Category Archives: Heart

01.06.24
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Need a Great Cardiologist in Tampa, Florida? Spotlight on Dr. Asad Sawar M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I

Dr. Asad Sawar M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I

Dr. Asad Sawar M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.IThe Tampa cardiovascular physicians and employees at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are committed to providing our patients with the best available programs for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of artery and vein diseases.

Our physicians maintain Board Certifications and are Affiliate Associate Professors in the USF College of Medicine, Department of Cardiology Our office labs are certified by ICAEL, ICANL, and ICAVL. Our advanced in-office testing includes a Phillips iE33 which allows us to perform 3D echocardiograms along with strain and speckle tracking. We also perform stress echocardiograms, nuclear stress testing (using a GVI nuclear stress machine which allows the patient the comfort of sitting up during testing), exercise stress testing, micro T wave Alternans, electrocardiograms, Holter monitoring, event monitoring, tilt table testing, 24 hour blood pressure monitoring, and pacemaker/ICD checks.

Dr. Sawar joined Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in 2009 and is currently a managing partner of the practice.

Following a residency in Cardiology at the University of South Florida, Dr. Sawar completed a Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Yale University.  He holds 3 Board Certifications in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases, and in Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).   Dr. Sawar is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University Of South Florida School Of Medicine. He has a keen interest in structured heart disease and is a senior member of TAVR team which also performs MitraClip procedures. Dr. Sawar also performs Peripheral intervention, Vein intervention, Watchman procedure, Pacemaker Implant, Defibrillator Implant and performs complex angioplasty procedures of the heart.

Visit www.TampaCardio.com to learn more or schedule your appointment.

06.01.22
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Hyperventilation Syndrome – A Little Known Affliction That Can Mimic Heart Attack

Hyperventilation Syndrome – A Little Known Affliction That Can Mimic Heart Attack

Hyperventilation Syndrome – A Little Known Affliction That Can Mimic Heart AttackThis syndrome can mimic a panic attack or a heart attack.

In most cases, hyperventilating is depicted as someone becoming very upset by a certain event on TV. They are then given a paper bag and told to breathe deeply into it to improve their condition. This is a very short time in which to feel better.

The truth of what this syndrome entails isn’t as drastic, quick, or as easily calmed.

A woman came to see us recently complaining of various symptoms, such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and strange sensations down her left arm and into her neck. She said that she felt like she had consumed a lot of energy drinks, when in fact, she had zero.

After performing an electrocardiogram, which is a standard test for the heart, we were able to confirm that her heart was fine. We then conducted an echocardiogram and a stress test.

What she was experiencing was Hyperventilation Syndrome.

  • Chest pain (Crushing, squeezing, and even stabbing)
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fainting
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Having a hard time breathing – shortness of breath or feeling like you just can’t get enough air
  • Frequent yawning
  • Numb feelings in hands and or feet
  • Muscle spasms

It can be triggered by stress and anxiety. It can also be caused by the body’s response to certain stimuli.

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Asthma
  • Stress
  • Worrying
  • Exercise
  • Side effects of certain drugs
  • High altitude
  • Head injury
  • Shock
  • PTSD triggers

Treatment and Relief

  • Focus on taking controlled breaths
  • For this exercise, you should put your lips into a position that’s similar to how you would blow out birthday candles. Breathe slowly through your nose, and then slowly breathe out through a small opening between your lips. Repeat this exercise until you feel better.
  • Limit airflow: breath through one nostril only, and slowly.
  • Breathe into a paper bag: This does work but you must do it slowly and repeatedly for 5 to 6 minutes.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor about it. Hyperventilation Syndrome is one of the most under-recognized conditions.

Visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM to learn more about our facilities and how we can help.

Never ignore chest pain. If you are not sure of the cause seek medical help immediately. 

01.01.22
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Hypertension – A Side Effect of the Covid Pandemic

tampa cardio high blood pressure

tampa cardio high blood pressureThe Pressure is on!

