Cardiomyopathy: the Precursor to Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy refers to a range of diseases that affect the heart. Symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient, and in some cases, an individual may not experience any symptoms despite the onset of cardiomyopathy. The early signs of cardiomyopathy can be subtle yet telling — sudden breathlessness in the middle of the night, swelling in the ankles, uncharacteristic fatigue. You might feel inclined to blame it on the stress of work or a subpar diet, but unless you consult a Tampa Bay heart doctor to diagnose your condition, you’ll never truly know if cardiomyopathy is at the root of your symptoms.

At Ascent Cardiology Group, we recognize that any medical condition affecting the heart should be addressed in its earliest stages to prevent further damage to this vital organ. Individuals with cardiomyopathy may not exhibit symptoms during the early stages; however, if left untreated, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, a potentially fatal condition. Don’t be afraid to seek help for your heart problem. The best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology Group, is standing by to answer all of your questions about cardiomyopathy.

Common Types of Cardiomyopathy

No two people will experience the exact same symptoms from cardiomyopathy. A patient’s age, medical history, genetics, and lifestyle can all play a role in the development of cardiomyopathy. The most common types of cardiomyopathy are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the left ventricle becomes dilated and loses the ability to efficiently pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the result of heart muscle that has become too thick, making it difficult to pump blood efficiently. When the heart muscle loses elasticity and starts to become stiff, it is known as restrictive cardiomyopathy. There is also a form of cardiomyopathy referred to as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia; however, this type of cardiomyopathy is much rarer as it is typically the result of genetic mutations.

Symptoms

Remember, not all patients with cardiomyopathy will experience noticeable symptoms. But as this condition advances, the likelihood of symptoms will increase. Furthermore, symptoms that are left untreated will typically grow more severe over time. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating caused by fluid buildup in the abdomen
• Bouts of coughing when lying down
• Breathlessness during periods of activity and rest
• Fainting
• Hard or rapid heart beats
• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
• Uncomfortable chest pressure

Causes

There are many potential causes of cardiomyopathy, including high blood pressure, connective tissue disorders, heart valve problems, damaged heart tissue, and metabolic disorders. Certain lifestyle decisions can also lead to cardiomyopathy. For example, smoking, drinking, using cocaine or other amphetamines, and anabolic steroids have all been linked to cardiomyopathy. Other causes are completely out of an individual’s control, like pregnancy complications. A Tampa Bay heart doctor can help you diagnose the root of your issue to help effectively treat cardiomyopathy and other related diseases or disorders.

Manage Cardiomyopathy With a Tampa Bay Heart Doctor

Living with cardiomyopathy doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. At Ascent Cardiology Group, it is our goal to help patients overcome their heart-related condition using the latest treatment modalities designed to provide patients with low-risk, long-term solutions. Whether your condition requires medication, a surgically implanted device (i.e. implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD], ventricular assist device [VAD], or pacemaker), nonsurgical procedures, or surgery (i.e., septal myectomy), our experienced team of cardiologists is standing by to guide you every step of the way.

To consult the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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Congenital Heart Defects: How to Ensure Your Baby Lives a Happy and Healthy Life

A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect that is present from birth and affects the structure of the heart or the surrounding veins and arteries. They are the most common types of birth defects in the United States, and until recent years, the outlook for a child born with CHD was grim. However, virtually all cases of CHD can now be corrected thanks to advancements in modern medicine. While CHD sufferers will still require life-long cardiac checkups, there’s no reason they can’t enjoy a happy and healthy life.

In this article, a cardiologist in Tampa Bay with Ascent Cardiology Group will shed some light on how CHD is diagnosed and treated. Being told that their child may be suffering from a heart condition is one of the most alarming things a new parent can hear. If you believe your child may be suffering from CHD, or your pediatrician recommends that you consult a cardiologist, schedule an appointment with Ascent Cardiology Group.

Diagnosing Congenital Heart Defects

CHD is usually detected within the first few months after birth. Signs that your child may be suffering from a severe CHD include:

Gray or blue skin Difficulty breathing Feeding difficulties Poor weight gain Low blood pressure Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes Signs of a less severe CHD include:

• Swelling in the hands and feet
• Shortness of breath
• Exhaustion
• Fainting during physical activity

If your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you contact a cardiologist in Tampa Bay as soon as possible.

