Posted on January 21, 2014
Find Center For EKG Stress Test NYC
Heart patients usually want to know on what grounds certain tests are done. For example, a lot of patients have questions regarding an EKG stress test. Two of the most common questions are: 
- When and why is this test performed?
- What is the difference between this test and a standard EKG?
We will answer both of these questions today.
When and why is this test performed?
An EKG stress test is performed when a patient shows an increased risk for either the development of heart disease or a heart attack. Risk factors include:
- Age
- Gender
- Weight
- Physical activity level
- Family history
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Smoking
- Risk for hypertension, diabetes and other medical conditions
- Ability to manage stress
The more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of getting an EKG stress test.
A cardiologist will perform a preliminary physical exam to determine your risk level for heart disease, heart attack, and other cardiac conditions. Further testing may be ordered based on the findings from your physical exam.
Follow the instructions given to you by your cardiologist and schedule more appointments as required.
What is the difference between this test and a standard EKG?
Both a standard EKG and an EKG stress test look at your heart function. This includes your cardiac rate and rhythm. The biggest difference between these two tests is that one is performed while you are at rest and the other is performed while you are active.
During an EKG stress test, different machines will monitor your cardiac and metabolic functions while you exercise on a treadmill for about 10 minutes. In that time, the specialist administering the test will try to work up to and sustain your maximum heart rate for a minute or two.
The treadmill will start at a lower speed, which is steadily increased as the test progresses. The goal is to establish your baseline of cardiac health and closely examine the test results for any markers of a heart condition.
Patients also ask if they should have cardiac testing done if they are at low risk for heart disease and heart attack. The answer is no. Getting tested unnecessarily can lead to inconclusive results that expose your body to additional risks and stressors.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on January 19, 2014
An EKG Stress Test Will Tell You More About Your Health Then You May Think
On the surface, an EKG stress test is a screening tool used to show the effects of exercise on the heart. What a heart specialist is actually looking for is how well your heart can handle an active workload. 
Your endurance should be proportionate to your age and conditioning level. If it is not, the result can indicate a number of reasons why your heart is not functioning optimally.
The Advantages of Multi-Level Diagnostics
An EKG stress test adds a different level of detail to the picture of your heart health then an EKG can accomplish as a standalone tool.
The EKG readings while you’re at rest may be able to detect an irregular rate or rhythm, but the results don’t tell specialists anything about your heart’s reaction to stimuli. That’s the main diagnostic difference between the two tests. An EKG stress test measures your cardiac response on two levels:
- Changes in your capacity for activity
- Your biological responses to the increased need for oxygen
Abnormal results indicate:
- Stress on the heart during exercise
- Lack of aerobic fitness
- Arrhythmias or angina due to exercise
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Results like this give cardiologists an idea of which way to turn next, so they can help patients treat the problem and maintain their heart function.
One Test; Three Conclusions
Patients often ask about the risks involved in an EKG stress test.
Generally, this is not the first diagnostic exam that you will receive. By the time a stress test is recommended, your heart specialist will have a pretty good idea of the level of your cardiac function.
Risks and side effects are rare because patients with a weak heart aren’t given this test. Even so, in relatively healthy patients, the test will continue until one of three things occurs:
- You hit and sustain your target heart rate
- You develop complications like chest pain or a sudden drop in blood pressure
- The EKG shows that your heart is not getting enough oxygen
You’ll continue to be monitored for 10 to 15 minutes after the test, regardless of when it concludes. The important thing is that you return to your baseline heart rate after this cool down.
Additional tests will be ordered; especially if results are abnormal.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on January 18, 2014
Shortness of Breath and The Link To Heart Problems
Much like chest pain; shortness of breath can indicate more than just the possibility of heart attack. It actually stems from the heart-lung connection either being severed or malfunctioning. Currently, there are at least five known causes that link to heart problems. 
