by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | May 2, 2023 | Blog, Heart Health
Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, affects more than 20 million Americans. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women — but the good news is that it can be prevented.
In fact, there are lots of ways to reduce your risk of heart disease — and you can start by reevaluating your diet. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are ready to help.
We specialize in cardiovascular care. Our Heart Smart Program is designed to give you the tools you need to take control of your heart health.
Here’s what you need to know about your diet and heart health, including four of the best foods to eat to prevent heart disease.
How your diet affects heart health
Your diet plays a major role in heart health. The foods you eat every day can either positively or negatively affect your heart, and making healthier choices helps reduce your risk of heart disease.
For example, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats boosts heart health. Foods rich in fiber help lower your cholesterol levels, and foods high in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and protect your heart from damage.
On the other hand, a diet high in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. All of these health conditions are considered major risk factors for heart disease.
Along with what you eat, how much you eat matters. Overeating can lead to weight gain, while regularly consuming large meals, particularly those high in fat and salt, may increase your blood pressure.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals made with healthier foods can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease. Pay attention to portion sizes, and try to limit your intake of processed foods, which are often high in calories, added sugar, salt, and additives.
The best foods to help prevent heart disease
The key to a heart-healthy diet is eating a variety of whole foods. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats each day. If you’re not sure where to start, you can’t go wrong with these four foods:
1. Leafy greens
Leafy greens contain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that can promote health and help prevent heart disease. Choose darker greens, like spinach and kale, often.
2. Berries
Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids can help lower your blood pressure, reduce inflammation in your body, and improve blood vessel function. Berries are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great snack or dessert.
3. Fatty fish
Fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fats. Omega-3s offer a handful of heart-healthy benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering triglyceride levels, and lowering blood pressure.
4. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds contain unsaturated fats, fiber, and protein. Eating nuts and seeds, like almonds and chia seeds, can reduce inflammation, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and improve blood sugar control.
However, nuts and seeds are also high in calories, so eat them in moderation. Consider eating a handful of nuts or seeds as a snack or sprinkle them on top of a salad for an added boost of nutrition.
When it comes to protecting your heart health, eating a healthy diet is essential. Learn more about switching to a heart-healthy diet at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. To get started, call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send our team a message online.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Apr 1, 2023 | Blog, Blood Pressure, Heart Health
Nearly half of all American adults have hypertension, which is high blood pressure. It’s nicknamed “the silent killer,” because it doesn’t have noticeable early warning signs, but high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems like heart attack and stroke. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to take it seriously to protect your health.
The good news is that hypertension is manageable. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in hypertension care, and we want to help you lower your risk of complications.
One of the best ways to manage hypertension is making certain lifestyle changes. So if you have high blood pressure, here are the top habits to drop right now.
1. Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine in cigarettes raises your blood pressure and increases your heart rate, which damages your blood vessels over time.
If you have hypertension, quitting smoking significantly lowers your risk of complications, and it can help keep your hypertension from getting worse.
2. Eating a lot of salt
Salt contains sodium, which may increase your blood pressure if you have hypertension. You should limit your sodium intake to no more than about 1500 milligrams per day, which equals about two-thirds of a teaspoon of table salt.
Most dietary sodium comes from processed foods, but the shaker and salt used in cooking contributes, too. Making small changes, like using herbs and spices instead of salt when you cook, can reduce your salt intake without compromising the flavor of your food.
3. Eating a lot of processed foods
Processed foods include things like chips, baked goods, pizza, candy, and soda. These options are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, all of which can increase your blood pressure and make hypertension worse.
Switching from processed foods to whole foods can help you manage your hypertension. Try to eat a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
4. Drinking too much alcohol
Alcohol can increase your blood pressure, and excessive drinking can cause hypertension or make it worse. For heart health, you should limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.
5. Living a sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity is linked to hypertension and heart disease, but being physically active can help your lower blood pressure and improve overall health. That’s why we recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Getting active doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s okay to start slowly. Try low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Remember to talk with your healthcare team before starting any new exercise program.