Once your child is under the care of a board-certified cardiologist, a number of tests can be performed to diagnose the CHD. An echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray are all painless, non-invasive tests that can be performed to accurately determine if your child has a heart defect. What follows are the eight most common congenital heart defects that an individual can be diagnosed with:

• Ventricular septal defect
• Atrial septal defect
• Tetralogy of fallot
• Single ventricle defects
• Pulmonary valve stenosis
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Dextro-transposition of the great arteries
• Aortic valve stenosis

There are many additional defects that could be affecting your child. The survival of someone diagnosed with a heart defect depends upon the severity of the defect, how early it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. Remember, diagnosis and treatment can’t come early enough for a child suffering from CHD.

Treating Congenital Heart Defects

Mild heart defects can safely go untreated, while others are treated with prescription medications. However, severe cases of CHD often require immediate surgery. A cardiologist with Ascent Cardiology Group can perform surgery using catheterization, a non-surgical option that allows your cardiologist to repair heart defects without the need for open-heart surgery. Some procedures must be performed in sessions over a period of years, while others will need to be repeated once the child has grown.

After treatment, your child will require life-long monitoring to ensure that their heart is functioning properly. To ensure that your child’s heart health is looked after now and well into the future, consult the top cardiologists in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group. Our team of cardiologists will do everything they can to ensure that your child lives a long and healthy life.

To consult one of the top cardiologists in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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Heart Murmurs: When to Relax and When to Consult a Cardiologist

As defined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a heart murmur is “an unusual sound heard between heartbeats.” It is the “whooshing” or “swishing” sound that is often present in childhood or during pregnancy and usually nothing to be alarmed about. However, a heart murmur may be indicative of an underlying condition. Below, we discuss when you should consider consulting a cardiologist in Tampa Bay regarding your heart murmurs. If you are ever concerned with your heart health, schedule an appointment with Ascent Cardiology Group.

Signs of an Abnormal Heart Murmur

If you have heart murmurs, you likely aren’t experiencing any noticeable symptoms at all. This just means that your heart murmurs are likely harmless. As mentioned, heart murmurs can be present in growing children and expecting mothers, but they can also emerge as a result of exercise, fever, or a growth spurt during adolescence. However, if your heart murmur is the result of a serious condition, you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

• Bluish skin, fingertips, or lips
• Chest pain
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Enlarged liver or neck veins
• Lightheadedness
• Persistent cough
• Rapid weight gain

Should I See a Cardiologist?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult the best cardiologist in the Tampa Bay area. It may be nothing, or it may be something serious. You’ll never know until you consult a medical professional – it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your heart health. Only a cardiologist has the expertise to accurately diagnose your condition and determine if your heart murmurs are harmless or harmful. While a simple listen through a stethoscope is usually enough to detect heart murmurs, our team of cardiologists can employ a number of techniques to discover the underlying cause, including X-rays, echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization.

Turn to the Cardiologists at Ascent Cardiology Group

While heart murmurs are usually harmless, they may be a sign of a congenital heart defect, heart valve issues, endocarditis, or rheumatic fever — conditions that can permanently damage the heart. In the event that your heart murmur a sign of something serious, you’ll want the best cardiologist in the Tampa Bay area on your side. Under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Sachin Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, our team of board-certified cardiologists are prepared to help you in any way possible. Whether your heart murmur is harmless or not, you can benefit from seeing a cardiologist that will put your heart health first and ensure that it continues pumping properly for years to come.

To consult a cardiologist in the Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Heart and Body

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined just as it sounds: a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of your blood vessels is abnormally high. This increase in pressure eventually leads to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, heart failure, aneurysms, dementia, and even death. High blood pressure can be present for years without any symptoms appearing, all the while damaging your heart and organs. Below, we discuss the short- and long-term effects of high blood pressure on the heart and body. If you or a loved one is dealing with high blood pressure, be sure to consult a Tampa heart specialist from Ascent Cardiology Group.

The Short-Term Effects

High blood pressure can fall under one of two categories: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension has no underlying cause and can take many years to develop and notice. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, results from an underlying medical condition, such as birth defects, medications, or illicit drugs.

Whether due to primary or secondary hypertension, pressure on your artery wall puts added stress on your heart. In the short term, both men and women can experience sexual dissatisfaction. As your arteries continue to become weakened and less elastic they become increasingly inefficient in supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the body. Once you experience the signs of high blood pressure — headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath — permanent damage may have already set in.

