According to a NY Times article, for nearly a decade, the UConn soccer team has used heart rate monitors during their conditioning drills.  They use these monitors during footwork drills and handling drills, sprinting drills and long runs—they even use them during rest periods.  And by monitoring all facets of their conditioning program (including rest), the team and its trainers were able to gauge “workout intensity”, allowing UConn to create the optimal conditioning program for each player.

In a quote for the NY Times article, Mario Diaz, UConn’s trainer, states that he thinks they’re among the “top 5 percent of the fittest teams in the country,” and that in the 65^th or 70^th minute of each game the play, they simply “outrun and out endure” their competition.

And if UConn’s 17-3-2 record before the start of the 2011 N.C.A.A. tournament is any indication of the team’s level of fitness, there’s certainly not many teams fitter than this group.

But UConn isn’t the only one using heart rate monitoring conditioning.   The UConn coaches estimate that 10 to 30 percent of all N.C.A.A. soccer teams use similar heart monitoring devices to inform their conditioning program.   After all, not only do heart rate monitors help teams to get in the best shape, but they also help to prevent injuries—especially the type of soft-tissue damage that’s common with over training.

Adding a heart rate monitor to your regime, regardless of previously diagnosed conditions, could be a great way to increase your exercise capacity.  Use the heart rate monitor’s variety of tracking metrics (heart rate, calories burned, etc) to push yourself to further heights.   Remember, you don’t have to be an elite athlete or someone with a heart condition to start using one.   And before you purchase one, speak with a heart specialist, or contact our team.

Earlier this year the National Lung Cancer Institute (NCI) announced that scientists found a 20 percent reduction in deaths from lung cancer for smokers who underwent a computed tomography (CT) screening as opposed to a regular chest X-ray. Identifying lung cancer via CT scan at an early stage when tumors might be missed on standard X-rays is essential to increasing survival odds of a patient.

The NCI study was conducted over the course of ten years and involved more than 53,000 current or former heavy smokers, age 55 to 74. In order to participate, these individuals had to have reached a given smoking threshold which was the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes each day for 30 years with no existing symptoms of lung cancer.

The clinical trial, known as the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was aimed at randomly selecting participants who received either three CT screenings or a chest x-ray. The results from the clinical trial exposed the intense benefits of a CT screening over the more traditional capabilities of a chest X-ray.

In fact, CT scans were 3.5 times more likely to reveal abnormalities and potential tumors than just an X-ray. While a vast majority of abnormalities detected by both CT scans and X-rays turned out to be non-cancerous, the use of CT screening proved to be more effective at detecting potential threats and leading to additional tests.

“Up until NLST, we have not had strong evidence that CT screening would be beneficial in smokers,” said Dr. Steven S. Shayani, Medical Director of Long Island Heart Associates and Mount Sinai Outpatient Services for Long Island.

The study’s findings suggest that ultrafast CT scans, which have been useful in screening and diagnosing of coronary artery disease, could also be used to screen for lung cancer. If you are a smoker or would like to learn more about the early detection of lung cancer through the use of CT scans, schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists today.

Long Island Heart doctors are available for consultation and screening images at our centers through out Long Island and Queens.

In their younger years, women have a natural defense against heart disease in the form of estrogen, which prevents the buildup of bad cholesterol in your arteries. When women reach perimenopause and menopause, however, their bodies stop producing estrogen, making it easier for fat and cholesterol levels to increase and wreak havoc.

While women going through natural menopause experience a relatively slow and steady decrease in estrogen, those who experience rapid menopause onset due to a hysterectomy or other surgery have a sudden drop in estrogen levels. This sharp decrease puts women even more at risk for heart disease down the road.

There are also many other lifestyle factors that can increase a woman’s risk of heart disease. These include: smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake and excess body weight.

In recent years, there have been many studies looking at whether hormone therapy can possibly reduce the risk of heart disease in menopausal women. While initial studies suggested that hormone therapy was able to reduce risk across the board, more recent findings show that the therapy is most effective at maintaining heart health when hormone treatment begins soon after menopause symptoms begin.

However, hormone replacement therapy also comes along with its own set of risks and complications. Because of these potential drawbacks, women experiencing menopause symptoms are highly encouraged to meet with a cardiologist and review their personal medical history before beginning any long-term treatment.

If you are considering beginning hormone replacement therapy, here are five essential questions to ask your doctor:

• Are there other cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering drugs that could help me prevent heart disease?
• Does my family history indicate I am at a higher risk for heart disease?
• Will hormone therapy affect my risk of breast cancer?
• What lifestyle changes will I need to make?
• Do I need only estrogen supplements or a combination therapy?

