Anxiety and Heart Disease – Is There a Connection?

anxiety

anxiety

Anxiety attacks and heart attacks are often misdiagnosed by the person having them. They feel very similar and are both terrifying.

If you have experienced an anxiety attack you know that it is based in your heart center. You feel it in your chest often in the form of butterflies and even heart palpitations. You may even have an elevated heart rate level during times of raised anxiety and trouble breathing normally.

Anxiety is not healthy, especially on an ongoing basis. Stress can make you physically sick as well as emotionally. When chronic, anxiety can increase your risk for heart issues.

While normal types and amounts of stress are healthy and motivating, being anxious now and then is normal. If it becomes chronic that it may pose a negative threat to your wellbeing.

40 Million people in the USA experience anxiety yearly. 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.

Confusing Anxiety for 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.

The best advice is never to ignore chest pain of unknown source. 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.

Elevate Your Health By Cutting Out The Sugar

sugar-tampa-cardio

sugar-tampa-cardioNot much was known about the dangers of sugars to the body until recent years.

The dangerous effects of a loaded sugar diet are becoming more widely known, however, many are still unaware. They still view candy, soda, cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweets all just like food. While there is other nutritional value to it, that sugar included adds up quickly.

“Sugar is bad”. We all keep hearing it but rarely do you get the explanation behind the statement. Let’s look into it and see why it’s been deemed “bad”.

Your dental health is likely to suffer


Sugar loves your teeth, but it’s a one-way relationship. Sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria found there. Over time, teeth can decay and rot as a result.

You overwork your liver

Sugar is just plain bad for your liver. Excess sugar consumption has a similar effect on the liver as drinking mass amounts of alcohol. This is because of the high fructose content in sugar, which turns into fat, and after becoming lodged in the liver, it can often develop into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Type II Diabetes, coming up!

High amounts of sugar in your diet can result in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can result in an excess of glucose in the blood which is toxic. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the worst of which is type II diabetes.

Cancer connection
Sugar feeds cancer cells. Numerous studies have shown that there is a connection between sugar in excess and cancer. Once again relating to insulin – sugar creates elevated insulin levels, creating an environment where the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells, thus, potentially leading to cancer.

It becomes an addiction

Sugar attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain that result from doing heavy drugs and is equally addictive. It may be hard for people to practice moderation when it comes to junk food. Quitting cold turkey can actually lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s best to ease it out of your diet if you are a big sugar fan.

Sugar contributes to obesity. If you eat a lot of sugar, you will have a higher tendency to become overweight. Fat gained from sugar consumption attaches around your gut, earning itself the nickname “sugar belly.”

Contributes to Heart Disease

That’s right. Consuming sugar excessively over time can lead directly to heart disease.
Heart disease is the #1 killer worldwide, and recent studies show that a diet high in sugar could be a major contributing factor.

My cause other issues

Sugar can raise your blood glucose and insulin levels

Sugar leads to obesity

Sugar can make you depressed.

Sugar contributes greatly to your overall mental health

Sugar can bring on anxiety
Sugar has even been related to memory issues especially later in life.

For further guidance please make an appointment with the onsite nutritionist available at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800. Not only are our physicians dedicated to keeping your heart health at its best, but we’ll do anything we can to help you improve your everyday quality of life through important lifestyle choices. www.tampacardio.com.

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

aspirin-no-longer-recommended

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

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

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

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

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

Aspirin – The New Findings

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

Aspirin – What is It?

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

A more natural approach 

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

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

Apples

Avocados

Blueberries

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cherries

Chili peppers

Cucumbers

Currants (including dried currants)

Dates

Eggplant

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Kiwi

Licorice (the herb, not the candy)

Meadowsweet (an herb)

Paprika

Peaches

Plums and prunes

Radishes

Raspberries

Spinach

Strawberries

Turmeric (the spice)

Willow Bark

Zucchini

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

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

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

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

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

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

All of our physicians maintain up to date board certifications and are Affiliate Associate Professors in the USF College of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, and Our office labs are certified by ICAEL, ICANL, and ICAVL.

