by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | 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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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. Experiencing chest discomfort can be scary, and many people assume it means they’re having a heart attack. Angina is the kind of chest pain that accompanies a heart attack, and it’s caused by decreased blood flow to the heart.
While it’s true that chest pain is a symptom of serious heart problems like a heart attack, it’s also a symptom of other, less serious conditions. Your heart can cause chest pain, but so can your lungs, digestive system, and nearby muscles.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain. Dr. Kunal Patel and our team offer comprehensive heart care, and we’re here to help you find the treatment that works.
If you experience crushing or squeezing chest pain that lasts for several minutes, with or without other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or radiating pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If your symptoms are different, it’s time to learn more about a few lesser-known causes of chest pain.
Pneumonia or bronchitis
Your lungs can cause chest pain, especially if you have a condition like pneumonia or bronchitis. Both pneumonia and bronchitis can make breathing difficult or painful, and you feel the pain inside your chest.
Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of the airways, which can result in chest pain. Bronchospasm can develop along with pneumonia or bronchitis, but it can also occur with chronic conditions. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma may be more likely to experience bronchospasm.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux, also called heartburn, can make your chest hurt. Acid reflux develops when the contents of your stomach travel backward into your esophagus, causing an unpleasant burning sensation.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux, which means you suffer from heartburn regularly. If you have chest pain with GERD, you might notice pain gets worse when you cough or take a deep breath.
Shingles
Shingles is a type of viral infection that typically causes a painful rash, but it can also cause chest pain. In fact, chest pain may develop before a rash appears. Chest pain associated with shingles often feels like a band of sharp pain. The rash may appear a few days after you notice chest pain.
Fractures or muscle strains
Musculoskeletal injury can cause chest pain. Bruised or broken ribs, along with compression fractures, can trigger pain within your chest. People with damaged bones generally experience intense pain at the time of injury.
Strenuous physical activity can strain the muscles and tendons around your ribs and chest. This strain may cause inflammation and lead to chest pain. If your pain gets worse with activity, it may be due to sore muscles.
When chest pain necessitates immediate medical care
If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Symptoms of a heart attack include the sudden onset of symptoms such as:
Chest pain (angina)
Pain that spreads to the shoulders and arms
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness
Cold sweat
On the other hand, there are many conditions that affect heart health and don’t show obvious signs or symptoms. A few of these are high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which can lead to heart disease and other heart issues.
The only way to ensure you’re enjoying your best health is to keep up with your regular doctor’s appointments. Learn more about what our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can offer you with a consultation.
We have offices to serve you in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey. Call the office nearest you to schedule an appointment today.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. And with those celebrations often come opportunities to indulge. Large meals, decadent desserts, and alcohol can put strain on your body and your heart, but it doesn’t mean you have to skip the festivities completely.
Whether you have a cardiovascular condition or simply want to keep your heart in good shape, it’s entirely possible to enjoy holiday foods without derailing your health goals. Small adjustments and mindful choices can help you celebrate and take care of your heart.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in cardiovascular care. Our Heart Smart Program is designed to help you navigate the real world and protect your heart health — and here’s how to get started this holiday season.
How the holidays pose a risk for heart health
The holiday season is short, and it’s easy to assume that overindulging at holiday meals doesn’t really affect your health in the long term. But the truth is that these changes can cause spikes in blood pressure, fluid retention, or undue stress on the cardiovascular system, especially if you’re managing a condition like hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
During holiday gatherings, we often face large portions, rich foods high in saturated fats, salt, and added sugars, and festivities that disrupt our routines. Add in late nights, alcohol, and reduced physical activity, and it can be enough to have an impact on your heart health and your overall well-being that lingers into the new year.
Tips for enjoying the holidays without sacrificing heart health
Maintaining your best possible heart health doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festivities. A few simple tips from our team can help you navigate the season in a heart-healthy way.
1. Bring a heart-friendly dish
If you're attending a potluck, take the opportunity to bring a dish you know fits your heart goals. A colorful salad with extra vegetables, legumes, or a whole-grain casserole can offer balance when the table is loaded with richer options. And this way, you know there's at least one option that supports your diet.
2. Start with lighter fare and use smaller plates
Before diving into heavy dishes, fill a portion of your plate with vegetables or a broth-based soup to help you feel satisfied faster. Opting for smaller plates also helps control portions psychologically without leaving you feeling deprived. Starting light gives your system time to adjust and may reduce the impulse to overindulge later on.
