by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
An estimated 2 million people in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect. Congenital heart defects, sometimes called congenital heart disease, are problems in or around your heart that affect how it works.
The term “congenital” means present from birth, but that doesn’t mean that all congenital heart defects are identified when a baby is born. Some can go undetected until a child is older, while others may not show signs until adulthood.
Getting a congenital heart defect diagnosis can be scary, whether it’s you, your child, or another loved one that’s affected. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and our team are here for you. We offer the latest in heart care services so you and your family can enjoy healthy, active lives.
Understanding congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects are problems with the way a baby’s heart developed before they were born. There are at least 18 different types of congenital heart defects, ranging in severity from a small hole in the heart to severely deformed or missing parts.
A few common symptoms that newborn babies may exhibit if they have a congenital heart defect include:
Rapid breathing
Bluish tint to skin, lips, or nails
Fatigue
Poor blood circulation
Along with these symptoms common in babies and children, others can develop in adults with congenital heart problems.
Symptoms affecting adults can include:
Abnormal heart rhythms
Swelling of tissue or organs
Tiring quickly with exertion
Some congenital heart defects don’t show symptoms right away, and others never show symptoms. It’s also possible that a congenital heart defect that was treated years ago can begin showing symptoms again.
Diagnosing a congenital heart defect
It’s possible to identify and diagnose congenital heart defects at any point in your life. Sometimes, fetal echocardiogram testing identifies defects before a baby is born. Most commonly, defects are found after birth or during childhood.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to evaluate heart health, including echocardiograms and stress testing.
Having a congenital heart defect may put you or your loved one at risk for other heart problems throughout life.
Common conditions that occur alongside congenital heart defects include:
Pulmonary hypertension
Abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations
Congestive heart failure
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to better understanding your heart health. With the right treatment, it’s possible to enjoy a long and healthy life.
Life with a congenital heart defect
Since there are so many different types of congenital heart defects, treatments vary from one person to another. Mild or moderate defects may not require treatment at all. Instead, you or your child will need to visit with Dr. Patel regularly to ensure there aren’t any changes in heart health.
More serious congenital heart defects may require surgery or another procedure, like cardiac catheterization. Our goal in treating congenital heart defects is to correct them or minimize the effects that they have on your health.
As your child grows, talk to us about ways to keep them safe. Physical activity is generally good for the heart, but your child may need modifications at school to ensure they stay as healthy as possible.
If you or a loved one experiences chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911 or go to the emergency room. If you notice symptoms of a congenital heart defect and you’ve been diagnosed or treated for a defect in the past, make an appointment to see us.
These days, people born with heart defects can live long, healthy, and active lives. To learn more about caring for a loved one with a congenital heart defect, talk to Dr. Patel and our team. Call the office nearest you, in Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey, or use the “book online” feature today.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
A healthy diet is often associated with a healthier heart. And while it’s true that your diet is an important element of heart health, it can be disheartening and confusing to follow a healthy eating regimen only to find yourself dealing with high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by your liver and obtained through certain foods. It’s essential for your body, but too much can increase your risk of heart problems.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and our team are here to help you understand the links between your diet and cholesterol levels. We’ll explore the risk factors associated with high cholesterol and discuss treatment options to help you manage the condition effectively — no matter what you’re eating.
Understanding cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance that your body uses to make certain hormones, synthesize vitamin D, and construct cell membranes. You need some cholesterol for optimal health, but high cholesterol is a risk factor for a number of common heart conditions.
Lipoproteins in your blood transport cholesterol through your bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as "good" cholesterol.
If you have high LDL levels, cholesterol may build up inside the walls of your arteries. The buildup makes your arteries narrower, which forces your heart to work harder when it pumps blood throughout your body.
Diet isn’t the only factor affecting your cholesterol levels
Your diet plays a crucial role in cholesterol management. For example, eating a lot of sugary, processed foods may have detrimental effects on triglyceride levels and heart health.
