Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Why you should consider obesity a disease?

In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution in which they recognized obesity as a disease. Obesity is recognized as an abnormal condition, which has the ability to interrupt the regular function of the human body. It is also associated with variety of signs and symptoms including disorders and syndromes. Many top cardiologists in NYC will agree with the AMA on this issue.

Obesity is usually described as an elevated body mass index (BMI). BMI is a formula, which uses an individual’s height and weight. In any individual, BMI over 30 is usually categorized as obese. However, some issues emerge in using BMI to measure weight according to height. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and other people with a muscular physique. Another issue with BMI is that, it may underestimate a person’s body fat who has lost muscle mass or who is old.

There are some improved methods to measure obesity in an individual. This include calculating belly fat in which waist circumference is measured. According to this method, a waist size greater than 35 inches (for women) and 40 inches (for men) can increase the health risks related to obesity.

According to an estimate, one in every three Americans is obese. Health complications related to obesity includes type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol & elevated triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high lipids. It also includes cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. Metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of high blood sugar with high blood pressure and obesity, is also included in these complications. According to a study, obesity can increase the risk of death from heart attacks by 60% in obese people compared to non-obese people.

Expert cardiologists recommend early detection of obesity in patients. They also recommend early evaluation for the health complications related to obesity in patients. These complications include high blood pressure, high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes and elevated lipids. It also includes the increased probability of risk for heart attack or stroke in patients. You can get this evaluation done after consulting with your doctor at a specialized healthcare center.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

How Aspirin is Useful in Preventing Heart Attacks?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently denied the pharmaceutical company Bayer’s request to increase the use of low dose aspirin in the prevention of heart attacks.

In 2003, Bayer requested the FDA to expand the recommendation for using aspirin for primary prevention. The American Heart Association also suggested in 2002 to use it for the primary prevention of patients that are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Earlier in 1998, the FDA permitted labeling for aspirin and its related products in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Secondary prevention means that these products can be used for individuals with a history of heart attack, coronary artery disease, and angina.

It also includes patients who have undergone revascularization treatments such as angioplasty or stent placement and coronary bypass surgery.

Aspirin helps prevent blood clots and decreases inflammation in the body, which makes it effective for cardiovascular disease. Risk factors associated to the use of Aspirin include allergy and gastrointestinal intolerance, and gastrointestinal and intracerebral bleeding.

The FDA denied Bayer’s request after a review over several years because the risks are higher than its benefits. However, the Food and Drug Administration noted that the recommendation might be expanded at a future date with further ongoing studies.

Baby aspirin is recommended in the secondary prevention for heart attacks at a dose of 81 milligrams per day. However, the use of this product should be started only after proper consultation with a physician. According to the best cardiologists in New York, individuals should consult with a cardiologist to evaluate the total cardiovascular risk.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Why Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for body?

Also refer to as, polyunsaturated fats; Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for human health. These acids play a major role in proper functioning of brain, and help in reducing risk of being suffering from heart diseases.

Omega 3 fatty acids are important elements that body need for performing different functions.  Fish is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition to this, these fatty acids are also found in walnuts, soya bean, canola, and flax oil.

Benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids

Consulting a heart attack doctor is a better option to know more about omega 3 fatty acids. However, the most important benefits of these polyunsaturated fats are as follows:

Brain functioning

Including omega 3 fatty acids in daily diet is essential for growth and development of brain. Deficiency of these acids can cause psychological disorders and depression.

Heart diseases stay at a distance

Studies have revealed that those who eat fish are at a minimum risk of being suffering from heart issues and strokes.  These fatty acids also reduce levels of triglycerides in the body.

Help in fighting with osteoporosis

These fatty acids enhance bone density and strength, thus reducing risk of suffering from osteoporosis.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Can inflammation cause heart problems?

Many researches have shown a relationship between inflammation and heart disease. Let’s understand how inflammation is linked to heart disease and its related causes and symptoms.

Heart inflammation occurs as a result of infection or injury, in the body. In other words, it is a natural reaction of the body to various body conditions including fever, injuries, and infections. Regardless of the cause behind its occurrence, inflammation can be a potential sign of heart conditions.

How science relates inflammation to heart disease?


Studies by NYC cardiologists has revealed that inflammation is connected with Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerotic vascular disease occurs due to thickness of artery wall caused by large depositions of calcium and fatty materials) which can further result in life-threatening heart diseases and possibly even death.

When inflammation begins to develop, body cells are triggered and release chemicals. The chemicals that emerge during the process of inflammation can result in plaque formation in the blood circulatory system and later, cause the formation of a blood clot. Blood clots have the potential to block the flow of blood to the heart, thus causing the heart disease.

The heart condition caused due to inflammation is known as inflammatory heart disease.

Let’s understand the symptoms and causes of inflammatory heart conditions a little more.

