by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Oct 1, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health
Maybe you’ve noticed chest pain that wasn’t there before. Maybe you felt an irregular heartbeat. Or maybe, you’re worried that your lifestyle puts you at risk of developing heart disease, a condition affecting nearly 50% of American adults.
Whatever your concern, your heart health matters — and you deserve to find answers. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute provide comprehensive diagnostics and care for common heart conditions in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
Diagnostic testing evaluates your heart health, giving Dr. Patel the information he needs to reach a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. So if you have concerns about your heart health, here’s what you need to know about diagnostic heart tests.
Common heart tests and how they work
Your heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout your body. Any issues within your heart muscles, its valves, or the arteries in your body can limit your heart function and put your health at risk.
As a cardiac specialist, Dr. Patel performs a variety of diagnostic tests to evaluate your heart function and identify heart conditions so you can get the treatment you need.
The most common diagnostic tests are:
Ankle brachial index (ABI)
Ankle brachial index tests compare the differences in blood pressure between your upper and lower limbs. The test involves measuring your blood pressure at your ankle and in your arm. Dr. Patel uses ABI testing to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) in your legs.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that creates images of your heart using noninvasive soundwaves. During an echocardiogram, Dr. Patel can see your heart beating and watch blood flow through your heart.
We may order an echocardiogram to evaluate how well your heart muscle and valves function or to identify possible causes of a heart murmur.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical signals in your heart. Dr. Patel uses an EKG to determine if your heart is beating too fast or too slow, and to diagnose changes in your heart’s rhythm.
Holter monitor
A Holter monitor performs ongoing EKG testing. You wear the portable device for a day or more, and it records your heart’s electrical activities. Because it collects data over a longer period of time, a Holter monitor can detect irregular heartbeats that may not show up during an in-office EKG test.
Medical imaging
A handful of medical imaging technologies can provide valuable diagnostic information about your heart health. Dr. Patel may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a CT scan, or X-rays to get a more detailed look at your heart. Both cardiac calcium scoring and pulse volume recording (PVR) tests rely on diagnostic imaging.
Stress test
A stress test, or exercise test, measures how hard your heart works when you’re active. Dr. Patel places electrodes on your skin while you walk, run, or bike in the office, and he monitors your heart activity for a set period of time. Stress tests can help him diagnose conditions like irregular heartbeat and coronary artery disease.
What to do if you have heart concerns
If you’re worried about your heart health, schedule an appointment with a cardiac specialist like Dr. Patel. He understands chest pain and common heart symptoms, and our team is dedicated to helping you find answers.
We review your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Based on our findings, we recommend additional testing as needed to confirm your diagnosis.
If you have a chronic heart condition like heart disease, active management is important. Our Heart Smart Program includes routine diagnostic testing to monitor any changes in your heart health, so we can adjust your treatment plan.
Diagnostic testing is the first step to a healthier heart. To find out more about our diagnostic services, call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send our team a message online.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Sep 1, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health
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.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Heart Disease
Your heart works tirelessly for you day and night, but do you know the warning signs when something is wrong? Learn about the five most common types of heart disease, what they mean for your health, and how to protect your heart.
4 Common Reasons for Needing a Stress Test
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s performance under physical strain. Understanding what the test reveals and why physicians recommend it can help you feel confident and prepared if your doctor suggests it for you.
Don't Ignore Leg Pain: It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain that occurs when you’re walking might feel like muscle strain, but it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to your legs, and recognizing it early helps protect your heart health.
New Year, New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart
A new year is the perfect time to set meaningful health goals — and they don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These five heart-healthy resolutions can help you start the year strong and protect your cardiovascular health for the future.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Eating
Holiday celebrations often revolve around food — making the season challenge even the most disciplined heart-healthy habits. The good news is mindful choices make all the difference, and here’s how to enjoy the festivities and protect your health.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 1, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health
Your heart beats more than 35 million times in a single year. Over the course of your lifetime, you’ll clock over 2.5 billion heartbeats. And with every beat, your heart works hard.
Your heart pushes blood into your blood vessels, throughout your body, and back with every heartbeat. It’s an essential process that keeps you alive, but your heart changes as you get older — and your risk of certain heart conditions goes up.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in comprehensive heart care in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. We’re here to help you understand how your heart ages so you can enjoy your best health at every age.
