Cardiology Archives - Page 3 of 4

How Important is Eating Breakfast?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

How important is eating a healthy breakfast to you? Please share your daily morning routine with us. Do you make the time for a healthy breakfast every morning?

Here’s what we know, breakfast is STILL the most important meal of the day. It provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration whether in the classroom or at work.

Some benefits of eating a healthy breakfast are:

Reduces the chance of developing diabetes
Reduces the incidence of heart disease
Improves cognitive functions related to memory

Additionally, studies have shown that breakfast can be important in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Translation – Eating breakfast is a smart move!

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Is High Blood Pressure Affecting your Kidneys?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5795.

Natural Ways To Defy Aging

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

As far back as 1513, when Ponce de Leon traveled to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth, people have been obsessed with retaining their youthful appearance. In modern times, whether young, middle-aged or older, individuals are still in search of ways to look younger.

Could the “fountain of youth” and the ability to maintain a youthful appearance have been within our grasp all along?

It is proven that people who have maintained a fit, healthy weight throughout their life will often have a younger looking physique, as well as less sagging in their skin.

Additional ways to maintain a younger appearance are:

Taking care of your teeth – A full set of teeth avoids the bone loss in the mouth and jaw structures, which can give the face a sunken appearance.
Color your greys away – Vibrant hair color, with a glossy texture and lots of volume can also make someone look younger.
Dump the frumpy frocks – Modern, stylish clothing, eyeglasses, jewelry and accessories can go a long way toward appearing younger.
Posture – How you stand, sit and carry yourself will not only affect how other people see you, but it also has an impact on how you look and feel as you get older.
Adjust your mindset – Research has found that our lifestyle habits such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and sleep will enhance the body’s ability to repair cellular damage that is inevitable as we get older.
Get your beauty sleep – Bags under the eyes and pallor to your skin can definitely make you look old and tired. A solid seven to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended.

If maintaining healthy skin is your concern, foods containing vitamins A, C, and E, polyphenols (antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties that protect and benefit the skin should be part of your daily diet)

Here are some examples of foods that provide these key nutrients:

Vitamin A – Sweet potatoes, broccoli, leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), red, yellow and orange produce (such as cantaloupe, carrots, bell peppers), and asparagus
Vitamin C – Red bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, pineapple, kiwifruit, oranges and cantaloupe
Vitamin E – Nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, tomato products, and spinach
Polyphenols – Green tea, cocoa and dark chocolate

By maximizing your intake of the items listed above, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and drinking plenty of purified water while minimizing your intake of sugars and highly processed foods, you will be doing your best to keep your body functioning well as you age.

February is American Heart Month

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Over 50 years ago President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the month of February to be American Heart Month in order to bring attention to one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This tradition has been carried on by every President since.
Each year over 800,000 lives are taken as a result of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Every 84 seconds someone in the United States dies from the disease and each year approximately 750,000 people experience a heart attack and of those, about 115,000 will not survive.
The American Heart Association recommends the following behavioral modifications to prevent heart disease:
• Avoid smoking
• Engage in some form of daily physical activity
• Follow a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Control cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels
The death rate from heart disease has been improving slowly over the last decade due to advances in medications, better diagnostic capabilities, and better access to health care, but the statistics are still pretty alarming. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Benefit of the Annual Physical

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

The greatest benefit of an annual physical is knowledge for both you and your physician. An annual visit establishes a baseline for your personal health. Armed with this information, your doctor can detect unhealthy trends before they become risk factors.

Nearly one third of the population with a chronic disease is unaware that they have the disease. According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, as many as 100,000 lives could be saved each year by increasing preventive care services.

Health screenings, such as blood glucose and blood pressure tests can easily detect the two most chronic conditions, diabetes and hypertension before they cause serious health issues. The Centers for Disease Control cites that seven out of every 10 deaths are caused by chronic disease. Proper management of these conditions can prevent unnecessary hospitalization.

In order to get the most out of your annual physical, take a moment to prepare:

Make a list of your health concerns
Make a list of all the medications you are taking
Get a copy of your medical records and your family medical history

Dozens of Patient Care Specialists, on staff at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, are ready to provide you with your annual check-up.

Flushing Hospital is a certified Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) in its Ambulatory Care Center. The Center offers more than 50 outpatient general and specialty services for children adolescents and adults.