These include the following:
  • Decrease in physical activity because of difficulty in breathing
  • Night sweats
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Exhaustion or extreme tiredness
  • Fever
  • Inflammation in the lower part of the rib cage
  • Pain in muscle and joints
  • Blood in the urine
  • Visible spots in the mouth or on the white portion of the eyes
  • Persistent coughing
  • Red spots under the skin of fingers
  • Heart murmurs (irregular heart sounds as a result of turbulent blood flow)
  • A pale appearance
  • Oedema (inflammation in the feet and abdomen areas)
Causes of inflammatory heart disease:
  • Injury to the heart due to previous heart operation or heart conditions like heart attack or trauma
  • Viral and bacterial infections
  • Certain cancers
  • Metabolic disorders such hypothyroidism and uremia
  • If the patient have had a congenital heart defect
  • Prior injury to the heart valve
  • Reaction from the use of specific medication
  • An unexpected reaction to a specific kind of medication
  • If the patient is suffering from a disease related to the Connective tissue
Cardiologists are focused to provide people with a happy and healthy heart by incorporating the latest technologies in their heart diagnosis services.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Effects of low-density lipoproteins on heart

Cholesterol is a fat like substance produced by liver. It produces 900 to 1000 milligrams of cholesterol in day. Body requires this substance for synthesizing Vitamin D and reconstructing cell membranes.

Excessive cholesterol levels in the body result in heart issues. This wax like substance gets deposited in arteries in the form of plaque. This type of condition is known as atherosclerosis which increases risk of being suffering from coronary heart diseases. Cholesterol levels increase in the body due to diet rich in dietary cholesterol and saturated fats.

There are two types of cholesterol carriers in the body known as HDL and LDL. The low density lipoproteins carry out essential functions in the body but when the amount of LDL increases in the body, it starts accumulating on arterial walls. That is why, LDL is known as bad cholesterol.

On the other hand, HDL carries low density lipoproteins back to the liver for disposal.  When we say that a person has high cholesterol levels in the body, it means he or she has excessive LDL in body.

Excessive cholesterol in the body starts building up in the blood vessels that supply blood to other parts of the body. The building up of plaque causes narrowing of the arteries that stop flow of the blood to the heart. The contraction of arteries also decreases amount of oxygen carrying blood in the body leading to a condition known as coronary artery disease.  On experiencing any abnormal behavior in the body, one must visit NYC cardiologist to get your health issue solved with an effective treatment.

What causes high cholesterol levels in the body?
  • Unhealthy eating
What you eat matters a lot. Diet rich in saturated fats such as dairy products and meat products can increase cholesterol levels in the body. The amount of cholesterol can be lowered by following a low calorie diet.
  • Body weight
Obesity is one of the major reasons responsible for increasing levels of low density lipoproteins in the body. Maintaining ideal weight is important to keep cholesterol levels normal in the body.
  • Heredity
Inherited genetic conditions can also increase level of cholesterol in the body. Such conditions may cause heart attack at an early age.
  • Physical activity
Individuals following lifestyle that lacks physical activity are more prone to high cholesterol issues. A daily workout regime is necessary to stay fit and healthy.

Monday, January 20, 2014

The major reasons behind heart attack

Do you know what a heart attack is? What actually happens to an individual undergoing heart attack? It is a condition when the supply of oxygen enriched blood does not reach to the heart due to the blockage. A person can die, if there is a delay in the restoration of the supply of the oxygen enriched blood.

The heart attack is a major reason of death of both males and females in United States as well in other parts of the world. The best part is that excellent treatments are available for preventing heart diseases and heart attack.

What causes heart attack?

This condition is a result of coronary artery disease in which thick substance known as plaque builds up in the arteries. Arteries supply oxygen enriched blood to the heart; but when there is plaque in the arteries, the supply of blood stops, resulting in a situation known as atherosclerosis.

In such conditions, there is a high possibility of breaking of an area of plaque inside the artery that result in formation of the blood clot. A person can die, if the size of the clot becomes excessively large. An immediate treatment by heart specialist NYC is necessary to avoid serious consequences.

Heart attacks are so dangerous that they also results in severe health conditions such as arrhythmias and heart failure. Arrhythmias refer to irregular heartbeats and heart failure is a condition when it becomes difficult for the heart to pump enough blood according to the needs of the body.

When heart attack occurs, most of the people find it difficult to understand what is happening with them. There are many symptoms that put an individual on the risk of being suffering from a heart attack. Keep in mind the treatment works when given at the right time.
 
Mentioned below are some common symptoms that occur in both males and females:
  • Shortness of breath- This type of condition may happen when you are relaxing or doing a light physical activity.
     
  • Uneasiness in the upper body- Regular discomfort or pain in arms, back and stomach is a sign of serious heart condition.
     
  • Chest pain- Discomfort and pain in the chest is the most common sign that indicates heart attack.
Making significant changes in the lifestyles is the need of hour to prevent serious heart conditions.