They are:
- Destruction of the heart muscle
- Weakened heart muscle
- Structural problems
- Valve problems
- Inflammation or infection
We will take a brief look at each of these symptom triggers.
What “Shortness of Breath” Really Means
Your heart and lungs have to work together as a two-part delivery system that is responsible for supplying your body with oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood; without it your body begins to slowly shut down vital cellular and organ functions.
Not only are your respiratory and circulatory functions linked, they also share a link to heart problems. When your heart malfunctions, the oxygenated blood cannot be adequately transferred to the body, so shortness of breath begins as a warning sign of circulatory problems.
Here’s what that symptom can indicate:
Destruction of the heart muscle – your heart has to be able to contract at a certain rhythm, strength, and rate to deliver oxygenated blood to your body. If artery restriction or blood clot interferes with the contraction, it will impair blood flow, cause shortness of breath, and possibly lead to cardiac muscle death.
Weakened heart muscle – diseases that weaken the muscle, or cardiomyopathies, cause the heart muscle to become enlarged or stiffen. Heart contractions can no longer be well-coordinated, which causes problems with blood flow and shortness of breath.
Structural problems – these are also referred to as congenital heart defects, because they’re most likely present from birth. Your heart starts out as a tube inside your chest. As you develop in utero, that tube becomes a four-chambered pump. In some cases, a problem develops during this transition that can affect your heart function.
Valve problems – can cause a back flow of blood into the lungs.
Inflammation or infection – usually enters through the lining of your heart muscle leading to a buildup of fluid that compresses and constricts your heart.
While all of these conditions require invasive medical treatment; all roads do not lead to a heart attack. That is why it is important to understand the various symptomatic triggers that are linked to heart problems.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on January 17, 2014
Find a Doctor For Chest Pain From Stress NYC
What is the main reason that people look for a doctor for chest pain? If your guess is:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Other serious health problems
We have one question: what about stress?
According to cardiologists, stress is actually the most common cause of chest pain.
Due to the symptomatic similarity to a heart attack; stress can cause patients to look for a doctor for chest pain. Even though the cause is most likely not life-threatening, seeking medical advice is the best thing you can do to safeguard your health.
Managing a Precursor to Serious Health Problems
Most of us don’t consider stress a life-threatening health problem, but the truth is it shouldn’t be ignored.
When you are under stress, your body reacts using a simple, yet effective, fight or flight response. The adrenaline responsible for this chain reaction is released by your adrenal glands. It causes a momentary increase in:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Alertness
- Muscle contractions
At least, the reaction is designed to be momentary.
From Momentary to Perpetual: The Lifecycle of Stress
Some people are prone to chronic stress and anxiety. The reaction they feel when adrenaline is released can cause chest pain.
The fact that this chest pain feel similar to a heart attack can cause them to be more anxious, which only perpetuates the cycle of stress. If the cycle of stress remains unbroken, it will lead to other health problems in the future.
These include:
- Hypertension
- Acid reflux
- Anxiety disorders
People with demanding responsibilities and schedules are more likely to develop these health problems as well, simply because the body cannot sustain healthy function if it is always under stress. Regardless of the cause, you should always find a doctor for chest pain as soon as possible.
There are tests and treatments that diagnose stress-related heart problems and help you manage them. You will likely undergo an EKG stress test to make sure that your symptoms are not related to an undiagnosed heart problem. Your anti-stress treatment will focus on reducing stress in your daily life.
This includes:
- Relaxation techniques
- Regular exercise
- Good sleep hygiene
- Prioritizing and managing your work schedule
- Taking breaks
These are some of the keys to living a stress-free and heart-healthy life.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. & Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on
Find a Doctor For Chest Pain From Anxiety NYC
People with anxiety disorders often contact a doctor for chest pain symptoms. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for a heart attack. 
