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Heart Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health

by Guest Blogger September 16, 2020

written by Guest Blogger

Alzheimer’s is a growing disease that currently affects an estimated 5.5 million Americans. This number is expected to climb because of the growing number of individuals living far longer than in any previous generation. Although longer life expectancy is a sign of a healthier and better cared for population, it is also an indicator that diseases which afflict the elderly will become more prevalent as the population ages.

10% of individuals older than 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and two-thirds of these are women.

These rates are also far higher in Hispanic and African American, although researchers do not fully understand why women and minorities experience a higher prevalence of the disease.
Some believe that this is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, others have found links to external socioeconomic factors such as nutrition, preventative health care, and smoking. Regardless, what is known is that as America’s population continues to age and the number of the very old rises, so too will the number of individuals living with dementia.

While research is still being conducted to determine possible causes, identify early indicators, and pursue possible cures, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased almost 90% since 2000. On the other hand, deaths from heart disease have decreased 14% in the same time.

Currently, one in three elderly Americans die with dementia and it is the sixth leading cause of death.
Apart from those living with cognitive impairment, a second and larger group affected by Alzheimer’s are the family and friends who care for their loved ones. Dementia takes a heavy toll on caregivers and is associated with substantial financial and emotional challenges. Although Medicare and Medicaid cover close to 70% of the $259 billion associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia care, out of pocket costs to individuals are estimated at nearly $70 billion per year.

Healthcare and long term care costs for those living with Alzheimer’s are up to three times higher than other diseases because dementia is associated with a higher number of hospital stays and with higher rates of other chronic conditions – including cardiovascular illness.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer’s disease have been recently found to be related in several ways. One association involves evidence demonstrating that pre-existing cardiovascular illness dramatically increases the long-term risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. One study found that individuals with hypertension, or high blood pressure, in their 40s have a 24% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that higher cholesterol is likewise associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction later in life. Another association between heart disease and Alzheimer’s is that the incidence of ischemic stroke, which is often caused by CVD, also increases an individual’s probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

While cognitive impairment is associated with heart disease and stroke, CVD also shares common risk factors with Alzheimer’s – meaning that some of the reasons why people develop cardiovascular illness are the same reasons why some people develop dementia. These include preventable conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes (which accounts for 90% of individuals living with diabetes), as well as non-preventable or genetic factors such as the elevated presence of apolipoprotein E – a naturally occurring protein associated with the transport of cholesterol to the brain.

Studies have found that frequency of a specific variant of apolipoprotein E is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and that it is likewise a genetic risk factor for CVD. While it may not be possible to change genetics, apolipoprotein E has been found to interact with environmental risk factors such as smoking or poor diet. This means that while an individual’s genetics may predispose them to cardiovascular or Alzheimer’s disease, having healthy habits may reduce the elevated risks due to genetic factors. In fact, studies have shown that comprehensive treatment for heart disease may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Current diagnosis of Alzheimer’s relies largely on documenting mental decline, meaning that most patients will not know that they have Alzheimer’s until they begin experiencing cognitive impairment and the disease has already caused severe brain damage.

Although researchers are trying to determine new means of identifying Alzheimer’s before irreversible brain damage occurs, these are not yet readily available. For this reason, ongoing preventative care and monitoring of cognitive functions is the best way to reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s or diagnose the disease early on in order to implement a comprehensive treatment plan.

The strong link between Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease implies that many of the same preventative and disease management options used in the treatment of CVD will be effective in protecting patients from Alzheimer’s. Such options include physical exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness, lowering cholesterol through diet and medication, and quitting smoking.

Here at Dr. Leonard Pianko’s medical practice, we strongly believe that comprehensive preventative care is integral to the health of each of our patients. We offer holistic medical care to improve the overall well-being of our patients, and one important aspect of well-being is cognitive health. Because of the association between heart health and dementia, we are uniquely equipped to help our patients strategize the most effective means of lowering the risks of both CVD and of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are interested in hearing more about protecting your heart and your mind from unnecessary health risks, please book an appointment at Dr. Pianko’s Aventura Cardiovascular Center today.
Call us at (305) 384-4720, our staff is waiting to help you live every day to its fullest with improved health outcomes. To find out more check us out on the web http://www.leonardpiankomd.com/