Certain foods, like processed meats, baked goods, and fried foods are high in saturated fats and trans fats. If you eat a lot of these foods, your blood cholesterol levels may get too high. Healthier foods that contain saturated fats include meat and dairy from grass-fed cows.
On the other hand, some foods are linked to lower blood cholesterol. Whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits may help keep LDL levels in check — but even if you eat a healthy diet, it’s still possible to have high cholesterol.
There are other factors that contribute to high cholesterol levels, like:
Genetics
Having a family history of high cholesterol can significantly increase your risk of high cholesterol levels, even despite your efforts to eat healthy.
Your age and gender
Your cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Men are generally at higher risk than premenopausal women, but after menopause, women's risk catches up due to hormonal changes.
Your weight
Being overweight or obese may contribute to increasing your cholesterol levels. Excess weight can disrupt the balance of fats in your body and affect your LDL cholesterol, regardless of your diet.
Living a sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity can affect the way your body metabolizes fats, leading to higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Smoking
Smoking damages your blood vessels and reduces HDL cholesterol levels, making smokers more susceptible to high LDL cholesterol.
Your high cholesterol management options
If you have high cholesterol despite a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to consult a health care professional for personalized guidance. Dr. Patel and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating high cholesterol, and we work with you to develop a plan to keep your cholesterol in check.
We start by evaluating your lifestyle. Regular exercise can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels by increasing your HDL cholesterol and improving your overall cardiovascular health. And even if you already eat healthy, there might be room for improvement.
Focus on consuming heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut out trans fats completely and limit your intake of refined carbohydrates like white bread, cookies, and chips.
If excess weight is a contributing factor, losing weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular physical activity can help lower your cholesterol levels. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best ways to improve cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Depending on the severity of your cholesterol levels and associated risks, we may prescribe medications like statins to help lower your LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Finally, it’s crucial to regularly monitor your cholesterol levels. We use blood tests to track how effective your treatment is and make any necessary adjustments.
High cholesterol levels can be perplexing — especially when you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. By understanding the contributing factors and taking proactive measures, you can reduce your cholesterol levels and improve your overall well-being, and we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation at one of our offices Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey or send us a message online to learn more.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
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 | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
A strong, healthy heart is essential for a long and healthy life. But more than 30 million Americans are living with heart disease, a term used for a group of conditions that compromise heart health.
Heart disease and other heart problems are common, but it doesn’t mean you have to watch your health decline. Diagnosing heart problems and monitoring them with advanced testing is the first step to improving your well-being when you’re living with a heart condition.
NJ Cardiovascular Institute provides comprehensive diagnostic testing to our patients. Under the leadership of Kunal Patel, MD, our team regularly evaluates heart health with stress tests, echocardiograms, and other assessments. While all heart tests aim to identify and evaluate potential problems, each one serves a unique purpose.
We share more about stress tests and echocardiograms — two of the most common heart tests.
Stress test
A stress test is a noninvasive test that assesses how your heart operates under physical stress. It’s sometimes called an exercise stress test because it involves exercising to elevate your heart rate.
Stress tests can be helpful in diagnosing heart conditions such as coronary artery disease and arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. Stress testing may also be an element of ongoing monitoring if you’ve already been diagnosed with a heart condition.
Participating in a stress test is a simple in-office procedure. Our team gives you instructions to prepare for your stress test. Depending on your situation, you may need to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications for a period of time before your stress test. Sometimes, fasting is recommended. We give you complete instructions so you’re prepared.
At the beginning of your stress test, your doctor listens to your heart and lungs. He attaches electrodes to your chest and legs, and places a blood pressure cuff on your arm, so we can monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm throughout the test.
You then begin walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle. The team monitors your heart rate and assesses how well your heart performs under the stress of physical activity. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms at any point during your test, you need to let us know.
