Posted on April 11, 2012
What is Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is caused by reduced efficiency of the heart and kidneys. A young, healthy body intakes fluid through the mouth and expels it through urination via the kidneys. As your kidneys decrease in function, you expel less fluid, forcing the excess into your arteries and empty spaces throughout the body.
The excess fluid in your arteries decreases your heart’s efficiency making it less capable of exerting sufficient force on the fluid-heavy blood. When the heart pumps this fluid-heavy blood to the lungs, some of the excess fluid content passes through the membranes of your air sacs and becomes trapped. CHF is, essentially, a slow process of drowning. If you ever feel any symtoms, we advice you see a heart doctor immedialtly.
Symptoms
Have you noticed that you are having more difficulty getting around? Do you need to take several breaks when you walk or climb the stairs? Are you experiencing sudden weight gain? The cause may not simply be your age. You should see a doctor about the possibility of heart failure. The following are the most common symptoms:
- Edema, swelling around the ankles
- Limited tolerance for activity, shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Sudden weight gain
- Abdominal swelling
CHF can occur with no symptoms at all, though it is unlikely to cause a serious medical threat until symptoms manifest. All of these are symptoms that can be associated with other medical issues, as well. If you notice them, it is important to see a doctor to accurately determine their cause.
Treatment
While there is no cure for heart failure, a strict diet and evidence-based treatment can significantly prolong your life expectancy should you receive this diagnosis. Adhering to the prescribed measures can make heart failure a manageable disease.
Treatment starts by removing excess fluid from the body. This is done by ultrafiltration or diuretic therapy. Afterward, a sodium and fluid restricted diet, along with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE) or angiotensin II retention blocker (ARB) is prescribed which prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing sodium, preventing the retention of fluid. Other medications, such as beta blockers, which reduce strain on the heart, are also administered. If you would like to make an appointment with New Yorks best heart doctor, please call (212) 367-8000 click the link below for us to contact you.
Posted on April 10, 2012
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a swelling of the primary artery in the abdomen that carries blood from the heart to the internal organs and legs. Many aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found during a routine examination or screening for other conditions. An aortic aneurysm can usually be diagnosed manually by an experienced physician. A diagnosis can be confirmed and evaluated by an ultrasound or CT scan.
Your Physician Has Found an Aortic Aneurism, Now What?
If your doctor has found an aortic aneurysm during the course of a routine examination, he or she will probably refer you to a cardiologist who can suggest additional tests to determine the size and extent of your aortic aneurysm and plan a course of treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, doing nothing puts you at risk of a life threatening aortic rupture. Rupture of an aortic aneurysm can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding in the abdomen and death. Current medical information tells us that most patients do not survive an aortic rupture. Thorough evaluation of the extent and size of your aneurysm by your cardiologist will help you make meaningful, informed choices about how to manage your aortic aneurysm.
The definitive treatment for an aortic aneurysm is surgical or endovascular repair. Your cardiologist will evaluate the risks of surgical intervention against careful monitoring to help determine the best course of treatment.
The course of treatment is generally determined by the size of the aneurysm, though the rate of growth may be a factor. For small aortic aneurysms, careful monitoring by your cardiologist is recommended. Surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm can prevent an emergency situation caused by a rupture. Once an aortic aneurysm ruptures, only one in ten people survive this serious complication. The goal of surgical intervention is to prevent rupture and life-threatening complications.
If you have been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, it is critical that you seek professional medical advice to help you avoid the life-threatening complications and death.
Posted on April 5, 2012
Aneurysm of the heart is a condition that occurs when a patch of weak tissues of the ventricular wall swell and are filled with blood. When the walls of the left heart ventricle weaken, they fail to withstand the pressure created by the heart as it pumps blood. This heart disease is mainly associated with myocardial infarction, which is commonly referred to as heart attack.
Myocardial infarction occurs from interruption of blood supply to parts of the heart, which results to death of cells causing a myocardial scar. Unlike other forms of aneurysm such as aorta aneurysm and cerebral aneurysm, the heart aneurysm may not be susceptible to rupturing of the wall of the heart and this is because the scar lining prevents it from rupturing.
