Tag Archives: vein doctor tampa

05.02.19
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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.

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.

11.10.18
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Could Doing Yoga Benefit Your Vein Health?

yoga

yogaPeople seem to be turning to yoga classes to help with everything from stress to high blood pressure to even now varicose veins, but does it really work?

Yoga is a wonderful nonimpact exercise modality that virtually anyone can do at the beginner level. Even the more advanced poses have modifications for those just starting out. 

Can Yoga Benefit those with Varicose Veins?

Many with varicose veins do find a great deal of relief through some specific yoga poses. Doing yoga won’t heal your varicose veins nor can it prevent them but what it can do which is incredibly helpful is to alleviate the swelling and pain associated with vein conditions. 

Which Poses Have Been Shown To Help Vein Pain?

Mountain Pose

This pose is designed to help you relieve pressure in your legs, knees, and thighs. It is a standing position. Stand straight, arms at your sides, toes together. Neutral pelvis. Elongated chest and broaden collarbone area. Center your head and stand tall but soft.

Legs Up the Wall

This pose stimulates the lymphatic system and helps downgrade swelling. The legs up the wall pose positions you lying with your back flat on the floor walking your feet upwards straight in front of you until they’re at a 90-degree angle and flat on the wall. This position promotes healthy circulation.

Boat Pose

The boat yoga pose involves sitting on the floor with outstretched legs, focusing on the core area of the body. When you have a strong stable core it greatly lessens the pressure on your legs which in turn alleviates swelling and pain.

If you live with vein disease, doing yoga as a regular part of your exercise routine is a great addition to your exercise routine.  Should you find it isn’t enough and you would like to get your veins treated and dealt with on a more permanent basis medically we would be happy to help. Give Dr. Zuzga of The West Florida Vein Center a call today at (727) 712-3233 or visit online www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more. We have three convenient locations in the Tampa Bay Area.

08.06.18
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Facial Spider Veins

facial spider veins

facial spider veinsSpider veins are most often thought of as a leg only issue but broken capillaries (spider veins)can form nearly anywhere on a person’s body.

Spider veins are not easily treated. The damage they can cause is often not reversible. Spider veins will not fade with time.  The best course of action is to prevent them from ever forming.

AVOIDABLE CAUSES

Heavy Alcohol Intake

Heavy drinkers will often end up having visible facial spider veins. Overindulging on drinking over long periods of time can lend itself to high blood pressure. That dilates the veins throughout the body, most visibly in the face. Many years of alcohol use and abuse can cause this dilation to remain open permanently, damaging the fragile vascular network in the face.

While treatment for spider veins is available, most insurance policies are written to consider these techniques to be strictly cosmetic leaving you to pay out of pocket. Because of this, treating facial spider veins can be very expensive, and, because the complete removal of spider veins is nearly impossible, even after multiple treatments, patients are often disappointed with their results.

Trauma to the Face

Injury to the skin can cause the appearance of facial spider veins. The tiny capillaries in the face are so sensitive, that even scrubbing the face too hard during face washing can cause the capillaries to expand and break. That leads to the appearance of bruise-like spider veins which sometimes can mimic rosacea as well.

Unlike normal bruises other places on the body, these will not heal, at least not without medical treatment. Even washing your face with water that is too hot can have this result. It’s so important to be both gentle with your skin and protective of it as well.

Genetics & Age

Aging is inevitable and we have no control over a family with a history of genetic spider veins, but it’s important to be aware of how they may affect you as you, yourself get older. Chronic skin conditions are readily passed down. If your parents have them it is more likely that you may at some point in your life as well. The presence of such conditions will only become more visible as you age because your skin becomes thinner and more transparent over time. It’s important to know whether your family history makes you more prone to facial spider veins, as this knowledge can make you more careful in your day-to-day health.

Once you start to spot spider veins, the patient is more often than not left with irreversible damage that can affect both their comfort and their confidence. When it comes to spider veins, prevention is certainly key, and though some risk factors are unpreventable, make sure that you are taking steps today to preserve your vein health for tomorrow, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.

If you already have these veins present please come to see us. For minor beginning issues, we may be able to halt them in their tracks. Visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com or give us a call at (727) 712-3233. Offices in Safety Harbor, Florida serving the greater Tampa, Florida area.

01.08.18
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If My Mother Had Spider Veins, Will I?

spider veins

spider veinsWe are hearing an awful lot about genetics and health in the news these days. It may be causing you to wonder if your mother, aunt or grandmother had spider veins  – you are destined to get them as well?

Spider veins are often thought of as just a cosmetic problem. The truth is they are a very real health issue.  They can appear anywhere on the leg and even arms and tiny veins of the face.

While the direct answer is yes, heredity does predispose you to develop them there are a number of other factors that come in to play. Your genes alone won’t guarantee the onset of vein issues.

How Genes Play a Role

There does appear to be a hereditary link. If you do have spider veins in your family, you can take precautionary steps to prevent them before they start. This means that if your predecessors had significant spider veins, you are also more likely to have them. Weaker veins are the link and as a weak cellular structure, they are more likely to be damaged. 

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are tiny surface veins that have an excess of blood flowing through them resulting in enlarged vessels which eventually reach a breaking point and leak. That leakage then becomes visible. Spider veins can be singular or a conglomerate of veins forming the spider web type shape that they are named for.

Additional Factors That Come Into Play

Even if no one in your family has ever shown symptoms of venous insufficiency you can still develop spider veins.

-Weight – The greater the weight, the more pressure on your veins.

-Trauma – When struck directly, damage can occur leaving varicose and spider veins visible. 

-Hormones – menopause, and pregnancy often can cause fluctuations leaving visible vein damage. 

-Birth control pill use – creates hormonal fluctuations much like pregnancy and can have an effect.

-Age – spider veins are much more common over age 50.

-Lack of movement – Make sure you get regular exercise and stretch every couple of hours if working at a desk.

-Standing – standing long hours puts you at higher risk.

Prevention Tips

-Walk daily to keep your calf muscles and your veins in top shape

-Elevate your legs

-Maintain your weight

-If you sit or stand most of the day, take frequent breaks.

-Wear compression stockings to help the blood flow properly

If you do develop spider or varicose veins there are highly effective treatment options available.

Consult with your Vein Specialist at West Florida Vein Center www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call 727-712-3233 and schedule your appointment for a vein screening to get started.