by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | 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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | 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 cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Varicose veins are a common issue affecting approximately half of men and women by the time they reach 50. It’s easy to identify these twisted, enlarged veins on your legs because they usually bulge and appear blue or dark purple in color.
Varicose veins usually aren't cause for concern, aside from their unsightly appearance. At times, however, they indicate a more serious vein disorder that can increase your chances of serious health complications.
As an experienced cardiologist and varicose vein specialist at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Kunal Patel brings his specialized training to diagnosing and treating varicose veins and other venous diseases in Secaucus and Newark, New Jersey.
Understanding venous diseases
You have two types of blood vessels circulating blood throughout your body: arteries and veins.
Arteries send oxygen-rich blood out from your heart to the rest of your body. Your blood returns to your heart by way of your veins. These thin-walled structures contain one-way valves that keep your blood moving in one direction.
Venous diseases develop when vein issues interfere with the blood flowing back to your heart. These problems can affect either superficial veins found close to the surface of your skin or the deep veins located in the muscles of your arms or legs.
Varicose veins are a type of vein disease affecting your superficial veins.
Varicose veins
Varicose vein disorder develops when your one-way valves weaken or fail, which allows blood to flow backward or pool in the vein. When this occurs, you can see the swollen vein underneath your skin. Your chances of having varicose veins increase as you grow older, if you’re overweight or obese, or spend long periods of time sitting or standing. You also have a 90% chance of getting varicose veins if both of your parents have the condition.
When you have varicose veins, they can also be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency — when blood pools in either superficial or deep leg veins. It’s possible to have chronic venous insufficiency without having a varicose vein.
Symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency include:
Pain and cramping
Swelling in your legs or ankles
Skin changes
Leg ulcers
Varicose veins
Chronic venous insufficiency is a chronic condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. More serious venous diseases associated with varicose veins include superficial thrombophlebitis and deep-vein thrombosis.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is a venous condition that develops when your vein grows inflamed, especially because of a blood clot-reducing blood flow.
Signs of superficial thrombophlebitis typically include:
A visible, tender, red vein
Inflammation and irritation of the skin
Pain in your limb
Hardening of the vein
Darkening skin color over your vein
These symptoms can also increase your risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
Deep-vein thrombosis
Thrombosis develops when a blood clot forms in your veins. This venous disease occurs when your blood doesn’t circulate or clot properly.
Common causes of thrombosis include:
A blood clotting disorder
Prolonged bed rest or sitting
Being overweight or obese
Injury or surgery
Medications, like hormone replacement therapy or birth control
Certain health conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, or cancer
A personal or family history of DVT
Being over 60
DVT is especially serious because blood clots in your veins can break off and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which blocks blood flow and can cause death.
Signs of deep-vein thrombosis include pain, cramping, or soreness in your leg; red or discolored skin; and a warm sensation. You can also have DVT without any obvious symptoms.
To see if you’re varicose veins indicate a more serious venous condition, call us at NJ Cardiovascular Institute or schedule an appointment online today.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
You may already be thinking about setting New Year’s resolutions, and if you’re hoping to take charge of your health in 2026, there’s no better place to start than your heart. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, but with simple, consistent lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk and improve your long-term wellness.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our Heart Smart Program is designed to help patients do exactly that: make sustainable lifestyle changes, manage risk factors, and monitor heart health under expert supervision. Here are five resolutions to get your heart in top shape this year, courtesy of cardiologist and varicose vein specialist Kunal Patel, MD, FACC.
1. Move your body every day
Regular physical activity strengthens your heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, which works out to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
You don’t have to run marathons or even join a gym to get results. Brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or even doing yard work can make a big difference. The key is consistency, so find something you enjoy and stick with it.
If you have heart disease or risk factors like hypertension or diabetes, always talk to your healthcare team before starting a new exercise plan. Our team can offer personalized exercise recommendations to help you stay active safely and effectively.
2. Eat more whole, heart-healthy foods
Your diet has a direct impact on your cardiovascular health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Make a resolution to:
Choose lean proteins like fish, poultry, and legumes
Incorporate heart-healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and olive oil
Limit processed foods that are high in sodium and sugar
Focus on portion control and mindful eating
Our Heart Smart Program includes nutrition counseling and meal planning guidance tailored to your personal health goals, making it easier to make lasting dietary changes.
3. Manage stress effectively
Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure, increase inflammation, and make it harder to stick to healthy habits. Resolve to make it a priority to find ways to manage stress that work for you.
Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or journaling to help calm your mind. Even simple lifestyle changes like spending more time outdoors or setting aside time for hobbies can support both your mental and cardiovascular health.
4. Stay on top of your numbers
Knowledge is power when it comes to your heart. Regular checkups help you monitor key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels — and detect issues before they become serious.
Our Heart Smart Program uses advanced diagnostics and ongoing monitoring to track your heart health and tailor your care plan. Whether you’re managing an existing condition or you simply want to prevent one, staying proactive is one of the best resolutions you can make.
5. Don’t go it alone
Healthy changes are easier to make — and stick with — when you have guidance and accountability. That’s where our Heart Smart Program shines.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that helps you set achievable goals, stay motivated, and make lasting improvements in your heart health. We’re here to support you every step of the way with education, monitoring, and individualized care.
