Author Archives: dzadmin

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.

11.01.18
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Do You Live in Florida and are Mysteriously Sick?

Florida red tide organophosphate Roundup

Florida red tide organophosphate Roundup You May Have “Red Tide Sickness”

This isn’t the same old naturally occurring Red Tide.

This devastatingly oversized unrelenting bloom has co-mingled with blue-green algae and stayed around for close to a year now. The release from Lake Okeechobee has been feeding it and growing it spurred on by our lack of drop in temperature this fall. The Red Tide bloom has grown to nearly the size of the state of Connecticut.

What you need to know:


The toxins released have killed our wildlife and hurt many local businesses. It is affecting not only water quality but because it can become aerosolized and carried in the wind, has also altered our air quality. The toxins released from the Red Tide (Brevetoxin) and Blue Green Algae (Cyanotoxin and Myostine) have mixed with the organophosphates released from agricultural companies such as US Sugar (Glyphosate (Monsanto’s RoundUp) and other pesticides and herbicides as well).

These airborne particles are making humans as well as pets sick. Many people are visiting frustrated doctor after frustrated doctor who have so far been unable to diagnose the bizarre range of symptoms leaving their patients lacking hope and feeling terrible.

Symptoms you may be experiencing:

Headache pain, Lethargy, Exhaustion, Frequent feelings of a head cold or flu, Itching eyes, Itchy face, Fever, Runny Nose, Watering eye (usually only one side), Glassy eyes, Blurry Vision, Tinnitus (ringing ears), Sensitivity to light, Memory problems, Muscle twitches similar to restless leg syndrome, Excess saliva, Brain fog, Agitation, Digestion problems, Heart Palpitations, Anxiety, Confusion, and even Depression. 

According to WINK NEWS (see video below start playing at 28 seconds), FAU researchers state that 100% of people tested so far have come back positive for Cyanotoxin (blue-green algae microcystin exposure) which lowers your immune system. 

Many are choosing to take the Cholinesterase RBC and Plasma blood test for pesticide toxicity (organophosphates) as well and are also coming up positive. It is vital to note that those reading the results on this test know that according to the CDC the lab values marked as acceptable are incorrect. Toxicity can present at just 40% of the top acceptable level.

So far, though there are a urine and blood test in a lab study setting for animals, we have found no local labs offering a Brevetoxin (red tide) blood test for humans.

Listen to what Reporter Chris Grisby had to say about the situation right here in SW FL.
He was let go from Wink News shortly after this shockingly honest report.

Harmful Algae Toxins are Airborne and Could Cause Cancer

Doctors are warning people to stay away from toxic algae-infested water, because harmful toxins that could cause cancer are airborne.

Posted by Rick Scott Is Not For Florida on Thursday, September 27, 2018

If you are unexplainably ill in Southwest Florida we strongly urge you to give us a call and find out how you can do a neurotoxin cleanse to help heal your body from this exposure. Give the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. a call today at 239-332-2555 or visit www.drkasters.com. info@drkasters.com to send an email.

10.15.18
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Could Athletes Benefit from Wearing Compression Stockings?

compression-stockings

compression-stockingsMost of us would never have thought to group the words “Athlete” and “Compression stockings” into one sentence let alone suggest that they might be a good idea to wear during athletic activities. After all, aren’t compression stockings just for little old ladies?

As it turns out, not even close. Over the course of the last few years, top medical investigators have joined with world class athletes in the distance biking, triathlon, and marathon fields.

One of the toughest problems they all has to overcome was cramping. It is sometimes referred to as “hitting the wall” which is caused by lactic acid build up. This build-up takes place when the aerobic threshold reached and pushed past.

The findings prove that wearing graduated compression stockings can help. These graduated stockings have the highest compression starting at the ankles and get less tightly compressed as you move up past the knee.

How They Help

Wearing these stockings helps to prevent the pooling of blood in the muscles and affects the arterial flow to the muscles. The muscle in the arterial wall relaxes and this increases in the dimeter of the veins help with performance via higher cellular oxygen as well as faster recovery times.

Marathon Runners – A Study

A conjoined study including 19 marathon runners used running socks for three months during training as well as competition came to the following conclusions:

  1. Sixty percent of runners who suffered from muscle and tendon aches in the lower leg or experience pain in the ankle joint reported feeling relief from these aches as a result of wearing compression sport socks.

2. Forty seven percent of the group experienced an easier run over all and fifty three percent said the calf muscles were more relaxed.

The Real Question: Are They Comfortable?

The group report no significant issues as far as comfortability of stockings even out in the heat. Especially as they can be sprayed down with water during a run on a particularly hot day.

Are you an athlete? If so we are glad you stumbled on to this article. Help protect the health of your veins and circulatory system by considering proactively wearing compression stockings during workouts and competitions.

If you are in the Tampa Bay Florida area and need a Vein Specialist look no further. West Florida Vein Center has you covered. Give us a call to schedule today. 727-712-3233 or visit us online at www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

10.05.18
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How to Recognize the Warning Signs of a Blood Clot

blood clot

blood clotYour heart pumps the blood through your arteries and then returns it to the heart where the process starts again. Blood is constantly flowing throughout the body. When motion and current cease blood can become stagnant, resulting in the possibility of blood clots.