Because the Aneurysm heart disease tends to develop progressively, signs are not easily noticed. Some other conditions may manifest such as blood clots (thrombosis), which result from the heart condition. Clots cause stroke and block other blood vessels. The diagnosis of the aneurysm of the heart can be done through;
- Electrocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiogram
There are mainly three ways in which treatment of ventricular aneurysm heart disease is done and these are;
- Administration of blood thinning agents to prevent blood clotting.
- Administration of drugs to correct irregular rhythm of the heart.
- Surgery procedures
Blood thinning agents and drugs to correct the irregular rhythm of the heart are the main treatment methods. Because of the sensitivity of the heart, surgery is occasionally done as the last option to remove the bulge and reconstruct the damaged tissue and it’s extremely difficult. There are great risks attached to the surgery procedure.
Most of the cardiac aneurysm occurs in men aged 40 and above who suffer large heart attacks. Also up to 25% of persons that develop a large area of dead heart muscle that occur from a heart attack are likely to develop this heart disease. Therefore, if you experience heart attacks, there is need to seek a doctor to examine your heart status. The early the diagnosis for the heart aneurysm is done the easier it is to treat with medication.
Posted on April 3, 2012
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
Aortic Aneurism, also spelled as Aortic Aneurysm in some medical references, is the condition wherein the aorta of the body’s main artery develops a bulge. Since this section of the heart performs high level of activity, the aneurysm may be overstretched and result to it coming to a burst. Once this happens, it may result to serious bleeding and may lead to a quick death. Again, we want to warn that only a heart doctor should be trusted with a diagnosis.
The sad thing about this kind of heart disease is that it happens with no hint or symptoms. It strikes at an untimely manner and when it happens, very few manage to survive. Those who managed to live after this difficult situation claim that they felt discomforts at their belly and chest and pain at the back. This may last for a long period of time or may suddenly cease. Again, we want to warn that only a heart doctor should be trusted with a diagnosis.
Aneurism is a heart disease, which forms in any section of the aorta; however, it is more commonly located at the belly area and is called abdominal aortic aneurysm; but if it develops at the upper body of the individuals, then it is called thoracic aortic aneurysm. Medical experts say that it is triggered by high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which weakens the artery walls. There are many reasons why people suffer from aortic aneurism but it is mostly associated with aging. Again, we want to warn that only a heart doctor should be trusted with a diagnosis.
Male individuals age 65 to 75 and has never smoked and those with relatives who have suffered from similar conditions are recommended to have abdominal aneurysm screening tests. Part of the screening process will include an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI to see if there is indeed an aortic aneurism developing inside your circulatory system. Again, we want to warn that only a heart doctor should be trusted with a diagnosis.
If you are positively diagnosed with aneurism, your doctor may recommend a blood vessel repair by means of grafting or stent operation. Those who have minimal size of aneurysms may be given beta-blockers to prevent these bulges from rupturing. You may also be reminded to exercise more, stop your smoking habits, and eat a heart-healthy diet that is free from cholesterol to prevent unwanted heart disease. Again, we want to warn that only a heart doctor should be trusted with a diagnosis. Dr. Seldon is a Board Certified Heart Doctor at NYU.
Posted on April 1, 2012
How to Pick a Cardiologist :
Cardiologists are medical specialists who are experts in the cardiovascular system. They are doctors who have completed medical school and earned residency in internal medicine, before being granted fellowship as a cardiologist. They are expected to be familiar with the most recent technological advancements pertaining to the health of the heart and must be adept with the use of pacemakers and other gadgets related to health queries.
In making your selection, it is best to consider these qualifications:
- Experience
You can evaluate the degree of expertise of a specialist through his years of experience. If he recently graduated from medical school, then he may lack the experience in treating cardiovascular conditions.
- Education
It is important that you investigate the school where he earned his degree. It is not enough that he got his licenses and authorizations. He should also be a product of a reputable educational institution.
- Skills
Inquire the number of successful operations he has done, the number of patients he receives, the seminars he may have attended, the articles he has published, and other achievements. You may not ask him personally but you can do a bit of research about him.
- Location
You should identify where his clinic is located. This is important because you may need his urgent attention during emergency cases and if he lives very far from you then it will be inconvenient.
