Category Archives: Heart

04.03.19
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Do You Take Aspirin Daily? – You Need To Know This!

aspirin-no-longer-recommended

aspirin-no-longer-recommendedCardiologists and General Practitioners are no longer recommending an aspirin regimen for the majority of the public.

For years aspirin has been the standard recommended protocol for seniors. Millions age 70 and up in the USA take one aspirin per day routinely as it was previously touted as the go-to answer by the American Heart Association as the best preventative measure to help protect against potential stroke and heart attack.

In a recent study which included 20,000 patients, the outcome contradicted previous results. The recommendation of 1 aspirin a day is no longer used for anyone who is not already at an elevated risk. This risk group includes those who have already had a heart attack or stroke in their past.

If you have had either a heart attack or stroke, stents inserted, or a propensity towards blood clots – aspirin can still be a lifesaver. If that isn’t the case there are better options.

“It’s much more important to optimize lifestyle habits and control blood pressure and cholesterol as opposed to recommending aspirin.” Said Dr. Roger Blumenthal, the doctor who co-chaired the new guidelines.

Aspirin – The New Findings

Anyone who is already at a risk for bleeding – someone who is on blood thinners, has diabetes, ulcers, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal tract issues, or is on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or anticoagulants should not use aspirin at all. Not even just for a headache.

Aspirin – What is It?

It was discovered in1763 by Reverend Edmund Stone of Chipping-Norton, England. Aspirin is made from the chemical ingredient known as Salicylic acid made from the bark of the willow tree. 

A more natural approach 

Aspirin is used because it’s an analgesic.  An analgesic acts on the central nervous system to help alleviate pain. It is also an anti-inflammatory – when you can reduce inflammation, this also negates pain.

Salicylic acid, the same ingredient your aspirin tablets are made from, can be found right in your daily dietary intake. This is a list of foods that contain salicylic acid and can encourage your body to rely on a healthy natural alternative to aspirin in pill form.

Apples

Avocados

Blueberries

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cherries

Chili peppers

Cucumbers

Currants (including dried currants)

Dates

Eggplant

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Kiwi

Licorice (the herb, not the candy)

Meadowsweet (an herb)

Paprika

Peaches

Plums and prunes

Radishes

Raspberries

Spinach

Strawberries

Turmeric (the spice)

Willow Bark

Zucchini

If you are taking aspirin as a daily regimen preventatively consult your physician or cardiologist. Their recommendations very likely have changed thanks to modern research.

If you are in the Tampa Florida area visit www.tampacardio.com or call (813) 975-2800 to schedule a consultation.

03.04.19
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Getting to Know Your Physician. They Make It Easy at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates!

Tampa-Cardiovascular-associates-tampa-bay-florida (1)

When it comes to choosing a doctor it’s important you find someone you feel like you can talk with and relate to.

Your heart is the very core of your being. Keeping it healthy is vital. That is why Tampa Cardiovascular associates were formed.  Our physicians are committed to providing the very best treatments, care, and diagnoses possible for all vein and artery related diseases.

All of our physicians maintain up to date board certifications and are Affiliate Associate Professors in the USF College of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, and 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 in house 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.

You are in good hands with Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Our staff consists of:

Dr. Asad Sawar

M.D., F.A.C.C.

Dr. Asad Sawar

Dr. Sawar joined the team at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in 2009 and is currently a managing partner for 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 the 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.

Dr. Victor Feliz

M.D., F.A.C.C.

Dr. Victor Feliz

Dr. Victor Feliz was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Puerto Rico. He attended medical school at Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, New York. He completed a fellowship in Cardiology at the University of South Florida in Tampa after a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Feliz worked for several years at the VA medical centers in Tampa and Bay Pines. He is currently practicing at Florida Hospital-Tampa, Florida Hospital-Wesley Chapel and Tampa Community Hospital (former Town & Country). Dr. Feliz is Board Certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular disease, Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. He has professional memberships with The American College of Cardiology, The Tampa Bay Latin American Medical Society and Colegio de Médicos de PR. He has special interests in Cardiac Catheterizations, Pacemaker, Echocardiography, and Venous Ablation. Dr. Feliz is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

Dr. Vasco Marques

M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I, R.V.P.I

Dr. Vasco Marques

Dr. Vasco Marques went to medical school at Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. He did his rotating internship at Hospitals Civas de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. His cardiology fellowship was done at Hospital Universitario Pulido Valente, Lisbon, Portugal. He then came to the United States and did his residency in internal medicine at the State University of New York, Brooklyn. Following this, he performed his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh in cardiology and also his fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Connecticut Medical Center. He currently practices at Florida Hospital-Tampa, and Florida Hospital-Carrollwood. Dr. Marques is Board Certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine and is also board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. He has professional memberships with The American College of Cardiology, American Medical Association, American College of Phlebology, American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. He has keen interests in Cardiac Catheterizations, Interventional Cardiology, Thrombectomy (clot removal), Peripheral Vascular Disease, and Venous Ablation.

