Tag Archives: Dr. Victor Feliz

04.02.21
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High Blood Pressure – How High Is Too High?

hypertension-high-blood-pressure-tampa-cardio

hypertension-high-blood-pressure-tampa-cardioHypertension has long been known as the silent killer.

It earned this nickname because you can have elevated blood pressure for quiet some time and not have any idea about it. A constantly elevated pressure in your circulatory system leads to weakening of the blood vessels, arteries, and the heart muscle itself. It puts you at risk for heart disease and early death.

You cannot tell visually if someone has high blood pressure and many with high numbers feel just fine. It is important, especially as we age, to check our blood pressure regularly.

A normal healthy range for your blood pressure is right around 120/80 or slightly lower. Once you get above 120 to about 129/80 it is considered elevated and should be watched. Stage 1 hypertension ranges from 130-139/80-89 and stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher/90 or higher. 180/120 or higher is considered a hypertensive crisis and you should call your doctor or go to the ER immediately as you are in the risk range for both heart attack and stroke.

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION SYMPTOMS: If you are in the hypertensive crisis range and you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision issues call 911 immediately.

The risks of leaving high blood pressure untreated can include heart disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.

If you have your blood pressure checked and it is high for the first time, just keep an eye on it. We all have stressful off days or have a day where we drank an espresso or an energy drink, and some experience what is known as “white coat syndrome” where their blood pressure goes up just being in a doctor’s office due to nerves.

If your readings are continually high you will want to talk with your doctor about possible lifestyle and diet changes. If those don’t prove to be enough there are many medications that can easily help control your pressure and give your body a much-needed break.

Talk with us. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. The doctors at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are here to help you. 813-975-2800.

01.03.21
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High Blood Pressure: Dangers of Leaving High Readings Unregulated

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A high blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office now and then isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. Some days our pressure may just be higher than others. It can be due to stress, physical exertion, nervousness at a doctor visit (white coat syndrome), or even if you drink a latte on the morning of your visit.

One single reading does not mean you have ongoing high blood pressure. If your readings keep coming up high that is when you need to pay attention and speak with your physician about possible ways to combat it and get your readings back to a normal healthy level.

Hypertension may not sound like a big deal, but when left untreated what it does is this: Think about blowing up a balloon too much or overinflating your tires. That excess air stretches the rubber thinner than it should be making it weak. Over time if you over inflate too much, what happens? They may pop. The same holds true for your vein and artery walls. These small tubes run throughout your entire body and elevated pressure can affect any part of the body where your veins carry blood.

Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure) can cause weakening of your circulatory system. It can ultimately lead to heart attack, heart failure, sexual dysfunction, kidney disease, vision problems including loss, and even stroke.

These are serious medical issues that can threaten your health, wellbeing, and even take your life.

The best protection you have is knowledge. Know your numbers. Get checked regularly. If they remain too high talk with your doctor. There are some lifestyle changes you can make that can help to get them down.

Lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure include:

  1. exercise regularly
  2. Manage your weight
  3. Stop smoking
  4. Reduce sodium intake
  5. Drop the alcohol
  6. Eat more potassium containing foods (nuts and seeds, beans, oily fish, milk, yogurt, fruits, berries, vegetables).
  7. Reduce stress
  8. Cut back on caffeine
  9. Eat dark chocolate
  10. Get rid of the refined sugar and carbs

If these changes are enough to lower your numbers? Wonderful!
If not your doctor will help you find the proper blood pressure medicine to get you back on track.

Give the doctors at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call today at 813-975-2800 or visit online to learn more at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

06.01.20
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Vein Disease – More Than a Surface Issue

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varicose-veins-tampa-flVaricose and spider veins are unsightly and sometimes embarrassing. It’s easy to consider them just a visual issue and dismiss them. The problem is that they are a medial issue that can become worse over time. The time to stop them is now.

Varicose veins don’t simply appear because you have hit a certain age. They are being cased by something physical going wrong. Varicose veins are damaged veins.

The underlying physical cause is important because without knowing the cause it is difficult to alter behaviors or lifestyle which can potentially help quell the uprising. Things like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol in excess, standing or sitting for very long periods of time, excess stress on the legs due to non circulation of being seated for long flights or road trips, and bad fatty chemical-laden diets can all come into play.

Vein disease may also be genetic and hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had vein issues you are at a raised risk level yourself.

Many people mistakenly believe that spider veins and varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue and from that thought, also conclude that treatment would be cosmetic in nature and therefore not covered by their medical health insurance. The truth of the matter is that it is a medical condition called Venous Insufficiency ie. Vein disease. It isn’t just cosmetic and over time it can morph from just visual into aching, painful, itchy legs that range from annoying to debilitating.