Do not ignore any abnormal behavior of the body instead visit heart specialists in NYC to find the root cause of the problem.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Major types of heart disease and their treatment

The term heart disease indicates any medical condition that directly affects the functioning of heart.

Heart disease, depending upon their reason of occurrence, can be of three types:
  • Heart problems due to high blood pressure
     
  • Heart problems due to (CAD) coronary artery disease
     
  • Certain other issues due to infection
Here’s a list of the major heart problems along with their treatment:

Disease of coronary artery:

It indicates the failure of coronary circulation to provide an adequate amount of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. High levels of blood cholesterol, obesity, overweight, high blood pressure, smoking, stress, and physical inactivity are the major causes of these types of heart problems.

Treatment: Regular physical activity, quitting smoking and drinking, and eating a balanced diet are the first few steps to maintain a healthy heart.

If the problem has reached a more severe level then surgical procedure, called coronary angioplasty is advisable. Coronary stenting is another treatment performed by a heart specialist in NYC.

Cardiomyopathy:

Chronic heart disease, cardiomyopathy occurs when heart muscles get aberrantly stiffened and enlarged. According to the extent of abnormality of the heart muscles, cardiomyopathy can be of three types:
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy: occurs when heart muscle (myocardium) get weak and enlarged.
     
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: occurs when heart muscles get thicker than normal.
     
  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy: occurs when heart stiffens and heart chamber cannot efficiently fill with blood during diastole.
Treatment:
  • The selection of treatment for this disease highly depends upon age, type, and severity of cardiomyopathy, general health status, and other factors.
     
  • A heart doctor can prescribe appropriate medicines to regulate the heart and preventing the development of clots.
Cardiovascular diseases:

Such diseases occur due to problems in the vascular system, veins, and arteries that supply blood to the heart. Causes of cardiovascular disease are age, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking etc.

Treatment: General treatment for this heart conditions include:
  • Eating a diet with less fat content
     
  • Regular physical activity
     
  • Avoid unnecessary stress because it directly causes high blood pressure
     
  • Timely check-up for blood pressure and addressing the situation, as needed.
A Heart specialist in NYC can suggest the right preventive and treatment measures to keep your heart healthy.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Few must follow suggestions by specialized heart attack doctors

Heart disease refers to various heart conditions including those that can occur due to plaque formation on the inside walls of blood vessels. The accumulation of plaque makes it difficult for blood to flow though the vessels. When the heart does not get the right amount of blood for pumping, the risk of possible heart conditions increase.

Heart attack, angina, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure, cardiomyopathy (which occurs due to abnormal heart muscle), disorders of the heart valve, congenital heart defects, and heart infections are the major heart issues.

If you are suffering from any of the aforementioned heart conditions, you are more prone to other heart conditions.

The following are some points suggested by experienced heart attack doctors, which you should consider to avoid any other type of heart problems:

Thinking all heart conditions are similar:

Take the example of someone who participates in physical activities and eats low-fat food, but still had a heart attack. They should think of adopting an impaired lifestyle In another case, if your friend had a heart attack due to his stressful job, he should consider changing the job to protect his heart from any future possible condition. The point is that the reason behind all heart attacks is not the same.

Not following healthy lifestyle:

Unhealthy lifestyle is a big cause of potential heart risks. It is important to make physical activity a part of your daily schedule. In addition, eating a healthy diet is the way to a healthier future. Important things that can prevent other heart conditions include doing regular exercise as per your physician’s suggestion, quitting smoking, managing your blood pressure, eating a balanced diet, controlling blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.

Staying trapped in depression:

People that are in depression and grief are at higher risks of heart disease. If you already had a heart attack then stress and depression may lead you to another.  A positive living attitude is the only way to a constructive and healthy future.

Medications:

Irregularity in the consumption of heart medicines, or taking medicines without a doctor’s consultation can lead to life-threatening conditions. If you are feeling discomfort, or facing any other side effects due to any medicines then immediately consult your doctor.

By properly following instructions given by heart attack doctors, you can stay away from any possible heart risk.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Possible heart attack symptoms and their causes suggested by expert doctors!

A heart attack occurs when normal flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart gets blocked and oxygen does not reach the heart system. If immediate medical care is not provided to the sufferer then it may also lead to death.

Possible symptoms of heart attack:
  • Chest pain- pressure, indigestion, heartburn
     
  • Coughing
     
  • Mild or severe pain in the chest and chest discomfort
     
  • Nausea
     
  • Vomiting
     
  • Faintness
     
  • Extreme weakness
     
  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
     
  • Face color turns gray
     
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats
     
  • The patient is sweaty
     
  • Pain spreading from the chest through the shoulders and arms
Causes of heart attack occurrence:

Aging: With aging, the chances of heart attack also increase. Women of more than 55 years of age are more prone to various cardiovascular issues. In case of men, the age barrier is 45.

Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risks of potential heart disease.

Changes in the blood cholesterol level: The high cholesterol level increases the formation of blood clots in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. These blood clots block the blood supply and cause attack.

Unhealthy Diet: The usage of high-fat food like oily or junk food can lead to increased heart risk.

Living near high traffic area: Studies by expert heart attack doctors have shown that people who already had heart attacks and lived in noisy high traffic area are at risk of another attack.

Heart surgery: People who have undergone heart surgeries are more likely to have heart attack.

High blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack. It occurs due to diabetes, lack of physical movement, obesity, and other risk factors.

Physical inactivity: People who do sitting jobs or who do not exercise are at the risk of heart problems.
  • Overweight
  • Smoking
Work stress: Sometimes, the overburdened work environment with not much free will to make decisions, highly stressful job etc., increase the chances of possible heart attack.

If you believe you are at any of the aforementioned heart risks, then you should immediately look for able heart attack doctor in NYC, and one soon.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Have a closer look on the heart’s functioning!

There are two sides of the human heart (left and right) and each has a unique set of functions.

Right side of the Heart

The main function of the right hand side of the heart is to receive de-oxygenated blood from the body via the superior vena cava, and pump de-oxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery.

Left side of the Heart

On the other hand, the left side of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and passes it through the aortic valve. That blood is eventually pumped into the aorta and spread in the entire body.

Other than these, there are a number of other functions that the heart is responsible for, every last one of which is critical to the human body.

The heart supplies blood to the entire body and any malfunction can lead to serious consequences.
 
There are a number of factors that go into determining how seriously you should take your heart’s health. Here are few of the most prominent ones:

  • Your medical history, that is how often and to what extent you have experienced symptoms such as cheat pain. If you experience such symptoms on a recurring basis, you should definitely regard this as the onset of a serious threat.
     
  • Your family’s medical history also contributes to influencing the amount of risk you have of getting a heart attack.
     
  • Your lifestyle, that is the kind of food you eat, amount of exercise you get and factors such as whether you smoke, drink etc. Obese people are generally at a higher risk of a heart attack.
In short, if you are experiencing excessive chest pain, fatigue or are stressed out easily, you may be at a risk of getting a heart attack.

This situation demands two things from you. While the first is to mend your habits and life-style, the second requires, you to consult with only the best cardiology doctor available.

Such a heart doctor should possess the following qualities:
  • In a field like medicine, experience is the primary source of judging a doctor. So, choose one with a good number of years in service.
  • Any heart related diagnosis needs to be thorough because the symptoms and ailments are interrelated which is why a good doctor will diagnose you extensively and completely.
  • The facility that the doctor works in reflects his standard and qualification, so rely on a reputed or medical facility for your heart check-up.
  • Finally, every doctor has an individual reputation based on his previous work and list of satisfied patients. Look into that if possible.
It is possible to avert a heart related complication from becoming threatening if treated at its onset in the right manner. For this you require the consultation of the best cardiology doctor at New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

A brief know-how for all heart patients

Your cardiovascular health depends on a number of inter-connected factors. Some of these are:

A balanced diet: A well rounded diet that incorporates all food groups and nutrients will keep you nutritionally stable and balance good cholesterol and bad cholesterol.
Exercise: Exercising is the perfect method to burn excessive fat and keep your arteries open.

Regular checkups: A disease that affects the heart is not easily noticeable. Rather it builds up slowly and sometimes doesn’t show any prominent signs until is has worsened and fully settled in the body of the subject.

In a cardiovascular check-up, the experience and knowledge of a doctor make a huge difference. It is not uncommon for heart problems to go unnoticed and escape the notice of both the subject and the concerned doctor, until they reach the point where they become nearly impossible to control. So, trust only the best cardiologist in NYC (or any other city for that matter).

The following are some of the most common heart diseases:

Arrhythmia- Arrhythmia is common. A person that is suffering from this disease experiences irregular heartbeats.

Cardiomegaly- Cardiomegaly or enlarged heart is usually caused by coronary artery disease or possibly by elevated blood pressure. It may also be caused by many other conditions.

Atrial Fibrillation-Atrial Fibrillation is a kind of arrhythmia, in which there is an irregular heartbeat.

In addition to the diseases mentioned above, other heart issues include heart valve diseases, congenital heart diseases, heart muscle disease, and more.

Here are a few of the most prominent symptoms that point to the possibility of heart related issues:

For a patient, the understanding of heart problems is not as crucial as the understanding of the symptoms that lead to it.

It is critical to know when you need to see a doctor. If you are facing the following symptoms on a regular basis, you should see a professional expert as soon as possible:

  • Chest pain
     
  • Palpitation
     
  • Increased Heartbeat
     
  • Loss of strength
     
  • Nausea
     
  • Excessive Sweating
     
  • Chest pressure

A timely check up by an experienced doctor can help you prevent reaching a high-risk point, which may not be easy to control at a later stage.

