by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can be a visible sign of changes happening inside your veins — and if your varicose veins look different than they used to, it’s important to take note.
Varicose veins that look larger, darker, or more twisted can leave you wondering if something more serious is going on. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer varicose vein treatment, and understanding the common reasons varicose veins become more pronounced is the first step toward better comfort and long-term vein health.
Here are four possible reasons why your varicose veins might have started looking bigger and darker lately.
1. Increased pressure inside your veins
Healthy veins send blood from all corners of your body back to your heart. Varicose veins form when the small valves inside your leg veins weaken and blood starts to flow backward and pool instead of going back to your heart.
The backward flow and pooling increases pressure inside your veins and makes them stretch, bulge, and adopt a darker, more twisted appearance. Common causes of varicose veins include prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, and advancing age — and if you don’t address them early, they tend to become more pronounced with time.
2. Skin thinning or sun exposure
Sometimes, you might notice that veins appear darker simply because they’re more visible as your skin starts to get thinner with age. Skin thinning is a natural process, and it happens because collagen and elastin production decrease and the supportive fat layer under your skin also diminishes with time.
Other factors like sun exposure and heat can make veins stand out more sharply, too, even if their internal structure hasn’t changed. Exercise or high blood pressure can also temporarily make your veins look more prominent.
3. Inflammation and skin discoloration
Untreated varicose veins contribute to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins in your legs can’t effectively send blood back to your heart. The increased pressure and blood pooling that creates varicose veins in the first place can get more severe and cause more symptoms like inflammation and discoloration in your legs.
Along with inflammation, blood cells may start to break down, and this can cause changes in skin tone. You might notice darker patches of skin with brownish or rusty discoloration, particularly around your lower calves and ankles.
4. Lifestyle habits and hormonal changes
Other factors can have a significant impact on the look of your varicose veins, too. For example, pregnancy and hormonal shifts relax vein walls and elevate blood volume, amplifying a darker, swollen vein appearance.
Smoking damages vein walls and valves, increasing visible vein prominence. And even something as simple as wearing tight clothes or tight socks can make varicose veins look darker quickly.
Treatment options for varicose veins
If your veins are becoming more noticeable, and especially if they’re causing pain, itching, or other bothersome symptoms, treatment can help. Dr. Patel and our team start with a comprehensive exam and ultrasound mapping to assess vein function, and then we develop a personalized treatment plan.
Mild varicose veins may improve with simple lifestyle changes, like wearing graduated compression stockings to help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and protect nearby tissues.
For more advanced varicose veins, minimally invasive procedures may be a good option. Treatments like radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser therapy, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy close or collapse problematic veins with precision and minimal downtime.
Noticing changes in the appearance of your varicose veins doesn’t have to be cause for alarm. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer a full spectrum of treatments to help you manage symptoms, improve vein health, and restore comfort.
Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, to take the next step.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Have you noticed twisted, bulging veins on your legs or feet? They could be varicose veins. About one in five adults will get them at some point in their lives — and their presence can make you wonder if they’re a sign of a more dangerous health problem.
Varicose veins can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable, but the good news is that they usually don’t pose a serious threat to your well-being. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer varicose vein treatment. We’ve helped adults of all ages understand varicose veins and how to manage them.
Learn more about what varicose veins are, what they could mean for your health, and what you can do about them.
All about varicose veins
Healthy veins have valves that open and close to keep blood flowing efficiently back to your heart. But sometimes, those valves malfunction or become weak, and blood starts flowing backward and pooling in your veins.
When blood pools, the veins get larger — and varicose veins form. Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that typically appear blue or purple in color. Although they can develop anywhere, they’re most common in your legs and feet, where gravity makes it more difficult for blood to flow upward toward your heart.
Several factors can contribute to varicose veins, including genetics, age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting. In fact, your risk of developing varicose veins is about 90% if both parents have varicose veins.
Understanding the possible complications of varicose veins
For most people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. The bulging, twisted veins can be unsightly and embarrassing, but they usually don’t cause other problems.
However, some people do develop physical symptoms like aching, swelling, itching, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. And in rare cases, varicose veins can also lead to more serious complications if they’re left untreated.
One possible complication is venous insufficiency. Impaired blood flow in the affected veins can cause chronic inflammation that, over time, can lead to more severe symptoms like skin discoloration, leg ulcers, and even blood clots.
Seeking treatment for varicose veins
If you have varicose veins, treatment can improve their appearance and lower your risk of more serious complications — whether you have painful symptoms or not. Dr. Patel specializes in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to seal off the affected veins.
RFA involves inserting a thin catheter into your varicose veins. We use ultrasound imaging to guide placement. And once in place, the catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall.
This energy heats the vein and makes it collapse and seal shut. After treatment, your body gradually absorbs the treated vein and it fades from view. Your body naturally reroutes your blood through nearby healthy veins to restore normal blood flow.