These past couple of years have changed the way we live and the way we relate to one another. Fear has been a prevalent motivating factor. With fear comes anxiety. With anxiety often comes elevated blood pressure.

Shutdowns, masks, vaccines, mandates, all of it is highly stressful. That is on top of the actual problem – COVID. Friends, coworkers, family, getting sick – some severely even to the point of loss.

It is no wonder we are seeing a spike and rise in blood pressure levels on a national level. This is the most stress we, collectively, have seen in our lifetimes socially.

Let’s take a look at the numbers. By the end of 2020 blood pressure levels had risen especially in older adults. The findings were published in the American Heart Association’s journal CIRC­ULATION.

“At the start of the pandemic, most people were not taking care of themselves,” lead study author Dr. Luke Laffin reported.

“Increases in blood pressure were likely related to changes in eating habits, increased alcohol consumption, less physical activity, decreased medication adherence, more emotional stress and poor sleep,” he said.

Even small increases in blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke or another cardiovascular event.

Almost half of U.S. adults have hypertension.

Health data was gathered from 2018 to 2020 for 464,585 participants with an average age of 46. They compared blood pressure levels prior to the pandemic with those that followed.

They found no change in blood pressure levels prior to March 2020. From April to December, when compared to the same time in 2019, average monthly blood pressure increases ranged from 1.1 to 2.5 mmHg higher for systolic measurements and 0.14 to 0.53 mmHg higher for diastolic. 1 in 4 adults in the study were reclassified to a higher blood pressure category by the end of 2020.

It went on to note that women tended to gain weight and men tended to lose it. Even so, weight was not the direct contributing factor to the jump. Stress was.

Advice from Tampa Cardiovascular Associates

It is important to pay attention to your blood pressure and don’t ignore your chronic medical conditions. Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol. See your doctor regularly to learn how to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

813-975-2800.

 

12.01.21
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Contributing Factors for Heart Disease Everyone Needs to Know

Heart disease risk factors tampa cardio

Worldwide, Heart disease is still the number one cause of death.

We wanted to let you know that there are steps you can take to strengthen your heart and have a healthy circulatory system. Certain habits and lifestyle choices can make you more prone to developing heart disease. Knowledge is power and we want to empower you to take control of your health and wellbeing.

The outcome of having cardiovascular disease

Heart disease is one of the top causes of both heart attack and stroke. With heart disease the blood vessels become narrow and clogged with plaque blocking normal blood flow. Heart disease also raises blood pressure. Those who struggle with this problem may experience shortness of breath and may experience headaches or dizziness. Patients also feel quite exhausted after only very moderate exertion.

ISSUES THAT PLAY INTO THE PROGRESSION OF HEART DISEASE

Being Overweight – even by just 20 lbs.

Obesity can have many significant health related consequences. This is especially true for the cardiovascular system. Those who are overweight by more than 20 lbs. tend to have higher blood pressure and more stress on their heart.

Lack of Exercise

Being sedentary can contribute to weight gain. An inactive job and lifestyle could also weaken the heart and cardiovascular system. It is important to have a daily exercise routine. This should include running, brisk walking, cycling, swimming or any other activity that gets the heart pumping.

Smoking

Those who smoke are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, you should quit immediately. Smoking can be a difficult habit to break but not impossible. Ask your doctor to suggest a smoking cessation program.

Nutritional Deficits

Bad diet and lack of exercise are a devastating combination.

A combination of a poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to weight gain. A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats is a major factor in developing plaque in veins and arteries. Foods with excessive cholesterol also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Age and Sex

As we age the risk of cardiovascular disease rises. Those 50 and older should have labs to regularly measure their cholesterol levels and get their blood pressure checked. Men are more likely than women to develop heart disease.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in moderation may not have a significant impact. Excessive drinking, however, combined with other risk factors, may raise the chances of a person getting cardiovascular disease.