If you’re getting older, here are five of the most common age-related heart conditions and what you can do about them.
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the pressure inside your blood vessels is too high. Your blood pressure is measured by two numbers — systolic and diastolic — and systolic pressure naturally rises with age.
An estimated 90% of people will have high blood pressure at some point in their lives. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other issues. Fortunately, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, no matter your age.
2. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is another heart condition that gets more common with age. It develops when cholesterol and fats build up inside the walls of your arteries, hardening them and restricting blood flow. Your heart and blood vessels naturally grow stiffer over time, which can accelerate the condition.
3. Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It includes a lot of different conditions, and many of them develop due to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Your risk of certain types of heart disease goes up as you get older. Coronary artery disease is the most common among people over age 65, and congestive heart failure occurs 10 times more often in people over age 75 than in younger adults.
4. Stroke
Strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) occur when something blocks blood flow to your brain. A TIA is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. The most common cause is a blocked artery, often due to atherosclerosis or a blood clot.
Anyone can suffer a stroke, but unfortunately, one of the biggest risk factors for stroke is your age. Your risk of suffering a stroke nearly doubles every 10 years after you turn 55.
5. Heart attack
A heart attack happens when something restricts blood flow to your heart. Like strokes, heart attacks are serious medical emergencies.
Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart attack. Your risk goes up as you get older, and most heart attacks occur among men over 45 and women over 55.
Protecting your heart health at every age
Some age-related heart changes are unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean that heart disease and other heart conditions are inevitable.
There’s a lot you can do to maintain your heart health as you get older, and taking a proactive approach is the best place to start. Dr. Patel and our team provide comprehensive care to help lower your risk of heart problems, from medication management to lifestyle recommendations.
Get personalized care for every stage of life at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Book your first appointment online or call the office nearest you today.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Heart Disease
Your heart works tirelessly for you day and night, but do you know the warning signs when something is wrong? Learn about the five most common types of heart disease, what they mean for your health, and how to protect your heart.
4 Common Reasons for Needing a Stress Test
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s performance under physical strain. Understanding what the test reveals and why physicians recommend it can help you feel confident and prepared if your doctor suggests it for you.
Don't Ignore Leg Pain: It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain that occurs when you’re walking might feel like muscle strain, but it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to your legs, and recognizing it early helps protect your heart health.
New Year, New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart
A new year is the perfect time to set meaningful health goals — and they don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These five heart-healthy resolutions can help you start the year strong and protect your cardiovascular health for the future.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Eating
Holiday celebrations often revolve around food — making the season challenge even the most disciplined heart-healthy habits. The good news is mindful choices make all the difference, and here’s how to enjoy the festivities and protect your health.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jul 2, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health
More than 30 million American adults have heart disease. The term “heart disease” includes conditions that affect blood vessels, heart valves, heart rhythms, and your heart muscle itself.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, but every type can have serious impacts on your health. In fact, nearly 660,000 people in the US die from heart disease every year, and it’s the leading cause of death in the country.
Receiving a heart disease diagnosis is serious. There’s no cure for it, and having heart disease increases your risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
The good news? There’s still a lot you can do to improve your health, even after you’re diagnosed with heart disease. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer comprehensive heart disease care with our Heart Smart Program.
When you’re living with heart disease, your daily habits can make a big difference for your health. Here are the lifestyle changes to start making for better heart health.
Get regular exercise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Regular exercise helps your heart get stronger. It can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and over time, it contributes to lower risk of heart disease complications.
Your workouts don’t have to be intense for you to get the heart-health benefits. Strive for at least 30 minutes of movement most days a week. Try a variety of activities, like walking, biking, or swimming, to see what you enjoy the most.
Eat a healthy diet
Did you know the food you eat affects your heart health? It’s true! When you have heart disease, eating a heart-healthy diet can lower your risk of complications.
We recommend eating a diet that’s low fat and low sodium. That means eating mostly fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, like chicken and fish. Limit your consumption of red meats, and steer totally clear of processed foods that are high in trans fats.
Limit your alcohol intake or consider avoiding alcoholic beverages completely. Don’t start smoking, and if you do smoke, talk to our team about ways to quit.