RFA can be a great option to treat varicose veins because it requires only a small incision and local anesthesia. For many people, that means less pain, scarring, and downtime compared to more invasive varicose vein treatments. With the damaged vein closed off, you can expect to notice a significant improvement in symptoms like pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
While varicose veins may not always pose a direct threat to your health, it’s important to take your symptoms seriously. Whether you’re embarrassed about their appearance or they’re causing discomfort, it’s time to explore your treatment options.
Book a consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, to get started today.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Experiencing chest pain is scary. But when the pain comes and goes, it can be difficult to know whether it’s a cause for worry.
Intermittent chest pain refers to any type of chest pain that occurs on and off, rather than constantly. It can be sharp or dull, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
If you have chest pain, you should always take it seriously. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain, and we’re here to help you find answers.
Here’s what you need to know about intermittent chest pain and when to go to the doctor for it.
Common reasons for intermittent chest pain
Some of the most common causes of intermittent chest pain are:
Acid reflux
Also known as heartburn, acid reflux often causes a burning sensation in your chest that’s easy to mistake for chest pain. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus. While it irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes discomfort, it doesn’t have anything to do with your heart.
Angina
Angina is a common type of chest pain that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina pain can be intermittent, and many people describe it as a tightness or pressure in the chest.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to your lungs and blocks blood flow. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms — and it’s a medical emergency that requires prompt care.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear and overwhelm. One of the most common symptoms of a panic attack is chest pain, and some people say it feels like having a heart attack. Other symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis develops when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone gets inflamed. It can cause sharp, intermittent chest pain. Like panic attacks, the symptoms of costochondritis can easily be mistaken for a heart attack.
When to go to the doctor of intermittent chest pain
If you have chest pain, you should always go to the doctor to have it checked out. Even if it’s not a medical emergency, it’s always best to seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.
Dr. Patel and our team perform a physical exam, take your medical history, and do a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, or electrocardiograms.
Depending on your diagnosis, we may prescribe medications to manage your symptoms or treat an underlying condition. Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly, can also help manage your symptoms.
When to seek emergency medical care for chest pain
Not all causes of intermittent chest pain are serious, but some are. The situations where it’s especially important to seek immediate medical attention include chest pain that:
Is severe or persistent
Is accompanied by other symptoms
Occurs during physical activity
Occurs with a known heart condition
Severe chest pain or pain that comes along with other symptoms could be signs of a more serious condition. If you experience chest pain during physical activity or exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Last but not least, always seek medical care if you have new or worsening chest pain and you have a history of heart disease or have been diagnosed with a heart condition.
Intermittent chest pain can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. While not all cases of intermittent chest pain require immediate medical attention, it’s not easy to determine the right course of action on your own.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute to learn more and find a treatment plan that’s right for you. Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online today.
by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chest pain takes many different forms. From an ongoing dull ache to sharp pains that come and go, experiencing chest pain can make you worry that you’re having a heart attack.
While chest pain can indicate a heart attack, there are lots of other possible causes, and they’re not all life-threatening. Muscle strains, acid reflux, and even indigestion could cause chest discomfort, as pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.
Chest pain has a variety of causes, but it’s not normal and you should never ignore it. Kunal Patel, MD and our cardiac team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain, and we’re here to help you figure out what’s causing your discomfort.
Possible causes of chest pain
Your chest includes the area on the front of your body, from your stomach to your shoulders. It contains lots of bones and muscles, and the two main organs in your chest are your heart and lungs.
A few common vascular conditions that may cause chest pain include:
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Angina
Aortic dissection
Pericarditis
Pulmonary embolism
Sometimes, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart or vascular system. Other conditions that can cause chest discomfort include:
Acid reflux (heartburn)
Bronchitis or pneumonia
Gallstones
Muscle strain
Panic attack
Shingles
Different conditions cause different types of pain, but you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose your condition.
Making a doctor’s appointment for chest pain
If you notice mild-to-moderate chest pain without any other symptoms, schedule a cardiology appointment to have an exam. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing, including stress tests and echocardiograms, to identify any irregularities in your heart’s function.
Regular doctor’s appointments are important, even if you aren’t bothered by chest pain. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease are very common health issues that can cause heart problems – but they don’t have noticeable warning signs.
Dr. Patel and our team want to make heart health part of our patients’ lives. Our Heart Smart Program makes it easy to implement healthy lifestyle changes and improve your heart health one step at a time.
Emergency care for chest pain
Heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and other serious conditions are life-threatening and require emergency medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you notice symptoms including:
Crushing or squeezing chest pain
Pain in shoulders or arms
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Cold sweat
Nausea
Vomiting
If you’re unsure whether you or someone near you is experiencing a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Chest pain isn’t normal, but experiencing it doesn’t mean you need to panic. Turn to Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute for quality heart care. Call the New Jersey office nearest you or request your first appointment online today.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of heart arrhythmia that affects as many as 6 million Americans. This common heart condition causes rapid, irregular heartbeats, and your risk for having it increases as you get older.