From the Desk of Dr. Leonard Pianko MD PA FACC

Dr. Leonard Pianko, the founder of the Aventura Cardiovascular Center, is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine with special expertise in cardiovascular disease, preventive cardiology, and non-invasive treatment options, including echocardiogram and nuclear stress testing. A native of New York, Dr. Leonard Pianko, M.D., F.A.C.C., was born in the Bronx, and earned an undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University in New York before receiving his medical education at top-ranked Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completing his training at the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine in New Brunswick, New Jersey. For more information about this blog contact Dr. Pianko at http://www.leonardpiankomd.com/contact.php.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular HealthAlzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health

Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health

September 16, 2020 0 comment

Diet & Nutrition

Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age

by Kimberly Johnson October 16, 2019

written by Kimberly Johnson

A healthy diet is as important during your twilight years as it is when you’re young. But if you’re like most of the aging population, you can’t eat like you once could. Your appetite might be less robust and your metabolism has probably slowed down some, which means that you’re more likely to gain weight even if you’ve maintained the same diet for years. Additionally, good senior care must focus on a healthy diet to support certain aging-related conditions and risks, especially the health of the heart, lungs, joints and bones. Making a few small adjustments to your diet will help make the natural effects of aging less stressful on the body. Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age

What Happens to Our Bodies When We Age?

Of course, everyone is different, but most people will experience some age-related health concerns within their lives. As we get older, harmful molecules, including free radicals and glucose, attack the body’s cells and cause permanent damage to our organs, skin, bones and muscles. When we were young, our bodies could ward off such molecules or quickly repair the damage, but they become less capable as we age. Here are some of the ways this damages healthy body function.

Our Metabolism Slows Down—Learning to adjust to a slower metabolism is important; it can cause you to store more weight and burn fewer calories. Maintaining a healthy body weight is key to preventing type 2 diabetes and keeping the heart in good shape. A high body mass index (BMI) is also linked to hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and even some cancers, so weight maintenance is definitely something to prioritize.
Our Appetites Diminish—When you were young, you probably couldn’t get enough to eat and maybe even had trouble with portion control. But many aging adults experience a diminishment in appetite, sometimes due to natural hereditary factors and sometimes due to external factors, like certain medications, depression and some medical conditions.
Diabetes Becomes a Serious Risk—Middle-aged and older adults are often at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Of course, certain foods affect glucose levels in certain ways, and very high or very low levels can be dangerous. There are some things you can do to prevent developing type 2 diabetes with age.
Heart Disease Becomes a Serious Risk—You often hear that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but interestingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 80 percent of deaths from coronary artery disease—a type of heart disease that causes the narrowing of the arteries—can be prevented. Diet is an important factor in heart disease prevention.

What to Eat as You Age: Quick Tips

As you can tell, the aging body isn’t exactly like the body you’ve lived in for most of your life; it needs a little bit of special care. Developing a healthy diet is one way that you can diminish your risk of certain diseases—especially type 2 diabetes and heart disease—but it can also help you feel better by improving your overall well-being and boosting your energy levels. Still, keep in mind that diet isn’t everything. Physical activity, the right medications and a solid care continuum— your family members, in-home caregivers, nursing home staff or doctors—will help you physically thrive.

Ditch the Salt—The USDA recommends that senior citizens consume a low-sodium diet and flavor foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Sadly, the dinner table staple can cause you to retain body weight, which causes your blood pressure to rise.
Drink Milk—Drinking three cups of fat-free or low-fat milk per day or getting the equivalent through yogurt, butter, cheese or lactose-free foods can help you rebuild your calcium supply. Calcium helps support healthy bones and teeth.
Eat Foods with Vitamin B12—Many seniors develop a deficiency in vitamin B12 because their bodies lose the ability to absorb it. But vitamin B12 is important; if you don’t have enough, you risk developing anemia, neuropathy and cognitive impairment. You’ll get vitamin B12 through fish, beef, milk, eggs and other foods.
Go “Heart-Healthy”—The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet for overall heart health. It recommends plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish, legumes and non-tropical vegetable oils, such as olive oil and canola oil.
Plan Your Meals—When you pre-plan your meals, you’ll find that you’re less likely to skip out on eating healthy because you’re faced with fewer choices on a day-to-day basis. For advice, we recommend checking out the resources available from the National Institute on Aging, including meal-planning tips and sample menus for older adults.
Don’t Forget the Vitamin D—Much like vitamin B12, vitamin D is vital for health but harder for the aging body to absorb. You can get more vitamin D through sunlight, supplements and foods such as cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, cheese and egg yolks. A vitamin D deficiency is dangerous and can lead to osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, muscle weakness, heart disease and other dangerous health conditions.
Fiber is Your Friend—Another thing that happens when we age is that our cholesterol levels rise. This can be addressed by eating high-fiber foods such as beans, almonds, oats, lentils, artichokes and fruits and veggies. Fiber also plays a role in controlling your blood glucose levels, which can help to prevent your risk of diabetes.