Our advanced in-office testing includes a Phillips iE33 which allows us to perform 3D echocardiograms along with strain and speckle tracking. We also perform in house stress echocardiograms, nuclear stress testing (using a GVI nuclear stress machine which allows the patient the comfort of sitting up during testing), exercise stress testing, micro T wave alternans, electrocardiograms, Holter monitoring, event monitoring, tilt table testing, 24 hour blood pressure monitoring, and pacemaker/ICD checks.

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

Dr. Asad Sawar

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

Dr. Asad Sawar

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

Following a residency in Cardiology at the University of South Florida, Dr. Sawar completed a Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Yale University.  He holds 3 Board Certifications in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases, and in Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).   Dr. Sawar is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University Of South Florida School Of Medicine. He has a keen interest in structured heart disease and is a senior member of the TAVR team which also performs MitraClip procedures. Dr. Sawar also performs Peripheral intervention, Vein intervention, Watchman procedure, Pacemaker Implant, Defibrillator Implant and performs complex angioplasty procedures of the heart.

Dr. Victor Feliz

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

Dr. Victor Feliz

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

Dr. Vasco Marques

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

Dr. Vasco Marques

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

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

Compression Therapy for Veins

Tampa cardiovascular associates, cardiovascular, cardiologist, dr sawar, Tampa cardiologists, felize, Cardiologist near me, dr cruz Tampa, Tampa cardiology, Tampa cardiologist, tampa heart and vascular associates, sad sawar, dr Elizabeth healy, cardiology Tampa, cardiologist in Tampa, cardiologist Wesley chapel, vein doctor tampa, vein specialist tampa, veins tampa, tampa vein clinic, tampa vein center

Tampa cardiovascular associates, cardiovascular, cardiologist, dr sawar, Tampa cardiologists, felize, Cardiologist near me, dr cruz Tampa, Tampa cardiology, Tampa cardiologist, tampa heart and vascular associates, sad sawar, dr Elizabeth healy, cardiology Tampa, cardiologist in Tampa, cardiologist Wesley chapel, vein doctor tampa, vein specialist tampa, veins tampa, tampa vein clinic, tampa vein centerVaricose veins can be an uncomfortable nuisance. Living with venous insufficiency or varicose veins you often experience a decrease in your normally active lifestyle due to pain. These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms that make your legs the new unwanted focus.

Symptoms may include but are not limited to:

  • Visible veins that become dark reddish purple-blue in color and they can become raised or twisted
  • Redness
  • Swelling (edema)
  • Legs may ache
  • Legs may feel heavy
  • Legs may become painful
  • Itching
  • Ulcers may develop
  • Restless Leg Syndrome

Home recommendations: One of the most commonly used home remedies that have been shown to decrease the severity of symptoms is the use of compression.

How it works:

Compression assists the body by reinforcing the vein walls. This is very helpful with veins that are weakened or damaged wall. Proper pressure can be achieved by utilizing compression bandages as a wrap, compression socks (which only cover the bottom half of the leg) or compression hose which will encompass the entire length of the leg.

Compression wear such as hosiery has been shown to help improve blood flow as well as reduce swelling. They may also help reduce the formation of blood clots. Compression garments should only be worn while you are up and mobile, usually in 8 hour time periods. Be very careful lounging around in them or laying down at night as too much compression can actually be harmful as it may cut off circulation further.

Compression hose and socks should fit snuggly but comfortably. They are made in a variety of compressions from mild to tight. The higher the number, the firmer the fit. If you feel like you are starting to lose circulation remove them. 

At Tampa Cardiovascular Associates Vein Clinic they often recommend patients try compression as an at home addition to other treatments offered.

Want to learn more? They would love to talk with you and see how they can help benefit your vein health. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area give them a call at (813) 975-2800 or visitwww.tampacardio.com online to learn more about the practice and their physicians.

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.

Broken Heart Syndrome – Can it Really Happen?

Broken Heart Syndrome Tampa Cardio

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

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

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

What does broken heart syndrome feel like?

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

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

Blood Tests – will show no signs of heart damage.

