Tag Archives: tampa cardio

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. 

04.20.22
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Have Heart Disease? Steer Clear of These Foods

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tampa cardiovascular associates tampa floridaWhat we choose to feed our bodies is important. It is the fuel we run on. It is the building block for new cells to be created. It is what gives us energy, and vitality, and enables us to keep going year after year.

If you have heart disease diet is even more important. Let’s take a look at the top four foods to avoid giving your heart and cardiovascular system the best chance at good health.

Processed and refined grains
Whole grains are good for you. Refined grains are not. Processing removed much of the original nutrition. Worse yet, they add fat, sodium, and sugar, all of which can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.

AVOID:

  • instant oatmeal
  • white bread
  • white rice
  • Processed breakfast cereals

Refined and Processed Sugars:
Sugar has a negative effect on the heart. It provides the body with “empty calories” that crowd out the benefits from the healthier foods you consume at the same time, essentially canceling them out. Eating high amounts of refined sugar can raise your blood pressure and triglyceride levels and can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes.

AVOID:

  • Soda
  • Frozen foods
  • candy and sweets
  • Canned foods

Saturated and Trans Fats
Unsaturated fats are good for you (coconut oil, avocados, macadamia nut oil, peanut butter, etc.) While trans-fat is arguably more harmful than saturated fat, they both can do harm to the body by raising “bad” cholesterol and lowering “good” cholesterol.

AVOID:

  • deep-fried foods
  • pie crust
  • margarine
  • microwave popcorn

Sodium
Our kidneys are capable of processing a limited amount of salt. Excess sodium can increase blood pressure in the arteries. It can bring on high blood pressure and put you at an elevated risk for heart attack and stroke as well as kidney failure.

AVOID:

  • processed meats
  • fast food
  • packaged snack foods
  • chemical-laden salad dressings

Tampa Cardiology Associates offers nutritional services as well as cardiology and vein health help. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM 813-975-2800. Visit our site to learn more or give us a call to schedule your appointment.

01.01.22
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Hypertension – A Side Effect of the Covid Pandemic

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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

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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

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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

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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.

07.03.21
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Fainting Spells – The Real Cause

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fainting heart problems tampa cardioWatching someone have a fainting spell can be alarming.  They look a little pale, slightly off, and often their eyes will roll back in their heads just before going limp.

While fainting has been portrayed in movies as a sign of stress or someone who is over dramatic, the truth is that it can be a signal that something is medically wrong. Fainting spells are referred to as “syncope,” and the blackout period can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

During this time a person loses consciousness after a brief feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. When a spell occurs, it is due to your brain is not receiving enough oxygen or blood flow. There are dozens of reasons as to why this might happen.

The severity of a fainting spell can vary. Most most will regain consciousness within a few short minutes. The majority of fainting spells do not require medical attention and are the result of situational trauma such as extreme fear or emotional disturbances, or even severe quick onset pain.

Passing out can even be triggered by something as simple as standing up too fast, coughing too hard, standing in one position for an extended period of time, or straining excessively during a bowel movement. Some medications can even bring on a fainting spell, especially those that result in a sudden blood pressure drop.

Fainting spells can be classified into three categories

  • Vasovagal – This type of fainting occurs when a person is afraid or experiences emotional trauma or stress.
  • Situational – This type of fainting occurs from physical strain, such as coughing or extreme pain.
  • Carotid Sinus – This type of fainting occurs when the carotid artery in the neck is constricted in some way.

While most causes of a fainting spell are no cause for alarm, there are a few, however, that should definitely raise some red flags and lead you to seek medical attention, whether immediate or otherwise. This is because in some cases, fainting can be the sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, and may be an indication that there are blockages in your heart or that you have an irregular heartbeat, also referred to as a heart arrhythmia. If you have fainted more than once within a one-month period, or if you have a history of frequent fainting spells, then a trip to your physician is definitely recommended, at the very least to rule out anything serious.

If fainting is found to be related to a heart arrhythmia, then a serious underlying condition may be present. While most arrhythmias are harmless, there are some that can predispose a person to some very serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure. Fortunately, most arrhythmias can be effectively treated, and there are a number of tests available to help with a proper diagnosis. While fainting spells are one of the more obvious signs that an arrhythmia may be present, patients should also take special note if they are experiencing heart palpitations as well, though many patients will experience no symptoms at all. A proper diagnosis is always the first step in addressing any possible arrhythmia. It is a good idea to get checked out after a fainting episode, especially if you hit your head or banged another body part to make sure no damage was done.

If you have been experiencing fainting spells that you think may be heart health related, and you would like to get to the root of your problem so that you may address it properly, contact the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

 

06.02.21
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Heart Disease and HIV Patients

HIV Aids heart disease tampa cardio

HIV Aids heart disease tampa cardioPatients are living longer as HIV treatments progress. They are also living high-quality lives.  Modern medicine has miraculously transformed a tragic terminal illness into a manageable condition that can be lived with and kept in check for years and even decades allowing for a longer fuller life.

The only downfall of this extension is that a connection seems to be forming between HIV patients with longer lives and the development of cardiovascular issues including heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

This partly stems from ramped up easily available testing and earlier treatment options. Because of this, those with HIV are not developing into full-blown AIDS. This lowers the incidences of AIDS-related complications. It does correlate though to the early onset as well as higher relative risks for chronic diseases among HIV patients.

The risk of stroke and heart disease among those HIV positive was partly linked to an antiretroviral therapy used to help suppress infections. It has been noted that those who were on these antiretroviral continually showed a lower risk than their intermittent counterparts.

Researchers believe that the elevated heart disease risk may be directly related to chronic inflammation caused by having an autoimmune issue. Chronic inflammation is linked to the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

No matter if you are HIV positive, Negative, or Don’t know your status, cardiovascular conditioning is at the very center of our health.  If you are HIV positive or have developed the more advanced Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome it is important to check in with your cardiologist on a regular basis as recommended.

There is a current large-scale trial going on right now. It is called REPRIEVE and is being funded by the National Institutes of Health. It examines whether statins can help prevent cardiovascular disease in those living with HIV.

When the results are published, we will pass them on to our readers here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. Give us a call at the office to schedule your consultation. 813-975-2800.

 

04.02.21
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High Blood Pressure – How High Is Too High?

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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.