Taking care of your body during its most vulnerable time is a multi-step process. It requires close attention and self-care in every facet—from your mental health to the foods you eat—but it shouldn’t be burdensome or stressful. So long as you understand the very basic nutritional needs for aging, you’ll be well on your way to a diet that supports your body’s demands at every age.

Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age

Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age Tips on Healthy Eating as You Age

October 16, 2019 0 comment

Conditions & Treatments

6 Causes to Hearts Beating Too Slow or Fast

by Victor Marchione March 28, 2018

written by Victor Marchione

Is your heart beating too slowly, or fast? For many, this may be a very normal occurrence, but doctors think otherwise. The heartbeat, as it may sound, consists of electrical impulses. Any discrepancy in these impulses will make the heart beat faster or slower than what it should normally. Your heart beating too fast, or slowly, is a sign for you to sit up and take note of your health status, or better yet, consult a doctor. Read further to know the real causes of your heart beating slower or faster than normal. 6 Causes to Hearts Beating Too Slow or Fast
It may be noted that while a few causes are life-threatening, the others are not so serious that they pose a danger to life. However, medical intervention is necessary at all times. Here are a few causes of heart rate changes.

Causes of Changes in Heartbeat

Atrial Fibrillation
One of the most common causes of an irregular heartbeat is the change in the pumping rhythm of the upper two chambers of the heart (the heart has four chambers). This condition is not life-threatening, but over time, there is a chance of blood clots forming in the blood vessels. The risk for such a condition to develop is higher after the person reaches the age of 50. Blood thinners and other similar medicines are some of the major treatments for this disease.
Tachycardia
Have you ever watched a soccer match and later felt your heart? It beats fast, doesn’t it? This phenomenon is called tachycardia, and it tends to happen when a person gets excited. Heart palpitations at night often occur, especially when the heart gets excited and starts pumping in more blood at a faster pace than usual. However, there is a chance that you might have contracted paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). When this disturbance occurs, patients face a higher risk of cardiac arrest in the lower two chambers. This cause is more common among children and people in the younger age brackets.
Ventricular Fibrillation
This is one of the most life-threatening causes because the lower chambers of the heart encounter changes in the pace or the rhythm of the blood pumping. If not treated within minutes, the patient’s condition can turn deadly. This usually happens when the patient has been suffering from a heart ailment that has gone undetected.
Premature Beats
When you exercise, are under stress, or even experience fear, does your heart start beating too slowly, or fast especially? This is quite normal. Also, when you drink caffeine or have sudden chest pains the beats may drop or pick up pace. Often, the only remedy here is to make changes to your lifestyle. However, you could also be suffering from an ectopic heartbeat. The do’s and don’ts are discussed later in the article.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is another reason why your heart beat may be slow. This condition is very normal, particularly among people who are physically fit. There are certain food items that can help lower the heart rate as well. Even deep breathing can calm the heart down and make it beat more slowly. However, hypothyroidism or even aging can also make the heart rate slow down.
Long QT Syndrome
Long QT Syndrome is a hereditary problem often seen in kids and young adults. The ventricles of the heart take a longer time to contract, thereby delaying the heart rate. There is a good chance of a problem with the heart as well. This can be treated with device implantation or ablation, or even medication. The point here is that this condition requires medical attention.

Precautions to Remember

Here are a few precautions to take to ensure that you don’t end up suffering from heart palpitations at night or irregular heartbeats:

Limit your caffeine intake.
Get your daily dose of uninterrupted seven to nine hours of .
Be in contact with a physician for regular health updates.
Do not smoke. If you are a smoker, try to limit the daily number of cigarettes.
Exercise regularly if you can.
Maintain your weight. Try to have a healthy BMI.
Consume a healthy amount of alcohol.