The best time to halt vein problems in their tracks is as soon as they start. Talk with your insurance company and go see your local Vein Specialist for a consultation and diagnosis so you can see what exactly you are dealing with and what your options are. Most vein issues the treatment is covered by your insurance leaving you with only a copay for the office visit.

If you are in the Tampa Bay/Safety Harbor, Florida area we would love to meet with you. Dr. Mark Zuzga is one of the top leading experts in vein care here in Florida and can get your legs back to the best state of health possible in a short amount of time.

Give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web to learn more about our services and practice by going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

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.

04.03.20
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Anxiety and Heart Disease

chest pain anxiety heart disease tampa cardio

chest pain anxiety heart disease tampa cardioAnxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the USA. 

Anxiety can make your body feel like you are having a heart attack. Chest based feelings of butterflies to sharp pains are not uncommon. 

Anxiety is not healthy in the short term but long term it can cause you to become ill emotionally and physically. Chronic anxiety can raise your risk for heart issues.

While small amounts of stress are healthy and even motivating, feeling worried or anxious now and then is normal. It’s when it becomes chronic that it may pose a negative threat to your wellbeing.

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by at least 6 months of excessive worrying or feeling anxious about unrelated events. Approximately 5% of adults meet the criteria for this disorder. The incidence is higher, coming in at 11% among those with coronary artery disease and 13% of those with heart failure.

It has not been established whether anxiety sets off heart disease or vice versa. It is known that chronic anxiety can change the way the body reacts to stress. This happens via hormones and physiological reactions meant to keep us safe – known as the flight or fight response.

If your fight or flight response is constantly engaged it can lead to heart issues as well as adrenal burn out which may, in turn, cause other endocrine system issues.

Anxiety can present the same symptoms as a heart attack

A panic attack is so very similar in feel to a heart attack people often mistake them. Upon a trip to the ER, you will receive a diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain. As many as 1 in 3 people will experience this in their lifetime.

What can you do?

The best answer medical professionals have found so far is a combination of medication and talk therapy. A cognitive-behavioral therapist will help you identify unwanted thoughts and establish what is anxiety-based and what is something that genuinely needs to be looked at and considered.

Medications work as a temporary bandaid to allow you to get through tough anxiety-filled times while working through the root cause with a therapist or on your own using tools such as automatic writing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation healing based activities.

Never ignore chest pain. It is far better to be safe than sorry. If you are in the Tampa Florida area and looking for a cardiologist we invite you to check out the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

03.10.20
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PCS – Pelvic Congestion Syndrome – Diagnosis and Treatment

Pelvic-Congestion-Syndrome-Tampa-Cardio

Pelvic-Congestion-Syndrome-Tampa-CardioPelvic Congestion Syndrome is a chronic medical condition that affects nearly 1/3 of all women at some point during their lifetime.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in the pelvic region. When this happens, the veins in your pelvis can enlarge and change shape, like varicose veins. This type of damage causes veins to become varicose. Blockages create backflows of blood because the veins do not close properly anymore. The result is pressure build-up and bulging veins. When this happens in the region of the pelvis varicose veins can affect the uterus, vulva, and ovaries causing great pain and distress.

 It can be diagnosed when it is nonrelated to the menstrual cycle and lasts 6 months or longer (the time frame for a condition to be considered chronic). This condition is aggravated by standing for long periods of time.

How to Diagnose PCS

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome may occur in a wide range of ages for women between 20 and 50 years of age. Additional symptoms can include abnormal menstrual bleeding, irritable bladder, vaginal discharge and even visible varicose veins present on the thighs, vulva or buttocks. These areas are often overlooked and do not show up on imaging. Because of this, it is often tough to diagnose. Make sure you do a thorough at-home mirror check of your entire body and report any abnormalities to your doctor.

If pelvic pain worsens later in the day or when standing yet you can’t seem to get a proper diagnosis to come into Tampa Cardiovascular Associates we are able to work in conjunction with your gynecologist.

The Treatment

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. The blood supply to the veins is blocked by the use of coils and embolic agents. An 80% pain reduction has been reported by those who have undergone this procedure.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is treated using minimally invasive, non-surgical, trans-catheter techniques. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm which veins are affected. If varices are found on venography, they are embolized with small coils or other FDA approved chemical agents.

The Recovery

The first of two visits is an overnight admission to the hospital. The purpose is for managed pain care during the first 24 hours. The patient is then discharged and can recover at home using oral pain medication for the relief of discomfort. Any pain experienced is most significant during the first three days after either procedure.