Avoid Heart Disease 

Avoiding illness starts with a commitment to yourself. Lifestyle changes, easting well, getting more exercise, stating away from cigarettes, vapes, and alcohol, are all important steps towards heart healthy wellness.

Heart disease risk factors tampa cardio

Get more information about Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in Tampa, Florida by visiting www.tampacardio.com.  

11.02.21
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Heart Rhythm Disorders Explained

Heart Rhythm Disorders tampa cardio

Heart Rhythm Disorders tampa cardioThere is a good chance that you will feel a heart arrhythmia at some point in your lifetime. A large percentage of the population will experience abnormal heart beats.  Most of the time these off beats are harmless. They can happen in perfectly healthy people who show no sign of heart disease. There are, however, some types of heartbeat abnormalities that can be serious and even potentially deadly. Heart disease also raises the risk of fluctuations.

Heart rhythm disturbances are categorized 3 ways. Electrical, circulatory, and structural. Cardiologists can help to diagnose and treat disorders of the heart.

ELECTRICAL disorders:

Abnormal heart rhythms are caused by issues with the electrical system that regulates the usually steady heartbeat. The heart rate may be slowed or speeded up; it may stay steady or become chaotic (irregular and disorganized). Some arrhythmia types are very dangerous and cause sudden cardiac death, while others may be strange to feel, but not life threatening.

CIRCULATORY Disorders:

High Blood Pressure and coronary artery disease (causing blockages) are the main causes of blood vessel disorders. Circulatory issues such as these can result in a stroke or heart attack. Fortunately, there are many preventative and treatment options.

STRUCTURAL Disorders:

Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) and congenital abnormalities (problems in the development of the heart and blood vessels which are present from birth) are two issues that can damage the heart muscle or valves.

What does an arrhythmia feel like?

Physically, what an arrhythmia feels like is a skipping, a quickening, a slowing, or even like you have just dropped over the first fall of a roller coaster where your heart pauses for a moment. If you notice this happening repeatedly it is advisable to check with a cardiologist to be sure that what you are experiencing is harmless and not something that needs to be looked at or treated.

If you are in the Tampa Bay area, the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates would like to offer their services.  WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM 813-975-2800. Give us a call to schedule your consultation and exam and find out for sure.

10.02.21
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Tampa Cardio Offers Customized Heart Healthy Nutrition Plans

heart healthy nutritionist tampa cardio

heart healthy nutritionist tampa cardioThe professional Cardiologists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida are here for you.

Why go to a regular nutritionist when you can have a specialist who fully understands the workings of your heart and cardiovascular system as well as the key nutrition needed to boost your overall wellness along with heart health at the same time?

Tampa Cardiovascular Associates is your one stop shop for heart health and wellness. Come in for a consultation and we can assess your health based on a physical exam, blood work, talking with you about what you are currently experiencing, as well as taking a full health history. We can also work up a diet plan for you that will fit your needs, likes, and lifestyle that can help to solidify, correct, and boost your cardiovascular health.

Eating healthy these days can be tricky. There are so many foods and additives that just are not good for you and worse, may cause your heart harm if eaten in excess. Let our experts steer you in the right direction so you can feel your best no matter what current condition you may be in.

We operate in a state-of-the-art environment, so we are able to give you the best care possible. This is done though diagnostic testing, one on one focused conversations addressing your concerns and issues, and through the formation of a planned-out course of treatment that is engineered toward gradually healing what is wrong with your body through proper nutrition, supplementation, in office procedures, and if necessary surgical correction.

The physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are a powerhouse of knowledge and experience. Though you will be assigned one doctor, in many instances they do confer and consult with one another, so you are guaranteed an in-house second opinion without even having to leave the building.

If you are ready to take your cardiac health to the next level, you need Tampa Cardio.

WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM

813-975-2800

 

09.03.21
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American Heart Association Recommendations

Tampa cardiovascular associates tampa florida

Tampa cardiovascular associates tampa floridaLifestyle has a huge effect on your health and wellbeing.