They include, but are not limited to:
- A twitching sensation in the chest muscle
- Pressure
- Numbness
- Burning in the chest wall
This can be accompanied by:
- Abnormal pressure
- Irregular breathing
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Chills
- Hot flashes
Given the similarities; it’s no surprise that patients with anxiety-related symptoms like these would contact a doctor for chest pain.
What causes this kind of chest pain?
The answer to this question depends on the location of the chest pain and the duration of that pain. A doctor for chest pain will be able to run tests to confirm the suspected diagnosis.
Anxiety-related pain can be limited to one particular area of the chest; radiate into your neck, back and shoulders,& or encompass the chest in general, it can also be constant or intermittent depending on the circumstances that trigger the pain. What are those circumstances? The good news is not of the causes are life-threatening. They are most likely related to nerve pain, muscle pain, or indigestion.
& Here is a list of the usual anxiety-related suspects:
Acid reflux-anxiety can cause the excess production of stomach acid. The acid can backflow into the esophagus, which causes a burning and a sense of fullness in the chest.
Muscle pain-everyone carries their tension differently. Anxious people tend to have very tight muscles; a trait that causes the chest wall to contract involuntarily. When an unexpected contraction occurs, it causes chest pain.
Stress-chest pain, pressure, and difficulty breathing are symptoms that can also occur when you are under a significant amount of stress. The symptoms can last& several minutes or be consistent and long lasting.
Pectoral Catch Syndrome-occurs among children and adolescents were prone to panic attacks. It is characterized by a sharp pain deep within the chest that worsens when they take a breath. It is believed to be a muscle cramp that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Treatment for anxiety-related chest pain includes: antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mental or physical exercises. Despite the fact that the condition will not be managed by cardiologists, you should always get properly diagnosed first.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. & Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on January 15, 2014
Common Tests Done For Chest Pain and Anginas
If chest pain and anginas don’t necessarily mean that you’re having a heart attack, why is that the first thing they test for in the emergency room? Heart attack is always a possibility and, because it poses an immediate threat to your life, that threat is the first one heart specialists want to eliminate. 
Luckily, they have a very fast and effective elimination process.
3 Tests that Rule out an Immediate Cardiac Threat
A blockage that causes a heart attack needs to be treated within 90 minutes in order to preserve the heart muscle. Doctors use three primary tests to diagnose or eliminate the possibility of a heart attack as quickly as possible.
The tests are:
EKG-this test examines the electrical function of the heart. A damaged heart cannot process electrical signals properly, so that tells doctors whether or not you’ve had or are having a heart attack.
Blood panel-a healthy heart contains enzymes within the muscle. During a heart attack, those enzymes can be released into the bloodstream over a period of several hours; another indicative sign of a heart attack.
Chest x-ray-these films offer an expedited visual assessment of the heart and lungs. Doctors are looking for any sign of an enlarged heart, blood flow problems, pulmonary embolism, or collapsed lung.
Assuming that you show no sign of heart attack, your chest pain and anginas will be further examined by a cardiologist during a follow-up appointment.
Follow-Up & Testing
Several standard follow-up tests are administered to develop a baseline understanding of your cardiac function and also locate any physical explanation for your chest pain and anginas, now that a heart attack has been ruled out.
These tests include:
EKG-to get a picture of the heart in motion and a closer look at different areas of the heart.
CT scan-to check the heart and lungs for blockages, plaque, and calcium accumulation.
MRI-gives a cross-section view of your heart to look for damage to the muscle or the aorta.
Stress tests-measure how your heart and blood vessels respond to physical exertion; may indicate a malfunction within the heart-lung connection.
Coronary catheterization-a special dye is used to trace the path of your blood vessels and identify any restriction.
Comprehensive exams with immediate testing are routinely available.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on January 14, 2014
Why Your Diabetes May Be Affecting Your Heart
Do you know the two most frightening statistics about heart disease? Here’s a hint: one of them has to do with cause of death; the other involves your heart and diabetes. Give up? The answers are revealed below.
- Statistic number one: heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.