Whether you need a Vein Specialist or a Cardiology Specialist you have come to the right place. Our physicians would love to meet you and take a look at your case so that they can help you form the very best health plan possible. Make an appointment today www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

12.02.18
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How Salt Can Affect the Heart

sodium

Do you salt your food on a daily basis?

sodium

Many people salt their food before even tasting it. It’s a habit and a dangerous one at that.

While sodium is naturally occurring and we need in our bodies, when consumed to excess, it can be harmful. The majority of the salt consumed does not come directly from your at home shaker it is already hidden within the food we buy on a regular basis.

It is astounding how quickly the milligrams of salt add up when tracked on a normal day for the average American. The results are evident. Heart disease is one of the top causes of death in 2018.

How Salt Can Harm Your Health

Salt causes your body to hold on to fluid. This retention increases the blood volume flowing through your system making your entire cardiovascular system work harder than it should. Over time this increase can be dangerous leading to hypertension. It can cause pressure to build against your arterial walls leading to a weakening of the walls. From there it can progress to blood clot formation, organ and tissue damage, and plaque builds up. Blood pressure is known often as the silent killer because there are many times no visible signs until cardiovascular disease actually takes hold.

You Do Have A Choice!

As much as 80% of the salt American’s eat is found in prepackaged, processed, and restaurant-prepared foods. Choosing to eat at home helps tremendously.

Those with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and those over 50 who need to take extra notice of this intake. You can join tracking sites such as www.myfitnesspal.com which is not just for weight loss, you can track your caloric intake as well as your sodium, proteins, carbs and much more at the touch of a button. Once you know where you stand it is easier to get a good picture and how you can reduce your salt intake. The CDC recommends in the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines that Americans consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day as part of a healthy eating pattern.

If you are at risk of heart disease and in need of a cardiologist, call Tampa Cardiovascular Associates for a consultation. Call us today at 1-813-975-2800 or fill out a form online. We look forward to hearing from you! www.tampacardio.com.

11.05.18
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Life with a Pacemaker

pacemaker

pacemakerA pacemaker can save your life, but it is also sure to alter it as well.

Pacemakers have been designed to help your heart beat and control the rhythm, doing so in a way that is almost unnoticeable by the patient, it is important to remember that a pacemaker is still just an electronic device.

Pacemakers were designed to withstand the wear and tear that results from most normal activities.

This means that if you loved to exercise frequently or play sports before your pacemaker was inserted, you will most likely be able to continue normally, pending any specific recommendations from your physician. While strenuous activities are okay, including most contact sports, if you’re an avid hunter and use a rifle for hunting purposes you will need to rest the rifle on the shoulder that doesn’t have the device in order to avoid the full recoil of the rifle hitting the device. Also, any activity that involves significant repetitive shaking (e.g. using a jackhammer) you will need to avoid as well.

Be aware that having a pacemaker will require you to check in with your physician frequently, usually up to several times per year. Like any electronic device, pacemakers are subject to damage and susceptible to failure over time, so your physician will likely want to examine you about every 3 months to check for any issues. Your physician will also want to examine your heart and the further progression of your heart disease, in order to determine whether the pacemaker is still an effective and appropriate option for you. Because of the advancements in medical technology in recent years, depending on the type of pacemaker you have and if no in-person examination is required, your physician may be able to simply tap into your pacemaker’s functions remotely and check in on you periodically that way.

You’ll need to avoid exposure to any electronics that have strong magnetic fields, such as MRI machines. However, going through metal detectors at the airport or standing by electrical generators will not have any effect on the device. Also, small devices such as MP3 players and cell phones can be safely placed in your front shirt pocket directly over your heart without any concerns for disrupting the function of the device.