Thallium stress tests, also known as nuclear stress tests, are performed by cardiologists to check for normal blood flow in the arteries leading to your heart. A heart attack occurs when build up in arteries leads to a complete blockage, preventing blood from reaching the heart. By finding blockages early on, cardiologists can reopen arterial passageways and help prevent future cardiac arrest.

This diagnostic test is called a “stress test” because it is designed to place an abnormal level of stress on your heart to see how it responds. Stress in thallium testing comes in the form of a treadmill which patients walk, jog or run on. Patients with mobility issues can also be tested on a stationary bike or by other means.

During the stress test, a doctor monitors the patient’s heart rate, increasing the treadmill speed and incline until a maximum heart rate has been reached and sustained for several minutes. The entire “stress” portion of the test usually lasts about 15 minutes.

Before and after the exercising, doctors may take images of your heart using a nuclear camera. Images produced by this special camera show the flow of blood in and around heart muscles, which can indicate an overall strength or weakness of the heart.

The test is known as a thallium test because thallium, an isotope that clings to heart muscles, is given to patients before doctors take pictures of their heart. The thallium is what actually allows doctors to see where any potential blockages may be occurring in the heart.

When a doctor asks you to schedule a stress test with thallium, they will also advise you on how to prepare for the test. Caffeine and certain medications cannot be taken 24 hours leading up to a stress test to ensure that the thallium stress test results best represent your heart’s actual condition.

Though it is a relatively simple procedure, thallium stress test results can help to diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and other disorders. Identifying these threats early is key in receiving preventative treatment before serious damage is caused.

If your doctor has recommended you receive thallium stress testing, contact one of our cardiologists to schedule an appointment today.

The symptoms of chest pain and discomfort can be indicative of many different ailments, ranging from fairly harmless heartburn to a full-blown heart attack. However, unless you happen to be a cardiology professional, it is unlikely that you will be able to diagnose the cause of chest pain on the spot. Because of this, it is essential that all symptoms, even seemingly insignificant ones, are taken seriously and treated immediately.

If you or a loved one have a known heart condition:

• Establish an emergency plan with a cardiologist that includes recommended medications (such as aspirin or nitroglycerin) to take while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
• If necessary, wear a medical ID bracelet so hospital doctors can quickly identify any known allergies or medical issues you may have.

What to do if you are having a heart attack:

• Immediately call 911. Tell the dispatcher that you are experiencing a heart attack and describe specific symptoms. Receiving treatment within one hour of initial symptoms is key to ensuring a full recovery.
• Do not drive. Remain where you are and wait for an ambulance to arrive. Getting in a car while experiencing symptoms of a heart attack can put yourself and others in greater danger should you pass out on the road.
• Chew one full-strength aspirin. If taken at the first sign of symptoms, aspirin can prevent further arterial blockage by inhibiting platelets in your bloodstream. Chewing or crushing one aspirin and taking it with water helps get the life-saving medicine into your blood faster than swallowing the tablet whole.

What to do if someone you are with is having a heart attack:

• Call 911 and stay with the person. Do not leave a person who is experiencing a heart attack. If they begin having new or worsened symptoms, you can relay this information to the 911 dispatcher who can update the emergency responders on their way to the scene.
• Insist that the person waits for an ambulance. Arriving at a hospital in an ambulance ensures direct access to caregivers, while driving someone to the Emergency Room general can lead to lines and paperwork before they receive help.
• If the person suddenly collapses, stops breathing or becomes unresponsive, begin giving CPR. A 911 dispatcher will be able to walk you through the basic steps needed to keep blood flowing until first responders arrive. Make sure you are always ready to give assistance in emergencies by becoming CPR certified through the American Heart Association.

The easiest way to maintain good health as you age is to follow a sensible diet and get plenty of exercise. However, even people with healthy lifestyles can fall prey to the symptoms of time. Turning 50 is the time to befriend your primary doctor and ensure that any and all health concerns are addressed as early as possible. See our list below for the procedures you should schedule to mark your big birthday year:

Men

Prostate exam: While these two words can turn even the most hardened man into a whimpering, whining heap, submitting to the exam can potentially detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. Different medical groups disagree about when exactly men should have their first prostate exam, but using the 50 year milestone as a general guideline is recommended unless your physician advises otherwise.

Women

Thyroid hormone test: Women are especially prone to having their hormones go haywire as they age. Starting at age 50, it is important to double-check that the thyroid is still producing hormones correctly. These hormones regulate everything from body temperature to your metabolism. Continue these tests every five years, or as recommended by your doctor.

