Who’s at Greatest Risk for Cardiac Arrest?

About half a million Americans suffer cardiac arrest each year. It’s a serious medical condition that develops quickly and without warning. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

Cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops beating, which halts blood flow throughout your body. Symptoms include no pulse, loss of consciousness, and no breathing. Cardiac arrest can cause death — but with prompt medical care, it’s possible to survive.

NJ Cardiovascular Institute is your expert resource for heart health. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team are highly trained in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart palpitations, that can cause problems like cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is sudden, but certain factors increase your risk of experiencing this severe cardiac event. You could have a greater risk of cardiac arrest if:

You have coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition. It develops when your coronary arteries become narrow because they’re blocked by plaque buildup. The coronary arteries are responsible for transporting blood to your heart, and if they’re blocked, your heart doesn’t get enough blood.

Most people who suffer cardiac arrest have coronary artery disease. In addition to increasing your risk for cardiac arrest, this chronic condition also increases your chances of suffering a heart attack. Angina (chest pain) is the top symptom of coronary artery disease.

Having other heart conditions can increase your risk of cardiac arrest, too. Electrical pulse problems, congenital heart disease, and an enlarged heart may put you at greater risk of cardiac arrest.

You have a history of heart attack

It’s possible to experience cardiac arrest at the same time as a heart attack. Heart attacks caused by coronary artery disease can trigger an irregular heartbeat that then leads to cardiac arrest within the same episode.

But even if you have a heart attack without cardiac arrest, the heart attack can leave behind scar tissue and weaken your heart. These side effects may make cardiac arrest more likely later on. People who have a family history of heart attack or cardiac arrest may also be more likely to experience these cardiac events in their own lifetimes.

You have certain lifestyle habits

Your heart health is linked to your overall health. Your heart health could be at risk if you:

Live a sedentary lifestyle

Eat a diet high in fat and low in vitamins and minerals

Smoke cigarettes

Are obese

Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase your chances of developing coronary artery disease and cardiac arrest.

Other factors that you can’t change affect your risk of cardiac arrest, like age and gender. Men over age 45 are at greater risk for cardiac arrest than women or younger men. Those with a family history of heart problems are also at greater risk.

There are certain symptoms that could indicate heart problems, regardless of other risk factors you might have. Signs that you should come in for a heart health evaluation include:

Chest pain

Irregular heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Fainting

Dizziness

At any time, if someone near you is struggling to breath or has lost consciousness, call 911 immediately. People who suffer cardiac arrest can benefit from a defibrillator or CPR from someone who’s trained while waiting for emergency medical assistance.

If you’re at greater risk for suffering cardiac arrest, it’s more important than ever to take care of your heart. Book an appointment with our team at one of our offices in Newark or Secaucus, New Jersey, to get started on a treatment plan that helps you keep your heart as healthy as possible.

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Four Changes You Should Make to Improve Your High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common — but serious — health problem. Cholesterol is a substance that your body uses to build cells, but having high cholesterol means there’s too much of it in your blood.

Excess cholesterol can build up in your arteries, narrowing them and making your heart work harder over time. When you have high cholesterol, your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, is higher, too.

Fortunately, you can improve your cholesterol levels and your health. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to teach you how.

Understanding your cholesterol numbers

Cholesterol tests measure two main types of cholesterol in your blood: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

HDL is often called the “good” cholesterol, because it removes excess cholesterol from your blood and takes it to your liver. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol, because this is the type that builds up in your arteries and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

When you get a cholesterol test, Dr. Patel takes a small sample of your blood and measures your HDL and LDL. Your cholesterol is in a healthy range if your HDL is 60 or higher, your LDL is under 100, and your total cholesterol is under 200.

You’re considered at risk if your HDL is 40-59 (for men) or 50-59 (for women), your LDL is 100-159, and your total cholesterol is between 200-239.

You’re diagnosed with high cholesterol if your HDL is under 40 (for men) or under 50 (for women), your LDL is 160 or higher, and your total cholesterol is 240 or higher.

Many cholesterol tests also measure triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood. High triglyceride levels can also increase your risk of heart disease.

How to lower your high cholesterol

Whether you already have high cholesterol or your cholesterol test showed that you’re at risk, it’s not too late to improve your numbers. Lifestyle habits are the main contributor to harmful cholesterol levels, and making healthy changes is an effective way to lower your cholesterol.