The Long-Term Damage

As the tissues inside your arteries are damaged and “bad” cholesterol builds up, the risks of developing complications increases. Because every part of your body needs blood to function, virtually every aspect of your person can be compromised by high blood pressure. Sufferers with undiagnosed high blood pressure run the risk of developing:

• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Vision Loss
• Aneurysm
• Kidney Failure
• Memory Loss
• Vascular Dementia

These are just a few of the complications that can result from uncontrolled high blood pressure. Because high blood pressure is known as a “silent killer,” your only way of combating it is by scheduling regular check ups with a heart specialist in Tampa Bay.

Schedule an appointment with a Tampa Heart Specialist

While it may take years before your high blood pressure develops symptoms, your cardiologist can diagnose your condition over the course of a few short visits. Treatment may entail lifestyle changes, such as implementing a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, or it may involve taking prescription medications. In the event that your blood pressure does not respond to medications — resistant hypertension — you’ll want a cardiologist on your side who can explore potential underlying causes and find a treatment that’s right for you. Diagnosing high blood pressure and treating the underlying cause is a challenge that should only be undertaken by a board-certified cardiologist. If you have any reason to believe that you are suffering from blood pressure spikes, request an appointment with a team of cardiologists that can protect your heart health no matter the cause.

To consult a heart specialist in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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Your Leg and Arm Pain Could Indicate a More Severe Heart-Related Illness

If you experience pain in your legs or arms while exercising, your discomfort might not be the result of too many reps or muscle strain from trying to set a new personal record. Rather, your pain may be indicative of a condition affecting the blood vessels, known as claudication. Claudication, sometimes referred to as intermittent claudication, occurs when blood flow to the legs (or arms) is restricted. Most patients first notice the pain associated with claudication during routine exercise, but it can also be made apparent during periods of rest if left untreated.

Surprisingly, claudication isn’t technically a disease. It’s actually a symptom of a disease — peripheral artery disease. Although treatable, peripheral artery disease is a potentially serious condition that restricts the ability of your blood vessels to circulate blood. This limits the amount of blood flowing to your legs and arms, which creates complications for those hoping to maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle. In this article, we’ll detail everything you need to know about claudication, including its symptoms and causes. If you believe that the pain in your legs and arms can be attributed to claudication, consult a cardiologist in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group to discuss your treatment options.

Symptoms

The symptoms of claudication are mainly pain-related, so it’s essential that you pay attention to what your body is telling you and avoid excessive strain. When your body says enough is enough, take a break and allow yourself to recover. The most common symptom of claudication is pain during exercise, which can occur in your feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks, or, less commonly, arms. Claudication will lead to pain in whichever area of your body is experiencing narrowing arteries or arterial damage.

But what about people who don’t exercise or live a largely sedentary lifestyle? For these people, intermittent pain may still be felt during less-strenuous activities like shopping or gardening. The longer claudication goes untreated, the more apparent the pain will become. For instance, individuals may feel pain in their legs or back while sitting or lying down in the later stages of claudication. Discolored skin or ulcerations can also occur in those with severely restricted blood flow, leading to sores on the legs, feet, toes, arms, or fingers. If you notice that your toes or fingers have taken on a bluish hue or feel cold or clammy, you should consult a cardiologist in Tampa.

Causes

As we mentioned above, claudication is most often a symptom of peripheral artery disease, a disease that causes atherosclerosis in the arms or legs. Narrowed arteries cannot facilitate the flow of blood throughout the body and only get worse over time as fat, cholesterol, and other atherosclerotic plaques further clog the arteries. The body’s complex circulation system is like a series of highways designed to eliminate “traffic,” or congestive elements that restrict blood flow. Atherosclerosis is like a traffic jam. Too much atherosclerosis and the whole system starts to drag, resulting in less oxygenated blood in the places you need it most.

Atherosclerosis and, by extension, peripheral artery disease, are the main causes of claudication, but there are other potential causes, too. Spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy and, certain musculoskeletal conditions can also lead to claudication. There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis and, therefore, claudication, including:

• Age: 50+ (Smokers and Diabetics)
• Age: 70+
• Diabetes
• Family History
• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity (BMI > 30)
• Smoking

If you are experiencing pain in your arms or legs, you may be suffering from a type of pain known as claudication. Consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, to learn more about diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, you can take some simple steps to control your condition, such as:

• Eat Healthy (Reduce Saturated Fat)
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce Your Cholesterol and • Blood Pressure Levels
• Regulate Your Body Weight

To consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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What Your Family History Says About Your Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. While smoking, stress, and diet are clear risk factors, family history must also be taken into account when determining if a person is at an increased risk of developing this deadly condition.