- Availability
You may want to consider a cardiologist who will be there whenever you need his assistance. This should be given priority, especially if you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular problems. You would appreciate if the specialist you will have will not be too busy with numerous clients.
- Rate
How much is his diagnostic fee? Although there is a board that regulates the fees of cardiologists, certain specialist are licensed to charge more because of their years of expertise.
Include these factors when picking the best cardiologist for your needs. List it down and make a good evaluative analysis about them.
Cardiologist NYC
Dr. Seldon is conveniently located right next to NYU hospital on 37th and 1st avenue in New York City and accepts all insurances. He offers same day appointments and has been a practicing cardiologist for over 35 years. Call (212) 367-8000
Dr. Seldon M.D. F.A.C.C. is a board certified cardiologist.
Posted on March 30, 2012
Many people carry anxiety from a childhood prognosis of a heart murmur – an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. While it is common for youngsters to have a heart murmur, most children do not require treatment. 61 percent of the murmurs in children were found to be innocent murmurs.Most heart murmurs are nothing to worry about: They are caused by blood moving through heart valves and do not require surgery. However, a heart murmur can be caused by blood moving through a damaged valve and only your cardiologist can tell for sure.
Your doctor may use any of these tests to see whether your heart murmur is fine or whether it is caused by disease or defect:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), this measures your heart’s electrical activity
- Chest X-rays, will check to see if the heart is enlarged
- Echocardiography, which uses sound waves to map your heart structure
Treatment for a heart murmur depends on the cause. Quite often, your doctor will detect a harmless heart murmurs with no treatment needed or just periodic checkups by your doctor.
When other factors cause heart murmurs your doctor will treat the cause. Some types of heart valve disease may require medication or surgery. Cardiologist NYC.
Here are some treatments your cardiologist may work up with you:
- Prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of heart infection
- Drug treatments, including:
- Anticoagulants for prevention of blood clots
- Antiarrhythmics to control your heartbeat
- Beta-adrenergic blockers to control heart fluttering
- Vasodilators to open blood vessels to reduce blood pressure
- Diuretics to remove excess salts and water from the body
- Surgery to correct congenital heart defects
- Surgery to correct certain types of heart valve disease
The most important thing to do is to see your cardiologist and test for your heart murmur. Most murmurs are innocent, but only your heart doctor can tell for sure and get you on the correct treatment if needed.
Posted on
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
Heart failure is one of the most common and most concerning physical ailments. Any time you suspect a problem with your heart, it is essential to seek medical attention. An aortic aneurysm is one type of heart condition. The aorta is the body’s main artery. This artery carries blood that has been oxygenated from the heart to the rest of the organs in the body. An aortic aneurysm is the result of an overstretching of that artery which creates a protuberence, or bulge, somewhere along one of its walls. In some cases the aorta will burst, causing serious bleeding and possibly death.
An aortic aneurysm is a type of heart failure that can be caused from a variety of conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, cystic medial necrosis (usually caused through an inherited condition), or injury . These conditions cause the walls of the aorta to weaken. The result of the weakened walls, often coupled with age, causes the artery to bulge and the aneurysm to occur. A burst aneurysm can cause a great deal of pain and bleeding. Death can take place within minutes.
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
It can be difficult to diagnose an aortic aneurysm. Risk factors include:
· Smoking
· High blood pressure
· Male
· 55 years old or older
· Family history of heart failure
The most common symptoms of an aortic aneurysm include chest and/or back pain. In some cases you might feel light-headed, weak, short of breath, some tingling or numbness, and possibly lose consciousness. If the aneurysm is in the stomach you may feel overly full, nauseous, and/or a throbbing or pulsing sensation in your abdomen.
If you have any of these conditions, have any concern about heart failure, or feel like something just isn’t right, please see a physician immediately. Many other conditions can cause these symptoms, but it is best to get checked out thoroughly.
Posted on March 29, 2012
Cardiogist NYC
You went for your annual physical, and get the usual tests taken but when the results come back; your general practitioner tells you that there is an issue with a test for your heart.
Your first thought is that you want the best heart specialist that you can find, so now you have to try to find the best heart doctor New York has to offer, but where do you begin your search?