The second is an outpatient appointment. Most patients see great improvement. It is important to note that in some cases other pelvic veins are also affected and may require further treatment in the future.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain that seems outside the scope of normal monthly reproductive cycle issues, please give us a call at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates at 813-975-2800. www.TampaCardio.com

02.02.20
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Reasons to Make an Appointment With a Cardiologist in Tampa, Florida

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You may never have considered visiting a Cardiologist. The very thought scares some people. The idea that there may possibly be something ‘wrong’ with your heart isn’t pleasant.

The fact is if there happens to be something going on with your heart it is by far better to find out and treat it as soon as possible in order to get the very best outcome. We would also like to note that some visits do end with a diagnosis of ‘nothing at all wrong with your heart’. There are several medical issues that can mimic heart problems.

Most patients don’t jump directly to visiting a Cardiologist. Consultations are mostly recommended by a patient’s primary care doctor as a result of either heightened risk factors for cardiovascular disease or symptoms that indicate it may already be an issue.

The number one killer in the world is heart disease. It affects 80 million people. Physicians are well aware of the stakes in early detection.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

  • Major risk factors include:
  • Genetics – Immediate family members affected and diagnosed already.
  • Heightened blood pressure readings.
  • Raised cholesterol levels.

These may prompt your primary doctor to refer you to a cardiologist.

A genetic history of heart disease may be the catalyst for an evaluation or for low-level tests to check heart function. Depending on the results, you may continue to be monitored by your primary care physician or be given a clean bill of health.

Symptoms causing patients to seek cardiology care may include:

  • Arrhythmias (Rhythm disturbances) can include palpitations or missed heartbeats.
  • Angina (chest pain or discomfort)- This often indicates narrowed arteries.
  • Inability to catch your breath. This may indicate congestive heart failure or valve issues.
  • A cardiac event, such as a heart attack.

If you are in need of an excellent cardiology team in Tampa, Florida we invite you to take a look at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. This world-renowned team of physicians can handle any form of cardiac issue. We would love the opportunity to review your medical history with you, do a physical exam, and help get you on the right track to your best cardiac health possible.

Give us a call at 813-975-2800 or visit us online bygone to www.tampacardio.com. We are located conveniently at 3010 E. 138th Avenue, Suite 12 in Tampa, Florida 33613.

12.21.19
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The Effect of Sugar Addiction on Your Heart

Tampa Cardio sugar-and-your-heart-health

Tampa Cardio sugar-and-your-heart-healthSugar hits the pleasure center of the brain in the same way that hard drugs do. This makes refined sugar extremely addictive and very hazardous to your health. Moderation is key and elimination even better.

Until recent years not all that much study had been done on sugar. It was a well-known household dietary staple. The harmful effects of a diet high in sugar are becoming more publicly known, many are still unaware.

The fact is, your sugar intake could very well be harming your health now and into the future. Let’s take a look at how sugar affects the body.

  1. Sugar can compound depression. Though little known or recognized sugar has an effect on mental and cognitive function. It may offer one explanation as to why you feel drained in a short time after eating something sugary. It has also been scientifically linked to anxiety and memory lapses later in life.
  2. Sugar begets heart disease. Heart disease is still the top cause of death worldwide. Recent studies show that a high sugar diet could be a major contributing factor. Elevated levels of fructose can raise your insulin and blood glucose, as well as lead to obesity.
  3. Sugar causes dental issues. The obvious statement of the bunch,  sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria. Over time, teeth can decay as a result causing cavities.
  4. Sugar adds weight. If you eat a lot of sugar, you are going to have a higher risk of being overweight.
  5. Sugar is bad for your liver. Excessive sugar consumption will have a similar effect on the liver as if you were an alcoholic. This is because sugar, which turns into fat, becomes lodged in the liver. That can develop into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  6. Cancer cells feed on sugar. Numerous studies have shown that there is a connection between sugar consumption and cancer. Sugar consumption creates elevated insulin levels so the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells potentially leading to cancer or feeding already existing cancerous cells.
  7. Sugar can spur type II diabetes. Excess sugar can result in insulin resistance, which in turn can result in a highly toxic excess of glucose in the blood. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the worst of which is type II diabetes.
  8. Sugar is addictive. Sugar attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain that result from doing street drugs and opiates. It is equally as addictive. It may be hard for people to practice moderation when it comes to junk food, and when trying to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

For further guidance that you can trust, make an appointment with the onsite nutritionist available at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800.

