Posted on June 8, 2015
If you suspect that you may have a heart problem, you cannot afford to wait for too long. If you don’t visit your doctor immediately, the condition might worsen, leading to deteriorated health and possible heart failure.
Why Heart Problems Need Immediate Attention
Heart problems are very dangerous. Even irregular heartbeats can be a symptom of a serious underlying health condition. If left unchecked, the irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, unexplained fainting, light-headedness and other problems. Gradually, the heart might fail to supply enough blood to vital organs of the body leading to tissue damage, kidney, as well as brain problems.
Heart diseases can also cause stroke and cardiac arrest. Stroke is a celebrovascular disease that affects blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. It cuts supply of blood, oxygen, and necessary nutrients to the brain. When deprived of oxygen, brain cells in the affected area cannot function properly and may die within minutes. And when a portion of brain cells dies, the part of the body they control can’t function either.
Cardiac attack is the sudden loss of heart function. The time and mode of death are unexpected, occurring instantly or shortly after symptoms appear. According to the American Heart association, over 424,000 emergency cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. each year.
When to Visit a Heart Doctor or Cardiologist
1.On physician recommendation – if your family care doctor recommends seeing a cardiologist, do so as soon as possible.
2.Chest pains – unexplained chest pains are often associated with narrow blood vessels (a medical condition called arteriosclerosis) which may be a sign of hypertension or a heart problem. You need to see a heart doctor immediately.
3.Family history of heart disease – you also need to see a doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or other medical conditions, such as hypertension, which are risk factors for heart disease.
4.Current or former smokers – smoking is a huge risk factor for heart disease. If you are or were a smoker at some point in life, you should speak with your Doctor about it to discuss the way forward.
Top Heart Doctor in New York City
Dr. Seldon, a heart doctor and cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on June 5, 2015
A holter monitor is an electromagnetic device that is usually used in monitoring the cardiovascular activity of your body for at least 24 hours or longer in a period of about two weeks at a time. Although the portable device is used for monitoring the heart activity or electrocardiography (ECG), it can also be used in monitoring the arterial pressure or electroencephalography (EEG). In other words, this is an outpatient based ECG device suitable for monitoring and regulating a patient’s stress.
When using a standard ECG device, a medical practitioner will place electrodes at various positions on the chest and abdomen so as to evaluate your heart’s activity. The small plastic patches or electrodes will then be connected to an ECG portable device (by lead wires) that will measure, interpret, and record the electrical activity of the heart. In case of any stress related symptoms on the ECG print out, the doctor will be able to make an all inclusive diagnosis before recommending the next way forward.
In most cases, professional heart disease doctors prefer recommending a standard ECG run for more than 24 hours when certain symptoms appear to be severe. Some of the symptoms that may prompt a resting ECG or standard ECG procedure include:
- Low blood pressure
- Protracted fatigue
- Fainting and feeling weak
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Palpitations
Stress is one of the conditions that can cause abnormal heart rhythms that lead to the above symptoms. The dysrhythmias and arrhythmias cannot be easily detected if an ECG tracing or holter monitor machine is set to run for a few hours. In fact, some holter ECG machines have an event monitor which will activate immediately if the symptoms start occurring. Therefore, the doctor doesn’t have to analyze a holter machine for 48 hours in case it was set to run for that long in order to get the exact readings.
You’ll receive instructions on how to wear the holter device safely without distracting the procedure of recording signals or making detachments that may affect the outcome. The doctor will also guide you on how to keep a detailed diary of your activities and symptoms during the ECG tracing period.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on June 2, 2015
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a machine that interprets and records electrical impulses of the heart for diagnostic purposes. Remember that it is not a method of treatment for a heart condition but a machine used to observe the activity of the heart.
The EKG records the heart’s electrical pulses to create an electrocardiograph which helps heart doctors learn more about the heart.
How EKG Testing Works
EKG electrodes are designed to listen to and record the strength and timing of pulses passing through the heart. The data is recorded on a graph with different parts of the graph showing each step of an electrical signal’s journey through the patient’s heart.
- All electrical signals start in a group of cells known as the sinus node or sinoatrial (SA) node located in the upper right chamber of the heart. In a healthy adult at rest, the SA sends 60-100 signals per minute.
- From the SA, heart impulses travel to the right and left atria causing the atria to contract thereby pumping blood into the heart’s lower chambers, the ventricles. Electrical signals in this phase are recorded as P waves.
- The electrical signals passing from the atria to the ventricles through the atrioventricular (AV) node are recorded on the EKG as a flat line between the end of the P wave and the beginning of the Q wave.