Ask your doctor for a referral – Cardiogist NYC
Obviously, the first thing that should come to mind is asking for a referral from your doctor. Usually doctors will have information right at their fingertips because they usually belong to a network of doctors, including specialists in different fields of medicine which should include heart specialists.
Search the web – Cardiogist NYC
The internet easily puts the world at your fingertips. Choose your favorite search engine and just type in the term “heart doctor new york” and just see the results that your search inquiry returns to you.
Another popular source on the web for information is a site you’ve probably heard of called Angies List. This is a great resource to use because they have unsolicited reviews from real people who have used service providers and they leave honest reviews good or not about their experiences with a home improvement contractor, a dentist or a heart specialist.
Reach out and make a phone call – Cardiogist NYC
Another way to get a better idea of the reputation of a New York heart specialist is by making a phone call to the national professional society and ask as many questions as you can about the specialist in question; they should have information about the doctor and his or her reputation that can help make your decision that much easier.
Just remember that a decision about a heart specialist in New York shouldn’t be based on what a friend has to say about a specialist they used 20 years ago. Take the time do some investigating on your own, in the end it’s your heart’s health you need to be concerned with, not a friend’s recommendation.
Posted on March 26, 2012
Cardiologist New York City
There are millions upon millions of hearts beating at this precise second in New York City. Many are young hearts, pounding healthy blood through smooth veins and many are older hearts that function quite well because they have been taken care of over the years. Unfortunately, due to aging, poor diets, or that they come from families with histories of heart disease, there are many sick hearts that need the attention of any Cardiologist New York City has among its tens-of-thousands of physicians.
The Special Biologists – Cardiogist New York City
A Cardiologist is a doctor that is skilled in finding and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In order to have gained this title a physician has put in at least ten years of extensive training. The human heart is an amazing biological engine but, as with any piece of equipment, it must be maintained to ensure it continues to run properly. A general physician can listen to your heart but a Cardiologist can hear how well it functions. Furthermore, with a small sample, a Cardiologist can interpret the value of certain substances contained in your blood to detect deadly problems and begin preventive treatment.
The Big Four – Cardiogist New York City
You have heard them mentioned hundreds of times: Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood Pressure, and Family History. These are the major causes of unhealthy hearts and only a Cardiologist New York City has in its directory can expound fully on this complex subject. Cholesterol is the most troublesome; a waxy, fatlike substance that the body requires to produce hormones and Vitamin D but, in high levels, can make for sticky arteries that can collect dangerous plaque as well as other problems that require the acumen of a Cardiologist to clarify properly.
The Demographics – Cardiogist New York City
The most dangerous time in a man’s life, when the subject is heart trouble, is after he turns 45 and for women the problems tend to begin after they have gone through menopause. These are general statistics so the only true way to know your condition is to schedule a visit to a Cardiologist New York City offers its citizens.
Posted on March 24, 2012
A 2010 New York Times article stated that death rates from heart disease in the greater New York City area were approximately 20 percent higher than in most areas of America.
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a broad term used for various problems that all relate to the buildup of plaque inside the heart’s arteries. The more the plaque accumulates, the more the arteries narrow, slowing blood flow and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke or other heart conditions.
There are also heart conditions related to an irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, high blood pressure and congenital heart defects.
Heart disease is a serious problem in the U.S. as well as specifically in the New York area. Over 80 million people in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women, killing more people than all cancers and AIDS combined. According to the Heart Foundation, over 920,000 people will develop heart disease this year, almost half of which will occur without previous warning signs or symptoms.
There are several symptoms of heart disease:
· Dizziness
· Shortness of breath
· Heart palpitations
· Increased heartbeat
· Sweating
· Nausea
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should contact a heart doctor New York City. Remember that heart conditions often have subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all.
If you experience the following symptoms of a heart attack, call 911:
· Pain or heaviness in the chest that sometimes radiates around
· Choking feeling or fullness
· Anxiety, extreme weakness
· Rapid heartbeat
· Vomiting, sweating and dizziness
The symptoms of a heart attack may be very mild and can be confused with other conditions. If you have any questions or suspect that you may have a heart condition of any kind, call 911 or arrange for an immediate visit to a heart doctor New York City.
Note that people with diabetes are more likely to have a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack without any symptoms. Consult a heart doctor New York City for assistance.