Our physicians dedicated to keeping your heart health at its best. We’ll do anything we can to help you improve your everyday quality of life through important lifestyle choices. Visit www.tampacardio.com to learn more about our practice.

10.12.19
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Varicose and Spider Veins – What’s the Difference?

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varicose-veins-spider-veins-tampa-cardioPeople often incorrectly use the terms “spider veins” and “varicose veins” interchangeably, and it’s important to understand that these are two very different conditions.

While one is a simple cosmetic problem, that while causing embarrassment and discomfort poses no real medical threat, the other can not only be very painful but also present physical signs of some very serious underlying conditions. Understanding the difference between these venous disorders can make all the difference in what kind of treatment a patient seeks, and whether they find it necessary to seek treatment at all.

 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves within veins weaken, and a portion of the blood that is meant to be pumped back to the heart instead leaks back into the vein and collects, causing the veins to enlarge and bulge past the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can appear red, blue, or flesh-colored, are twisted or ropey in appearance, and can be found throughout the body, though most commonly in the legs where the force of gravity is greatest. Varicose veins are a condition in themselves that can be quite painful and uncomfortable, often causing aching, swelling, itching, burning, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. If ignored, varicose veins can result in skin ulcers that sometimes bleed and are very hard to heal. In the most extreme cases, varicose veins can lead to a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is present when a blood clot forms in a deeper vein. If one of these blood clots breaks off and travels to the lungs, the results can potentially be fatal.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused by a back up of blood in the veins and appear very close to the surface of the skin in sunburst or spider web patterns, hence their name. Spider veins are typically quite small, but can appear in a variety of locations on the body, most commonly on the legs but also on the arms and even on the face. These red or blue veins can be brought about by hormone changes, injury, or sun exposure, and treatments are available to remove them if the patient so desires. Fortunately, while spider veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, they are typically not causing alarm and only present a cosmetic problem for the patient.

If a condition or ailment appearing on your body concerns you, it is always wise to seek the advice of a medical professional.

While most spider veins are harmless and not all varicose veins lead to more serious conditions, only a medical professional can decide whether your personal condition calls for further action. Treatments for both spider veins and varicose veins are readily available, and because varicose veins are considered a health condition, their treatment or removal is covered by most insurance policies, making their treatment affordable as well.

If you are in any way concerned about the health of your veins, please visit the Vein Center at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates to speak with a certified vein specialist. www.tampacardio.com (813) 975-2800. 

09.10.19
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Varicose Veins – Think You Know the Facts?

veins-tampa-florida-tampa-cardio-vein-center

veins-tampa-florida-tampa-cardio-vein-centerOur circulatory system is an amazing mechanism. Veins run throughout our entire body. They feed blood to every organ and cellular tissue. When veins sustain damage from trauma or vein disease – venous insufficiency they begin stages of venous insufficiency. 

Damage to valves along with pooling blood is the cause of varicose veins. Though varicose veins are sometimes thought of as a cosmetic issue the effects can be medical as well. Varicose and damaged veins can lead to leg pain, swelling, ulceration, itching, aching, and even death of areas of flesh due to decreased circulation.

Even if you know the basics, we thought we would share some interesting vein facts that you might not know:

  • Veins are more defined during strenuous exercise. This is due to increased arterial pressure. Blood that would normally be resting in capillaries during a work out is now forced into the surrounding muscle. This is what is known as a “pump”.
  • One of the very first drawings of vein disease was on a tablet dating back to the 4th century in Greece.  The carving shows a man gripping a disembodied leg with a big bulging vein on it.
  • The human body can form new pathways and vessels if one becomes blocked! The process is called angiogenesis. This is the way that your body heals if you get a cut or scrape. Your body will compensate for the lack of blood flow in any way that it can. It is best though to seek medical attention if you notice that you have problems with varicose veins. The sooner you seek treatment, the better, less invasive, less expensive, and better the prognosis will be.
  • Strong veins are essential – your heart depends on your veins for nourishment, as does every other organ. If your veins are too weak to get the blood where it goes it can cause pooling, discoloration, and even wounds that are very tough to heal.
  • Pre 17th Century doctors believed there were two blood systems – one where the liver was the organ pumping the blood and another which carried air from the lungs and blood to tissue. It wasn’t viewed as circulating but more of an ebb and flow. It was not until 1682 that Dr. Wiliam Harvey first correctly outlined what our circulatory system actually does and how it works.

You may not be obsessed with anatomy history and facts the way that we are, but we do hope you found this interesting!

If you are looking for a cardiologist or Vein Specialist in the Tampa, Florida area we invite you to visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM or give us a call to set a consultation by calling 813-975-2800.