- From the AV, the signals travel through a group of cells called the bundle of HIS, and into the right and left bundle branches. This phase is recorded as the QRS wave.
- The last wave, recorded by the EKG device as the T wave, is captured as the heart recovers to its original electrical state.
EKG testing is completely invasive – it simply involves placing the EKG machine over the chest to record the heart’s electrical activity.
Uses of the EKG
An electrocardiogram is used to:
- Determine the rate of heart beats
- Determine the regularity of heart rhythms
- Determine the positioning of the heart chambers
- Measure the size of the heart’s chambers
- Monitor surgical repairs, pacemakers, and/or effects of drugs currently being used to treat an existing heart problem.
Note: An EKG machine doesn’t measure the blood pumping capability of the heart.
Contact Dr. Seldon
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 29, 2015
Most primary care doctors refer patients with coronary heart disease (CAD) problems to professional cardiologists for further evaluation and treatment. An early diagnosis from an internist or general practitioner will come in handy in determining whether a patient requires the services of a doctor trained to handle CADs.
Cardiologist
A qualified cardiologist knows the right diagnostic tests to carry out before recommending the perfect treatment procedures suitable for your specific heart problem. A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in operating on patients who require open-heart surgery while a cardiovascular radiologist is trained in performing cauterization and balloon angioplasty, among other less invasive surgical procedures.
Booking an Appointment
Prepare lists with the following details about your health status when visiting the cardiologist for the appointment:
- Your symptoms and how long you have experienced the CAD symptoms
- All the medications or supplements that you have been using in the recent past
- All major and minor medical conditions that you’re dealing with currently
There are certain questions that you should ask your cardiologist so as to settle for the best practitioner in your area. Create a list of questions to ask your doctor about the CAD such as:
- What is my exact problem and what is causing it?
- Which is the right medication for me?
- What are the alternatives?
- Do I need specialized emergency care?
- What can expect in the future?
- Do I need any dietary or lifestyle changes?
- Will I need surgery?
- Will my condition improve or get better?
You should also be ready to answer a few questions from the coronary artery doctor. An established cardiologist will ask you a number of questions that may include:
- What symptoms do you experience?
- How long have you felt the symptoms?
- Have any of the symptoms worsened over time?
- Do you feel chest pains?
- Do you experience difficult breathing?
- Is there a history of heart diseases in your family?
- What medications or supplements do you use currently?
- Do you smoke?
- Do you exercise and how often?
- Do you drink?
- Describe your typical diet?
- Have you ever undergone a radiation therapy?
Top Doctor to Treat a Coronary Artery
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 26, 2015
The short answer is: YES. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is a key cause of preventable illnesses in our society and must be treated as soon as it is discovered.
It is a risk factor for more than just heart disease. It can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop and if left untreated can cause disability, poor quality of life, and even a fatal heart attack and death.
3 Dangers of leaving hypertension untreated
1. Damage to arteries
Healthy arteries are strong, flexible, and elastic. The inner lining is smooth allowing free flow of blood to vital organs and tissues of the body, with sufficient nutrients and oxygen. Increased pressure can damage and narrow arteries by destroying cells of the arteries’ inner linings. This gradually causes artery walls to become thick and stiff, a medical condition called arteriosclerosis.
Eventually, you may develop chest pain (angina), heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, eye damage, and aneurysms.
2. Damage to the heart
Leaving hypertension untreated can also cause;
- Coronary artery disease – Coronary artery disease affects arteries that supply blood to the heart. Arteries become narrow meaning that blood cannot flow freely into the heart. This can cause chest pain, heart attack, or arrhythmia.
- Enlarged left heart – High blood pressure also causes the heart to work harder in order to supply sufficient blood to all body organs and tissues. This can cause the left ventricle to thicken or stiffen (hypertrophy). This condition increases risk of heart attack, heart failure, and cardiac death.
- Heart failure – Over time, the stain caused by increased blood pressure can cause the heart muscles to weaken. Eventually, the overwhelmed heart might wear out and fail.
3. Brain damage
Just like the heart, the brain relies of sufficient supply of blood and oxygen to function properly and survive. High blood pressure can cause;
- Stroke – Part of the brain is deprived of oxygen, causing blood cells in that area of the brain to die.
- Dementia – A brain disease that can cause problems in speaking, thinking, reasoning, memory, and vision.
Hypertension can also cause a series of kidney problems.
Contact Dr. Seldon
If you think you have hypertension, you need to see a doctor immediately. Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 23, 2015
Low Blood pressure, also called hypotension, refers to a medical condition where the blood pressure in the body is so low that flow of blood to different organs is inadequate. However, low blood pressure without symptoms is NOT considered unhealthy. In fact, within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure is, the better.