Below, we discuss how family history — your genes and upbringing — is a key indicator in determining your risk of developing heart disease. If your parents, siblings, or close relatives have been afflicted with heart disease, consider seeking a heart specialist in Tampa Bay who can diagnose your condition.

It Runs in the Family

When looking at your family history, start with your immediate family and work your way back. Did your parents or siblings suffer from a heart attack or stroke at a young age (55 or younger for men, 65 or younger for women)? Even if your parents were spared, if a grandparent suffered from heart disease, it could indicate that you are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. In addition to heart attack and stroke, consider scheduling an appointment with a cardiologist if any of the following heart diseases are present in your family history:

• Congenital Heart Disease
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart Failure
• Heart Valve Disease
• Abnormal Heart Rhythms

Inherited risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can also lead to heart disease and may shed light on who in your family is susceptible to developing a heart-related problem. For assistance in diagnosing and treating these conditions, consult a Tampa heart specialist from Ascent Cardiology Group.

Looking at Environmental Factors

Remember, family history is a combination of your genes and upbringing. The environment your family shares has an impact on your risk of developing heart disease. For example, if you come from a low-income family that was unable to afford healthy food, this may lead to heart disease later in life.

There are, of course, other characteristics that are beyond your control, such as your age, sex, and race or ethnicity. All of these risk factors can stack up and make it seem like heart disease is inevitable, but the only way to know for sure is to contact a Tampa heart specialist who can set your mind at ease and determine what treatment, if any, is right for you.

Consult a Cardiologist

At Ascent Cardiology Group, we can employ several noninvasive procedures, such as a stress test or transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), to make a diagnosis and determine once and for all if you are at risk or suffering from heart disease. These same-day procedures allow our cardiologists to immediately diagnose the conditions of the heart. From there, we can develop a treatment plan and take any necessary steps to ensure your heart health is preserved. If you are concerned that your family history puts you at risk of developing heart disease, take a precautionary step and schedule an appointment with Sachin Diwadkar, M.D., of Ascent Cardiology Group.

To consult a heart specialist in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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Staying Active With Heart Disease

Living with heart disease may require you to make some alterations to your lifestyle, but you can still enjoy being active, so long as you understand how to manage your condition. In fact, exercise is an important component of mitigating the effects of heart disease. Regular physical activity can help you strengthen your heart and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at bay. If you are suffering from heart disease, consult a cardiologist in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group to see how your exercise regimen can be tailored to your condition.

Your Heart Needs Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in your heart health. From a young age, we are taught that exercise is a vital component of our growth from adolescence to adulthood. This logic doesn’t change as you get older. In fact, the importance of exercise is reinforced as time passes, especially when your heart starts to exhibit symptoms of heart disease.

When your heart is strong, there’s a reduced chance of you succumbing to chest pain and other symptoms during exercise, which helps you sustain longer periods of increased activity. Other benefits to exercise include reduced blood pressure and cholesterol, weight loss, and strong bones. Those suffering from diabetes can control their blood sugar more effectively by exercising.

Consult a Cardiologist Before You Kick-Off a New Workout Program

Before you start taking on a new exercise regimen, consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL. By doing so, you can make sure that you’re staying healthy while staying active. In particular, individuals that have recently undergone a heart procedure or surgery or experienced a heart attack, chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath should approach exercise deliberately to avoid putting excessive strain on their heart.

When you consult a cardiologist in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group, an experienced medical professional can tell you which exercises are best for your overall health and provide tips for easing back into an active lifestyle. Some potential recommendations may include:

• Focus on aerobic activities. Your heart and lungs benefit most from exercises that push them to use oxygen. Aerobic activities also improve blood circulation. Try to increase the intensity of these exercises moderately every session.

• Start slowly. Walking, swimming, light jogging, and biking are all examples of exercises that you can perform without worrying about overdoing it.

• Stretch before you start exercising to prevent other injuries. If you pull a muscle in your leg, you might not be able to run comfortably. If you can’t perform the exercise, your heart won’t benefit.