When the body is injured in a way that cuts or punctures, in order to stop the bleeding a blood clot can sometimes form. Usually with no ill effects. There are times, however, when they form in locations they’re not needed in. Because of this early detection is important though recognition of symptoms and signs.

Learn the warning signs

Swelling

Developing a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) also known as a blood clot in your arm or leg you could experience swelling. Risk factors for DVT include recent surgery, being stationary all of the time, or sitting on a plane at high elevation without movement for a long period of time.

Heart Palpitations

If you develop a clot in your lungs (a pulmonary embolism) it slows down your O2 rate. This causes your heart rate to speed up to make up the difference in the amount of O2 received.

Pain

Your entire body runs because of blood circulation. It requires it in order to move. A blood flow blocking clot can cause inflammation which leads to severe pain in the limb.

Color Changes

If you notice that an area in your body turns red or blueish, has a red streak, or becomes overly itchy, you may have a blood clot.

Breathing Problems

This can also be a sign of a lung based blood clot. You may have a deep cough or even cough up blood. Pain in the chest and dizziness Dizziness are also signs. Seek treatment immediately.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A kidney based clot can keep the kidneys from functioning properly and negatively influence the ability to process waste, removing it from your body. If left untreated it can cause kidney failure or higher than normal blood pressure.You may also notice you have a hard time breathing, leg swelling, blood in your urine or a fever.

Nausea or Vomiting

If a clot occurs in the veins that blocks the blood from your intestines, it can result in nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Never take a potential blood clot lightly.  If you believe you may have a clot please call your doctor immediately or head to the nearest ER.

Problems Seeing and Speaking

A brain based blood clot can cause feelings of weakness, vision issues, speech problems, and even lead to a stroke.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and looking for a great Vein Specialist or Cardiologist please consider Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Give us a call at (813) 975-2800 or visit online at www.tampacardio.com.

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.

10.01.18
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Is Osteoporosis Affecting Your Health?

Osteoporosis

OsteoporosisWhat is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes the bones in the body to weaken and become brittle over time increasing the risk of fracture and breaks.

Bone is a living mesh of tissue, not just calcium.

Collagen plays a big role in how sturdy bone is constructed. When collagen and calcium are lacking, the bone becomes weak. Bone consistency regenerates itself by building new cells and releasing old ones.

As you age, bone becomes more brittle.

In the USA low bone mass affects more than half the population 55 and up.1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women, ages 50 and older may at some point have a broken bone because of osteoporosis. 

Causes of bone weakening include Medication use, Adrenal Fatigue, metabolism imbalance, Vegan Diets, Copper deficiency,  Hyperparathyroidism, Eating Disorders,  Smoking, Excessive Alcohol use, family genetics, and a small bone frame.

How do you test for bone density?

The main reason someone would suspect Osteoporosis would be family history if they are not experiencing any symptoms. A bone density test may be given by your physician.

Physical Symptoms: Back pain (which can be caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra), a stooped forward lean in your formerly straight posture, loss of height as you get older, and even breaking a bone without a super hard fall or impact.

Drug companies produce several pharmaceuticals which have been formulated to increase the density of bone. The problem is that they all come with the potential risk for side effects. Thinking about bone health while you are still young is the best possible protective measure.

BE PROACTIVE!

Drop the Stress – Chronic stress can not only spoil your mood and mental health it can wreak havoc on your physical health. Be nice to yourself, rest, treat yourself occasionally, do what makes you feel joyful and relaxed.

Nutrition – Eat a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. Avoid refined sugar, white flours, and processed foods. The soil much of our food is grown in these days has been severely depleted of the minerals we need. So much so that supplementing may be necessary. The best way to determine what you are missing is with Nutritional Response Testing. Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3 and Strontium all have shown benefits to bone strength.

Lift – Strength training builds bone as well as muscle. Consult a personal trainer if you need a little direction to get started.

Use Essential Oils – Helichrysum and Cypress can be applied topically to areas can help with bone repair and healing if a break occurs or a weak spot is shown to exist.

Chiropractic Care – Keeping your bones in alignment on a regular basis helps the entire body function properly.

If you are in the Southwest Florida, Fort Myers area, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, or Lehigh, please visit www.drkasters.com or call the office at 239-332-2555. 

09.04.18
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Is it Just Vanity?

vein

veinIt’s a fact that as we age our bodies do change. wrinkles and creases may begin to appear, skin loosens, our hair may grey. But what about varicose and spider veins? Many may consider it as well a badge of ageing, but the truth is that spider veins and varicose veins are not simply normal effects of time. They are the result of venous insufficiency. Vein Disease.

Varicose and spider veins are not an aesthetic issue, they are the result of an underlying physical problem. When vein walls become weak in certain spots it can cause stretching, twisting and even pooling of blood while it is trying to travel both to and from the heart in the normal circulatory process. This not only causes unsightly purplish blue raised veins which can be embarrassing and make you want to cover them, they can also cause a whole host of physical discomfort issues.