Both

Diabetes screening: A simple blood test performed after ingesting something sugary is compared against a glucose tolerance test after you have fasted for several hours. This screening can detect Type 2 Diabetes or pre-diabetes. Diagnosing these conditions early is key to preventing the terrible outcomes of what has been called a “silent killer.”

Colonoscopy: Many people falsely assume that colonoscopies are reserved for only men, but doctors encourage men and women alike to start screening for colon cancer at age 50. People with a family history of colon cancer should begin screening even earlier, starting ten years before the age at which your family member was diagnosed.

Blood pressure: This quick test can be done as part of your regular physical exam or even in most pharmacy waiting areas. Keeping a close eye on blood pressure as you age can prevent a whole host of related issues that can affect your heart, brain, eyes and kidneys.

Cholesterol profile: Most people are safe having their cholesterol checked only once every five years, but those with a family history of heart attack or other risk factors should be screened more frequently.

“Most people feel that going for a stress test is enough, a more secure way to find out if you are at risk is the coronary artery CT scan,” said Dr. Steven Shayani, Medical Director of Long Island Heart Associates and Outpatients Services for Long Island for Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The CT Scan is a speedy test that takes a clear picture of your heart for the cardiologist to examine, and the results show the amount of calcium build up in your coronary arteries. These results can signify your level of risk for heart disease such as stroke or heart attack.

The study that proved the effectiveness of the coronary artery CT Scan was lead by Khurram Nasir, MD MPH, and was completed at Yale University. Their investigation confirmed the benefits of this test. Additionally, there is the Calcium Score test, which is a bit different; it shows the actual amount of calcium build up you have around your coronary artery instead of just the picture. The ideal score should be zero, and anything above zero indicates risk.

The doctors at Long Island Heart Associates frequently complete CT Scans and Calcium Score testing in order to investigate risk among patients, though sometimes one test will not show the overall picture.

“I feel my patients deserve to know their risk factors so we can work together to resolve and prevent,” said Dr. Shayani. “Many of the patients in the study did not have elevated cholesterol or elevated LDL (bad cholesterol). These patients frequently go untreated, without even knowing they are at risk.”

To schedule an appointment for a coronary artery CT Scan or to learn more about how to ensure long-term heart health, contact the LIHA location nearest you.

-Over 1 in 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease.
-In 2006, 33.9% of total death in New York were due to heart disease–that’s over 1 in 3!
-Heart disease, including stroke, is responsible for more deaths each year than murder, accidents and all forms of cancer combined.
-1 in every 3 people suffers from some form of cardiovascular disease
-Roughly 850,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack each year–and many don’t even know they’re at risk until it’s too late.

Concerned about heart disease? We can help!
Call us at (516) 858-2323

Why Don’t People Know They’re at Risk

The symptoms are hard to spot

Risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis can go undetected for years, only becoming noticeable once they’ve become quite severe.

People don’t visit their doctor enough

Whether it’s because they’re pressed for time, uncomfortable discussing their symptoms, worried about being judged, or simply afraid of the unknown, people find all sorts of reasons to avoid seeing a doctor.

It’s scary learning about health issues

It’s normal to feel afraid, overwhelmed or even hopeless when you believe you might be facing a serious health issue. But delaying your visit will only make matters worse. Early detection is key when it comes to treating heart disease—the earlier, the better.

Let Us Put Your Mind At Ease

The good news in all of this is that heart disease is both preventable and, to some extent, even reversible.

At Long Island Heart Associates, our caring staff will ensure that you’re comfortable, and our knowledgeable cardiologists will put together a comprehensive, individualized heart scan for you so that you can put your mind at ease. Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art testing equipment, so you can breathe easy knowing that you’ll be receiving the best possible cardiovascular care available.

It’s not too late. Call us today, and take charge of your heart health!

Call us today at (516) 858-2323 or
fill out our convenient web contact form.

What exactly is heart disease?

Believe it or not, “heart disease” isn’t actually one single disease. Rather, it is a blanket term for the myriad of diseases that can affect the heart, including the heart muscle itself, the valves of the heart, the blood vessel system, and the coronary arteries.  Common types of heart disease include congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease, although there are numerous others as well. Heart disease can cause or be caused by a variety of related health problems, such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Which heart disease risk factors can we not control?

Unfortunately, some heart disease risk factors are outside of our personal control.  Luckily, these factors are limited, and most can be counterbalanced by one’s lifestyle choices.