• If you start to get tired or feel you are experiencing heart symptoms, take a break and cool down.

• Wear the proper clothing and footwear during exercise.

• Pay attention to the weather. If it’s hot, exercise in the morning or in the evening. If it’s cold or snowy, exercise inside. Working out in freezing temperatures is ill-advised for those with heart disease.

• Supplement your aerobic exercises with resistance weight training, which helps you improve your strength and muscular elasticity.

Live Your Life

Don’t let heart disease stop you from enjoying the things you most love to do. Whether you’re an avid fishermen, skilled gardener, or former marathon winner, you deserve to take part in the activities that make you happy. At Ascent Cardiology Group, we help patients overcome their heart-related ailments by guiding them through a comprehensive treatment program that uses the latest diagnostic procedures and noninvasive treatments to improve patient comfort and minimize side effects.

To consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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How Diabetes Leads to Heart Disease

Over 30 million Americans suffered from diabetes in 2015. Of those 30 million, roughly seven million went undiagnosed. This is especially alarming considering the connection between diabetes and heart disease. Below, we explore this connection and offer suggestions for those looking to control their blood glucose levels and prevent dangerous health conditions. If you suffer from diabetes or suspect that you do, it’s imperative that you take the initiative to better your heart health by consulting the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa, Dr. Sachin Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology Group.

The Results of High Blood Glucose Levels

Simply put, diabetes occurs when your blood has high blood glucose levels — too much sugar. If left untreated, high blood glucose will damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to heart disease. Your chances of developing heart disease only grow so long as you have diabetes. For those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, heart disease can take the form of the following:

• Coronary Heart Disease
• Heart Failure
• Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

In addition to heart disease, diabetes can lead to heart failure, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. While it may seem like nothing more than a preventable inconvenience, diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if not kept in check.

Causes of Diabetes

Whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. It’s a common misconception that poor diet alone causes diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by genetics and environmental factors. While there is a strong connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes, genetic and environmental factors are also connected and the ultimate cause remains alone.

If you are suffering or believe you are suffering from diabetes, there’s nothing for you to be ashamed of. Diabetes is a common disease that afflicts millions of Americans. More importantly, it’s a preventable and treatable condition.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include exhaustion, hunger, frequent urination, increased thirst, dry mouth and skin, and blurred vision. However, you may also experience yeast infections, difficulty healing from cuts and sores, and nerve damage resulting in pain or numbness in your feet if you’ve had type 2 diabetes for some time.

If your diabetes has lead to heart disease, you may experience severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. Those that silently suffer from heart disease do so at the risk of suffering a larger complication later in life, such as a heart attack.

Prevention and Treatment Options

Those that are worried about diabetes and their heart health can begin to make lifestyle changes to lower their chances of developing heart disease. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends that you eat well, stop smoking, be active, take prescribed medications as directed to by a doctor, and reduce stress. These are excellent recommendations; however, if your diabetes has progressed to a more serious condition, it’s imperative that you consult a cardiologist.

At Ascent Cardiology Group, we specialize in interventional cardiology in Tampa. With the use of advanced, minimally invasive techniques, such as radial artery catheterization, we can diagnose and effectively treat your condition. Put your health first by trusting a doctor that has dedicated his life to improving the lives of patients who struggle with heart disease. Trust Dr. Diwadkar and the team of cardiologists at Ascent Cardiology Group.

To consult the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa, from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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What a Stress Test Can Say About Your Heart Health

An exercise stress test shows how hard your heart is working during physical activity. By making your heart work harder, this test can reveal abnormalities that may be vital for the detection and prevention of heart disease. Below, we will discuss the importance of stress tests and how they are administered by Dr. Sachin Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, and the team of cardiologists at Ascent Cardiology Group. If you are concerned with your heart health and wish to undergo a stress test, consult a specialist in interventional cardiology in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group.

What Happens During a Stress Test?

A stress test consists of attaching a heart monitor to a patient and having them walk on a treadmill. As the test progresses, the treadmill will incline and gain speed, similar to walking up a hill. The test continues until a target heart rate is reached. In addition to asking you how you feel during the test, a cardiologist will record your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and electrical activity of the heart. At Ascent Cardiology Group, we take this test one step further by also employing transthoracic echocardiography for quick and painless visualization of the heart. Using ultrasounds, this method allows us to immediately diagnose cardiac abnormalities that would otherwise go undetected.