6. Not (properly) managing stress
Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and high stress levels can increase your blood pressure. It’simportant to find healthy ways to manage stress, particularly if you have hypertension. Exercise helps relieve stress, and you can also try practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, or taking up hobbies that you enjoy.
7. Not getting enough sleep
Sleep is essential for optimal health, and consistently not getting enough sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. To reduce the effects that lack of sleep has on your body, aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Establish healthy sleep habits — like having a nighttime routine and avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed — to improve your quality of sleep.
A hypertension diagnosis can be scary, but there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and lower your risk of complications. For more personalized tips to manage hypertension, book an appointment with Dr. Patel and our team.
Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online to get started.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Mar 2, 2023 | Blog, Heart Health
3 Reasons Why You Have Chest Pain and Palpitations : Kunal Patel, MD, FACC: Board Certified Cardiologist
Feeling pain or fluttering in your chest is scary. Chest pain and palpitations are common symptoms that can be both alarming and worrisome — and if your first thought is that you’re having a heart attack, you’re certainly not alone.
Chest pain and palpitations can be serious. But more often than not, they’re caused by benign conditions like anxiety or even acid reflux.
As a leading cardiologist in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, Kunal Patel, MD, can help you determine the cause of your chest discomfort. He and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnostics to evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
Here are three possible reasons why you might experience chest pain and palpitations, and what to do about them.
1. Anxiety or stress
Both chest pain and palpitations can be symptoms of high anxiety or stress. When you're feeling anxious or stressed, your body produces more adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that increases blood flow and breathing rate, and more adrenaline can make your heart beat faster and result in chest pain. Although it’s benign, it can still be uncomfortable and concerning.
If you struggle with stress or anxiety, practicing stress-management techniques like deep breathing and physical exercise can be helpful in reducing symptoms.
2. Gastrointestinal issues
Sometimes, gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux or indigestion cause chest pain. The nerves that connect to your esophagus and chest run close to your heart, which can make it difficult to determine the origin of the pain. That’s why acid reflux is often referred to as “heartburn.”
If you experience chest pain after eating or lying down, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic type of acid reflux. Treating the underlying gastrointestinal issue can relieve symptoms.
3. Cardiovascular issues
Last but not least, chest pain or palpitations could be signs of cardiovascular issues. Angina is chest pain, which is discomfort caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle, and it can be a warning sign of a heart attack.
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Most arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be serious and require medical attention.
If you have sudden, severe chest pain along with shortness of breath, sweating, or an unusual sense of fullness or pressure, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a heart attack.
Experiencing chest pain is concerning, and you should never ignore it. Chest pain and palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, and only a doctor can determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Dr. Patel and our team offer comprehensive diagnostics and testing to evaluate your heart health. Once we know what’s causing your symptoms, we develop a treatment plan to help minimize your symptoms and improve your health.
Make an appointment with Dr. Patel and our team to get started. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online today.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jan 1, 2023 | Blog, Heart Health
A stent is a tiny mesh tube that fits inside an artery. It opens the artery to allow unobstructed blood flow to the heart, and it’s one of the most effective treatments for coronary artery disease.
Getting a stent requires a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty. And if your loved one just found out they need a stent, it’s normal to have questions.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in heart care. We take a holistic approach to heart disease treatment, and we work with patients and their families to manage their health.
Here’s what you need to know if your loved one is scheduled for angioplasty.
When is a stent necessary?
Stents treat coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. If you have coronary artery disease, plaque builds up in the arteries that transport blood to your heart, restricting blood flow, causing chest pain, and making your heart work harder.
There’s no cure for coronary artery disease, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, these conservative treatments aren’t always enough for severe heart disease.
Angioplasty is a procedure that places a small mesh tube called a stent into an artery. The stent opens narrowed or blocked arteries to improve heart health and lower your risk of complications, including heart attack.
What to expect during angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia. Depending on your loved one’s health, we may administer a sedative to help them relax, and they may or may not be awake during the procedure.