Common Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous only if the condition causes the following symptoms;
- Dehydration and unusual thirst
Dehydration can easily cause blood pressure to drop. Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness, laziness, and fatigue. However, dehydration alone cannot be an automatic signal of blood pressure. Vomiting, fever, severe diarrhea, strenuous exercise and overuse of diuretics can all lead to dehydration.
It is also possible to lose concentration if sufficient blood doesn’t reach the brain. Again, lack of concentration can be caused by other medical conditions and can’t therefore be used as a primary symptom of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness and light-headedness
Dizziness and light-headedness can also be signs of low blood pressure. Affected persons may experience faintness, confusion, or blurred vision. Some may even fall, faint, or (very rarely) have a brief seizure. Dizziness and light-headedness have both been associated with decreased ability of the heart to pump blood, and decreased blood volume.
Also known as syncope, fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness and posture. It is usually related to insufficient flow of blood to the brain. It mostly occurs when blood pressure is too low and when the heart doesn’t supply a sufficient amount of oxygen to the brain. However, fainting can also be caused by stress, pain, overheating, and dehydration, among others.
A pale skin may also be a symptom hypotension. Also known as pale complexion or pallor, the condition causes an unusual lightness of the skin color. Research shows that it is caused by reduced blood flow or decreased number of red blood cells. There are two types of paleness; generalized paleness that spreads all over and local paleness that affects only one limb.
Other possible symptoms of hypotension include fatigue, rapid shallow breathing, depression, and nausea.
Contact Dr. Seldon
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 20, 2015
The heart is a very complex organ. Therefore, if you suffer from a heart problem, you need to find a cardiologist as soon as possible. Yet, finding the right cardiologist can sometimes be overwhelming considering that there are many qualified doctors out there.
Why You Need the Best Heart Doctor
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider only the best cardiologists.
- Experience – While all doctors strive to deliver results, experience has often set them apart. An experienced cardiologist is more likely to get the job done right.
- Assurance – Since the heart is such a delicate organ, you need assurance for the highest quality. The best heart doctors have a track record of success.
- Trust and respect – It’s also more satisfying to work with a doctor who is already trusted and respected in the field. Only the best heart doctors can boast such qualities.
Tips on Finding a Top Rated Cardiologist
As already mentioned, finding the best cardiologist can be a big challenge. Most of the good ones are always busy with a long list of patients to attend to.
A good number of patients find cardiologists through referrals; unfortunately, even referrals cannot guarantee that you will find the best doctor.
Nonetheless, here are a few things you can do to find a great cardiologist:
- Credentials – Every doctor will have standard medical credentials. You should always look at the various sub-specialty certifications.
- Experience – When you are looking for quality health care, your cardiologist’s experience is very important. A top rated cardiologist has enough experience to deal with your condition comprehensively.
- Communication – It also helps to find a cardiologist who communicates effectively. During your first meeting, you should pay attention to his or her willingness to communicate.
Call Dr. Seldon Today
It is evident that for your treatment to work best, your have to have great confidence in your doctor. Therefore, you need to find a cardiologist who instills confidence in you; someone you have complete trust in.
If you live in Manhattan, NY, you can always visit Dr. Seldon who is one of the best on the Lower East Side. Armed with 35 years of experience in the field, Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all tests are done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 17, 2015
Atrial Fibrillation treatment varies from patient to patient, depending on a number of factors including:
- Symptoms
- Type of Atrial Fibrillation
- Age
- Treatment of any underlying cause
- Overall health
In treating the condition, the doctor first needs to find the cause of the Atrial Fibrillation. If a cause is found, then you may only need treatment for this underlying cause. For instance, it is possible to cure Atrial Fibrillation by treating hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), if you have the condition.
Treatment options for Atrial Fibrillation
Where a cause cannot be found, the cardiologist can recommend one (or more) of five treatment options:
1.Medication to control atrial fibrillation
This involves using anti-arrhythmics to control Atrial Fibrillation. These medications work by restoring normal heart rhythm, and controlling the rate at which the heart beats. Depending on several factors, you may need more than one type of anti-arrhythmic medicine to control Atrial Fibrillation.
2.Medication to reduce risk of stroke
The abnormal heartbeats in Atrial Fibrillation patients increase risk of blood clots forming within the heart. If the clots enter the blood stream, one can get a stroke. This is especially possible if you have a history of stroke, blood clots, heart valve problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Common medications include Warfarin and newer anticoagulants such as Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, and Apixaban.