This is especially true for your heart and cardiovascular health. Change isn’t as drastic or as hard as you might think. Just a few small habitual adjustments and you could alter your health now as well as into the future.

Tips for a healthier heart

  • Base your caloric intake on your body, not the recommendations on the labels of 2000 calories a day. That’s an average. Your needs may be higher or lower depending on body size, composition, and goals.
  • Aim for 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity a week. This can be spread out throughout the entire week if need be.
  • Limit saturated fats and trans fats.
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish and chicken, legumes and nuts, and stick with vegetable oils.
  • Eat less nutrient poor foods (processed, packaged, chemical laden)
  • Eat a variety of fish at least 2x a week.
  • Choose low sodium options and switch from table salt to pink salt.
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation. No more than 2 drinks per day as a man and 1 drink per day for women.
  • Live a tobacco free lifestyle. This includes vaping.
  • Avoid second hand smoke.
  • Reduce stress as much as you can.
  • Get regular checkups with your physician.
  • Control your blood pressure. Check it often and if it consistently comes in high, ask for help.

Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida wants you to be healthy. We are here for you no matter what level of heart health you are currently at. Call us at 813-975-2800 or visit us on the web at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM to learn more about our practice and our physician cardiologists.

We offer a huge array of services including Cardiology, Vein Treatment, and Nutritional Services.

07.01.20
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Could it Be Hypertension?

cardiology hypertension tampa florida tampa cardio

cardiology hypertension tampa florida tampa cardioEssential hypertension is the blanket term used when no root cause is found for high blood pressure.  As many as 95% of all high blood pressure falls into this category.

While essential hypertension is still a mystery to medical science, it has been associated with identifiable risk factors. High blood pressure seems to have a genetic component.  Hypertension is more prevalent in men than women. Race also seems to play a roll as well as the effected age group. In the USA, African Americans have been found to be twice as likely as Caucasians to develop HPB. That gap starts to narrow around 45. Past age 65, black women have the biggest incidence of reported high blood pressure.

Knowing the signs of high blood pressure can help you to catch it in its early stages before damage can occur:

While you can have high blood pressure and not know it often (which is why it is called the silent killer) it does sometimes present with symptoms you can identify if you know what you are looking for.

Nosebleeds

Headaches

Dizziness

Feeling shaky

It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. If your readings are high consistently it is time to see your doctor. High is considered anything over 120/80.

Diet is a great regulator and holds a strong influence on high blood pressure. Salt is the number one factor in foods. Those with high blood pressure tend to be sensitive to salt and even small amounts can raise the pressure level. Other linked conditions include being overweight, taking hormonal birth control pills, eating fatty foods with too much salt, smoking, excessive drinking, having diabetes, not getting enough movement or exercise in your daily life, and lacking in the minerals magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

While the source may not be able to be identified there are steps you can take to help get your blood pressure in check.

  1. Check your BP regularly, if it stays high for a period of more than a few weeks consult your physician as leaving hypertension unchecked can lead to damage of the cardiovascular system endangering your health and well-being.
  2. Reduce salt intake as well as fatty food.
  3. Get regular cardiovascular exercise. Movement, stretching, even walking daily help.
  4. Drinking enough water to stay well hydrated. Keep alcohol to a minimum if you must drink at all.
  5. Get tested for any mineral deficiencies and supplement as needed.
  6. If all of these suggestions are followed and still your blood pressure continues to be too high you may need pharmaceutical medication for high blood pressure in order to reduce it.

If you suspect you may be dealing with high blood pressure please give the office of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in Tampa Bay, Florida a call today at 813-975-2800 to schedule your consultation.

06.01.20
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Endocarditis – It Can Be Avoided

endocarditis-tampa-cardio-heart-infection

endocarditis-tampa-cardio-heart-infectionInfective Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, by way of bacteria or fungus. It often leads to the onset of symptoms such as fever, anemia, heart murmurs, petechiae, and embolic phenomena.