Flushing Hospital’s ambulatory care services accepts most major insurances, is centrally located and has convenient patient hours. Call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Holiday Heart Syndrome

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Holiday Heart Syndrome, coined in 1978, is a real syndrome in which the heart’s vulnerability to certain arrhythmias is increased by excessive alcohol ingestion (binge drinking) and the onset of a heart rhythm disturbance in people who are otherwise healthy.

The most frequently seen arrhythmia during the holiday season is atrial fibrillation, in which the top chambers of the heart quiver or fibrillate causing the heart to beat irregular and often quite fast.

Excessive alcohol intake in women is defined as consuming seven or more drinks per week or over three doses at one time. For men, heavy consumption is defined as over 14 drinks per week or over four drinks at one time by the U.S. Department of health and Human Service.

Alcohol alone does not fully explain Holiday Heart Syndrome. There are other risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are higher around the holidays such as:

Overeating
Stress
High levels of sodium consumption
Dehydration

Everyone has some degree of stress in their lives. Health concerns, family and relationship issues, financial problems can all cause stress which can ultimately affect your health; the idea of “letting go” at a holiday event and consuming more alcohol than usual as a way to forget the present may have a negative effect on your future.

If you have any heart symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately; even if your symptoms appear ON a holiday.

#MondayMotivation — 10 Minute Heart Health Workout

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

According to the American Heart Association, 2200 Americans die of heart disease every single day. Help your heart get a boost and prevent becoming a part of this growing statistic- Check out this quick 10 minute workout for a healthy heart.

Be One in a Million Hearts – Support the Million Hearts Campaign

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017 requires work and a commitment to change from all of us. There are steps each of us—and our organizations—can take to reach this shared goal. Find out how you can be one in a Million Hearts® and make a positive difference in your family, community, and nation.

Try the Heart360 app to record and track your heart health online here.

If you’d like to make an appointment with a cardiologist to discuss your heart health and what treatment options are right for you, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center for an appointment at 718-670-5486.

Does a larger waist size indicate a shorter life expectancy?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Weight and body mass index (BMI) are used to calculate whether a person is normal, overweight or obese. Recent studies conclude that waist measurements might also indicate health risks.

Data analyzed from 11 studies involving 650,386 adults, most in their early 60s over a nine year span concluded that people with the largest waist sizes were most likely to die at a younger age from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or cancer than those with smaller waists.

Men whose waists measured 43 inches or more were 52 percent more likely to increase their risk of death than men with 35-inch waists; women with 37-inch or larger waists had an 80 percent higher mortality risk than those with waists of 28 inches or less. The chances of dying prematurely increased 9 percent for women and 7 percent for men for every two-inch increase in waist size. Compared with those who had the smallest waists, men with the largest waists had a life expectancy that was three years shorter; for women, five years shorter. The elevated likelihood of dying early applied across the board, affecting even people with normal BMIs.

According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, this “obesity paradox” is because BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle it is a flawed measure of heart risk. Waist size provides a far more accurate way to predict a patient’s chances of dying at an early age from a heart attack or other causes. BMI measurements are still important, but other considerations such as body shape and fat distribution should also be factored in.

Do you know your waist circumference? Here’s how to measure it:

Locate your hip bone on your abdomen.

Wrap a measuring tape around your body at this level. It should be snug but not pressing into your bare skin.

The tape should be parallel to the floor. Relax, exhale and read the measurement.

Being physically active, eating well and watching portions can make a positive impact on your waist and overall health. Discuss your health risks and goals with your medical provider.

10 Tips for Dining Out With High Blood Pressure

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted by Xavia Malcolm

Dining out is a treat we look forward to because we get to try new foods or indulge in our favorite cuisines. However, it is recommended that if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure to be mindful of the foods you pick from the menu. It is suggested that you stick to a diet that is low in saturated fats, does not contain MSG and has very little sodium or no added salt.

Nutritionists also advise that practicing the following tips when dining out will help in controlling blood pressure levels.

Choose appetizers with fruits or vegetables, instead of salty treats.
Ask for your food to be prepared without added salt or MSG.
Stay away from the saltshaker.
Select foods that are prepared using healthy cooking techniques such as grilling or steaming.
Avoid foods that are pickled, smoked or cured.
Cut away excess and visible fat from meats.
Avoid using butter or foods prepared with butter.
Limit sodium intake from condiments by using them sparingly or by asking that they be served on the side.
Steer clear of items that include cheese.
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If you have high blood pressure you can still enjoy restaurant meals and make healthy food choices by sticking to the preceding tips. In addition to eating healthy it is also important to remember to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and take medications as prescribed to help control your blood pressure.