- Statistic number two: people with diabetes are four times more likely to develop heart disease than non-diabetics.
These sobering facts put the magnitude of diabetes and heart problems into perspective.
How does diabetes affect the heart?
The link between your heart and diabetes is an important one. Looking at this health problem broadly, it’s easy to see that diabetes affects you from head to toe; cardiovascular problems are just among some of the more serious complications you’ll face.
Diabetes wreaks havoc on your circulation. Since your heart is the central pump in your circulatory system, given enough time, it will start to show diabetic wear and tear. For instance, patients with diabetes have a higher concentration of lipids in their bloodstream.
These lipids catch, clog, and harden within the vessel walls. This causes plaque and calcium buildup; better known as atherosclerosis. It is& not uncommon for patients prone to plaque buildup to need cardiac catheterization to clear and open restricted arteries and prevent a heart attack.
What are the risk factors for diabetics?
Speaking of prevention; it is important for diabetics to comply with treatment and stay on top of their condition. Part of good condition management is knowing the risks that impact your heart and diabetes. That way these risks can be minimized or avoided.
Here are common risks to watch for:
- High blood sugar can texturize your arterial walls, making it easier for lipids in your bloodstream to stick together and restrict blood flow.
- High blood pressure also damages your artery walls.
All of these things affect how well your heart is able to function.
Perhaps the best news about this is most of these risk factors can be reduced or eliminated with simple lifestyle changes that& support optimum& & heart health. Talk to your doctor about how to successfully manage both your heart and diabetes. What you learn could save your life.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. & Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on December 31, 2013
What Are My Options For Laser Vein Removal
Varicose veins are present in 30 to 60 percent of adults. They are characterized by a dark red, blue, or purple coloration. The veins often appear twisted and raised. Initially, they may pose very little threat even though they look serious.
Under normal circumstances, the veins are not painful, but if you are at risk for developing blood clots or genetically predisposed to changes in your vascular structure; it may be wise to speak to a cardiologist about your options for laser vein removal.
Why ask about removal?
The sensation changes within the veins themselves may be assigned of deep vein thrombosis. A condition where clots form inside of the vein walls. It can cause vulnerable sections of vein to sting, burn, swell, and become painful or hard to the touch.
If left untreated, this condition can cause serious injury or death. The clots that form can use your vascular system as a pathway into your vital organs, which causes:
- heart attack
- stroke
- pulmonary embolism
It is important to know your options for laser vein removal so any interventional steps can be taken quickly to effectively address the problem.
What are my options?
There are three basic options for laser vein removal:
- Endovenous Laser Treatment-a small laser fiber is inserted directly into the vein through a small incision. The heat from the fiber is delivered inside the vein to collapse it. There is minimal bleeding due to the cauterizing effect of the laser fiber. This is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia.
- Radiofrequency Occlusion-similar to endovenous treatment; radiofrequency methodology uses a small catheter to deliver energy pulses directly into the vein wall. As a result, the vein seals shut and collapses. The procedure can be done in-office under local anesthesia.
- Intense Pulsed Light-this method uses a light emitted by lasers to externally treat abnormal vein formations. There’s no need to use needles or inject any solutions into the vein, but some patients have reported discomfort such as blistering on the skin. Some discoloration is normal while the light works to collapse the vein. Unlike the other options listed; this treatment can take up to six weeks to work.
Surgical options are also available, but they are more invasive in nature. Get evaluated by a specialist and ask about insurance coverage before making your final decision.
In most cases, insurance covers deep vein removal procedures, including options for laser vein removal because it is viewed as a medical necessity, not a cosmetic or elective choice.
Consult a specialist.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on December 30, 2013
What Are The Benefits Of Laser Vein Removal
Many patients have asked about the benefits of laser vein removal. There is some concern that the procedure may be harmful or unhealthy. These concerns are unfounded. Every procedure has risks, but laser vein removal is a minimally invasive way to treat a condition before it becomes problematic.