Partner with your cardiology care team
Taking a proactive approach to your health care is important if you’re living with heart disease. Our Heart Smart Program combines diagnostic tests, routine screenings, checkups, and healthy lifestyle programs to help you manage your heart disease and lower your risk of complications.
We teach you how to eat a heart-healthy diet, and we offer exercise regimen planning. Through diet and exercise coordination, we can help you reach a healthy weight and maintain it.
You should know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and we help you take steps to keep them in healthy ranges.
We also work with you to manage other chronic conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease, including:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Maintaining regular cardiology appointments is one of the best ways to ensure you’re enjoying your best possible health when you have heart disease. Dr. Patel and our team may prescribe medication and a range of other treatments, depending on the type of heart disease you have.
Recently diagnosed with heart disease and not sure where to start? We’re here for you. Schedule your first appointment online or call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute location nearest you today.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Heart Disease
Your heart works tirelessly for you day and night, but do you know the warning signs when something is wrong? Learn about the five most common types of heart disease, what they mean for your health, and how to protect your heart.
4 Common Reasons for Needing a Stress Test
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s performance under physical strain. Understanding what the test reveals and why physicians recommend it can help you feel confident and prepared if your doctor suggests it for you.
Don't Ignore Leg Pain: It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain that occurs when you’re walking might feel like muscle strain, but it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to your legs, and recognizing it early helps protect your heart health.
New Year, New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart
A new year is the perfect time to set meaningful health goals — and they don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These five heart-healthy resolutions can help you start the year strong and protect your cardiovascular health for the future.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Eating
Holiday celebrations often revolve around food — making the season challenge even the most disciplined heart-healthy habits. The good news is mindful choices make all the difference, and here’s how to enjoy the festivities and protect your health.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jun 1, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health, Sleep
How much sleep did you get last night? Did you wake up feeling rested and alert? Adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, 40% of Americans don’t get enough of it.
In today’s world, quality sleep might seem like a luxury — but it’s an essential process that you can’t afford to skip. Lack of sleep makes your brain feel foggy, and even worse, it can have serious effects on your health.
In fact, lack of sleep increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. In turn, these health issues can elevate your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The good news is that prioritizing sleep can boost your heart health, and it’s easier than you might think. As part of our comprehensive Heart Smart Program, Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can teach you how to start sleeping better.
Make exercise a habit
Exercise is good for your body and mind, and regular physical activity can also improve your quality of sleep. Strive to get around 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week to sleep more soundly at night.
Exposure to natural daylight also helps regulate your body’s internal clock, so exercising outside offers a handful of benefits. Try taking a walk or biking outside in the morning or afternoon.
Establish a bedtime routine
One of the best ways to improve your quality of sleep is sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on the weekends.
Establishing bedtime habits can also help you prepare for a better night’s sleep. Avoid eating, drinking, and exercising within a few hours of bedtime. Make time for some self-care, such as taking a warm shower or reading a book.
Avoid artificial blue light as you wind down in the evenings. Consider setting the screens on your devices to warm or nighttime mode or using blue light filters to help prepare your body for more restful sleep.
Create a relaxing sleep environment
The place you sleep is just as important as your nighttime routine. A bright, loud, or messy bedroom can make it harder to fall asleep, while a relaxing environment can make sleep come faster.
Keep your bedroom dark and quiet by eliminating distractions like TVs, computers, and phones. Turn the thermostat down to make the room cooler, and choose soft, comfortable bedding and sleeping clothes. If you’re a light sleeper, a white noise machine can help drown out distractions.
Learn to identify (and treat) sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the country. If you have it, you stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep. Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart conditions, from high blood pressure to heart disease.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
Loud snoring
Insomnia
Morning headaches
Dry mouth in the morning
Daytime sleepiness
If you think you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait to schedule a sleep evaluation. Sleep apnea can be treated to improve your quality of sleep and lower your risk of complications.
When it comes to your heart health, don’t overlook the importance of a good night’s sleep. Contact our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Contact the office nearest you — in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey — to set up your first appointment.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Heart Disease
Your heart works tirelessly for you day and night, but do you know the warning signs when something is wrong? Learn about the five most common types of heart disease, what they mean for your health, and how to protect your heart.
