Lung Health Archives - NJ Cardiovascular Institute

What Can a Chest X-Ray Show?

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 2, 2025 | Blog, Heart Health, Lung Health, Pulmonary Health

Chest X-rays are quick, noninvasive imaging tests that provide a detailed picture of the structures inside your chest, including your heart, lungs, airways, and bones.

A chest X-ray is often one of the first steps your doctor might recommend when evaluating symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fatigue. And at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and his team use chest X-rays as part of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of heart conditions.

When your doctor might recommend a chest X-ray

Dr. Patel may refer you for a chest X-ray if you’re experiencing new or unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent coughing, or fatigue. It’s also a standard part of many routine cardiac evaluations and preoperative assessments.

Because chest X-rays are fast, accessible, and carry minimal radiation exposure, they can be a reliable first step in identifying or ruling out serious health concerns.

During the procedure, you stand or lie still while a small amount of radiation captures detailed images of the structures inside your chest. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes and gives your care team the ability to closely evaluate your heart, lungs, and surrounding bones.

What chest X-rays can show

A few things we might evaluate are:

Changes in heart size and shape

One of the most important things a chest X-ray can reveal is the size and shape of your heart. An enlarged heart may indicate underlying conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy.

If Dr. Patel suspects a cardiovascular issue, this simple imaging test can offer important clues about how well your heart is functioning and whether further testing — such as an echocardiogram or stress test — is needed.

Lung and airway conditions

Chest X-rays can also help evaluate your lungs and airways. They can detect infections like pneumonia, chronic conditions like COPD, or complications like fluid buildup in or around your lungs.

A chest X-ray may also show signs of lung nodules or masses that require additional imaging. If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms, this test helps differentiate between heart-related and lung-related causes of discomfort.

Signs of fluid or inflammation

Sometimes chest pain or breathing issues are caused by fluid accumulation in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or around the heart (pericardial effusion). These conditions are often visible on a chest X-ray and help us make more informed decisions about your care.

Inflammation from infections or autoimmune diseases can also be identified through certain patterns visible on the image, guiding Dr. Patel toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

How well medical devices are working

If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or central venous catheter, a chest X-ray can confirm that the device is in the correct position. We also use chest X-rays to track the progress of a diagnosed condition or monitor how well a treatment is working.

At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we use chest X-rays in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide complete, ongoing care for patients with chronic or complex conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms — or if you have concerns about your heart or lungs — we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind when it comes to your heart health.

The Danger of Pneumonia: Who Is Most at Risk?

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog, Lung Health

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs. It makes breathing difficult, and the infection can range from mild to life-threatening. In fact, more than 1 million people are hospitalized for pneumonia each year — and it’s important to know your risk.

While pneumonia can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to severe complications. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to help you understand the illness and who is most at risk, so you can get the care you need, when you need it.

The basics of pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that targets your lungs, and it develops when pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi invade. This invasion triggers inflammation and cause the air sacs in your lungs to fill with fluid. Pneumonia can make it hard to breathe and limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing

Fever, sweating, and chills

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Coughing, which may produce phlegm

Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in older adults)

Chest pain can be one of the more alarming symptoms of pneumonia, because it can feel like a tightness or sharp pain, especially when you try to take a deep breath.

Why is pneumonia dangerous?

Pneumonia is dangerous because it can quickly progress, causing serious complications if it’s not treated promptly. The infection can spread from the lungs to your bloodstream, causing sepsis — a life-threatening immune response to infection.

Another possible complication is lung abscesses, which are pockets of pus that form in the lungs. And if pneumonia severely impairs your breathing, it can cause respiratory failure.

For those with weakened immune systems, pneumonia can be especially threatening because the body is less equipped to fight off the infection. Even in healthy individuals, if left untreated, pneumonia can escalate from a mild illness to a life-threatening condition in a short time.

Understanding your risk factors for pneumonia

Anyone can get pneumonia, and it’s important to take the illness seriously and get professional treatment. However, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing a more severe case. Those most at risk for severe pneumonia and complications are:

Infants and older adults

Children under the age of 2 and adults over the age of 65 are particularly susceptible to pneumonia. In children, their developing immune systems can struggle to mount an effective defense against pneumonia-causing pathogens. For older adults, the immune system weakens with age, making it more difficult to fend off infections.

