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NJ Cardiovascular Institute Blog View all posts

4 Lifestyle Habits That Can Lead to Heart Disease
Heart disease is extremely common — but did you know it’s largely preventable? Your lifestyle plays a major role in your heart health, and certain habits can increase (or decrease) your risk. Learn four common habits that could lead to heart disease.
Sep 1st, 2023

Varicose Veins: Can They Signal Something More Serious?
Varicose veins are a common cosmetic concern — but those enlarged, twisted veins could be trying to tell you something about your cardiovascular health, too. Learn more about the possible risks of varicose veins here.
Aug 2nd, 2023

Why Do I Have High Cholesterol If I Eat Healthy?
A healthy diet is essential for a healthy heart, but what should you do if you eat healthy and you still have high cholesterol? Learn some of the other common risk factors for high cholesterol and how to manage it here.
Jul 1st, 2023

Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Worry
Do you have chest pain that comes and goes? It’s normal to be concerned, and it’s important to find out what’s causing your symptoms. Intermittent chest pain could indicate anything from acid reflux to more serious underlying conditions. Learn more.
Jun 1st, 2023

The 4 Best Foods to Eat to Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease is common, but there’s a lot you can do to protect your health. One of the best ways to lower your risk is eating a healthy diet — and getting started isn’t hard. Find out what you should be eating to boost heart health.
May 2nd, 2023

Lifestyle Habits to Drop If You Have Hypertension
Hypertension increases your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Fortunately, it is treatable — and one of the best ways to manage your hypertension is with lifestyle changes.
Apr 1st, 2023

3 Reasons Why You Have Chest Pain and Palpitations

It’s scary to experience chest pain and heart palpitations. You might wonder if you’re having a heart attack, but the truth is that many different conditions can cause these symptoms. Find out three of the most common reasons for chest pain and what to do
Mar 2nd, 2023

More Than Cosmetic: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Varicose Veins
Do you have varicose veins? These twisted, bulging veins are common on legs and feet — but they’re more than simply a cosmetic concern. Find out more about the benefits of treating your varicose veins, both for your self-confidence and your health.
Feb 1st, 2023

What to Expect When Your Loved One Needs a Stent
Coronary artery disease causes blocked blood flow to the heart, increasing risk of heart attack and other complications. A stent holds the artery open to allow blood flow. It’s normal to have questions about stents, so here’s what to expect.
Jan 1st, 2023

When To Be Concerned About Heart Palpitations
Have you noticed a fluttering in your chest? Irregular heartbeats are common, but they don’t automatically mean something is wrong with your heart. Learn when you need to get your heart palpitations checked out.
Dec 1st, 2022

Understanding the Variety of Diagnostics for Heart Concerns
Are you concerned about your heart health? It’s time to take action. Diagnostic testing evaluates your heart function, and it’s the first step in diagnosing heart problems so you can get the care you need. Learn about the most common tests here.
Oct 1st, 2022

Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference
From squeezing chest pain to cold sweats, the symptoms of panic attacks and heart attacks feel very similar in the moment. But they’re two very different medical conditions, and it’s important to learn how to tell the difference.
Sep 1st, 2022

Five Age-Related Heart Conditions
Just like the rest of your body, your heart changes as you grow older. Age can increase your risk of certain heart conditions, but proactive care can help you enjoy your best health at every stage of life. Find out what you need to know.
Aug 1st, 2022

Understanding Your Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be unsightly, and for some people, even painful. The good news is, you don’t have to suffer with varicose veins in silence. Treatments range from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive ablation, and they can make a big difference.
Jul 1st, 2022

How to Sleep Better for a Healthier Heart
Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are important for heart health, but did you know that sleep matters just as much? Quality sleep promotes better heart health, and here’s what you need to do to start getting better shut-eye.
Jun 1st, 2022

When Are Palpitations a Cause for Concern?
Although it only lasts a moment, a heart palpitation brings your attention to your heart — and it can make you worried that something is wrong. Learn what causes heart palpitations and when your symptoms could be a sign of something more serious.
May 1st, 2022

Why Chest Pain Is Never Normal
Pain is uncomfortable. But when it’s mild or intermittent, it’s tempting to ignore it and hope it goes away on its own. If that pain is in your chest, however, it shouldn’t be ignored. Learn why chest pain is never normal and what to do about it.
Feb 1st, 2022

Start Eating These Heart-Healthy Foods Today
The foods you eat directly affect your health. Unhealthy options can increase your risk of heart disease and other complications, while healthy foods increase heart health and wellness. But which foods are best?
Jan 1st, 2022

My Child Has a Heart Defect. Now What?
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects in the United States. Finding out your child has a heart problem can be scary, but many babies go on to live full, healthy lives. Learn more about heart defects and treatment here.
Dec 1st, 2021

Three Whole-Body Health Impacts of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a common chronic health issue in the United States. It’s a well-known risk factor of heart disease, but did you know it affects your overall health in a variety of other ways? Learn the whole-body impacts of high cholesterol.
Nov 1st, 2021

Everything You Didn't Know About Your Heart
Your heart is a complex organ that works hard to keep you alive. Now is the time to learn more about how your cardiovascular system works, the factors that could put you at risk for heart disease, and what you can do to improve your heart health.
Oct 1st, 2021

What Every Woman Should Know About Heart Health
Heart disease is the top cause of death for men and women in the United States. But heart issues and symptoms may look different in women versus men. Learn more about the risk factors for heart disease and what you can do to improve your health.
Sep 1st, 2021