A few of the changes Dr. Patel and our team recommend are:

1. Getting regular exercise

Physical activity is one of the best ways to manage your cholesterol naturally, and we recommend making a habit of exercise for better heart health. Exercise increases your good cholesterol levels and decreases both bad cholesterol and blood pressure.

You should aim to get about 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days a week. Along with controlling cholesterol levels, exercise helps you lose extra pounds. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help lower your risk of heart disease and other complications.

2. Eating a heart-healthy diet

Trans fats contribute to high cholesterol, and eating foods that contain this type of fat can raise your cholesterol levels. Avoid foods that have “hydrogenated oils” in the ingredients, as these contain trans fats. Packaged baked goods, fast foods, and processed snack foods may contain trans fats.

Eating too many foods with saturated fats may also contribute to high cholesterol levels, so try to limit your intake of fatty meats and full-fat dairy products.

Instead, focus on eating foods low in fat, salt, and added sugars. Choose low-fat dairy products, lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and nuts. Foods high in fiber (like beans and oats) can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels.

3. Quitting smoking

Smoking elevates bad cholesterol levels and reduces good cholesterol levels. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage your blood vessels, which hardens your arteries and makes it more likely that bad cholesterol will build up.

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting can have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels and your heart health. Talk with Dr. Patel and our team to get help with smoking cessation.

4. Limiting alcohol

While some research indicates that red wine offers heart-health benefits, too much alcohol can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which increases your risk of heart disease and other heart problems.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol. In general, that means no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women.

Surprised by your cholesterol numbers? You’re not alone, and it’s not too late to change them. Book an appointment online or call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you to get personalized support for better heart health.

What’s Included in the Heart Smart Program?

The heart is the hardest-working muscle in the human body. It beats more than 100,000 times and pumps 2,000 gallons of blood each and every day.

You rely on your heart to send oxygen and other nutrients throughout your body, so it’s no surprise that your heart health affects your overall well-being. Your overall health affects your heart too, and taking care of both is important.

Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in treating both acute and chronic heart conditions, and we’re here to help you build heart-healthy habits in your daily life.

Our unique Heart Smart Program takes a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular wellness. With components from nutritional counseling to pain management, the program brings education and professional support together just for you.

Components of our Heart Smart Program

Dr. Patel and our team prioritize patient education to make heart health easier at home. We offer educational sessions, along with top-tier cardiovascular care, to patients involved in our Heart Smart Program. The program is tailored to meet your needs, and may include managing your chronic condition, making lifestyle changes, and performing diagnostic testing when needed.

Chronic condition management

Many heart conditions are chronic, which means they need ongoing care. The Heart Smart Program provides ongoing management of your chronic condition, including heart rhythm monitoring, pain management, and medication management. We check in with you regularly to ensure your treatments remain effective.

Lifestyle support

Taking care of your heart means making healthy changes in many aspects of your life. If you’re recently diagnosed with a heart condition, all the changes might seem overwhelming, but the Heart Smart Program can help.

Our team offers nutrition counseling to help you learn about eating heart-healthy foods. We can recommend exercise regimens to strengthen your body safely, and we have healthy lifestyle programs so you can find the support you need.

Diagnostic services

Diagnostic testing is the most effective way to identify your heart condition, but health screenings don’t stop once you have a diagnosis. Dr. Patel and our team use a range of diagnostic tests to assess how well your treatment plan is working.

A few common diagnostic tests we rely on include stress testing, ultrasound, echocardiogram, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing.

Is the Heart Smart Program right for me?

As a comprehensive wellness program specifically designed for people with heart problems, it could protect and improve your health if you have a history of heart problems.

Common symptoms that could indicate a heart problem include:

Chest pain

Heart palpitations

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Shortness of breath

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis. Our team is highly trained in diagnosing and treating a range of heart conditions, so you can enjoy your best possible health.

The Heart Smart Program is a good option for people with chronic heart conditions and/or a history of heart problems, like:

Cardiac surgery

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

Heart attack

Heart disease

Heart stents or angioplasty

High blood pressure

Pacemaker

Systolic heart failure

The program starts with a comprehensive evaluation. We take your medical history and existing health issues into account, partnering with you to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. We’re with you each step of the way to answer your questions, provide accountability, and promote your health.