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

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

Is Broken Heart Syndrome Dangerous?

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

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

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

Today’s Focus – Keeping Your Heart Healthy

heart health tampa cardio

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

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

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

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

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

Could it be May Thurner Syndrome?

may thurner syndrome

may thurner syndromeAre you experiencing symptoms?

Lower left leg edema and pain are the two classic symptoms. It is primarily seen in younger women twenty to forty following pregnancy or immobilization. May Thurner Syndrome is chronic. Because of this patients also tend to present pigmentation changes, varicose veins, chronic leg pain, phlebitis and skin ulcers.

It can be described in three stages:

1 – Asymptomatic iliac vein compression

2 – Development of a venous spur

3 – Development of the left iliac vein DVT

What is May Thurner?

Compression Syndrome (also called May Thurner Syndrome or Crockett Syndrome) is an affliction that is fairly rare. It consists of an anatomical variant where the left iliac artery is compressed by the right iliac artery.

May Thurner Syndrome is known by several names – iliocaval compression syndrome, Cockett syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome. This affliction is an anatomical variant where the right lilac artery compressed the left iliac vein against the fifth lumbar vertebra.  Because of this deformity, it causes left side vein compression leading to deep vein thrombosis in the left iliofemoral.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is not always straightforward. Radiological evidence of compression combined with symptoms presented is key. Doppler ultrasound can detect a deep vein thrombosis in the iliac vessels. CT and magnetic imaging may also be used. Seeing a vein specialist is vital if you suspect you may have a vein issue including May Thurner Syndrome.

Is it treatable?

Yes. Treatment clears the thrombus to print post-thrombotic syndrome and to correct the initial compression of the left iliac vein. Several different surgical procedures may be used.

If left untreated a significant number of patients will develop post-thrombotic syndrome which can be debilitating.

Management of May-Thurner syndrome has evolved over the years.  Endovascular therapy has become the primary treatment. With early recognition and aggressive treatment, May-Thurner syndrome is a manageable disease.

If you live in the Tampa bay area and feel you may have vein issues please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form.

www.tampacardio.com

AFIB – Not just for older people

AFIB

AFIBWhen we are younger we feel immortal, like nothing can touch us and we will live forever. Our health is generally good.  The thing is, health conditions like Afib (atrial fibrillation) can strike at just about any age.

What is Afib?

Atrial Fibrillation, is a condition many of us remain blissfully unaware of. It is sometimes referred to for short as Afib. It is an irregular heartbeat. Afib is the most common type of arrhythmia. Even if you are young and in good health, you can still present with Afib due to stress.

Other risk factors may include certain medications, heavy alcohol consumption, or training as an endurance athlete, or structural heart defects.

When no risk factors exist,  a sleep study may be conducted as sleep apnea can be a causing culprit. The fact is that with Afib, the cause isn’t always discovered. Even with an unknown cause, unlike most things in life, there is still a possible solution. Having an ablation procedure done which knocks out the part of the heart which keeps having the episodes.

The term Lone Afib has been used for more than half a century and is used to describe an atrial fibrillation of unknown origin.

Long-term and untreated Afib wears out your heart and entire cardiovascular system. This puts you at a higher risk of stroke. In many people, it will also cause chest pain, heart attack or even heart failure. If you have signs of Atrial Fibrillation it’s important to see your doctor right away

Symptoms can include:

Rapid Heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Heart palpitations

Exhaustion without exertion

Exhaustion during workouts

Irregular heartbeat

Confusion

Dizziness

Doctors diagnose atrial fibrillation using family and individual medical history as well as a physical exam, and an electrocardiogram. Treatments can include select medicines and procedures designed to restore normal rhythm.

Heart issues are among the most disturbing to deal with after all your heart is the core of your being. If you feel the above symptoms and they do not subside with rest, relaxation, or attempts to de-stress it is important to seek medical advice.

If you live in the Tampa Bay area and are looking for a great cardiology team, please call us at 813-975-2800. Patient comfort and care are a priority here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. We look forward to talking with you. www.tampacardio.com.