Some people with AFib don’t have any symptoms and don’t know they have it, but AFib is linked to increased risk of stroke, among other health issues. In fact, people with AFib are nearly five times as likely to suffer a stroke than those who don’t have it.
But having AFib doesn’t mean a stroke is inevitable. The team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute understands the risks that AFib brings, and we’re here to help you maintain your best health. We offer AFib testing, such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor, and ongoing care management to keep your heart strong and reduce your chances of stroke.
The link between AFib and stroke
In a healthy heart, the upper chambers (atria) beat in tandem with the lower chambers (ventricles) to move blood through your body. AFib is a heart arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, that causes the atria to beat out of sync with the ventricles.
When the atria and ventricles aren’t coordinated, blood can pool and clot in the atria. It’s possible for a clot to break off and travel to your brain, blocking cerebral arteries and triggering a stroke.
A stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate care to prevent permanent damage or death. It often causes sudden numbness, dizziness, or changes in vision and speech. If you or someone near you shows signs of stroke, call 911 immediately.
Some people notice symptoms like heart palpitations or fatigue with AFib, but many more don’t know they have it until they begin experiencing other heart issues. To preserve your health as you age, getting screened for AFib is important.
When to consider getting an AFib screening
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our team offers echocardiograms (EKGs) to identify potential heart problems before you suffer a stroke or heart attack. An EKG is a noninvasive test that allows us to examine the condition of your heart’s chambers and your heartbeat.
You could benefit from an AFib screening if you:
Are over the age of 50
Have heart disease
Have diabetes
Have high blood pressure
Are obese
Have a family history of AFib
Certain other health conditions, like sleep apnea, can increase your risk of AFib. If you have a history of heart problems or you have other risk factors, you could benefit from AFib screening beginning as early as age 40.
Up to 20% of people who experience a stroke have AFib, and many risk factors are the same. Older adults are at the greatest risk for both, and getting screened can help you take control over your health.
If you have AFib, we can recommend treatment options that reduce your risk of stroke. Blood-thinning medications work to prevent blood clots, and routine monitoring can help us track any changes in your heart health that could make a stroke more likely.
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to actively reducing your risk of stroke and other health problems. When you partner with our team to preserve your heart health, it’s possible to stay healthier longer.
AFib screening is an important preventive measure for older adults. Whether you’re at risk for AFib or you already know you have the condition, book an appointment with us for top-quality heart care. You can choose the office closest to you in either Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey.
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by cardiopulmonarydiagnostic | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chest X-rays are quick, noninvasive imaging tests that provide a detailed picture of the structures inside your chest, including your heart, lungs, airways, and bones.
A chest X-ray is often one of the first steps your doctor might recommend when evaluating symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fatigue. And at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and his team use chest X-rays as part of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of heart conditions.
When your doctor might recommend a chest X-ray
Dr. Patel may refer you for a chest X-ray if you’re experiencing new or unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent coughing, or fatigue. It’s also a standard part of many routine cardiac evaluations and preoperative assessments.
Because chest X-rays are fast, accessible, and carry minimal radiation exposure, they can be a reliable first step in identifying or ruling out serious health concerns.
During the procedure, you stand or lie still while a small amount of radiation captures detailed images of the structures inside your chest. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes and gives your care team the ability to closely evaluate your heart, lungs, and surrounding bones.
What chest X-rays can show
A few things we might evaluate are:
Changes in heart size and shape
One of the most important things a chest X-ray can reveal is the size and shape of your heart. An enlarged heart may indicate underlying conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy.
If Dr. Patel suspects a cardiovascular issue, this simple imaging test can offer important clues about how well your heart is functioning and whether further testing — such as an echocardiogram or stress test — is needed.
Lung and airway conditions
Chest X-rays can also help evaluate your lungs and airways. They can detect infections like pneumonia, chronic conditions like COPD, or complications like fluid buildup in or around your lungs.
A chest X-ray may also show signs of lung nodules or masses that require additional imaging. If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms, this test helps differentiate between heart-related and lung-related causes of discomfort.
Signs of fluid or inflammation
Sometimes chest pain or breathing issues are caused by fluid accumulation in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or around the heart (pericardial effusion). These conditions are often visible on a chest X-ray and help us make more informed decisions about your care.
Inflammation from infections or autoimmune diseases can also be identified through certain patterns visible on the image, guiding Dr. Patel toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
How well medical devices are working
If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or central venous catheter, a chest X-ray can confirm that the device is in the correct position. We also use chest X-rays to track the progress of a diagnosed condition or monitor how well a treatment is working.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we use chest X-rays in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide complete, ongoing care for patients with chronic or complex conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms — or if you have concerns about your heart or lungs — we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind when it comes to your heart health.
