Tag Archives: tampa cardiovascular associates

04.09.18
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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.

02.08.18
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Avoid a Heart Attack with These Key Tips

heart

heartStress has a horribly negative effect on your body.

The physical manifestation may begin as anxiety but it can quickly lead to high blood pressure, heart palpitations and even chest pains. Any discomfort centered in the chest is disarming and can make you worry. Rightly so, but it is important to know how to distinguish a possible heart attack from acute stress or a panic attack. 

Prevention is the best medicine. 

  • Eliminate things and people that cause you stress. Avoid it as much as you can even if it means saying no to people or events you would normally agree too.
  • The heart is a muscle. WOrking out and getting cardiovascular exercise can help your body deal more easily with stress.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Check your cholesterol.
  • High Blood Pressure left unregulated can wear out the heart and valves. Monitor your blood pressure. If it’s consistently high, talk with your doctor.
  • Eat lots of grains and fruits
  • Get omega-3’s in daily
  • Avoid trans fats
  • Talk. Venting is healthy for your mind, soul, and body.
  • Too much sugar can damage arteries. Monitor your blood sugar levels.

If your chest feels weird – like it’s under pressure, aches, has pain, heart palpitations or other uncomfortable sensations or just sense that something may be wrong, never ignore it and just hope it will go away. Visit Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Worrying about your health and the unknown can also cause undue amounts of stress, when one visit and a checkup could very well put your fears to rest.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area we invite you to give us a call today 813-975-2800 or visit www.tampacardio.com. Our expert staff can help you get a clear picture of what is going on with your heart and your health and set you on the course to the best possible stress free mindset and healthy body possible.

01.02.18
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Chemoablation in Tampa Florida

chemoablation

chemoablationIf you are dealing with varicose veins you will want to see a qualified Vein Specialist for a proper diagnosis in order to know what your best options are for treatment.

When it has been determined that the traditional method of thermal ablation will not work for a patient, endogenous chemoablation becomes a consideration.

Sometimes referred to as ECA, Endovenous chemoablation is an outpatient procedure with no sedation required. How it works is that a chemical solution is injected into the damaged veins. That chemical destroys and breaks down the damaged veins allowing them to eventually reabsorb naturally into the body. The osmotic agent Hypertonic Saline has been used for decades to treat smaller varicose veins. It is now being used to treat larger veins as well.

The benefit of using chemoablation is that foam sclerosants give a visual mapped image allowing the doctor to stay the course easily with ultrasound guidance.

ECA is best utilized for veins that are inaccessible by laser or radiofrequency ablation.ECA is often the only option for patients who have formerly undergone vein stripping and still have areas where the vein is too gnarled and twisted to use heat ablation.

Let’s Talk Results

Treated veins begin to show fading within a few weeks though it may take a few months to see final results. Chemoablation can also improve related symptoms like aching, burning, cramping, swelling and more.

After Chemoablation

Get up, get active, and move. The more exercise you can do and the healthier you can eat – the better your results. Drink lots of water to keep your veins hydrated and the blood flow moving smoothly.

If you are interested in learning more we invite you to visit us online at www.tampacardio.com or call (813) 975-2800

12.08.17
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What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is an illness of the blood vessels and the heart itself.  Heart disease can present in many different forms.

Cardiovascular disease can consist of:

Heart Failure (Congestive heart failure) While this doesn’t mean the heart stops beating it is a scary phrase to hear from your doctor. It means that the blood isn’t able to pump as well as it should. The heart has to keep working harder and harder to meet the body’s blood and oxygen needs. It can get progressively worse if left untreated. 

Heart Valve Problems (Stenosis) – The heart valves don’t open and close enough to allow proper blood flow. This is particularly dangerous to the health of your heart and your overall wellbeing.

Arrhythmia – the Abnormal beating of the heart. It can beat too slowly, too fast or off rhythm. Arrhythmia can affect how efficiently the heart is able to work. It can cause palpitations and lead to stress and adrenal fatigue as well as other health problems such as anxiety.

Atherosclerosis -Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque develops and builds up inside of the artery walls. It makes the passageways more narrow and blood flow becomes constricted. It makes it far more difficult for your heart muscle to be productive and wears it down over time.