Ready to find out how our Heart Smart Program could help you? Contact us online or over the phone to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at one of our offices in Secaucus, Newark, or Paramus, New Jersey.

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What Women Need to Know About Subtle Heart Attack Symptoms

Heart disease is the cause of about one in every three deaths in the United States. It’s the leading cause of death for men and women, yet it’s a common misconception that men are at greater risk for heart problems than women.

Many people assume that only older individuals, particular older men, are at risk for heart attack. But if your heart health is compromised, a heart attack can happen at any age and to either sex.

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain for both women and men. But women are more likely to suffer a heart attack with more subtle symptoms, which makes recognizing a heart attack more difficult — unless you know what to look for.

At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our team is here to help you understand the most common signs of heart attacks in women. We regularly diagnose and treat heart disease to help women of all ages live longer, healthier lives.

Heart attack symptoms go beyond chest pain

Portrayals in movies and TV shows often make heart attacks look like sudden, crushing chest pain. While chest discomfort, pressure, or pain are common symptoms of heart attack, they aren’t the only ones.

Women are more likely than men to have more subtle heart attack symptoms that may be unrelated to the chest. You could be having a heart attack if you experience pain in your:

Arms

Shoulder

Upper back

Abdomen

Neck

Jaw

Heart attack symptoms unrelated to physical pain include:

Nausea or vomiting

Shortness of breath

Lightheadedness

Weakness

Fatigue

Indigestion

Symptoms can be vague, and many women brush them off because they’re not widely known as signs of a heart attack. Learning to recognize the more subtle symptoms can help you identify a cardiac event sooner before permanent damage occurs.

Symptoms can last for days

Since many symptoms of a heart attack in women don’t include chest pain, they’re often overlooked. Unusual fatigue, nausea, weakness, and other signs may be mistaken for illnesses such as the flu.

Vague symptoms make heart attack harder to identify, but women are also more likely to dismiss or minimize their symptoms in comparison to men. In fact, one study found that women waited 54 hours to seek treatment for heart attack symptoms, compared to men who waited just 16 hours.

If you think you or a loved one is suffering a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Follow the operator’s instructions and try to take slow, deep breaths until help arrives. Seeking treatment as early as possible increases your chances of a full recovery.

Understand your risk of heart disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women and men. But both heart attacks and heart disease can appear differently in women than in men. This disparity means that women are more likely to have undiagnosed heart conditions, and they may not even know when they’re at risk for heart attack.

If you’re a woman, it’s important to educate yourself about your heart health. Risk factors that increase your chances of heart disease and heart attack include:

Obesity

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Diabetes

Sedentary lifestyle

Menopause

Stress

Depression

Smoking

Heart disease is common, but it’s preventable in many cases. Our team is dedicated to helping you strengthen your heart and live your healthiest life.

We partner with you, evaluating your medical history, family history, and current condition to propose a heart-healthy plan that’s right for you. Managing pre-existing conditions and making a range of healthy lifestyle choices can make a big difference for your heart and help reduce your risk of heart attack.

Trust your heart health to our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. To learn more about the risks of heart disease and how to spot a heart attack, book an appointment at one of our offices in Newark, Secaucus, or Paramus, New Jersey. Use the online scheduler or give us a call.

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More Than Cosmetic: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that appear just under the surface of your skin. They’re usually blue or purple, and they’re most commonly found on the legs and feet.

Varicose veins form when faulty valves in your veins allow blood to flow backwards and pool up. All that excess blood enlarges the veins, making them appear discolored, twisted, and unsightly. While varicose veins are often brushed off as a cosmetic concern, they’re a common cause of discomfort — and they could even be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

That means if you have varicose veins, it’s important to seek treatment. Kunal Patel, MD, is a vein specialist at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. He has experience diagnosing and treating varicose veins, and our team is here to help you get the care you need.

Varicose vein treatment relieves your symptoms

Varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing, but seeking treatment for varicose veins goes far beyond simply improving your appearance. Here are a few reasons why Dr. Patel and our team always recommend treating varicose veins:

Improves your circulation

Varicose veins are a sign of poor circulation, which means your legs and feet may not be getting all the blood they need. Poor circulation can make your legs and feet feel tired and achy, and treatment can help improve your circulation and your symptoms.