The discomfort that comes from damaged veins can range from:

Aching

Swelling

Dermatitis

Discoloration

Itching legs

Clusters of small spider web looking veins (spider veins)

Twisted visible veins

Heavy Legs

The truth is you are not just being vain if you are considering treatment for varicose or spider veins. You are being proactive in protecting your own health.

Left untreated the above symptoms can and do progress to an advanced state where leg ulcers may form eating away the flesh making them very difficult to treat and heal or you may form blood clots known as DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis. Blood clots may cut off circulation to a foot, hand, leg or other body part leaving it susceptible to permanent damage and even amputation.

Blood clots can be incredibly dangerous. If the clot itself breaks free, it can travel intravenously and if it reaches the heart, lungs, or brain may cause heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke which can be fatal.

It is important to have all possible vein issues checked by a Vein Specialist. For a vein specialist referral, or for more information on vein disorders and treatments, visit http://www.westfloridaveincenter.com/contact/ or call the West Florida Vein Center by dialing 727-712-3233.

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.

09.04.18
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Varicose Vein Relief

sclerotherapy

sclerotherapyThere are several different treatment options for spider veins. The one that stands out is sclerotherapy because it has stood the test of time and remains a top picked favorite of Vein Specialists as well as satisfied patients.

Sclerotherapy – What is it?

Sclerotherapy is the use of an injected chemical solution directly into the damaged. These chemicals cause the vein to collapse and scar, sealing the blood’s pathway and forcing it to reroute to healthier veins.  The collapsed vein is then reabsorbed into the tissue and the old vein eventually fades.

Why choose sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy liked and used so much because it is minimally invasive. This procedure improves not only the visual appeal of your legs but also tag along symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning and leg cramps. Treated veins fade completely within a few weeks, although in some patients it may take up to two months to see the full results. For more extensive cases, multiple sclerotherapy treatments may be needed. Your doctor will let you know prior to any treatment being administered.

What to be aware of when choosing Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure. It is generally performed right in your doctor’s office. No anaesthesia is required and only takes from 15 minutes to an hour to complete depending on the extent of the damage.

During the procedure, patients lie on their back, legs slightly elevated. Pretreatment the area is swabbed with alcohol. To begin the doctor uses a fine needle and begins slowly to inject a safe chemical solution or foam into the vein. Some patients may experience a minor stinging sensation or slight cramps at the point of insertion. The injection irritates the vein lining, causing it to swell shut and block the flow of blood.

Once the needle is removed, the doctor will then apply compression bandages and massage the area to keep blood out of the injected vessel and disperse the solution. For larger veins, a compression pad may be taped onto the site to keep the area compressed while your doctor moves on to the next vein. The size and area will affect the number of injections needed in a treatment.

Insurance coverage

Depending on the patient Sclerotherapy may or may not be covered by insurance. Please check with your carrier before scheduling the procedure.

Will I need time off?

There is virtually no downtime with Sclerotherapy. You can stand and walk immediately, it is even recommended. Compression stockings should be worn for one to three weeks and though you should avoid sun exposure during that time, you may return otherwise to normal activities.

Interested?

Give West Florida Vein Center a call today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to start your screening.

09.04.18
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Fort Myers Auto Accidents – What to Do if You Have Been Injured

Auto accidents

Auto accidentsNo matter if you have totalled your vehicle or if you were just in a fender bender the severity of the accident doesn’t always determine if you have been injured.  You may have no visible broken bones, scrapes, cuts or even bruises, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t hurt.

Over half of people who are involved in auto accidents report some level of pain in their lower back when the crash is a rear impact crash. When side-impact crashes occur the number rises even higher to nearly 75%. Stiffness and neck pain are the next two chief complaints most reported. 

Alongside of back and neck pain auto accidents often leave you at first feeling ok. You can get up and walk away from the accident and feel mobile.  The reason is that your body releases dopamine and other naturally produced chemicals into your bloodstream in order to keep you going in emergency circumstances.

Once the initial shock has worn off you often begin to feel the effects of the impact. This usually occurs a good 24 hours later. You may begin to experience headaches or neck pain where it was not present before. It is vital to get them checked out as they could be a sign of neck, brain, or head injury.

Whiplash is the number one injury associated with car accidents. Whiplash can be serious and have lasting effects. Whiplash requires a proper medical diagnosis. Tingling and numbness in the arms and hands are also symptoms of whiplash.

Back pain could be a sign that ligaments or muscles have become misaligned or bruised. If the pain is sharp and severe you may also have pinched or damaged nerve.

In a rare few cases, personality changes or even the way you are able to physically function may be modified. These can include movement problems, memory issues, vision issues, depression, and mood changes. If these happen, you may have a brain injury and its important to be seen as soon as possible.

Thought you don’t hear much about it PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can also be also linked to major auto accidents. Flashbacks or nightmares may be experienced over and over again by drivers and or passengers. Those involved in major accidents may be very uncomfortable driving or riding in a car for some time after the accident.

In Florida, you have 13 days to seek treatment in order for it to be covered under your automobile’s PIP insurance (personal injury protection). If you have been in an accident give the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. a call at 239-332-2555. www.drkasters.com.