A Progressive Problem
Varicose veins usually start out unsightly, but painless. They can be a result of anything that the stress on your skin or circulatory system.
This includes:
- Pregnancy
- Weight gain
- Hormonal changes
- Edema
- Hereditary conditions
These and other stressors can cause your veins to become enlarged, raised, and darkly colored.
As time goes on, it’s not uncommon for patients with varicose veins to start having circulatory problems, discomfort, and heaviness in the extremities. Changes to your vascular system, such as varicose veins can be the source of these symptoms. Laser vein removal is a relatively quick and painless way to relieve the symptoms.
Either a laser fiber or a small radio frequency catheter is inserted directly into the vein. This is called laser ablation. When the heat from the laser is applied directly to the vein wall, it shrinks, seals off, and collapses the vein.
Contrary to what many people believe, collapsing and unhealthy vein can actually improve circulation.
Restoring Healthy Blood Flow to the Body
Varicose veins are at an increased risk of clotting and also increase the possibility of developing stasis ulcers. Once they become painful, it is time to discuss treatment solutions with a specialist.
Insurance companies generally cover laser vein removal if it is for the negative symptoms associated with varicose veins, and not the cosmetic or elective treatment of spider veins. However, they may stipulate that you try conservative treatments like medication and compression stockings first.
Assuming that those treatments fail; laser vein removal can relieve the painful symptoms, improve bodily circulation, and greatly reduce the risk of developing other complications. All of this can be done in a quick and relatively efficient manner that doesn’t involve truncating, stripping, or surgically removing parts of the vein.
Once the vein is sealed off and they can no longer carry blood flow, your body naturally redistributes that blood flow into other veins in the surrounding area. That’s what makes this treatment a solution for deep vein thrombosis and persistent circulatory problems.
Of course, patients should always talk to a specialist before undergoing a procedure like this. The specialist will review the benefits and risks associated with laser vein removal and make sure that you’re fully prepared.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on December 29, 2013
What Does Laser Vein Removal Cost
There are several reasons a patient would look into laser vein removal cost. It is possible to get prolonged relief from the pain and discomfort of varicose veins using compression stockings and pain medication, but eventually removal may be the only effective means of full relief.
Is this is the case, once you know a few things about your procedural options, it will be easier to make the right decision for your individual case. This article will offer some insight into how the procedure is priced out.
Several Options, but the Price May Vary
Laser vein removal cost ranges between $150 and $1,000. The difference in price depends on the type of laser removal you choose and how complex the procedure is.
Some of the methods may need to be repeated multiple times over 6 to 8 weeks before the final results are visible; this affects the overall price of getting the procedure done. There are also other factors that can affect the price.
Including:
- The number of veins being treated
- The size of the veins
- Whether multiple areas are being treated
- The experience level of the specialist
- How long the procedure takes
Laser vein removal is often preferred to other injectable or surgical methods because it can be done quickly, often within 30 minutes.
It is more expensive than the injectable option; starting at $400 per session. Most likely, multiple sessions will be needed and you can’t count on your vein treatment fitting into the 30 minute window. The number of sessions and length of the sessions varies.
More about Insurance Coverage
It is wise to expect that the bill for the entire treatment will start in the $2,500.00 range. Insurance will usually cover the laser vein removal cost based on a couple of conditions:
- You have tried more conservative deep vein treatments like medication and compression stockings first. You can show evidence that these methods didn’t work sufficiently and surgery is the best option in your case.
- The procedure you’ve chosen is for a matter of medical necessity, not a cosmetic or elective issue. The presence of varicose veins poses a threat to your health and circulation.
There are internal laser treatments that are delivered directly into the vein wall through a small incision, and there are external laser treatments, which use the heat emitted from the laser to collapse and break up the vein.
All methods have been deemed safe for use and they can restore healthy circulation to the body. Consultations are available.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