1. Family history. If someone in your family has suffered from heart disease, you are at an increased risk for heart disease yourself. However, it is unclear to what extent this is due to genetics and to what extent it is due to shared bad habits that have been learned from family members. Though family history does put you at an increased risk for heart disease, you can mitigate this risk by living a healthy lifestyle.
2. Age. As we age, the body (including the cardiovascular system), becomes more delicate. Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are more likely to have a heart attack than their younger counterparts. Additionally, after menopause, a woman’s risk for heart disease increases dramatically.
3. Gender. As it turns out, men are more likely to have heart problems than women are–and at younger ages. Even after women go through menopause (a time when heart disease spikes for women), the fatality rate from heart disease is still greater for males.

Which heart disease factors can we control?

Thankfully, we have the power to drastically reduce our risk for heart disease simply by making smart choices and healthy lifestyle adjustments.  Here are some risk factors for heart disease that we can control:

1. Lack of physical activity. It’s tough to get exercise when you’re stuck in front of a computer all day, but leading a sedentary lifestyle greatly increases your risk for coronary heart disease. Take some time each day to move around. Even small amounts of exercise each day, such as jumping jacks or a brisk walk, can reduce your risk for heart disease and will help keep your cardiovascular system strong.
2. Excessive alcohol use. While the occasional glass of wine may not pose a problem (and could, in fact, be beneficial to your health), excessive alcohol consumption such as regular binge drinking is known to negatively impact the cardiovascular system.  Drinking in excess raises blood pressure, which can lead to heart failure or a stroke.
3. Smoking. Smoking carries risks for not only the heart, but for many of the body’s vital organs. Smokers have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems. Just say no!
4. Too much stress. Too much stress is yet another major risk factor for heart disease. Although we may not be able to control what causes stress in our daily lives, we can learn to respond to these stressors with stress reduction techniques. If you notice yourself getting frustrated easily or quick to anger, try some deep breathing exercises or going for a walk.  You might even consider getting the occasional massage to calm your nerves.

While we can’t control everything that happens to us in life, we can still make smart choices which will enable us to maintain long and healthy lives. Eating healthy foods, managing stress effectively and getting some physical activity are surefire ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. If you’re not sure where to start, a cardiologist can help you figure out what steps you can take to take to reduce your risk.

Fortunately, the secrets of one of the world’s oldest diets are being revealed, and they don’t involve chemically processed fiber bars or a truckload of grapefruits. The Mediterranean diet, with its focus on whole grains and healthy fats is especially useful for people worried about their heart health as well as their waistlines.

“The Mediterranean Diet can help people reduce their blood pressure, balance their cholesterol levels, decrease waist size, and lower sugar rate,” said Dr. Steven Shayani, Medical Director of Long Island Heart Associates. “All of these factors contribute to a person’s overall health and effects the risk of heart disease and diabetes.”

Instead of completely demolishing the traditional food pyramid, the Mediterranean diet simply reorganizes a few things. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide the basis for daily meals while fish and seafood are incorporated several times a week. Poultry, eggs and dairy are eaten moderately, but red meat and sweets are recommended only a few times a month.

Unlike most other diets, which restrict all kinds of fat, the Mediterranean diet embraces mono- and polyunsaturated fats like those found in olive oil, beans, fish and nuts. Replacing butter and margarine with heart healthy olive or canola oils has been shown to improve overall cholesterol levels. Mediterranean people use a splash of olive oil in everything from pastas to vegetables, salads, fish and even pastries.

Instead of banishing all fatty foods, the Mediterranean diet encourages the consumption of healthy fats, which also cause the stomach to feel satisfied more quickly. Eating small meals throughout the day gives ample opportunity to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables as possible, while still enjoying staples such as pasta, bread and cereal (in whole-wheat forms). Nearly anything in fruit or veggie form is fair game in this diet, though Mediterraneans themselves favor tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, spinach, eggplant, white beans, lentil and chick peas.

The Mediterranean diet also places a premium on local fare, encouraging followers to eat produce at its peak of freshness. What is fresh and available in a Mediterranean climate might not be found in your area, meaning you should tailor eating habits around what farmers in your area are providing.

Beyond food, a glass of wine with dinner is considered perfectly acceptable in this diet. The antioxidant powers of red wine have also been found to benefit heart health when consumed in moderation.

While the principles of the Mediterranean diet have been scientifically proven to aid in weight loss and the prevention of heart disease, adopting an overall healthy lifestyle is the best way to ensure a strong heart. By combining Mediterranean eating habits with regular exercise and stress management programs (such as yoga or meditation) you can give your body its best chance for optimum health.