3. Make smart swaps
You don’t need to avoid your holiday favorites entirely. Instead, choose modifications that reduce their impact on your heart. Consider leaner meats (turkey breast or fish instead of dark meat), trimming visible fat, using herbs and citrus rather than heavy sauces, and substituting whole grains for refined. You can also limit salt by seasoning thoughtfully with fresh herbs or low-sodium options.
4. Savor your food and pause between bites
Mindful eating can help you enjoy your meals without overdoing them. Eat slowly, chew fully, and pause between bites. If you’re engaging in conversation, avoid eating when you’re not paying attention. Sometimes, a short walk after the meal or a glass of water can help signal fullness to your brain.
5. Stay active and maintain routines
Even though holiday days are busier, try to maintain your activity level. Break up your regular exercise routine into smaller segments if you don’t have as much time as usual, and remember that ten minutes here and there adds up.
A short walk before or after meals aids digestion and supports circulation. And sleep and stress management also matter: getting adequate rest and using relaxation techniques helps modulate blood pressure and cardiac stress.
Join our Heart Smart Program for personalized support
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our Heart Smart Program is designed to provide ongoing support for people managing heart conditions or those aiming to prevent them. The program offers:
Dietary monitoring and nutritional counseling tailored to your needs
Educational sessions to help you build awareness of heart-healthy choices
Exercise planning aligned with your cardiac status
Onsite case management and preventive testing
Tools for rhythm monitoring, pain management, and medication oversight
As you navigate holiday feasts, having a Heart Smart plan means you’re not going it alone. We’re here to give you personalized guidance and help you make sustainable, heart-smart decisions during the holidays and beyond.
Your holiday memories should center on connection, laughter, and warmth — not excess and regret. With mindful habits, flexibility, and the right support, you can enjoy festive meals and still protect your heart for the years ahead. Call us at 201-866-7000 or send us a message online to learn more.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Your heart beats around 100,000 times each day, and for the most part, you probably don’t give it much thought. That is, until you experience heart palpitations.
Heart palpitations can be a concerning experience for anyone. They’re sensations that make you unusually aware of your heartbeat, and they can make you wonder if something’s wrong.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to help. Most heart palpitations are harmless, and understanding what heart palpitations feel like and some reasons why they happen is the first step to managing the condition.
What heart palpitations feel like
Heart palpitations are usually described in a few different ways. They can feel like a fluttering or racing sensation in your chest, as if your heart is beating too hard or too fast. Sometimes, heart palpitations feel like your heart has skipped beats or flip-flopped inside your chest.
The sensations can occur in your chest, throat, or neck. Palpitations can last for just a few seconds or continue for several minutes, and they may occur during activity or rest.
It’s important to note that the way palpitations feel can vary from person to person. Some people may experience them occasionally, while others might have them much more frequently. The intensity of the sensation can also differ, with some people barely noticing them and others finding them quite disturbing.
Why heart palpitations happen
When you feel heart palpitations, it’s normal to be worried about your heart health. However, there are many potential causes of heart palpitations that range from benign factors to more serious underlying conditions.
A few common causes of heart palpitations are:
Stress and anxiety
Emotional stress, panic attacks, and anxiety can trigger palpitations because your body responds to these stimuli with an increased heart rate.
Stimulants
Consuming caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or recreational drugs can cause palpitations because they stimulate your heart rate.
Exercise
Physical activity naturally increases your heart rate, which can sometimes cause palpitations, particularly if you aren’t used to regular exercise.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal imbalances can all lead to palpitations because fluctuating hormone levels have a direct effect on your heart rate.
Medications
Certain medications, like decongestants, asthma inhalers, and some antidepressants, can cause palpitations as a side effect.
Medical conditions
Palpitations can be associated with medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, and heart-related issues like arrhythmias or heart disease.
When to go to the doctor for heart palpitations
Most heart palpitations are harmless — but if you’re concerned about your heart health, we recommend scheduling a consultation. Dr. Patel and our team can evaluate your heart and your symptoms to determine if medical treatment is necessary.
There are some instances when heart palpitations could be a sign of something more serious. You should always seek medical care if you experience palpitations along with any of the following symptoms:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Plus, if you have a history of heart disease or risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, it's a good idea to discuss any palpitations with your doctor. We can help determine if further evaluation or testing is needed to rule out any serious conditions.
Heart palpitations can be alarming, but understanding what they feel like and when to seek medical advice can help you feel more confident. Schedule a consultation and learn more at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
3 Reasons Why You Have Chest Pain and Palpitations : Kunal Patel, MD, FACC: Board Certified Cardiologist
Feeling pain or fluttering in your chest is scary. Chest pain and palpitations are common symptoms that can be both alarming and worrisome — and if your first thought is that you’re having a heart attack, you’re certainly not alone.