Looking ahead to the new year, make the commitment to take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier heart and a longer, more active life. To get started, contact us online or call 201-866-7000 to make an appointment at one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Are you experiencing discomfort in your chest? It can be alarming — and while your first thought might be that you’re having a heart attack, it’s important not to panic.
In fact, your discomfort could be caused by something as minor as muscle soreness. The symptoms of chest pain and muscle soreness can sometimes be confused due to their proximity and the nature of the discomfort, and we’re here to help you find answers.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are experienced in diagnosing and treating chest pain in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. Understanding the differences can help you determine the appropriate response and seek timely medical care, if necessary.
Chest pain vs. muscle soreness: the basics
Chest pain can stem from various sources, including heart issues, lung problems, and gastrointestinal conditions. Some causes of chest pain are potentially life-threatening, so it’s essential to take your symptoms seriously.
Angina, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular conditions can cause chest pain. This pain often feels like pressure, squeezing, or a burning sensation. Lung conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, or a pulmonary embolism can lead to sharp, stabbing pain in the chest.
Sometimes, gastrointestinal issues can cause chest pain that mimics heart-related pain. Some possible causes are acid reflux or esophageal spasms.
Muscle soreness, on the other hand, is usually less concerning. Although it can be painful, it isn’t related to organ function and typically results from physical activity, injury, or even poor posture.
Overexertion or strenuous exercise can make your chest muscles sore, especially if you’re doing activities involving your upper body. Strains, sprains, or trauma to your chest muscles can also cause localized soreness and tenderness.
How to tell the difference between chest pain and muscle soreness
Chest pain and muscle soreness have different treatments, so recognizing what’s behind your symptoms is the first step to getting the care you need.
To tell the difference, consider the:
Location and nature of your pain
Chest pain often feels deep and intense. It can radiate to other areas like your arms, neck, jaw, or back. The pain might be constant or intermittent and can vary in intensity.
Muscle soreness is typically localized to specific muscles. It usually feels more like an ache or stiffness rather than a sharp or burning pain, and you may be able to reproduce it by pressing on the affected area or moving in a certain way.
Onset and duration
Chest pain can come on suddenly, and it may persist or worsen with activity. Heart-related pain, for instance, often occurs during exertion and may improve with rest.
Muscle soreness usually develops gradually after physical activity or injury and improves with rest and time. It might feel worse when you move or stretch the affected muscle.
Other symptoms
Chest pain may be accompanied by additional symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms often indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Muscle soreness generally doesn’t come with other symptoms. You might experience some mild swelling or bruising if an injury caused the soreness.
When to see a doctor for chest pain
First and foremost, seek immediate help for chest pain. Severe, sudden chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious condition, especially if it's accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain radiating to other parts of your body. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your chest discomfort or if your symptoms worsen, go to the doctor. Dr. Patel and our team can do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Distinguishing between chest pain and muscle soreness is vital for your health — and for your peace of mind. We recommend erring on the side of caution, and we’re here to help you understand what’s causing your symptoms. Call us to book your appointment or send us a message online to learn more.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Nearly half of all American adults have hypertension, which is high blood pressure. It’s nicknamed “the silent killer,” because it doesn’t have noticeable early warning signs, but high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems like heart attack and stroke. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to take it seriously to protect your health.
The good news is that hypertension is manageable. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in hypertension care, and we want to help you lower your risk of complications.
One of the best ways to manage hypertension is making certain lifestyle changes. So if you have high blood pressure, here are the top habits to drop right now.
1. Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine in cigarettes raises your blood pressure and increases your heart rate, which damages your blood vessels over time.
If you have hypertension, quitting smoking significantly lowers your risk of complications, and it can help keep your hypertension from getting worse.
2. Eating a lot of salt
Salt contains sodium, which may increase your blood pressure if you have hypertension. You should limit your sodium intake to no more than about 1500 milligrams per day, which equals about two-thirds of a teaspoon of table salt.
Most dietary sodium comes from processed foods, but the shaker and salt used in cooking contributes, too. Making small changes, like using herbs and spices instead of salt when you cook, can reduce your salt intake without compromising the flavor of your food.
3. Eating a lot of processed foods
Processed foods include things like chips, baked goods, pizza, candy, and soda. These options are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, all of which can increase your blood pressure and make hypertension worse.
Switching from processed foods to whole foods can help you manage your hypertension. Try to eat a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
4. Drinking too much alcohol
Alcohol can increase your blood pressure, and excessive drinking can cause hypertension or make it worse. For heart health, you should limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.
5. Living a sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity is linked to hypertension and heart disease, but being physically active can help your lower blood pressure and improve overall health. That’s why we recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Getting active doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s okay to start slowly. Try low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Remember to talk with your healthcare team before starting any new exercise program.
6. Not (properly) managing stress
Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and high stress levels can increase your blood pressure. It’simportant to find healthy ways to manage stress, particularly if you have hypertension. Exercise helps relieve stress, and you can also try practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, or taking up hobbies that you enjoy.
7. Not getting enough sleep
Sleep is essential for optimal health, and consistently not getting enough sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. To reduce the effects that lack of sleep has on your body, aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Establish healthy sleep habits — like having a nighttime routine and avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed — to improve your quality of sleep.
A hypertension diagnosis can be scary, but there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and lower your risk of complications. For more personalized tips to manage hypertension, book an appointment with Dr. Patel and our team.
Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online to get started.
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