3.Cardioversion (electric shock treatment)
This is where the heart is subjected to a controlled electric shock in a bid to restore normal rhythm. The procedure must only take place in a hospital where the heart is carefully monitored.
4.Having a pacemaker fitted
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device implanted in the chest, just under the collarbone. Often used to prevent the heart from going too slowly, in Atrial Fibrillation the peacemaker is used to help the heart beat regularly.
5.Catheter ablation
This is a delicate procedure that very carefully destroys the affected area of the heart. It also interrupts abnormal electric signals. Thin, soft catheters are guided through one of your veins into the heart to record electrical activity. Once the source of abnormality is found, high-frequency radio waves are transmitted through one of the catheters to destroy the abnormal tissue
Contact Dr. Seldon Today
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 14, 2015
Most people often think that heart disease is for a selected few. Yet, the medical condition remains the number one killer in the U.S. and is also a major cause of disability. This explains just why it’s so important to treat heart conditions early. If you can prevent them altogether, it would be even better.
There are many types of heart diseases, from those caused by narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries to those that affect heart valves. Some even cause the heart not to pump well, which may lead to heart failure. Unfortunately, some people are born with heart diseases. Whichever the case, you need your heart problems addressed as soon as possible to avert possible dangers.
Dr. Seldon is the most reliable heart doctor in Manhattan
If you have a heart problem, the next thing is to find a heart doctor. If you live in Manhattan, your best option is Dr. Seldon.
Based at 345 East 37th Street, Suite 314 New York, N.Y. 10016, Dr. Seldon is a University of Chicago and New York Medical College graduate with more than 35 years of experience in cardiology.
Initially, Dr. Seldon worked at Bellevue Hospital, New York University Medical Center where he also held an academic position in the Department of Cardiology. He has also worked at Montefiore Hospital & Medical Center, Bronx. Dr. Seldon has worked as an attending physician at New York University Medical Center, Lennox Hill Hospital; the Department of Cardiology, Beth Israel Medical Center, NY; and the St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center. He currently works both as an Assistant Attending Physician and a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Presbyterian Hospital, New York.
There is no doubt that Dr. Seldon is an accomplished professional with invaluable experience. He currently diagnoses and treats 9 of the most common heart problems:
- Atrial hypertension
- Hypertension
- Coronary artery
- Arrhythmia
- Heart Murmur
- Blood pressure
- Strokes
- Heart attack, and
- Aortic Aneurysm
There are a number of treatment options for different heart problems. Dr. Seldon offers 4 key treatments:
- EKG
- Stress Test
- Echocardiogram
- Holter Monitor
In addition to the treatments, Dr. Seldon also has the skills and expertise to recommend life habits to help patients live a healthy life.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 10, 2015
Arrhythmia is a health condition where heartbeats are irregular. This heart condition can occur even if you have a healthy heart. In most cases, arrhythmia remains harmless even until old age. Nevertheless, there are times that this condition can be a symptom of an underlying, serious health problem. Due to the risks involved, it is advisable to schedule a checkup with your doctor in order to determine if indeed you have arrhythmia.
Possible Underlying Health Problems
As stated earlier, Arrhythmia can be a symptom of a wide range of health conditions. A few health conditions that might lead to Arrhythmia include:
- Electrolyte imbalance in your blood
- Changes in your heart’s muscles
- Recuperation from a heart surgery
- Injury caused by a heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
There are millions of people who have arrhythmia. The best approach is for you to visit an experienced Heart Doctor or a Cardiologist so as to understand the condition better. There are at least 4 types of arrhythmia including:
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Ventricular Tachycardia
- Atrial Flutter
It is only after you visit a qualified cardiologist that you can learn the type of Arrhythmia you have. Depending on the seriousness of the condition and the risk involved, there are a number of ways for you to deal with this problem. An experienced cardiologist will suggest the best course of treatment.
Affordable Arrhythmia Treatment Options
You can live with an arrhythmia condition for many years. With proper health care, it is very manageable. Fortunately, even the treatment options are quite affordable.
First, the doctor has to confirm that you have arrhythmia. Then, depending on the severity of your condition, he or she will do more tests to determine the type of arrhythmia you are suffering from. With that, your cardiologist can advise you on the possible treatment options.
When looking for affordable arrhythmia treatment, you should fully understand every option that you have. Ensure that you book appointments with an experienced cardiologist for effective treatment.
Treatment might involve simple processes such as exercises and taking medication. However, it may get serious to the point that you require heart surgery. Whatever the case, there are affordable arrhythmia treatments.
Book an Appointment Today
Dr. Seldon, an experienced Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all tests are done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