Is a Stress Test Safe?

A stress test is relatively risk-free and only as dangerous as a bike ride or walk up a hill would be. Medical professionals are always on hand to ensure that patient safety is a priority and to stop the test if at any point you feel uncomfortable. Preparation for this test is also relatively simple. A cardiologist will ask that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. They may ask that you forgo eating, drinking, smoking, or taking certain medicines before the test.

What Will a Stress Test Reveal?

Despite the simplicity of a stress test, it can provide your cardiologist with a wealth of information regarding your heart health. A stress test can be used to diagnose coronary artery disease or the underlying cause of chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness. It can even be used to discern a patient’s risk of a heart attack. Additionally, a stress test says how much exercise your heart can handle, an important piece of knowledge to have for creating an exercise regimen to manage the effects of heart disease. What can a stress test say about your heart health? Quite a bit.

Have an Interventional Cardiologist Administer Your Stress Test

What a stress test says about your heart health is important because a central component of interventional cardiology is using preventative measures and minimally invasive techniques to treat heart disease. If your cardiologist can determine how much your heart can handle, they can determine how best to proceed with medical treatment. If the results of your stress test are of concern, your cardiologist may recommend cardiac catheterization, an advanced procedure to diagnose and treat conditions of the heart.

When in search of the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa, turn to a cardiologist who can not only administer your stress test but who also possesses the medical knowledge and expertise to develop the appropriate treatment plan following your test. Dr. Diwadkar is certified to perform all forms of echocardiography and stress testing.

To consult the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa, from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

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In addition to being the most common type of heart disease, coronary heart disease is the deadliest. In fact, it’s

Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Heart Healthy

Do you remember the first time you heard your child’s heartbeat? Most people hear it for the first time after twelve weeks of pregnancy. At this point, the doctor may use a handheld Doppler machine to detect your child’s heartbeat. There’s nothing quite like this experience. The cadence of a fetus’ heartbeat is soft, nearly akin to a murmur, but nonetheless powerful and life-affirming. It’s truly a moment to cherish, but it also indicates the first stage of a lifelong dedication to your child’s heart health.

In this article, a cardiologist in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group will discuss some important tips for parents that want to keep their child’s heart healthy. If you or your child are suffering from a heart-related condition, or even if your family history suggests that a heart problem could materialize later on, consult a cardiologist in Tampa to learn more about treatment and prevention.

Encourage Exercise

Although the popularity of video games is at an all-time high, physical activity is still an essential component of your child’s overall well-being, and you can’t afford to let them turn into a couch potato under your vigil. Exercise helps strengthen the various parts of the heart and can help children avoid heart-related conditions related to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. The more you encourage your child to get out and play, the sooner they’ll see that a couple games of Fortnite can’t compare to outdoor activities like soccer, hide and seek, or going on a bike ride with friends.

Support Nutrition

Your house, your rules, right? In your kitchen, you get to set the dinner menu on a nightly basis. This means you control what your kids eat. You can’t blame a kid for eating fried chicken, hamburgers, and pizza if that’s all you give them. Support nutrition and nutrition will support your child’s heart health. It will also help them maintain a healthy weight, stay energized, and develop superior eating habits that can lead to years of sustained heart health. When your kids fight back against broccoli and carrots, search for new, heart-healthy recipes online that are designed to give kids the flavors they crave and the health benefits they need.

Consult a Cardiologist in Tampa

Regular medical checkups are integral to your child’s ongoing heart health. Those stethoscope tests aren’t just a formality, they’re an important part of a comprehensive plan to keep your child’s overall health in check. When your pediatrician or family doctor discovers an abnormality indicating a potential heart-related illness, call upon a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, to guide you through the steps that must be taken to ensure your child’s heart receives the appropriate care and treatment.

To consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.

More Resources

Cardiomyopathy: the Precursor to Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy: the Precursor to Heart Failure

Congenital Heart Defects: How to Ensure Your Baby Lives a Happy and Healthy Life

Heart Murmurs: When to Relax and When to Consult a Cardiologist

How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Heart and Body

Your Leg and Arm Pain Could Indicate a More Severe Heart-Related Illness

What Your Family History Says About Your Heart Health

Staying Active With Heart Disease

How Diabetes Leads to Heart Disease

What a Stress Test Can Say About Your Heart Health

Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Heart Healthy

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