Tag Archives: tampa cardiovascular associates

04.03.19
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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.

03.04.19
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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.

02.05.19
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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.

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.

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.

08.13.18
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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.

08.10.18
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Heart Murmur

heart murmur tampa

heart murmur tampaWhat is a heart murmur? Common conditions can make your heart beat faster and that can lead to the onset of a heart murmur. They can happen if you become anemic or pregnant, have an overactive thyroid, a high fever, or high blood pressure.

A heart murmur could also be caused by an issue with a valve in the heart.

  • Mitral valve prolapse means that part of the valve actually balloons out and won’t close properly. This can cause a clicking type sound.
  • Aortic stenosis – if your valve narrows the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood to the rest of the body.
  • Aortic Sclerosis – scarring, stiffening, or thickening of the aortic valve. 1 in 3 of our elderly has this condition.
  • Regurgitation of the mitral or aortic valve – this means some of the blood flows back the wrong way and into your heart.
  • Congenital heart defects – this means you are born with the defect, it affects approximately 25,000 each year.

Most murmurs do not need or require treatment. They are not dangerous. But sometimes they are severe enough that it warrants medical intervention. They may require medicine, diuretics, or even in extreme cases, surgery to correct the problem.

What does a heart murmur feel like?

Usually, without the use of a stethoscope, you cannot detect a murmur. You may feel nothing at all. If you happen to have a bluish appearance on your lips or fingertips that is a tell-tale sign that often confuses people.

If you believe you may have a heart murmur its important to visit your cardiologist to get it checked out and make sure it’s innocuous. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please make an appointment to come see us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.  813-975-2800. or visit us online at www.tampacardio.com.

06.07.18
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Do You Really Need an Amputation?

amputation limb salvage center tampa, fl

Check with Tampa Cardiovascular Associates Limb Salvage Center first!

amputation limb salvage center tampa, fl
If you are a diabetic being told that you may face losing a limb in the near future it is a terrifying statement to hear. Breathe and step back for a moment before agreeing.

A second opinion is always advisable. Tampa Cardiovascular Associates Limb Salvage Center would love to have the chance to consult with you before you make a life-and-body-altering decision that cannot be reversed.

We are a full-service cardiovascular association and one of our areas of specialty is taking care of nonhealing or hard to heal wounds. Diabetic injuries are often some of the toughest to treat. Open wounds can lead to infection and sometimes amputation. Last year alone there were over 80,000 amputations in the United States. We want that number reduced greatly.

Our goal is to salvage and save your limbs, even reattaching when possible. Our team of vascular surgeons are among the best in the world. Highly skilled and trained with years of experience. We view amputation as a very last resort in order to save the patient. We have found that over the years we are Abel to help most patients to successfully avoid amputative surgeries.

Before you agree to a possibly unnecessary and expensive surgery that will forever change your life please give us a call at Tampa Cardio Associates and allow us, and yourself, the opportunity to assess the situation and see what can be done.

The physicians and employees at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are committed to providing our patients with the best available programs for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of artery and vein diseases. Our physicians maintain Board Certifications and are Affiliate Associate Professors in the USF College of Medicine, Department of Cardiology Our office labs are certified by ICAEL, ICANL, and ICAVL.

Guided by established rules laid out by the Wound Healing Society and the Society for Vascular Surgery we treat and manage wounds until they are healed. We resort to recommending amputation only if no other option is viable.

Give us a call at (813) 975-2800 or visit us online at www.tampacardio.com. You will be glad you did.

05.01.18
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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