Endocarditis infections may seem like dental issues it can easily leeway into heart issues. Dental care is paramount in heart health. Should your gums become sensitive and bleed regularly when you brush or floss you are at a higher risk.
Alternate additional tools like using a dental water pick, swishing with warm salt water rinses, and flossing daily can help your gums to heal and even prevent this.

Infections are generally strep or staph. They are caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream through normal daily activity on top of an injury or tears in the mouth by way of brushing too hard dental work, or even dental disease. Those who use IV drugs illegally or even IV therapy medically are also at a raised risk.

Dental infections – Symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Abnormal heart sounds
  • Skin becoming paler than usual
  • Joint Pain
  • Nausea
  • Night Sweats
  • Muscle Pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Left upper abdomen feeling full
  • Weight Loss

Treatment: is done by way of antibiotic medications. It is important to see your doctor as soon as you suspect you may have an infection.

Heart problems: This bacteria which has entered the bloodstream can settle in the heart and heart valves. Those with heart conditions have a greater likely hood of developing it. IE specifically refers to an infection in the lining of the heart but also may affect the muscles and flaps.

It may present as:

Subacute (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months.

Acute — develops suddenly and may become life-threatening within days

When it comes to IE preventative is the best care. With that said, never hesitate to come to us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida if you feel like you need help with your heart. Always listen to your body.

We can be reached by dialing 813-975-2800. You may also learn more about us on our site at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

05.01.20
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Tips to Reverse and Help Prevent Heart Disease

heart-disease-tampa-cardio-tampa-florida

heart-disease-tampa-cardio-tampa-floridaReady to take the leap and commit to heart health? It isn’t as challenging as you think. Just follow these tips for ultimate heart health!

1.  Eat Your Vegetables!

We are what we eat. Eating a diet high in vegetables ensures we get all of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. This is in direct opposition to what eating has become here in America. Junk, Junk, Junk… processed foods have taken over and they are killing us.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 32% of our calories come from animal sources, 57% from processed plant foods, and only 11% from non-bleached grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  Plant-based food is essential to heal the body and protect your heart.

2. Quit Smoking

34.3 million people smoke as of 2019. Smoking can be devastating for your cardiovascular health. If you smoke, quit. Your heart will thank you.

3.  Maintain a Healthy Weight

BMI is a better indicator of a healthy size than just weight alone.  Recommended BMI as a goal should be 20-25. The more weight you carry the harder your organs and skeletal structure all have to work. Give your body a break and stay within range.

4.  Exercise

30 minutes of movement a day is the minimum. Go for a walk, stretch, do some yard work or work around the house, bike, swim, run, go to the gym, just get that blood flowing and muscles moving.

5.  Sleep like a baby

Seven to eight hours a night is ideal. Less and you may be cutting your life expectancy. Your body needs this time to rest, repair, and heal. That goes for your heart as well as the rest of you.

6.  Never ignore symptoms, signs, or heredity

If you notice an issue or are at high risk due to heredity, don’t wait. Get it checked out. The Tampa Cardiovascular Associates want you to know that with advanced blood work you can detect heart disease a decade before you have a heart attack.

  • Check your cholesterol and advanced cholesterol
  • Your three-month sugar numbers
  • Your A1C
  • Your inflammation
  • Your high sensitivity C-reactive protein
  • Your homocysteine level
  • Your lipoprotein A
  • Your vitamin D

7. Take a Suana often

Infrared saunas have been shown to improve the function of the cells that line the arteries.

The infrared light on the spectrum is the one that is able to penetrate our skin and activate our energy system.  Studies suggest that regular sauna sessions can help stabilize blood pressure.  An infrared sauna can help you and your heart stay healthy. Saunas also help your body rid itself of toxins through sweat much like exercise.

These have been our helpful self-care tips for keeping your heart healthy.

Visit www.tampacardio.com or call 813-975-2800 to schedule an appointment.