No pacemaker will last a lifetime. Depending on the activity level of the patient, as well as a variety of other external and internal factors, the average pacemaker will last 6 or 7 years, though they can last as few as 5 years and as many as 15 years.

How long a pacemaker lasts is generally dependent on the following factors:

  • The severity of the heart disease and the speed of its progression.
  • The overall age of the battery, as all pacemakers will grow weaker over time.
  • Whether the device has experienced any damage.
  • How much exposure the device has received to potentially disruptive electrical signals.

Part of the reason why it is so important to check in with your physician frequently is so that they can take note of exactly when your pacemaker’s battery begins to weaken or fail and replace it before any problems occur. Fortunately, the surgery involved in replacing a pacemaker generator or battery is much less involved than the original surgery to insert it, and patients typically recover, resume normal activities and are discharged from the hospital the same day.

Please check with your personal physician when determining the best lifestyle choices for you. If you are in the Tampa area and have any questions or concerns regarding pacemakers and ongoing care, schedule an appointment with the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates today by calling (813) 975-2800.

10.01.18
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How Diet Can Hurt or Heal Your Heart

heart healthy diet

heart healthy dietHow much thought do you really give to what you are feeding your body? Many of us don’t give all that much thought. We buy food based on the fact that we enjoy it.  The problem is that many of the foods we love the taste of do not contain the nutrients our bodies need in order to function.

While there is a lot of grey area as far as whats “good” and “bad” to eat for your body and for heart health in particular, we have broken it down to some of the most common “food bombs” that can contribute to bad heart health as well as several health-boosting foods which help the body build and heal itself when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Let’s dive in!

Foods that can be damaging to your heart health (there are many out there, we are highlighting some of the worst offenders)

Canned Fruits – Yes, surprise! Fruit made the list. Fresh is a different story, but canned peaches and other fruits contain more than double the sugar of a fresh peach.

Extra Butter Movie Popcorn – Ok, we all know this stuff isn’t health food but how bad could it really be? Well? Pretty bad! It contains 7 x more trans fats than the daily allowance.

Cinnabon cinnamon buns – Oh my are the every tasty. They, however, contain your entire day’s worth of fat…. so If you are going to indulge and eat one, track your macros!

Taco Bell Salad – Though it has the word “salad” which equates to healthy, it has a shocking amount of fat equal to 37 strips of bacon.

Lunchables – contain more sugar than a child should have in an entire day.

Biscuits & Gravy – A southern favorite here in Florida! But beware this dish contains more than 2/3rds of a days worth of sodium.

And the winning worst offender we found goes to the popular chain PF Chang’s. Their signature dish PF Chang’s Pan Fried Noodles (which admittedly are scrumptious) contains a whole day worth of calories for a large man, 1 and a half days worth of fat, and more than 3 days worth of sodium. Goodness!

Now that we have that behind us lets take a look at what would be far better to consume. Whats healthy and helps our bodies, minds, and hearts work at full capacity giving us lasting health.

Salmon, kidney beans, oatmeal, almonds, flax, broccoli, walnuts, carrots, tuna, asparagus, almond milk, dark chocolate (yes folks we said chocolate!), sweet potato, spinach, brown rice, blueberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and Xango juice!

These miracle foods help do everything from prevent hardening of the heart, to aiding in the prevention of irregular heartbeats, improve brain function and blood pressure, lowers blood sugar as well as cholesterol, and even break down carcinogens and free radicals.

There is no contest. Healthy is the way to go. Eat Clean, feel good.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and need more health advice in relation to the heart we would love to see you at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Visit us online at www.tampacardio.com or call any time (813) 975-2800.

09.04.18
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Heart Problems – Signs Not Readily Visible

heart problems

heart problemsMost people when they hear the words heart problem begin to think immediately of a heart attack.
They may imagine someone grasping at their chest and falling to the floor. The truth is that you can experience symptoms that would lead a cardiologist to look further into your state of health and not even realize it yourself that it could potentially be a heart-related issue.

Warning signs

#1Dizziness – could be caused by a heart rhythm abnormality or even a heart attack. Make note of it and if it keeps happening, get it checked out. This could signify a drop in blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the brain and should be taken seriously.

#2 Memory Loss – If you feel more forgetful than usual and even family or friends begin to notice it could be a symptom. Restricting the blood flow to the brain can cause injury to brain cells resulting in memory loss.