Dr. Patel begins by cleaning an area of skin where he makes a small incision. This might be in the arm, wrist, leg, or groin.
He inserts a thin wire (catheter) through the incision and into a blood vessel, then uses X-ray imaging to guide the wire to the blocked artery. Once it’s in place, he inflates a small balloon to expand the artery and then places the mesh stent.
If your loved one has more than one blocked artery, Dr. Patel can place multiple stents in a single procedure. Angioplasty can take up to several hours from start to finish.
We monitor your loved one’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level throughout the procedure. Once all blockages are addressed, we move them into recovery.
What happens after angioplasty
After angioplasty, the patient usually stays in the hospital overnight so their condition can be monitored. We keep a close eye on your loved one’s heart and make adjustments to their heart medication as needed.
The next day, your loved one can go home. We give you at-home care instructions, such as making sure they drink plenty of fluids and rest for a few days. Expect activity to be limited for about a week, at which point they can return to work and their usual routine.
Call Dr. Patel right away if you notice bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection where we inserted the catheter, or if your loved one experiences pain, discomfort, weakness, or shortness of breath.
Your loved one’s medications may change after angioplasty, so it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Angioplasty doesn’t cure heart disease, and they need regular follow-up care to maintain their heart health.
When a blocked artery threatens your loved one’s health, a stent could be the best solution. Send us a message online or call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, to learn more.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Dec 9, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health, Heart Smart
The holiday season is a time of celebration, indulgence, and joy — but it’s also an important time to prioritize self-care, and your heart health is the perfect place to start. Whether you’ve had a heart procedure or you have a chronic condition, our Heart Smart Program at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help you keep your heart strong and resilient.
The program is available in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and it’s designed to give you comprehensive heart care that emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and continued wellness all year round. Here’s why it might be one of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season.
Why your heart health matters
Your heart beats about 60-100 times and pumps 5-6 quarts of blood every minute of every day. It delivers oxygen and nutrients your cells need to thrive, and it’s at the core of your overall well-being.
Maintaining a strong and healthy cardiovascular system reduces your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke, and it helps sustain energy levels and organ function. A proactive approach to heart health, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and preventive medical care, helps ensure that this vital organ continues to work efficiently and protects your long-term health.
And if you’ve had heart conditions or procedures in the past or you’re managing chronic issues like congestive heart failure, taking care of your heart is extra important. Our Heart Smart Program makes it simple to focus on prevention and continual management to support long-term health and reduce your risk of future health complications.
Key features of our Heart Smart Program
Managing your heart health can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from a heart procedure or you’re living with a chronic heart condition. What sets our Heart Smart Program apart is its comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. It includes services that cater to the entire spectrum of heart care needs, from prevention to detailed monitoring and lifestyle management.
We tailor the program to your specific needs. With dietary monitoring, educational sessions, and onsite case management, our goal is to provide a seamless, supportive experience to help you achieve and maintain your best health.
Whether you’re recovering from a prior heart procedure or managing chronic conditions, the Heart Smart Program offers targeted care that can lead to meaningful lifestyle changes and enhanced well-being.
A few key features include:
Diagnostic services
We offer various tests like echocardiograms, stress tests, and electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG) to assess heart function and detect potential issues early.
Heart rhythm monitoring
Continuous heart rhythm assessments help identify irregularities and provide valuable data for ongoing treatment plans.
Lifestyle and nutrition management
Educational sessions and personalized dietary guidance empower you to make heart-healthy choices every day.
Exercise and pain management plans
Tailored exercise routines and pain management solutions aim to enhance your physical activity while reducing discomfort.
Give yourself the gift of a healthier heart
The holiday season often comes with added stress, indulgent meals, and busy schedules — and did you know all this can have an impact on your heart health? So before the holidays arrive is an excellent time to take charge and invest in a program that supports you now and in the future.
This holiday season, give yourself the invaluable gift of comprehensive heart care. Join the Heart Smart Program at NJ Cardiovascular Institute and take a proactive step toward a healthier future. Contact us today to learn more.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Dec 1, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health
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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