The pointers mentioned above are to give you guidelines. However, please take note that an irregular rhythm of the heart is unique to each individual; therefore, the reasons for the condition and the proper treatment thereof will be unique as well. What works for one person may or may not work for you, so do not be your own doctor. Instead, consult a proper physician to help you out. 6 Causes to Hearts Beating Too Slow or Fast

March 28, 2018 0 comment

Conditions & Treatments

Heart Disease: Silent Killer of Women

by Kimberly Johnson November 21, 2017

written by Kimberly Johnson

Heart disease and stroke are respectively the first and second leading causes of death in America – 30% of all deaths are from cardiovascular illness. Although heart disease is often thought of as affecting men primarily, this is a mistaken assumption. Cardiovascular disease is an equal opportunity killer and, in fact, more women die every year from heart disease than men. Heart Disease: Silent Killer of Women

More than 400,000 women die every year in the United States from heart disease, accounting for one out of every 4 female deaths. Heart Disease: Silent Killer of Women
However, researchers have found that many women underestimate their risks of heart attack and stroke.
Only about half of women recognize cardiovascular illness as the leading cause of death despite efforts to increase awareness.

Silent Killer

This low health literacy regarding heart health among women translates to suboptimal risk reduction and treatment. Studies have found that women are less likely to be counseled on steps to reduce risk and often receive less medical intervention than their male counterparts. Although nearly 7% of American women have coronary heart disease, most are unaware of the health risks entailed.
An additional challenge facing women with regards to cardiovascular illness is the discrepancy in presentation of symptoms between women and men. While men often exhibit early signs of heart disease, women frequently remain asymptomatic until the disease is very advanced and a cardiovascular incident is either imminent or has already occurred. Almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly from stroke or heart attack have experienced no previous symptoms, making cardiovascular illness a stealthy and silent killer. Furthermore, when women do experience symptoms of heart disease these may be very different from the symptoms generally described by men.

Men and Women: Different Symptoms

While many men describe chest pain – or angina – as a crushing or squeezing feeling in the chest that radiates down the arm, women may be more likely to describe sharp or burning chest pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, and back.
Women may also experience varied physical symptoms apart from chest pain, such as abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating, dizziness, and fatigue.
Because of the wide variation in symptoms and the discrepancy from typical crushing chest pain, women are less likely to seek medical attention and be diagnosed with a cardiovascular illness.
Another difference in the presentation of symptoms between men and women is when episodes occur.
Frequently men who experience angina find that pain intensifies with physical activity and subsides while resting.
Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have pain while resting or even sleeping.
Angina in women will also be triggered during routine daily activities as well as during times of mental or emotional stress rather than during intense physical exercise.
These two major differences between how women and men present exacerbates the under-diagnosis and treatment of women with cardiovascular illness, which may, in turn, increase the risks of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
If heart disease is not diagnosed until the patient suffers a serious medical crisis, rehabilitation may be more difficult.
For this reason, at our cardiology practice, we strive to prevent such events through early diagnosis and prevention.

Silence of Heart Disease in Women

Because of the relative silence of heart disease in the case of female patients, this intervention is only possible if we can monitor risk factors and implement risk reduction even without the presentation of symptoms.
These risks also increase dramatically after menopause, making it especially critical for older women to closely monitor heart health.

Lifestyle Choices that Can Make a Difference

To reduce the risks of heart disease, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can make a significant difference. These include:
· Quit smoking: women who smoke are 25% more likely to develop heart disease and suffer smoking-related complications than men who smoke. Smoking also doubles women’s risk of sudden cardiac death, making smoking cessation a top priority.
· Healthy eating: reduce intake of fatty meat, especially after menopause, and increase intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, and low-fat protein. High protein diets and yo-yo dieting in older women has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular illness. It is important to consult with your physician prior to beginning any diet.
· Exercise regularly: just 150 minutes of activity per week can reduce risks of heart disease.
· Limit alcohol to one drink per day.
· Lower stress: stress at work has been linked to a 40% increase in heart health risk and has also been linked to obesity. Finding healthy ways to reduce stress can positively impact a woman’s overall health.

What Can Your Doctor Do?

While lifestyle changes are important, it is also necessary for women to undergo regular checkups to monitor heart health. Some things that your doctor will do to ensure that you are maintaining optimal cardiovascular health include: Heart Disease is the Silent Killer of Women
· Monitoring blood pressure: high blood pressure contributes to heart disease and increases the risk of adverse events, yet is often asymptomatic.
· Testing for diabetes: uncontrolled diabetes significantly raises the risks of cardiovascular illness. While diabetes can be controlled, it is important to diagnose it and implement an appropriate management plan.
· Monitoring triglycerides and cholesterol: high triglycerides combined with high levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and low levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol speed up the buildup of plaque along arterial walls, which in turn increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. These levels can only be determined through regular blood tests.
At our Aventura, Florida cardiology practice, we strive to implement early intervention to reduce the risks of cardiovascular illness. Heart Disease: Silent Killer of Women
We are here to guide and support all of our patients, and our staff is uniquely equipped to treat each patient according to their individual health needs and goals. Heart Disease: Silent Killer of Women