Relieves discomfort

For many people, varicose veins cause uncomfortable symptoms like:

Aching, heavy-feeling legs

Muscle cramps

Swelling

Itchy skin

Pain or tenderness

Treatment eliminates the varicose vein, which helps alleviate these symptoms and improves your quality of life.

Prevents venous complications

Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious vein problems. Your risk of blood clots, skin ulcers, and swelling may be higher if you have varicose veins. Fortunately, early treatment can help prevent these complications.

Improves your appearance and your confidence

Last but not least, treatment addresses the appearance of your veins. Varicose veins can be unsightly, and they may impact your self-confidence. Treating varicose veins can eliminate or reduce their appearance and boost your self-esteem.

Varicose vein treatment is customizable

There are several treatment options available for varicose veins. When you come to NJ Cardiovascular Institute for care, Dr. Patel does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms.

Then, he develops a customized treatment plan for your varicose veins. He may recommend lifestyle changes first, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. Compression stockings can also help by applying gentle pressure to your veins to enhance circulation.

In more advanced cases, Dr. Patel may recommend medical treatment. He specializes in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which gently heats the damaged veins to seal them and stop blood from entering.

The best treatment option for you depends on the severity of your varicose veins and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Together, you work with Dr. Patel to address your symptoms and improve your vascular health.

If you have varicose veins, don’t wait to schedule your evaluation. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online to get started.

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A Closer Look at Aneurysms

Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Healthy arteries are strong, muscle-lined tubes that keep blood flowing smoothly. But if part of an artery wall gets weak, it can balloon out and form an aneurysm.

Aneurysms are abnormal bulges in arteries. They typically form without symptoms, but they can quickly become a medical emergency if they burst and cause internal bleeding.

You can’t completely prevent an aneurysm, but you can learn your risk and take steps to improve your heart and vascular health. Kunal Patel, MD and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in aneurysm screening and heart disease care.

We share more about aneurysms, why they form, and how you can protect your health.

Types of aneurysms

Aneurysms can form in any artery in your body. They’re more common in certain areas, including the heart, abdomen, brain, legs, and spleen.

Aortic aneurysms and brain aneurysms are two of the most common types. Since they directly impact the arteries of your heart or brain, they’re also some of the most dangerous.

Aortic aneurysm

Your aorta is a large artery that starts in your heart and passes through your chest and abdomen. Aortic aneurysms develop when a bulge forms along your aorta, either in your chest or your abdomen.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in your abdomen, and a thoracic aortic aneurysm forms in your chest. Together, aortic aneurysms cause about 25,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Brain aneurysm

A cerebral aneurysm develops in the arteries that transport blood to your brain. These aneurysms are also called brain aneurysms or berry aneurysms. In the United States, about 12,000 brain aneurysms are fatal each year.

Risk factors for aneurysms

Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes aneurysms to form, but they’re generally linked to heart conditions that cause your arterial walls to get weaker.

Certain factors may increase your risk of aneurysm. Dr. Patel may recommend screening for aneurysm or other heart conditions if you:

Are male

Are over age 60

Have high blood pressure

Smoke

Are overweight or obese

Having a family history of aneurysm or heart disease may also increase your risk of developing an aneurysm yourself.

Treatment options for aneurysms

Most of the time, aneurysms develop over time. Unless an aneurysm ruptures, it doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. Aneurysms may only be detected during routine medical testing.

If you’re at risk for an aneurysm, Dr. Patel may recommend an aneurysm screening to evaluate the health of your arteries. These screenings can also help our team monitor your aneurysm, arteries, and heart health before complications arise.

A ruptured aneurysm can quickly turn into a medical emergency. Signs of a ruptured aneurysm may vary depending on the location of the aneurysm, but may include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Increased heart rate

Abdominal, back, or chest pain

Severe headache

Ruptured aneurysms need prompt emergency medical care, and often require emergency surgery. Rapid care can help to prevent serious complications that may otherwise lead to death.

When you have an aneurysm, monitoring it could save your life. Come in for a consultation to learn more about our heart care services at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Book online today or call the office nearest you — in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey.

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