#3 Pain – Not in the chest – jaw, neck, arms, elbows and even shoulder pain can point to a heart problem. This is known as referred pain. It is caused when the nerves in the directly pained area get overwhelmed and cannot handle any more.

#4 Sweating with no exertion can be a sign of heart disease. If your antiperspirant won’t work, it could be a sign. Heart issues cause an over stimulated nervous system and can kick in your fight or flight response. This can make you sweat even if you are not doing anything strenuous.

#5 Edema – do your shoes suddenly feel tighter than usual or are visibly swollen? This may also be accompanied by suddenly gaining weight for seemingly no reason. Fluid will build up in your extremities when the blood isn’t being pumped properly.

#6 Erectile Dysfunction – it can be a clear sign that his cardiovascular health needs a checkup. – Narrowing of the blood vessels may first present here. This may occur before any other symptom.

#7 No Energy to Work Out – you feel less energetic and more lethargic making it difficult to hit the gym and stay in shape. – When your heart isn’t in shape it is far less effective at oxygenating your blood and physical activity becomes much more difficult.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is best to stay on the safe side and get checked out by your physician as soon as possible.  Though many of these symptoms can be explained in other ways it is always best to err on the side of proactive prevention.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please give us a call today at 813-975-2800 or visit online at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. With three convenient locations, we are pleased to serve the greater Tampa, Florida area.

08.13.18
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Broken Heart Syndrome – Can it Really Happen?

Broken Heart Syndrome Tampa Cardio

Broken Heart Syndrome Tampa CardioAny of us who have experienced the death of a loved one who was very close to us know that the grief felt is very real and palpable. But can you really die from a broken heart?

Many of us have heard stories of couples who have been married for 40 or 50 years being so overwrought with grief upon their spouses’ death that they die soon after of a broken heart. This type of physical manifestation of emotion is what is known as broken heart syndrome. The question is, is it an old wives tale or medical possibility?

Broken heart syndrome is a medically recognized condition which can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Onset is usually within a few hours of experiencing a trauma, emotionally.

What does broken heart syndrome feel like?

It is a very odd sensation. It literally feels like your heart is breaking. The heart muscle itself feels weak, you may have palpitations you are unable to control no matter how much you breathe slowly and deeply trying to relax, you may experience sharp pains, tightness in the chest and even fainting. It is a scary and disarming feeling.

While this all may feel like and seem like a heart attack – there are subtle differences which can be distinguished through medical tests.

Blood Tests – will show no signs of heart damage.

EKG – The results will not look the same as they would for someone having an actual heart attack so this is a great way to tell the difference.

Recovery Time – is much quicker – generally a few days to a week whereas a heart attack can take well over a month to fully feel better again.

Is Broken Heart Syndrome Dangerous?

It can be life-threatening in some cases. It can lead to heart issues that are more serious such as heart failure, rhythm issues (beating slower or faster than usual), and even heart valve issues. Simply put stress is bad for your heart, and massive traumatic stress can do physical damage. With proper and prompt medical care those with broken heart syndrome can make a full recovery.

It is important any time you have severe chest pain not to try and self-diagnose. It is very difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate heart attack and Broken Heart Syndrome. If you experience chest pain please go to your local ER as soon as possible.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and looking for a cardiologist we would love to talk with you. Give us a call at 813-975-2800 or visit www.tampacardio.com.

08.10.18
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Heart Murmur

heart murmur tampa

heart murmur tampaWhat is a heart murmur? Common conditions can make your heart beat faster and that can lead to the onset of a heart murmur. They can happen if you become anemic or pregnant, have an overactive thyroid, a high fever, or high blood pressure.

A heart murmur could also be caused by an issue with a valve in the heart.

  • Mitral valve prolapse means that part of the valve actually balloons out and won’t close properly. This can cause a clicking type sound.
  • Aortic stenosis – if your valve narrows the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood to the rest of the body.
  • Aortic Sclerosis – scarring, stiffening, or thickening of the aortic valve. 1 in 3 of our elderly has this condition.
  • Regurgitation of the mitral or aortic valve – this means some of the blood flows back the wrong way and into your heart.
  • Congenital heart defects – this means you are born with the defect, it affects approximately 25,000 each year.

Most murmurs do not need or require treatment. They are not dangerous. But sometimes they are severe enough that it warrants medical intervention. They may require medicine, diuretics, or even in extreme cases, surgery to correct the problem.