When your heart function fully or properly it can leave you feeling exhausted, weak, and often dealing with chest pains. If left untreated cardiovascular disease often leads to heart attacks and or strokes in patients.

If you are in or near the Tampa, Florida area we would love to work with you to get your health on track and you on your way to the best most productive healthy life you can live. Give Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call today at 813-975-2800 or visit us online at www.tampacardio.com.

10.03.17
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Coconut Oil – Healthy or Not?

coconut oil

There is so much hype online both ways as to the health benefits of coconut oil. Is it good for you? Is it bad for you? Honestly given the amount of debate its hard to know what to think.

Coconut oil is considered by many to be a “miracle oil” with a host of dietary benefits, and those who are pro coconut oil believe it boosts metabolism, improves digestion and immune health, supports hormone production and improves mental focus. Others say that the lauric acid content and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) it contains can help with weight loss.

What’s the verdict?

A science advisory was recently issued by The American Heart Association warning people not to ingest coconut oil due to its high levels of saturated fat. It warned that saturated fat from all sources raises LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels, which can contribute to the buildup and hardening of fatty plaque in arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.

It was noted that coconut oil holds 82% saturated fat; by comparison, canola oil contains only 7% saturated fat. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 11 grams of unsaturated fat, just 2 grams short of the heart association’s recommended daily limit.

The warning triggered a massive outcry online, with some challenging nutritional norms by insisting that cardiovascular disease is caused by inflammation and oxidized cholesterol from sugars, carbohydrates, and vegetable oils. Others claimed the recommendation was tied to pressure from pharmaceutical and agricultural corporations, as well as multi-national food businesses collectively known as “Big Food.”

While a majority of Americans believe coconut oil is a healthy food, medical experts agree that there’s simply no evidence of long-term health benefits associated coconut oil. In fact, it’s calorie-dense and holds more saturated fat than butter, beef tallow, and lard, according to one weight-loss expert.

When cooking with oils, it’s important to pick the healthiest option and consume fatty foods in moderation, as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise.

Tampa Cardiovascular Associates, with offices in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, is ready to help you make dietary and lifestyle changes to improve your cardiovascular health. For a free screening and consultation, visit our website or call 813-975-2800.

06.08.17
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Could a Nutritionist Boost Your Health?

Nutritionist

“I know what to eat, come on now… I’m an adult.” – We all think that. After all, we have been eating our whole lives and we are still here, right? Yes and No.

Eating to survive and eating to thrive are often to different animals altogether. 

There are endless boxes, bags, packages, colorful containers, fresh veggies and fruits, meats and more all in giant rows ready to grab in every grocery store. We have a lot of choice.

You can opt for the healthy salad for a side dish or the yummy onion rings. Making these decisions daily, you are bound to select the latter eventually even though you know the veggies are best for your health. Doing this every now and then is fine, but making fatty, high cholesterol foods the staple in your diet is not in your best interest.

While that example seems very simple, there is a lot to nutrition. Balancing out the right macros for your body’s needs is a scientific mathematical equation, and most of us have never learned the formulas.

A nutritionist can look at your overall health as well as any special needs and suggest a food plan that will assist you in staying your healthiest. They can spot nutritional deficiencies and point out any food sensitivities/allergies that may be causing you discomfort.

A whole health assessment is taken of the entire person and history, not just the foods being consumed. During your meeting with a Nutritionist, they review your past, evaluate your current condition, and then make suggestions on how you can reach your future health goals. If you aren’t reaching your weight or health goals… Go talk to a  Nutritionist.

Some healthy eating tips:

  • Mindful Eating: notice how your body feels while eating. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not overly-full.
  • Protein: every meal should have a protein. This will keep you feeling fuller longer and less likely to snack.
  • Ingredients over Numbers: if the ingredients in the food that you will be eating are not good for you, then it really does not matter how many calories it has.
  • Drink Water: Dehydration can make you choose unhealthy snacks and foods when, in reality, you are simply thirsty.
  • Cheats: That doughnut looks sooooo good…. Just because you are watching your food choices does not mean that you can’t indulge every now and then.
  • Use Apps: There are apps that can track your calories and eating patterns. Let them work for you.

Sometimes having help in making future choices is best, especially if your weight is affecting your health. The Nutritionists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are available for appointments. Call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an appointment online at TampaCardio.com.