Heart Disease: Silent Killer of Women

November 21, 2017 0 comment

Conditions & Treatments

Choosing the Right Anticoagulant For You

by Kimberly Johnson July 26, 2017

written by Kimberly Johnson

One of the most common classes of medications used in the treatment and management of heart or blood vessel disease are anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are recommended in particular to patients experiencing atrial fibrillation, an irregularity in the heartbeat that increases the risk of blood clots forming in the chambers of the heart. Choosing the Right Anticoagulant For You
According to the American Heart Association, more than 2.7 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation. The majority of these are treated with anticoagulants. These medications eliminate or reduce the formation of dangerous blood clots in the arteries and are often known colloquially as “blood thinners”. Although anticoagulants do not actually thin blood, they do break up clots that may form in the brain, blood vessels, or heart by interfering with the proteins in the blood that are involved in coagulation. Everyone has clotting factors in their blood to ensure that if they are injured or cut that they do not bleed to death. However, when cardiovascular conditions like hypertension or atherosclerosis present, dangerous blood clots can form that may block the flow of blood to the heart or the brain, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. The formation of these dangerous clots is called thrombosis, a condition that can be managed with the correct administration of anticoagulant medication. Choosing the Right Anticoagulant For You

The most popular anticoagulant on the market is warfarin. Warfarin inhibits the action of vitamin K, which assists in the production of proteins that contribute to coagulation. Since the 1950’s this drug has been used to reduce the risk of thrombosis, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although it is highly effective, warfarin – which is sold under the brand name Coumadin – is known to interact with certain foods and medications or supplements.
These interactions can affect warfarin’s therapeutic effect and may lead to bleeding or increased risk of dangerous blood clots, thereby necessitating very close monitoring of the patient’s clotting factors. Many patients on warfarin may require certain dietary restrictions in order maintain a balanced dosage, and contraindicated drugs may either enhance or limit anticoagulant effects. A weak dosage can carry increased risk of stroke and heart attack while an excessive dosage can cause serious internal bleeding. Choosing the Right Anticoagulant For You

Patients must undergo regular blood tests called international normalized ratio (INR) tests that evaluate coagulation, liver function, and vitamin K levels. The results of these regular tests help doctors determine the correct dosage of warfarin while protecting the patient from potentially harmful side-effects and interactions. Although warfarin is not easy to manage and requires constant monitoring, an experienced and attentive physician will be able to successfully administer the medication.
One important benefit of warfarin is that it although it has a limited window of efficacy, its anticoagulant effects are easily reversible. Vitamin K is one antidote to warfarin that will hasten the reversal of the anticoagulant effect and allow blood to clot more rapidly if the patient needs to undergo surgery or has been injured.

For more than 60 years, warfarin has been the primary course of treatment for patients with heart and blood vessel disease, however recently a new class of anticoagulant medications was approved for use in the United States. The development of these novel oral anticoagulants, also known as NOACs or non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, has been regarded as a tremendous advance in the field of cardiovascular care.
Compared to warfarin, NOACs have few interactions with foods or other prescription drugs and their effects last longer and are more predictable. These two benefits mean that there is no need for consistent monitoring and patients do not need to undergo frequent blood tests. This places much less demand on patients.

NOACs do have one drawback: while warfarin is easily reversible in case of anticoagulant-related complications, serious injury, or emergency surgery, NOACs take longer to reverse and do not have a specific antidote.
Prior to surgery, it is recommended that patients refrain from taking their medication for 24-48 hours prior. While there are currently antidotes in the advanced development stage, these are not yet available in a clinical setting. Nonetheless, the ease of adherence to NOACs in comparison to warfarin means that the drugs may be more suitable for patients with limited mobility who are unable to travel for frequent blood tests.
Another consideration when comparing warfarin and NOACs is cost. Warfarin is readily available and very inexpensive while popular NOACs are significantly more expensive – while Coumadin is about 10$ for thirty pills, available NOACs cost about 350$ for the same amount. However, with NOACs achieving widespread inclusion in most prescription insurance programs and Medicare, this high price may not translate to high out of pocket costs. Furthermore, the need for constant monitoring with warfarin should be factored as part of the total cost of this course of treatment.

When choosing between treatment alternatives in anticoagulant drug therapy, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration.

