Educational health information to improve your well-being.
Posts in Heart
Meet Dr. Sternberg
September 10, 2018
It's Saturday morning in New York. Two ten-year-old boys, one named Kenneth, await their grandfather's arrival. This Saturday morning routine is both familiar and exciting. It's the day they get to go on rounds with their grandfather, a dedicated physician, at Columbia Mount Sinai In New York City. It's the late 1960's, an era where physicians were largely hands-on, relying on the cornerstones of patient examinations and diagnostics, instead of the technologies of today. This close proximity to the medical profession was nothing new for Kenneth who came from a very long line of doctors. In...Continue Reading
Going Strong After 50: Staying Healthy Later in Life
September 6, 2018
September is Healthy Aging Month, and we're celebrating the important milestone of being 50 years old and over! At this point in life, you've gained hard-earned wisdom and have much to offer. To continue a good quality of life, taking a proactive role in maintaining your health is more important than ever. It's time to make sure you're doing everything possible to stay vibrant, active, and going strong! Stay Heart Smart Your heart ages along with you. After 50 years old, your heart may grow larger, and your heart rate may slow down slightly. Blood vessels and arteries tend to harden a bit too...Continue Reading
1 in 3 Americans Have Hypertension. Do You?
May 7, 2018
Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is often a silent killer. The disorder can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure may cause disabilities, a poor quality of life, or even be fatal. Hypertension may also be called the silent killer since nearly half of people that go untreated die of heart disease and another third die of stroke. Understanding this important health indicator is essential for good health. Understanding Blood Pressure Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls...Continue Reading
FDA to Cut Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes
April 23, 2018
Smoking causes more deaths each year than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. Because of this, the FDA is working to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, the portion that causes the smoker to become addicted. What are the real health risks of smoking, and why is the legislation being processed now? An Overview of Smoking An estimated 37.8 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000...Continue Reading
The Effects of Stress on Heart Health
February 20, 2018
Whether it's an unexpected bill, a flat tire, or an argument with your spouse, stress is a regular part of the human experience. Do you pop your top or stay super chill when you're confronted with stressful issues? Are you someone who strives to take everything in stride or do the veins in your forehead start to pulse at the mere hint of an obstacle in your path? How you deal with stress can affect your quality of life and shorten your lifespan. Everyone experiences and reacts to stress in different ways. Of course, sustained levels of stress and how you deal with it can adversely affect your...Continue Reading
What is Door-to-Balloon Time & Why is it Important?
February 15, 2018
At least one million Americans suffer from heart attacks every year, and quite a few don't survive. One of the biggest barriers to survival is getting the right treatment promptly. Fortunately, recent developments in emergency care for individuals suffering from a heart attack has helped to improve overall patient outcomes. The number of deaths from heart attacks has been reduced as well. Door-to-balloon time has played an enormous part in reducing the number of heart attack fatalities. What is Door-to-Balloon Time? Door-to-balloon time refers to the time it takes for a heart attack victim to...Continue Reading
4 Reasons Why Too Much Sugar Increases Heart Disease Risks
February 13, 2018
Adding sugar to food makes food sweeter and tastier. Sweet treats are delicious, but consuming too much sugar on a regular basis is not healthy. In fact, eating too much sugar can be downright deadly. Even people who are not obese are at higher risk of developing heart disease due to increased sugar consumption. Limiting sugar intake is the best way to ensure heart health. Here are four reasons why eating too much sugar increases your risks of dying from heart disease: Sugar Increases Your Blood Pressure Yes, sugar may be worse for your blood pressure than salt. Open Journal, an academic...Continue Reading
Cardiology 101: An Overview of the Stenting Process
February 8, 2018
A stent is a slender, metal mesh-like tube placed inside the coronary artery. The device is designed to act as a scaffold or support to prevent the vessel from narrowing. This helps to improve circulation to the heart and reduces pain caused by angina. In many cases, stenting is used along with balloon angioplasty. Most patients undergoing balloon angioplasty have stents inserted as well. Stents can be used in many parts of the body—not just the heart. Stents can be placed in the carotid arteries, aorta, and peripheral arteries in the legs. What Happens Before a Stenting? This procedure is...Continue Reading
Cardiology 101: Understanding Heart Stents
February 6, 2018
Stents are slender, expandable, metallic mesh tubes that act as scaffolding to maintain blood flow in the artery by preventing arteries from re-narrowing upon completion of the balloon angioplasty procedure. Stents help reduce the risk of heart attack and are much easier for patients to go through as opposed to other procedures such as cardiac catheterization. Who Requires Stents? Individuals with a buildup of plaque in a localized area of an artery may benefit from a stent. Your doctor will let you know if you're a candidate for this procedure. What Happens Before the Procedure? Your...Continue Reading
Goals for the care of Cardiovascular Disease
February 5, 2018
Great strides have been made in the last several years for the care of those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Immediate action to enter emergency medical care continues to be the number one goal to save lives. Even 15 minutes can be the difference between death and disability, and returning to a fulfilling life. The second goal is primary and secondary prevention of the causes surrounding CVD and reducing these risk factors. Goal #1: Immediate Action Two of the most common reasons of cardiovascular emergencies are heart attack and stroke. The cause for a heart attack or stroke is similar...Continue Reading