4 Common Reasons for Needing a Stress Test
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s performance under physical strain. Understanding what the test reveals and why physicians recommend it can help you feel confident and prepared if your doctor suggests it for you.
Don't Ignore Leg Pain: It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain that occurs when you’re walking might feel like muscle strain, but it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to your legs, and recognizing it early helps protect your heart health.
New Year, New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart
A new year is the perfect time to set meaningful health goals — and they don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These five heart-healthy resolutions can help you start the year strong and protect your cardiovascular health for the future.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Eating
Holiday celebrations often revolve around food — making the season challenge even the most disciplined heart-healthy habits. The good news is mindful choices make all the difference, and here’s how to enjoy the festivities and protect your health.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | May 1, 2022 | Blog, Heart Health
Your heart beats an average of 100,000 times each day. You’re not aware of it most of the time, but heart palpitations can suddenly call your attention to your chest.
Heart palpitations are unusual or irregular heartbeats. Palpitations can feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or that it skipped a beat. When they happen, it’s normal to be concerned about your heart health — but most of the time, palpitations aren’t a cause for worry.
Kunal Patel, MD and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute want to share what we know about heart palpitations and what causes them. If you experience these unusual changes in heart rhythm, it’s time to learn more.
Identifying heart palpitations
Your heart pumps blood throughout your body constantly. When it follows a regular rhythm, you may not be aware of it. When something disrupts your heart’s rhythm, palpitations occur.
Different people feel heart palpitations differently. The sensations can even vary between individual episodes, but some of the most common sensations include:
Racing heartbeat
Pounding heart
Fluttering in the chest
Heart skipping a beat
An extra, or double, heartbeat
You may feel palpitations in your chest, throat, or neck. It’s very common to become suddenly aware of your heart and your heartbeat when you experience palpitations.
Possible causes of heart palpitations
Most heart palpitations aren’t caused by heart problems, and they may be linked to external factors.
Some of the most common causes of palpitations include:
Strenuous exercise
Depression, anxiety, or panic attacks
Emotional stress
Hormonal changes
Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, or illegal amphetamines
Alcohol
In rare cases, heart palpitations could indicate underlying heart issues like arrhythmias or heart disease.
When to make an appointment for heart palpitations
Many people experience heart palpitations from time to time. They’re not unusual, and they’re not always a sign of a more serious heart condition. However, if you have heart palpitations regularly or you’re concerned about your heart health, a visit to see Dr. Patel could ease your mind.
Heart palpitations are typically brief occurrences, and chances are high that the symptoms will be gone by the time your appointment comes around. If you’re seeking medical care for heart palpitations, consider keeping notes about each occurance to help us in your diagnosis.
We often use ambulatory arrhythmia monitoring to diagnose palpitations. This diagnostic test involves wearing a heart monitor that records your heart activity for a period of time. The results help us identify possible causes of palpitations.
Seek immediate medical care if your palpitations are accompanied by other symptoms, like loss of consciousness, pain, or difficulty breathing. You should always have your heart examined if you notice heart palpitations and you have a preexisting heart condition, such as congestive heart failure, or risk factors for heart disease.
If you still have questions about palpitations and heart health, we're here to help. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you — in Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey — or request a consultation online to get started.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Heart Disease
Your heart works tirelessly for you day and night, but do you know the warning signs when something is wrong? Learn about the five most common types of heart disease, what they mean for your health, and how to protect your heart.
4 Common Reasons for Needing a Stress Test
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s performance under physical strain. Understanding what the test reveals and why physicians recommend it can help you feel confident and prepared if your doctor suggests it for you.
Don't Ignore Leg Pain: It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain that occurs when you’re walking might feel like muscle strain, but it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to your legs, and recognizing it early helps protect your heart health.
New Year, New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart
A new year is the perfect time to set meaningful health goals — and they don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These five heart-healthy resolutions can help you start the year strong and protect your cardiovascular health for the future.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Eating
Holiday celebrations often revolve around food — making the season challenge even the most disciplined heart-healthy habits. The good news is mindful choices make all the difference, and here’s how to enjoy the festivities and protect your health.