A Closer Look at Aneurysms
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery that can develop in the abdomen, chest, or brain — and pose serious complications if it ruptures. Find out if you’re at risk for aneurysm and how to protect your heart health.
Aug 1st, 2021

Is Chest Pain Ever Normal?
There are lots of possible causes of chest pain, and they’re not all life-threatening. But is chest pain ever normal? Chest pain ranges from mild aching to sharp stabs, and it should never be ignored.
Jul 11th, 2021

Lifestyle Adjustments for High Blood Pressure
Millions of Americans have high blood pressure. It increases your risk of serious health complications like heart attack and stroke, but there’s a lot you can do to lower your blood pressure and your risk. Get tips for heart-healthy living here.
Jun 8th, 2021

What's Included in the Heart Smart Program?
Managing a heart condition is complex. From coordinating health care to making healthy changes at home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Find out how the Heart Smart Program could give you the support and knowledge you need to enjoy your best health.
May 19th, 2021

Assess Your Varicose Veins Using Ultrasound
Varicose veins are a cosmetic concern for many, but when they come with symptoms like leg pain and muscle cramps, they shouldn’t be ignored. Learn how a vascular ultrasound could help you understand your condition and find treatment that works.
Apr 13th, 2021

Should I Worry About Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations disrupt your heart’s regular rhythm. Palpitations can make you wonder if something is wrong with your heart, but most of the time, they’re not a cause for concern. Learn more about what’s behind these irregular heartbeats.
Mar 12th, 2021

Preparing for a Stress Test
Stress testing is an effective way to evaluate your heart health and diagnose heart disease. If you’re scheduled for a stress test, here’s what happens during the test and how you can prepare for your appointment.
Feb 11th, 2021

How Can an Echocardiogram Help?
Heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States. Protecting and improving your heart health is one of the best ways to extend your life, and echocardiogram is a safe, effective diagnostic test that shows how well your heart functions.
Jan 14th, 2021

What Makes Varicose Veins Worse?
Varicose veins — those unsightly, twisted veins on your legs and feet — are often caused by genetics and age, but that doesn’t mean getting them is inevitable. From your body weight to your activity level, learn what makes varicose veins worse.
Dec 15th, 2020

Little-Known Causes of Chest Pain
When you have chest pain, your first thought might be that you’re having a heart attack. It’s a common symptom of a heart attack, but it may indicate a less-serious issue instead, from acid reflux to muscle strain.
Nov 6th, 2020

How to Know if a Loved One Has a Congenital Heart Defect
Congenital heart defects are present from birth, but that doesn’t mean they’re always identified right away. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects and find ways to keep your family healthy for years to come.
Oct 7th, 2020

5 Things You Should Do About High Cholesterol
Millions of Americans have high cholesterol. Cholesterol is an essential building block for healthy cells, but too much cholesterol poses risks to heart health. Find out how to lower your cholesterol levels — and your risk for heart disease.
Sep 8th, 2020

Potential Dangers of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are generally considered a cosmetic issue, but the risks of this common vein condition are more than skin deep. Varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, ulcers, and other complications.
Jul 24th, 2020

What Women Need to Know About Subtle Heart Attack Symptoms
Heart attacks affect the well-being of men and women alike. But there’s more to heart attack than crushing chest pain. Women are likely to experience far more subtle symptoms, making heart attack harder to identify — unless you know what to look for.
May 4th, 2020

AFib Screening Can Help Older Adults Avoid a Stroke
Atrial fibrillation, aka AFib, is a common type of irregular heartbeat. AFib is linked to an increased risk of stroke, but many people don’t know they have the heart rhythm problem. Understand your risk for AFib and stroke with an AFib screening.
Apr 15th, 2020

Who's at Greatest Risk for Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest makes your heart stop beating. It differs from a heart attack and often comes on suddenly. It’s a life-threatening condition, and certain factors make it more likely. Find out who’s at greatest risk for this severe heart problem.
Mar 3rd, 2020

10 Heart Healthy Foods to Work into Your Diet
Heart disease is the top cause of death for American men and women, but it’s a preventable condition. In honor of American Heart Month this February, incorporate these heart-healthy foods into your diet.
Feb 1st, 2020

How Serious Are Heart Palpitations?
When your heart beats regularly, you rarely notice it. But when it flutters or skips, it captures your attention. These heart palpitations are generally harmless, but they can be unnerving. Learn when they could be a sign of something more serious.
Dec 31st, 2019

7 Tips for Combating High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. If your doctor has diagnosed you with high cholesterol, now is the time to take steps to lower your numbers and improve your heart health.
Dec 1st, 2019

When Do Chest Pains Warrant a Trip to the ER?
Chest pain is the second leading cause of emergency room (ER) visits in the United States. That’s because chest pain is the main symptom of a heart attack. But not cases require a trip to the ER. Find out if your chest pain needs emergency treatment.
Nov 14th, 2019

Should You Have a Stress Test?
Whether you're already being treated for heart issues or want to determine the health of your arteries and electrical rhythm, a stress test provides important feedback to help keep your heart in the best shape possible.
Oct 1st, 2019

6 Risk Factors for Heart Disease You Can Change
Heart disease is a serious condition. If not controlled, it can lead to heart attacks and even death. Although you can’t change all of the risk factors for heart disease, you can change some of them. Read on to learn more.
Sep 1st, 2019

Your Varicose Veins May be More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern
Over 20 million Americans have varicose veins. And, while they’re usually just a nuisance, they can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. Keep reading to learn more about venous diseases and how to recognize your personal risks of complications.
Jul 8th, 2019