It is always good to get yourself diagnosed even if you have an ounce of doubt of the possibility of any cardiac issue. But remember, you must only trust the best cardiologist in NYC.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Some warning signs for an upcoming stroke

Considered to be a major cause of death especially in the United States, stroke is a major health situation that should be dealt with wisely. Having good knowledge of identifying its signs can be a major help in avoiding more complicated health situations in the future.

Stroke happens when the blood flow is suddenly restricted from being supplied to the brain. It may happen within only a few seconds. That is why immediate actions and precautions must be taken the moment one notices its signs. Considering many Americans are unaware of major warning signs of a stroke, it is imperative to know those signs.

How to identify stroke


This type of problem is a serious concern. Failing to take immediate and fast corrective measures and proper care can cause long-term negative effects on health. It can often end up causing blocked flow of blood, long term disabilities, and even death.

If you ever feel that someone around you may have a stroke or may be in its initial stage, act quickly and follow these instructions. Ask the person to smile or repeat a sentence. Ask the person to raise both of his or her hands. Upon noticing any stroke signs, for example, if you notice the person to be confused have any numbness, or a headache, make sure to call emergency for medical attention.

Types:

There are two types of stroke. The first one is called hemorrhagic. This happens when blood vessels bleed and at times eventually get ruptured. Aneurysm is also a part of this problem that can cause bleeding within the brain.

The second type is called transient ischemic attack (or TIA). This one is usually minor, also called warning stroke. In this situation, a blood clot gets formed only for a short span but then corrects itself by making its way through the artery and the body starts functioning normally. Although its symptoms may go away after a while, it can be an alarming indication of potentially threatening situations in near future.

Effects:

A stroke can turn out to be life threatening as well as life altering. Restricted blood flow can cause confusion, paralysis, and several types of long term disabilities. The person may face difficulty in walking and have slurred speech and blurred vision. Numbness in arms, legs, face or one side of the body is also a common effect of this medical condition. The patient may experience a sudden onset of excruciating headache. The intensity of the headache could be extreme.

The key to handling a complicated medical situation like stroke is to know signs and symptoms and to act as quickly and smartly as possible. Do not neglect any signals and make sure to seek expert medical attention.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Cardiac issues that you must be aware of

Every year, a large number of people die because of heart problems. Heart related issues arise when people do not take care of their health. However, by the time they acknowledge their heart-related issues, it might be too late for them.

Only you can take care of your own health, which is why you must be cautious! You must be aware about the food that is good for your heart’s health and those which are not.

However, it would be a better option to plan a visit to the best cardiologist in NYC to prevent health issues, in case you sense the possibility of any heart ailment. Do not ignore any abnormal behavior of the body; rather get in touch with a specialist to find the root cause of the problem.  Apart from this, a regular checkup is essential in minimizing risk of heart-related issues.

Heart attacks have become quite common these days. The surveys conducted in different parts of the world reveal that a large portion of the world’s population suffers from heart disease. The reasons are many. Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits contribute to it the most.

Generally, an individual who is at a risk of heart attack or any other cardiovascular issues may experience certain symptoms. Stay alert and careful, and keep an eye on the possibility of heart attack!

Here is the list of the most common signs and symptoms of heart attack.

1. Chest pain

This is one of the most common symptoms faced by both males and females when they are at the risk of any heart-related trouble. You may experience chest pain for few minutes. There is a possibility that pain will be there for some time and after a few minutes, it’ll be gone.

2. Upper Body Discomfort

You many feel pain in neck, jaw, shoulders and back without any reason. If such pain continues, do not ignore it immediately consult a specialist.

3. Shortness of Breath

You may experience discomfort while breathing. If you feel that you are not able to breathe properly when you are not doing any physical activity, then you must go to a cardiologist.

Besides this, headaches, dizziness, nausea and feeling tired for days without any reason are other symptoms that indicate that you may have a health issue.

To avoid such conditions, eat a healthy and nutritious diet. You should go out for a walk or spend some time doing other forms of exercise.

Do not make any compromises with your health. If you notice any abnormal behavior in your body, consult a heart specialist to stay fit and healthy!

There are many more symptoms that indicate you’re on the risk of heart attack. Talk to the best cardiologist in NYC to know more about heart attacks.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Steps to prevent the chance of heart attack

Heart attacks claim many lives every year. In America alone, many people suffer from this deadly disease every year. However, you should be happy to know that this is one such health hazard that can be avoided for many individuals.