What does a heart murmur feel like?

Usually, without the use of a stethoscope, you cannot detect a murmur. You may feel nothing at all. If you happen to have a bluish appearance on your lips or fingertips that is a tell-tale sign that often confuses people.

If you believe you may have a heart murmur its important to visit your cardiologist to get it checked out and make sure it’s innocuous. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please make an appointment to come see us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.  813-975-2800. or visit us online at www.tampacardio.com.

08.01.18
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Today’s Focus – Keeping Your Heart Healthy

heart health tampa cardio

heart health tampa cardioIn today’s day and age here in 2018, many of us lead a very sedentary lifestyle. Additionally adding to the stress on our bodies we, as Americans, are prone to a diet that lacks basic nutrition of processed or fast foods. We are a nation on the go and our bodies are paying the price. This is evident by the fact that heart disease remains one of the foremost reasons for death in the country.

We hope to help change this one patient and one reader at a time by arming you with the knowledge that will empower you to feel and be your very best at all ages.

Let’s take a look at some simple things you can implement in your daily life that can make your heart healthier and stronger.

  1. Diet changes – Up your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy natural fats, and legumes. Cut out hydrogenated fats, saturated fats, table salt, and processed or boxed foods. Fresh is always best.
  2. Watch the cholesterol (bad fats) intake. It can have a dramatic effect. It is much better controlled with diet than with medication after the fact.
  3. Eat regularly. Small meals 3-5 times a day is easier on the body than long stretches where nothing is consumed.
  4. If you are going to use salt use Pink Himalayan salt, with moderation.
  5. Hydrate. Drink water on a regular basis throughout the day.
  6. Stay Active – Cardiovascular exercise combined with weight training can keep your heart pumping and strengthen it over time.
  7. Reduce stress – who are you accepting all of that stress for anyway? If something or someone in your life is stressing you out to the point you feel it on a physical level… work to change the situation or remove yourself. It is a danger to your health.
  8. Alcohol, if you choose to drink, keep it to a minimum. Alcohol is not healthy for your heart.
  9. Quit smoking. Even if you smoked for years, quitting will help you tremendously. Your body can recover in most cases.

Here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in Tampa, Florida, we care about the health of our patients and that of the general public. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area we would love to see you in our office if you are in need of a heart specialist. Give us a call to schedule today (813) 975-2800 or find us online at www.tampacardio.com.

05.01.18
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Natural Help for High Blood Pressure

high-blood-pressure

high-blood-pressureBlood pressure defined

Blood pressure is the measure of pressure created by your heart beating, forcing the blood into your arteries and throughout your body. There are two numbers in the reading. The top number is known as systolic – it defines the maximum pressure inside your arteries as your heart beats. The bottom number known as diastolic is the amount of pressure inside the arteries between beats.

If you take your blood pressure and its over the recommended 120/80 it is important to pay attention and start tracking it. Heart disease doesn’t set in overnight. It takes time and can creep up on you till suddenly you are ill and dont even know what happened.

What’s “high” vs. Whats considered normal blood pressure

120/80 mm Hg. is ideal.

140/98 mm Hg signals possible Hypertension (high blood pressure)when the measurement is sustained for at least 2 consecutive readings.   Elevated blood pressure can present a problem because puts adds additional pressure to your entire cardiovascular system including your heart which must then work even harder to move the blood around your body. A continued reading at or above that level means you have hypertension.

What causes high blood pressure?

So far no exact cause has been pinpointed in high pressure for the majority of patients. This is known as primary high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension can come from the use of birth control pills, excessive alcohol intake, or even renal or thyroid disease. 

Other Factors That Can Come Into Play

  • Age
  • Level of physical activity (too sedentary of a lifestyle)
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Heredity
  • High Salt Intake
  • Drinking alcohol excessively
  • Get your thyroid blood levels checked

I have high blood pressure – what do I do?

There are several natural things that can help for you to try before resorting to pharmaceutical blood pressure medications which, while they may bring your numbers down to normal levels and be beneficial for your cardiovascular health have the high-risk potential for a wide range of very dangerous side effects which can affect your health physically and emotionally.

Natural Alternatives to Help Lower Blood Pressure

If you know you have high blood pressure and would like to consider some alternatives outside of medication we would love the opportunity to work with you to get your health to where it should be so you can live the best life possible.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

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