by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. And while it’s essential for bodily functions like hormone production and cell structure, imbalanced cholesterol levels — particularly high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad cholesterol” — may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Managing your cholesterol levels is an important part of maintaining your best possible heart health, and your diet plays a role in helping you do that. Our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you understand how diet impacts cholesterol, and what you can do about it.
Understanding the risks of high cholesterol
About 10% of American adults have high cholesterol, which develops when excess cholesterol builds up in your blood. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can still lead to some serious health complications.
Excess cholesterol can combine with other substances and build up in your arteries, forming plaques that narrow or block blood flow. This condition is called atherosclerosis, a type of heart disease that increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. That’s why understanding and managing your cholesterol is important for your long-term health.
How diet affects cholesterol levels
What you eat impacts your cholesterol, because certain foods can either raise or lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood. For example, trans fats, often found in processed snacks and baked goods, can increase LDL levels and reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good cholesterol.”
While eating animal foods high in dietary cholesterol was once thought to significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, research shows that saturated and trans fats in processed foods have a greater impact on harmful LDL cholesterol.
On the other hand, incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet can help lower cholesterol. Soluble fiber, found in oats, beans, and fruits like apples, binds to cholesterol in your digestive system and helps remove it from your body. Healthy fats, like those in avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, can also improve your cholesterol profile by helping increase HDL and lower LDL.
How to eat a heart-healthy diet
If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol or you want to take preventive steps for heart health, your diet is a great place to start. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Replace saturated fats with healthier options like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Eat fiber-rich foods like vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Reducing your intake of processed meats in favor of plant-based proteins, poultry, or fish high in omega-3 fats may also benefit your heart health.
Consistency in portion control and eating balanced, filling meals is key to making sustainable dietary changes. Keep an eye on your sodium and sugar intake to support your overall heart health, and remember that making these small but impactful changes can create a solid foundation for managing cholesterol effectively.
Get personalized advice with our Heart Smart Program
Not sure where to start? Our Heart Smart Program is designed to make heart-healthy living simpler. We provide expert guidance on adopting a healthier lifestyle, including dietary changes, exercise plans, and medication management when necessary.
Dr. Patel and our team evaluate your individual risk factors and health needs to create a plan that helps you lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, and feel confident in your wellness journey. Making mindful dietary choices is one effective way to manage cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
So don’t wait — take the first step toward better heart health today. To get started, call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message.
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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
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.
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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
A heart palpitation is an irregular heartbeat. It may only last a second or two, but it feels different than your heart’s normal rhythm. It can make you become very aware of your heartbeat — and you might begin to worry about your health.
Palpitations are fairly common. In fact, they can be caused by anything from a strenuous workout to an extra cup of coffee. Most palpitations go away on their own, and experiencing the occasional irregular heartbeat doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong with your heart.
That being said, it’s important to listen to your body and know when it’s time to make a doctor’s appointment. Palpitations can sometimes be a sign of arrhythmia, a chronic heart condition that requires close monitoring.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing palpitations and treating chronic arrhythmias. If you’re concerned about your heart, here’s what you should know about heart palpitations and what could be causing them.
Palpitations: a sign of a heart arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a heart condition that develops when your heart beats irregularly, too slowly, or too quickly. The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, or Afib.
On its own, Afib generally isn’t life-threatening. However, having Afib increases your risk of blood clots, heart failure, stroke, and other heart conditions.
Experiencing heart palpitations doesn’t always mean you have an underlying heart condition, and it’s important to learn the differences so you can get the care you need.
Identifying harmless palpitations
Harmless heart palpitations happen once in a while, and they can usually be traced to a clear trigger. These triggers often include:
Caffeine or other stimulants
Hormonal changes
Strenuous exercise
Stress or other mental health issues
In these cases, palpitations are generally short-lived and infrequent.
Recognizing the signs of a more serious issue
On the other hand, the cause of palpitations from arrhythmia and Afib may not be so easy to identify. Your palpitations may be a sign of an underlying heart condition if you have:
Chest pain
Fainting or lightheadedness
Frequent or worsening palpitations
Resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute
Risk factors for heart disease
Shortness of breath
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have an underlying heart condition, and you should make a cardiology appointment for further evaluation.
Seeking treatment for heart palpitations
Experiencing heart palpitations can be scary. If you're concerned about your heart health, never hesitate to make a doctor’s appointment. Dr. Patel and our team offer comprehensive heart evaluations, and we can identify any potential issues so you can get the care you need.
We start with a thorough review of your medical history and a physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, we may order a stress test or an echocardiogram to gather more details about how your heart functions.
Heart palpitations are often so brief that it’s difficult to catch them in a single doctor’s appointment. To reach a diagnosis, we may have you wear a heart monitor for a few days or weeks to evaluate any recurring irregularities.
If you have Afib or another type of arrhythmia, identifying the condition gives you the opportunity to manage it. We offer ongoing heart care and personalized treatment plans to help you better protect your health.
Concerned about irregular heartbeats? Book an appointment with our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute to ease your mind. Call one of our offices in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online now.