Taking certain precautions, keeping track of your health, and following a healthy lifestyle can improve one’s health. In this article, you will get to know the process of prevention.
  • Learn more about your health risks. Visit a good cardiologist to discuss your individual risks for cardiac disease. There are certain factors that cannot be changed, like your gender, heredity and age; however, other factors can be significantly reduced to minimize cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol, tobacco use, inactive lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Upon assessing your personal and health history and factors that may cause a heart attack, doctors would advise you about the necessary steps to be taken to reduce the possibilities of a heart attack.

  • Always keep track of your blood sugar and cholesterol level, blood pressure, and weight patterns. Keep the lab results from your cardiologist in a separate folder, for easy access at any time. Keep close check on these numbers and monitor them regularly. Pay attention to how they are changing over time. For instance, if your weight and blood pressure are increasing, then it is time to find remedies for these health problems before they could start causing significant damage.

  • Introduce positive and healthy changes in your lifestyle. Try living an active life. Follow a balanced and nutritious diet. Make it a point to include vegetables, fruits, lean meat, poultry and whole grains in your meals. Start exercising regularly and make it a daily routine. If you are not used to exercising, then consult your doctor before you begin any vigorous physical activity.
  • Take medications as prescribed by your cardiologist. Your doctor will be your guide in controlling chronic conditions like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, which may be potential factors for cardiac issues.
     
  • It takes strong commitment and dedication to follow these lifestyle changes. Although they are minor, they can have a considerable impact on your health. Make sure that your commitments do not fade away like New Year’s resolutions. Controlling cardiac issues is a life-long habit, which you should follow for your whole life. The majority of individuals who do not even have a heart problem are following these healthy habits to prevent any issue from arising in the future.
Everyone these days is aware of how serious a heart attack can be. Visit Best cardiologist in NYC even before you notice any symptoms.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Did you know that women are more prone to heart attacks than men?

According to a recent survey, heart attacks are the number one death-causing medical condition in America. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), chances of heart attack are higher in women than in men. Furthermore, the symptoms of heart attack that women tend to experience vary significantly from the ones usually experienced by men.

Knowing how to recognize signs of a heart attack is especially important for women. Here are some symptoms of heart attack experienced by women:

Discomfort in upper body:


A typical sign of this disease is chest pain. Usually women experience mild pain and not excruciating pain experienced by men. The pain feels like a pressure on the chest. Pain between the shoulder blades can also be a sign of a heart attack. Other types of discomfort in the upper body that are signs of heart attack include pressure in the jaw, shoulders, abdominal area, and neck.

Prodromal symptoms

Prodromal, signs of heart attack in women can sometimes persist for weeks and even months at a time. Before a heart attack, the majority of women report chest discomfort, anxiety, indigestion, difficulty in sleeping, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While any of these signs may be caused by other factors, these combined symptoms mean that she is at a risk of a heart attack and needs quick medical attention.

Special factors

Early signs of heart attack in women need to be given due consideration especially if a woman is above the age of 40 and/or has a family history of heart disease. Obese women that live a sedentary lifestyle and those who take contraceptive pills fall should also seek medical consultation.

Other common heart attack symptoms


These symptoms are common both in men as well as women. However, women are more likely to experience vomiting, nausea, heartburn and gas-like pain. Women may also feel weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and light-headedness just before a heart attack.

All women, especially those who are at a higher risk of this life-threatening situation, should be well-educated about recognizing these signs. Upon experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, a specialist should be consulted immediately. In the case of a heart attack, emergency medical services should be called and proper medical attention should be given to the patient.

Chances of survival are higher if proper medical attention is given within first hour of a heart attack. It can also minimize the damage caused to the muscles of heart.

By being aware of heart attack symptoms and have a proper knowledge of how to deal with them, you can save a life.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Information on role and importance of cardiology doctors

A cardiologist can be a life saver, especially for those suffering from heart disease. These medical professionals are actually a blessing in disguise for many. Because of widespread sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, heart disease is increasing at a rate never seen before. A consultation with a cardiologist can be very helpful.

Cardiologists study human heart structure, cardiac disease, the reason behind those problems, and required medications for that particular medical issue. These doctors are medical professionals, who help cure cardiac diseases by understanding your medical condition. A cardiologist is primarily responsible for diagnosing your heart-related problems by studying the symptoms, taking the necessary tests, and studying your family history and lifestyle habits.

Upon recognizing that a person may have a heart related issue, the first step is to visit the best possible cardiology doctor in your locality. These doctors will guide you through the entire treatment procedure and assess your medical condition by conducting the necessary medical examinations, diagnosing the issues to find the root cause of any cardiac problem, so that the necessary remedial actions can be taken.    

An expert doctor would recommend both medications and changes in your lifestyle. He or she would teach you certain cardiac exercises to be performed regularly and would make you aware of the ideal food habits to ensure a healthy heart. If the person has had a stroke, the doctor would examine the symptoms and effects of stroke, and prescribe medications accordingly. Some of the common medications that these doctors would prescribe will be aimed at thinning the blood to reduce the chances of blood clot formation which may result in stroke. Other medication can be focused on reducing the blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels.