Chest pain and palpitations can be serious. But more often than not, they’re caused by benign conditions like anxiety or even acid reflux.
As a leading cardiologist in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, Kunal Patel, MD, can help you determine the cause of your chest discomfort. He and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnostics to evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
Here are three possible reasons why you might experience chest pain and palpitations, and what to do about them.
1. Anxiety or stress
Both chest pain and palpitations can be symptoms of high anxiety or stress. When you're feeling anxious or stressed, your body produces more adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that increases blood flow and breathing rate, and more adrenaline can make your heart beat faster and result in chest pain. Although it’s benign, it can still be uncomfortable and concerning.
If you struggle with stress or anxiety, practicing stress-management techniques like deep breathing and physical exercise can be helpful in reducing symptoms.
2. Gastrointestinal issues
Sometimes, gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux or indigestion cause chest pain. The nerves that connect to your esophagus and chest run close to your heart, which can make it difficult to determine the origin of the pain. That’s why acid reflux is often referred to as “heartburn.”
If you experience chest pain after eating or lying down, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic type of acid reflux. Treating the underlying gastrointestinal issue can relieve symptoms.
3. Cardiovascular issues
Last but not least, chest pain or palpitations could be signs of cardiovascular issues. Angina is chest pain, which is discomfort caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle, and it can be a warning sign of a heart attack.
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Most arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be serious and require medical attention.
If you have sudden, severe chest pain along with shortness of breath, sweating, or an unusual sense of fullness or pressure, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a heart attack.
Experiencing chest pain is concerning, and you should never ignore it. Chest pain and palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, and only a doctor can determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Dr. Patel and our team offer comprehensive diagnostics and testing to evaluate your heart health. Once we know what’s causing your symptoms, we develop a treatment plan to help minimize your symptoms and improve your health.
Make an appointment with Dr. Patel and our team to get started. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online today.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Pain is a distressing, uncomfortable feeling. It’s a signal from your nervous system that something negative is affecting your body — and it’s a highly individualized experience.
Pain often signals that something might be wrong, but it can be tempting to brush off mild or intermittent pain because you might think, “it’s not that bad,” or “it’s probably nothing.”
However, acknowledging your pain is an important part of taking care of your health. Chest pain in particular is never normal, no matter how mild. It can take many forms, and it could indicate any number of health conditions from acid reflux to coronary artery disease.
If you have chest pain, consider scheduling a cardiology appointment to have your heart health checked out. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer comprehensive exams to diagnose chest pain.
Pain is a signal that something isn’t right
The primary purpose of pain is to act as a warning signal. When your body is in distress, pain signals in your nervous system alert your brain about the issue, so you can stop whatever it is that’s harming you.
For example, pain from touching a hot stove tells you to move your hand. But when the pain isn’t related to a physical injury, it’s not always so easy to pinpoint.
Everyone has a unique pain tolerance, and different health conditions cause varying types of pain. The severity of your pain doesn’t always indicate the severity of your condition, so it’s possible to have a more serious health issue that causes little or no pain.
If you notice any type of chest pain as you go through life, you shouldn’t ignore it. Dr. Patel and our team specialize in diagnosing chest pain, and we can help you learn to recognize the signs of serious problems.
Common types of chest pain
Many people immediately think of a heart attack when they think of chest pain. While it’s true that heart attacks do cause pain, there are lots of other types of chest pain too.
Identifying your pain is the first step to seeking care. Chest pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like:
Shortness of breath
Pain with deep breaths or coughs
Pain that comes and goes
Chest tightness
Pain that radiates to the neck, shoulders, or arms
Nausea
Lightheadedness
If you feel chest pain, pay attention to its duration, location, and intensity. These details can help your care team identify what’s causing your discomfort.
When to go to the doctor for chest pain
Remember that chest pain is never normal. Any type of chest pain should be examined by a doctor, but the type of pain you’re experiencing may indicate the type of care you need.
A heart attack or other medical emergencies, like a pulmonary embolism, require immediate medical care. If you experience chest pain and symptoms like difficulty breathing or nausea and vomiting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Mild or short-lived bouts of chest pain without any other symptoms can generally wait for you to schedule a routine heart exam. Dr. Patel and our team are trained to identify cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
We can diagnose heart conditions with a series of tests, such as echocardiograms and stress tests. Once we’ve found the cause of your discomfort, we offer a range of heart care treatments to reduce your symptoms and improve your well-being.
Everyone experiences pain now and then, but protecting your health starts by recognizing when that pain should be checked out by a doctor. To schedule an appointment for chest pain, contact NJ Cardiovascular Institute or book online now.
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