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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Your heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout your body and fueling your muscles, organs, and tissues with oxygen. Comprised of muscle tissue with four chambers and valves, your heart also relies on its internal electrical system and a complex system of blood vessels. Problems with any part of your heart could put your life at risk.
“Heart disease” is a broad term used to describe a variety of different diseases that affect your heart, and it's the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, but it’s not the only heart problem that poses health risks.
Your heart health is at the center of your overall well-being. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and our cardiac specialists are proud to offer the latest in diagnostic technology and heart care to keep you enjoying life for years to come.
Of all the diagnostic tools available to doctors, the echocardiogram is a popular and effective test to evaluate heart health. It’s completely noninvasive, and it gives us an inside look at how well your heart functions so we can recommend the right care for you.
An echocardiogram is a powerful diagnostic tool
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of your heart. The test is noninvasive and painless, and it’s an essential diagnostic tool in heart care.
Dr. Patel may recommend an echocardiogram if he suspects you could have a heart problem. An echocardiogram allows us to evaluate the size and structure of your heart, and when paired with Doppler ultrasound, shows more information about how blood flows through your heart.
An echocardiogram can be used to help diagnose problems with valves or chambers, and to uncover the cause behind symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. It can also detect congenital heart defects.
How an echocardiogram works
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we perform echocardiograms in the comfort of our office. In most cases, there’s nothing special you need to do to prepare for your test.
An echocardiogram takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. You remove your shirt and lie down on the exam table, where our team prepares you for the test by attaching electrodes to your chest.
We apply a gel to your chest and guide the ultrasound wand over your skin. The ultrasound technology sends sound waves into your chest that bounce off your internal organs and generate images of your heart in motion, sending them to a computer monitor. Our team views the images and uses our findings to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Using an echocardiogram in your routine care plan
Depending on the results of your diagnostic testing, our team works with you to create a heart care plan that meets your needs. If you have a heart problem, we may suggest enrolling in our Heart Smart Program, which is a comprehensive heart care program including medication management and lifestyle changes.
Once you start treatment for your heart condition, expect to have echocardiograms at regular intervals. There are no risks to standard echocardiogram testing, making it a great addition to your heart care plan.
Getting echocardiograms as part of your routine care gives us the ability to monitor your cardiac health and identify any changes. We may also use echocardiogram testing to evaluate how well your cardiac treatment is working. Seeing how your heart responds to treatment allows us to adjust your plan as necessary to help you achieve your best possible health.
We provide comprehensive, ongoing heart care at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. To learn more about what you can do to keep your heart healthy, schedule a consultation with our team. We have three offices in Secaucus, Paramus, and Newark, New Jersey. Call the office nearest you, send us a message, or book your visit online now.
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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
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.
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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
A stress test evaluates how well your heart functions during physical exertion. It helps detect potential heart problems, like blocked arteries or irregular heart rhythms, by monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrical activity while you exercise.
If you’re scheduled for a stress test, you might be wondering what to expect and how to prepare. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer stress testing in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and we’re here to answer your questions.
Most stress tests involve walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike for a specific period of time. If you’re unable to engage in physical activity, we may give you medication that mimics the effects of exercise.
Our team provides specific instructions on how to prepare that are tailored to your health needs, but here are four common things you might need to do. Remember that proper preparation helps ensure the most accurate results, so it’s important to follow your personal instructions closely.
1. Modify your medication schedule
Certain medications, like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can affect your heart rate and blood pressure, which may impact the accuracy of your stress test results. In some cases, we may ask you to temporarily stop taking specific medications like these for a short period before your test.
It’s essential to follow our guidelines, because not all medications should be discontinued. If you have any questions about whether to take your medication on the day of the test, ask our team in advance.
2. Follow fasting guidelines
Depending on the type of stress test you’re having, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your appointment. For example, if you are undergoing a nuclear stress test, fasting is typically required to ensure accurate imaging of your heart.
Even for a standard treadmill stress test, a avoiding heavy meal beforehand can help prevent nausea during exercise. If you need to take medication with food, ask us about the best approach to balance both requirements.
3. Avoid caffeine and tobacco
Caffeine and nicotine can significantly impact your heart rate and blood pressure, and potentially interfere with your test results. In general, we recommend avoiding caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda for at least 24 hours before your test. Even decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine that can stimulate your heart.
You should also avoid smoking or using nicotine products, as they can affect circulation and make it harder to get accurate readings.
4. Dress comfortably for exercise
Since most stress tests involve physical activity, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear is important. Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothes and comfortable athletic shoes that provide good support.
Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that could interfere with the monitoring equipment. If you’re undergoing a pharmacologic stress test (one that doesn’t require exercise), you should still wear comfortable clothing so you can relax during the test.
Preparing for a stress test shouldn’t be stressful. Following these steps can help you have a positive experience and get accurate results — and remember, our team is here to guide you through the process. If you have questions about your preparation instructions, contact us at 201-866-7000 or send us a message online to learn more.
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.