People with chronic health conditions

Having a chronic disease like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) puts you at greater risk for pneumonia. These conditions can compromise your lung function and reduce your body's ability to clear out infection, making it easier for pneumonia to take hold.

People in hospitals or long-term care facilities also have a higher risk of contracting pneumonia. The risk is even greater if they’re being treated with an invasive device, such as a ventilator, because of exposure to drug-resistant bacteria that are more likely to cause severe pneumonia.

People with weakened immune systems

People with compromised immune systems — including those undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressive drugs, or living with HIV/AIDS — are at a higher risk of developing severe pneumonia. In these cases, a weakened immune responses make it harder to fight the infection.

People who smoke or have substance use disorders

Smoking damages your lungs, making them more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia. Alcohol or drug abuse can also impair your immune system and leave your lungs less able to fight pathogens.

For these high-risk groups, pneumonia can quickly escalate from a manageable infection to a life-threatening condition. Vaccination, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt medical attention for respiratory symptoms are essential for preventing and managing pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be dangerous, but recognizing the symptoms, understanding its dangers, and seeking timely medical care are the best ways to protect your health and the health of those you love. Learn more with a consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online now.

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.

When to Worry About Shortness of Breath

by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Dec 11, 2023 | Blog, Lung Health, Pulmonary Health

Breathing is a vital and complicated process. The first step is inhaling (also called inhalation or inspiration) where your diaphragm contracts, causing a vacuum in your chest and drawing air into your lungs. The air enters through your mouth and nose, then moves through your trachea (windpipe) and into your lungs. The lungs extract oxygen and send it through your bloodstream to all of your cells.

When you have shortness of breath (dyspnea), it’s a sign that your breathing is not normal. It may result from a minor issue or could indicate an illness that requires medical attention.

If you live in the Secaucus, Elizabeth, Paramus, or Lakewood, New Jersey, area and you’re struggling with breathing problems like dyspnea, Dr. Kunal Patel and our dedicated medical team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help you get it under control.

To determine when you need to see a doctor about shortness of breath, let’s examine the types of dyspnea, the common causes, and what symptoms may signal a need for medical help.

Types of dyspnea

The abnormal respiration associated with shortness of breath comes in several forms, including:

Orthopnea: a sensation of breathlessness while lying down, often connected with heart failure

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND): a feeling of breathlessness that forces you awake from sleep

Sleep apnea: a sleeping problem where you have extended pauses in breathing as you sleep due to obstructions in your airway

Hypoventilation or bradypnea: labored, shallow, and slow breathing

Hyperventilation: rapid, shallow breathing (also known as overbreathing) caused by anxiety, panic, or chemical imbalance

Common causes of dyspnea

Shortness of breath can be either acute (happens for a short period of time) or chronic (long-lasting or recurring) and causes a “tightness” in your chest that feels like you’re working harder to breathe normally.

Feeling short of breath is a common problem that may be caused by lung problems, circulation-related illnesses, environmental factors, or medications.

Lung problems

Any illness that creates airway problems — like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, inflamed lungs, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary hypertension — can lead to dyspnea.

Circulation-related illnesses

Anemia, heart failure, heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathy), abnormal heart rhythm, and heart inflammation can all lead to issues with breathing properly.

Environmental factors

Mold spores, dust, and other particulates in the air can lead to allergy and asthma symptoms, which can compromise breathing during an attack and lead to shortness of breath.

Medications

Drugs like cholesterol-lowering statins and beta blockers used for treating high blood pressure can also have shortness of breath as a side effect.

Signs you need medical help

By itself, shortness of breath can be a cause for concern, but if it presents with other signs and symptoms, like ankle and feet swelling, trouble breathing when lying flat, chills, cough, high fever, or wheezing, then you need to get medical help.

Other serious symptoms to look out for include chest pain, bluish lips, nausea, fainting, or changes in mental awareness, which can be due to a pulmonary embolism or heart attack.

If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, make an appointment with Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute today. You deserve to breathe easier.