What are the relative benefits and drawbacks of each course of treatment and how can one decide between them?
The simple answer is that it depends on each individual patient’s needs. Making medical decisions can be challenging and it is important for patients to have an advocate working on their behalf.

As a cardiologist in practice for more than three decades, I have made it my life’s mission to treat every patient as though they are my only patient. Choosing the Right Anticoagulant For You
When deciding between two competing courses of action, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. A good doctor is not just there to dictate his preferred choice, but to explain the relative benefits of either one and assist the patient in making the best decision for their circumstances.
At my practice, the patient is always our first priority.
Whether choosing the appropriate anticoagulant or making any other medical decision, at Dr. Leonard Pianko’s Aventura Cardiovascular Center, our entire staff is invested in offering the best care for each individual patient.
From the desk of Dr. Leonard Pianko, MD PA FACC
Dr. Leonard Pianko, the founder of the Aventura Cardiovascular Center, is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine with special expertise in cardiovascular disease, preventive cardiology, and non-invasive treatment options, including echocardiogram and nuclear stress testing. A native of New York, Dr. Leonard Pianko, M.D., F.A.C.C., was born in the Bronx, and earned an undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University in New York before receiving his medical education at top-ranked Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completing his training at the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine in New Brunswick, New Jersey. For more information about this blog contact Dr. Pianko at http://www.leonardpiankomd.com/contact.php.

Choosing the Right Anticoagulant For You

July 26, 2017 0 comment

Conditions & Treatments

Ten Steps to Conquering Heart Disease

by Jeff Dailey March 26, 2016

written by Jeff Dailey

Ten Steps to Conquering Heart Disease

You may already know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America, and that factors like obesity increase your risk of developing it. But of all the shocking things you know – or believe you know – about heart disease, here’s the statistic that you might find the most eye-opening: 80 percent of all heart disease is preventable.
“It’s important that everyone understand as much as possible about heart disease prevention, as 80 percent of heart disease can be avoided,” says Dr. Martha Grogan, medical editor-in-chief of the new book “Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!”
Heart disease claims the lives of 600,000 Americans each year, and another 12.7 million suffer from heart attacks. One in three women are diagnosed with heart disease and 50 percent of men are at risk of heart attacks before age 65. Those statistics may make you feel like you, too, are in the cross-hairs for developing heart disease. Some lifestyle changes, however, can help you greatly reduce your risks.
In the new book, available now online and in bookstores nationwide, Mayo Clinic experts discuss risk factors for heart disease, how to recognize the symptoms, and what lifestyle steps you can take to help reduce your risk. The catchphrase “Eat 5, Move 10, Sleep 8” sums up the approach Mayo experts advocate to minimize heart disease risks. The slogan reminds you to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, do at least 10 minutes of moderately intense physical exercise daily, and get at least eight hours of sleep per night.
In addition, Mayo experts say, 10 simple steps can help you minimize your risk of heart disease. Here’s a sampling of the steps that you’ll find in the clinic’s new heart healthy book:
* Eat healthy – Adopt simple dietary changes such as eating at least five fruits and vegetables each day, switching to whole grains and lean proteins, and eating a healthy breakfast every day.
* Be active – A sedentary lifestyle is as deadly as smoking, experts say. Exercising just 10 minutes a day can deliver significant heart-health benefits. Have trouble sticking with an exercise plan? Finding something you enjoy doing, whether it’s playing a sport, running, tai chi, yoga or extreme house cleaning, can help you maintain your commitment to exercising.
* Sleep well – Sleep deprivation has serious health repercussions, including increasing your risk of heart disease. Conversely, getting adequate sleep can actually have a restorative effect on the heart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sleep deprivation has become a national public health epidemic. Creating a bedtime routine and a relaxing sleep environment can help you get the eight hours of sleep per night that your body needs.
* Plan for emergencies – A heart emergency can happen at any time, so it’s important to know the warning signs of a problem. Learn to recognize symptoms of a crisis, and act quickly to get medical help.
* Enjoy life – A positive attitude, supportive network of family and friends, and good management of your stress not only improve your heart health, they can improve your overall enjoyment of life, as well.
In addition to offering solid advice and the 10 steps to heart health, the “Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!” also discusses how the heart functions, what can go wrong, tools for ongoing heart health, and tips on how to keep your whole family heart healthy.
“Following these steps can help you dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease, even though it can’t be completely eliminated,” Grogan says. “If you’ve done everything in your power to prevent heart disease or live with it as effectively as possible, then you have, indeed, conquered it.”

Provided by: ARA

March 26, 2016 0 comment