lifestyle
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart. But unfortunately, the rise of sedentary jobs and modern conveniences mean many people lead increasingly inactive lifestyles.
Lack of exercise contributes to weight gain, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
How to make heart-healthy changes
Strive to incorporate about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity into your weekly routine. You don’t have to become an athlete to see the benefits of a more active lifestyle, so try brisk walking, cycling, or any activity that gets your heart rate up.
Consider adding muscle-strengthening activities, like yoga or weightlifting, at least days a week, too. Remember to consult with your health care team before starting any new exercise routine.
2. An unhealthy diet
Keep in mind that atherosclerosis is a driving force behind heart disease. With atherosclerosis, plaque deposits made of fats, cholesterol, and minerals build up in your arteries, restricting blood flow to your heart and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
A diet high in processed foods that contain unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined carbohydrates and added sugar aren’t good for your heart health and can lead to atherosclerosis. Excessive use of alcohol may also contribute to heart disease.
How to make heart-healthy changes
Start by taking a look at the foods you eat regularly. Limit your intake of baked goods, snack chips, and other processed foods, especially processed meats. Add more heart-healthy whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins. Limit your use of alcohol.
Over time, maintaining a balanced diet can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
3. Smoking and tobacco use
Smoking and tobacco use are two major risk factors for heart disease. The chemicals in tobacco damage your blood vessels, reduce oxygen levels in your blood, and raise your blood pressure. All of these factors contribute to cardiovascular problems and increase your risk of heart disease.
How to make heart-healthy changes
If you smoke or use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start — and do your best to avoid secondhand smoke.
If you need help quitting, ask Dr. Patel and our team about smoking cessation programs. Remember, the benefits of quitting smoking are profound. Quitting can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and other smoking-related health issues, including cancer.
4. Chronic stress
Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart, and it can even increase your risk of heart disease. When you’re under stress, your body releases hormones that temporarily raise your blood pressure and heart rate.
Over time, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and inflammation, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.
How to make heart-healthy changes
Learn to recognize the stressors in your life, then start exploring healthy ways to manage them. Prioritize self-care, and consider trying exercise, deep breathing exercises, and spending time with loved ones to help reduce stress levels naturally.
Take a proactive approach to heart health
Heart disease is often preventable and taking a proactive approach is the best way to protect your health. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone.
Dr. Patel and our team specialize in proactive cardiology care to identify and address your unique heart disease risk factors before they lead to significant health issues.
We do a comprehensive heart health assessment, where we review your medical history, assess your lifestyle habits, and conduct tests to measure your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular markers.
Based on the results of your assessment, we create a personalized risk factor management plan to address any existing or potential issues. This plan can include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, exercise recommendations, and medications if necessary.
We work with you to implement these changes, and you have regular follow-up visits to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your heart health plan. Ongoing monitoring is the best way to detect any changes or emerging risk factors early, so we can intervene in a timely manner.
As we mentioned, heart disease is often a preventable condition, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is key to reducing your risk. For more personalized guidance, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel at NJ Cardiovascular Institute today.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | May 19, 2021 | Blog, Heart Health
Almost one in two American adults has high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s one of the most common cardiovascular conditions that can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications — and it develops without any obvious symptoms.
Because high blood pressure is “silent,” many people are surprised to find out they have it, and the diagnosis can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Heart Smart Program at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team offer personalized heart care in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and our Heart Smart Program helps take the guesswork out of managing your high blood pressure.
How our Heart Smart Program supports people with hypertension
This comprehensive cardiovascular wellness program is designed to support patients with a range of heart-related concerns, including high blood pressure. It combines medical expertise with lifestyle education and ongoing monitoring to provide a holistic approach to heart health.
We tailor your plan to meet your specific needs, so you’re not getting a one-size-fits-all solution that may or may not work for you. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with hypertension, you’ve been living with it for years, or you have other heart conditions alongside high blood pressure, here’s how it can make a difference for you:
1. Personalized evaluation and monitoring
High blood pressure doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, but it does cause real damage to your arteries and organs over time. We start with a baseline evaluation, and regular diagnostics like echocardiograms or stress testing help identify how your blood pressure is affecting your cardiovascular system. Then, we can track your progress over time.
The program includes ongoing care, follow-up support, and regular check-ins. Our goal is to adjust your management plan as your needs change, so you can stay on track and avoid setbacks.
2. Education and lifestyle support
Lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on your blood pressure, and understanding what affects your blood pressure empowers you to act. The Heart Smart Program includes educational sessions to help you make heart-healthy choices about eating, activity, stress management, and daily habits — all essential components of blood pressure control.
3. Nutritional and exercise guidance
Your diet and activity level play a major role in managing hypertension, and the program includes personalized nutritional counseling and exercise regimens. We evaluate your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and overall health to create nutrition and exercise plans that are sustainable — and that support better heart function and healthier blood pressure levels.
4. Enhanced coordination of care
Hypertension rarely exists independently. That means if you have high blood pressure, you might also be more likely to have high cholesterol, arrhythmias, or other heart disease risk factors.
The Heart Smart Program integrates preventive care, diagnostics, and tailored treatment planning so you’re addressing not just blood pressure, but your whole cardiovascular risk profile. Plus, we work with other specialists on your care team to coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-ups as needed.
Is our Heart Smart Program right for you?
The answer is probably yes! We recommend the Heart Smart Program to any patient looking to improve their heart health with personalized, structured support.
Even if your hypertension is well-managed now, the program can help you optimize heart health and reduce future risk. We combine ongoing monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and medication as needed to maximize your heart health and your long-term wellness.
If high blood pressure is affecting your health or peace of mind, our Heart Smart Program could help you move from simply managing numbers to actively improving your cardiovascular health. Contact us online or call 201-866-7000 to schedule an appointment and get started on a sustainable care plan that truly fits your needs.
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