There’s no downtime required after your stress test is complete. Our team reviews the results of the test and uses the information to guide our treatment recommendations for you.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound procedure to evaluate your heart health. Ultrasounds are noninvasive tests that use harmless sound waves to create images of your heart.
Our team orders echocardiograms for a number of reasons, including:
Diagnosing congenital heart defects
Diagnosing heart disease
Evaluating the health of heart chambers and valves
If you have an existing heart condition, echocardiograms may be part of your routine healthcare. They can be used to assess how well a specific treatment is working and monitor your heart health over time.
There’s no special preparation required for an echocardiogram. When you come in for your test, the team may give you a gown to wear. You lie on your left side on a special exam table, your technician applies ultrasound gel to your chest.
The technician moves an ultrasound wand called a transducer over your chest, capturing images of your heart in action. You’ll remain lying down for the duration of the test, which takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. Ultrasounds aren’t painful, and you can return to your normal daily activities after you leave the office.
Sometimes the two tests are done together
When we want to see images of your heart pumping after you’ve exercised, we do a stress echocardiogram, usually called a “stress echo” for short.
First, we do a regular echocardiogram to see images of your heart when you’re at rest. Next, you go through the regular stress test by walking on the treadmill or riding the bike. Then you quickly return to the exam table so we can do another echocardiogram to see images of your heart when it’s beating faster after exertion.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our team is equipped to diagnose and treat issues affecting heart health. Our cardiology services are available at two offices in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey. Find out if you could benefit from heart testing by scheduling a consultation online or calling the office nearest you.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
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 | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Cholesterol is a naturally-occurring substance found in your blood. It plays an important role in cell building and hormone production, but cholesterol levels that get too high can start doing more harm than good.
About 2 in 5 American adults have high cholesterol. It’s a leading risk factor for heart disease, because it causes fatty buildup in your blood vessels, restricts blood flow, and makes your heart work harder.
Many people know that high cholesterol poses a risk to heart and vascular health. Unfortunately, high cholesterol can also have whole-body health impacts, from increased risk of stroke to numbness in the legs.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute take a comprehensive approach to heart care and cholesterol management. We work with patients to educate them on the impacts of high cholesterol and how they can protect and improve their health.
Here are a few lesser-known impacts of high cholesterol.
1. Increased risk of stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted. If you have high cholesterol, the blood vessels in your brain can narrow along with vessels in the rest of your body.
A stroke can happen when a blood clot blocks blood flow or a narrowed artery significantly reduces blood flow. Signs of a stroke include sudden weakness, speech difficulty, vision changes, and dizziness. In the event of a stroke, it’s extremely important to seek immediate medical care to prevent severe complications or death.
2. Increased risk of gallstones
Cholesterol is an essential element of bile, a digestive substance that helps your body break down dietary fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. When you have high blood cholesterol levels, the cholesterol content in bile increases too.
This extra cholesterol, along with calcium, salt, and other minerals, can crystalize and harden into gallstones. Gallstones are hard deposits found in your gallbladder, and they can be very painful.
3. Increased risk of leg pain and numbness
Your legs are quite far from your heart, but they’re also at risk of complications from high cholesterol. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a complication that can develop when the arteries in your legs get too narrow due to buildup from high cholesterol levels.
PAD can cause numbness and tingling in your legs or feet. Loss of sensation can increase your risk of ulcers and other slow-healing wounds. Another common symptom of PAD is leg pain that feels like muscle cramping, particularly with physical activity.
Undiagnosed and untreated high cholesterol can have a serious impact on your health. The good news is that you have options when it comes to managing your high cholesterol.
Dr. Patel and our team can recommend lifestyle changes, including nutrition and exercise guidance, to lower cholesterol levels naturally. Cholesterol medication can also be an effective option for many people.
Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? Schedule a consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute to find out more about improving your cholesterol levels, cardiovascular health, and whole-body wellness. Contact us over the phone or book an appointment online today.
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