The major responsibility of a cardiac specialist is to diagnose the heart problem. They are not the ones that perform heart surgeries. If a surgery is required, then these professionals usually refer the patients to an expert surgeon. However, the cardiologist’s main motive is to first diagnose the problem.

If all the medications and lifestyle changes fail to treat the problem, then the situation may require surgery. It is the responsibility of the cardiologist to supply the necessary diagnostic information and medical details to the surgeon, so that the surgeon can study all the important aspects and  the most effective surgery can be conducted.

Inability to treat a heart-related problem correctly can be life threatening. That is why the choice of a cardiologist is an important decision. Only the most knowledgeable and experienced cardiologist should be selected after due considerations. The experience of the doctor is a crucial factor to be considered.

Monday, June 24, 2013

The ‘time bomb’ for heart deterioration is ticking!

The heart is the ‘official’ blood pumper to the body and there is no denying the fact that you need to take the best care of it, in order to stay in perfect health. Did you know that the percentage of people dying in the world due to heart disease is rising every day? little habits of people, the horribly polluted environment as well as hereditary conditions are attacking the health and wellness of people in lethal ways.

It’s time you pick up your guards while there is still time and hope for leading a healthy and prosperous life. You need to understand that simply focusing on one thing at a time to help your heart staying fit will not work. You have to fight back heart ailments from all possible sides, so that you can stay healthy for long.

Food

It won’t be wrong to say that a large part of our health is decided by the food we eat, the sort of diet routine that we follow. When it comes to avoiding heart ailments, even the best cardiology doctors will agree when I say that you can ward off a lot of these problems if you eat nutritious food. Food rich in omega 3 fatty acid, which is usually found in fish, is good for your heart.

Also, eating dark chocolate and an occasional glass of red wine tend to galvanize your heart to perfection, preparing it and strengthening it to the fight the pressures of every day. The food intake timings are another important aspect that cannot be ignored. If you eat late at night and go to sleep immediately after it, your body will not have enough time to digest the food. This might cause problems for you in the time to come. You need to make it a point to eat food on time, so that your metabolism works to perfection.

Sleep well

Depriving yourself of proper sleep and not resting your body enough might put create stress and tension. This might start to reflect on your heart health soon, if you don’t pay attention. Make sure that you not only sleep well, but also regularly indulge in relaxing activities.

Obesity control


You know you are at a heart risk when your waist line has crossed 40inches! You need to make sure that you keep your weight in check, because that is one way of warding off heart diseases, besides many others. Do whatever you have to, but keep your weight under check, with exercise, aerobics, swimming, or any other physical exertion that might help you break a sweat, and burn the calories.

Regular maintenance!

If you don’t want your body to deteriorate, then you had better do it on your own. You need to understand the importance of regular health check-ups which can help you monitor your current heart ‘status’ and help towards keeping you  in the pink of health. It is not difficult to find a good NYC cardiologist, if you just choose a dependable name.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Habits that will help you stay safe against heart problems

Considering the deteriorating living styles of people, and simultaneous rise in the incidence of heart problems amongst them, it has become imperative to know how to stay safe from these medical emergencies.

Our eating and lifestyle habits play a major role in enhancing the chances of cardiac trouble amongst us. Health tips offered by a New York cardiologist can help you stay safe against cardiac problems. What are those tips; let us have a look –


1. Change your diet plan –
Food is a major factor that contributes to the poor cardiac health. This is the reason why doctors stress making changes in your eating habits when you are at a risk of such medical problems. An acronym used for one approach is DASH i.e. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Some major food products to avoid in this diet include fast foods, red meat, packaged snacks, bakery items, margarines and dairy products, as all of these contain saturated, and Trans fats. These fats increase the chances of CHD (Coronary Heart Diseases)

2. Keep check on your weight – People who are obese, and overweight have higher risks of developing cardiac problems as compared to non-obese people. This is the reason why the best cardiologist’s advise patients to keep their weight under control. BMI or the Basal Metabolic Index is one measure to check your body weight. Doctors have observed that people with a basal metabolic index of 25 or more are at a higher risk of facing cardiac problems

3. Quit smoking –
Components like nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke are considered dangerous for heart health. Smoking can lead to atherosclerosis or the narrowing of blood vessels. So, in order to ensure good cardiac health you need to quit smoking. In fact, passive smoking or second hand smoke can also be a serious problem, making people around you prone to heart and lung diseases

4. Do some exercise – 30 minutes of exercise daily and you can reduce your health risk. Sedentary lifestyle has been a major contributor towards worsening cardiac problems. This is the reason why medical professionals stress upon making some light exercises a part of your daily routine. This will not only ensure safety from various heart problems, but at the same time will bring other benefits like control of weight, and maintain all the body organs in a rigorous state, to name a few.


By employing the above mentioned habits in your life, you can reduce risks of facing life threatening cardiology troubles.

As they say, ‘prevention is always better than cure’, and so if you feel at the risk of facing any of these medical problems, then you must make these habits a part of your daily routine as soon as possible. After all, life does not give a second chance, so why risk it, when all the consequences can be easily avoided with a slight effort from your side!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Tests that a NYC cardiologist might ask you to undergo

A cardiologist can be the best judge for your heart’s deteriorating health. Keeping in mind that various cardiac troubles can be detected by using different techniques, you must be prepared to undergo different diagnostic test to have an idea about the physical well- being of your heart.

Here is a look at some common tests that an NYC cardiologist might recommend

1. Stress test – this test is performed on patients who are at a risk of cardiac blockages. As the test requires the person to perform physical activity, doctors also refer to it as an exercise stress test. As a part of the test, the patient is asked to walk on a treadmill bicycle. The doctor monitors the functioning of heart, under such conditions of physical stress, with the help of an electrocardiogram (ECG). Any alteration in the ECG report, when compared to the ECG of a normal person, can indicate the possibility of a cardiac problem. For patients who cannot perform physical activity medications like Adenosine, dipyridamole, and dobutamine are used (to create condition similar to physical stress.

2. Echocardiogram – a cardiologist in NYC might ask you to go for an echocardiogram to detect presence of any deformity in the physical structure of the organ. The test makes use of sound waves to get a moving picture of the organ, similar to an ultrasound, in which the activity of a developing fetus is identified within the mother’s womb. The test can also help the doctor detect a hole in the walls that acts as a septum between left and right chambers of the cardiac cavity.


3. Computerised Tomographic Angiography or CTA – the purpose of this test is to have an idea about the functioning of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. With the help of X-rays and high-end computer aided equipment, detailed images of the blood vessels are obtained and the doctor can monitor the blood flow within them through these images. The test is not specific to heart and professionals employ it for evaluating the functioning of arterial systems of various parts of body such as brain, chest, and pelvic region, to name a few.

4. Magnetic Resonance Angiography or MRA –
this test is also performed to address problems related to the blood vessels. The test makes use of magnetic fields and radio waves to generate 2-D or 3-D images of the blood vessels. The benefit of this test is that the doctor can precisely locate the blockage in the arteries as well as the severity of the blockage. A key thing to be mentioned here is that people who have pacemakers installed, stents, prosthetic joints, and mechanical heart valves might not be eligible for the MRA, as metals can influence the magnetic field used in the test.

Apart from all these specific tests, there are numerous other diagnostic tests that a doctor might recommend you to undergo. However, more often than not the cardiologist would suggest one of the above mentioned tests.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Some heart conditions about which only a cardiologist can tell you

The heart is one of the most vital organs of the body. A slight imperfection in its functioning could lead to a life threatening medical condition. Although, in general, people are aware of cardiology problems such as heart attack, stroke, coronary disease and hypertension, to name a few, but apart from these, there are many other heart problems that are not so commonly known.

Considering the importance of this organ in healthy living, it becomes important for you to be aware of other frequently occurring cardiac problems that are not commonly known to people.

Here is a look at those heart problems – 


1. Rheumatic Heart Disease: It is a serious condition that has several complications. Rheumatic heart disease is associated with the damage that rheumatic fever causes on the body. Major symptoms of this problem are chest pain, fever, and burning sensation. As far as medical science has been able to diagnose, the complications of this could be improper functioning of the valves of the organ, which restricts them to get closed properly, and therefore blood may leak into one of the chambers. So, even if you have the slightest of doubt in your mind regarding this condition, then immediately get in touch with a NY cardiologist.

2. Pulmonary Disease: this is another highly serious, yet unheard of disease. As the word pulmonary implies, the problem involves lungs and damage caused to them due to various conditions. Chest pain and breathlessness are the common symptoms associated with the disease. Under extreme circumstances there is a possibility that the patient can faint as well. Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Advanced Emphysema are some of the other diseases associated with it. So far, there is no tried and tested cure for this critical problem, apart from taking precautions under the guidance of a pulmonary and cardiac specialist.

3. Ischemic Heart Disease – ischemia is a medical term used for the situation of reduced blood flow to any organ, and Ischemic heart disease is the condition in which blood supply to the heart is limited due to any reason. This could lead to severe chest pain especially in the left side. Medical professionals associate this disease with the deteriorating lifestyle habits of people, which are becoming more sedentary day by day. Getting rid of that extra fat from the body and adopting a vigorous lifestyle, under the guidance of a specialist is one way out to get rid of this trouble.

These are some of the major cardiac diseases, which I am sure you must not have heard of. To know more about these problems, you must get in touch with the best cardiologist in New York, to avoid any chance of getting affected by any of these issues (or any other sort of heart issues for that matter). After all, prevention is always better than cure!