With their constant research on cardiovascular diseases, Orlando doctors are now convinced that emotional stress under certain circumstances does play a critical role in the development of chronic heart diseases. Stress also results in precipitation of acute cardiac crises. If you have been experiencing any kind of emotional stress and are reacting negatively to it, you need to be careful about preventing stress-related heart problems.

As per qualified Orlando doctors, stress can cause heart disease in at least two ways. First, if you experience chronic emotional stress, you are more likely to develop atherosclerosis – the disease process that produces coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke and peripheral artery disease. Second, periods of intense stress tend to precipitate acute heart problems resulting in angina pain and heart attacks.

It needs to be remembered that stress is a normal part of life. While preventing all forms of emotional stress is neither possible nor desirable, there are several ways to minimize your risk of stress-related heart problems. Doctors in Orlando heart hospitals often counsel their patients on stress management while informing them about healthy lifestyle to avoid coronary artery diseases and other vascular diseases. 

According to Orlando cardiology doctors, you should first try to identify those specific situations in your life that cause you to experience particularly severe stress. With a little self control and support of family members and close friends you can then avoid, alter or limit those situations as much as is feasible.

To counter stress, you also need to learn some effective stress management techniques. This is particularly important because it is a person's reaction to emotional stress that is the critical factor in determining whether stress is increasing his or her cardiac risk. Essentially, you must learn new responses to stressful situations, so that your fight-or-flight adrenaline surge is not automatically engaged at the first sign of trouble. FL doctors affirm that professional stress management programs have demonstrated measurable success in accomplishing this end.

Breathing exercises, stretching exercises, aerobic exercises, visualization techniques, Yoga, meditation, and massages are some effective ways to counter stress. All these stress management programs aim towards the same goal –- to blunt the adrenaline response to minor stresses.

At Florida Heart Group we have a team of efficient Orlando cardiology doctors who are skilled not only at diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease but also help their patients to follow a healthy lifestyle. Consult a doctor at Florida Heart Group if you or any of your loved ones have experienced a sign of heart problems.

February is being observed as National Heart Month across United States. And no, it is not just because of Valentines Day! This is a way to educate people, particularly women about heart diseases and the ways to avoid such fatal medical problems. The American Heart Association is celebrating February with the ‘Go Red For Women’ events. Even you should wear your heart on your sleeve by wearing something red this month – to show your support for this educational and helpful campaign. The ‘Go Red For Women’ campaign will actually fund research for women and heart diseases and it also aims to educate American women and help them lead longer, healthier lives.

A cold fact about heart disease is that it kills more people every year than all other major medical problems combined. In other words cardiovascular problems are more fatal than breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. Unfortunately, not many women are aware that they are more prone to heart diseases than their male counterparts. As per a study by American Heart Association, heart attacks and strokes kill one in very 3.7 men but one in 2.4 women lose their lives to heart disease and stroke.

Florida Heart Group has been regularly updating women about the kind of vascular problems that they can face. We have explained how lifestyle factors and even race can play a role in development of heart problems. The risk of heart disease also increases after menopause in women. Obesity and its related complications are of course some major causes of heart disease. Did you know that over fifty percent of Americans with a BMI of over 25, and one-quarter of American adults with a BMI of over 30 are considered over weight?

The good news is that with a healthy, balanced diet and adequate exercise, the possibilities of heart disease can be significantly reduced. If you have been addicted to nicotine, it is time to stub the cigarettes forever and say a strict goodbye to those silent killers! Promoting healthy lifestyle and spreading information about heart healthy eating habits is the very purpose and goal of American National Heart Month celebration.

At Florida Heart Group, we are celebrating National Heart Month. Meet one of our cardiologists to learn how you and your loved ones can lead better, healthier lives. We have advanced facilities and state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment of heart disease at the earliest stage.

Wish you a very Happy (and healthy) National Heart Month!

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is very critical for coronary artery diseases and other vascular diseases. For this, it is important to have good cardiac care hospitals – the hospitals with highly qualified and experienced doctors, trained and courteous support staff, state-of-the-art equipment and ultra modern technology.

Florida Heart Group has been providing excellent medical services since 1979 and has grown to become Florida's dynamic leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The highly regarded heart hospital of Florida now has a new peripheral intervention lab. This offers our interventional cardiologists the ability to perform vascular procedures in a comfortable, outpatient setting for patients.  Further, when compared to performing of such procedures in clinic or hospital, the outpatient laboratory drastically reduces the total costs involved.

With this new peripheral intervention lab, patients who seek peripheral vascular treatments and vein treatments in Orlando have access to the most superior facilities at Florida Heart Group. For vascular disease patients, catheterization test may be required for investigational or interventional purposes. It involves passing of a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the right or left side of the heart, usually from the groin or the arm under X-ray visualization. A slight pressure is felt when the catheter is placed but the patients taking the test at our new facility can feel at ease and get accurate results concerning their cardiovascular problem. The test also detects problems with heart valves and causes of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. All tests at peripheral intervention lab are performed by highly qualified and experienced cardiologists with the assistance of trained technicians and nurses.

The cardiology doctors at Florida Heart Group have always provided the best of services to their patients. We also have a team of female cardiologists with an excellent understanding of heart diseases in women. Florida heart Group is also known for its considerate nursing staff, caring technicians and polite receptionists. We remain prepared for any emergency cases to prevent painful symptoms and death caused by sudden heart problems. As a matter of fact, heart attack warning signs, no matter how minor they may be, should never be ignored and a qualified, experienced cardiologist must be consulted in time. Feel free to contact Florida Heart Group anytime for an appointment with a doctor to discuss your concerns for heart problems

Heart attack warning signs are more commonly noticed for men. This is because typical heart attack sign – angina or severe and squeezing chest pain may not impact many women prior to a heart attack. In females, the more prominent heart attack symptoms include nausea, breathlessness, cold sweat, and a general weakness or numbness in body parts. Such signs may not be understood an may be dismissed as a case of indigestion. But they can actually get very serious if proper medication or medical attention is not provided on time.

It is indeed important for women to comprehend some common risk factors that make them more likely to develop heart disease before serious or fatal signs of heart attack affect them.

Abnormal blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels – Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of fat found in blood and other parts of the body. They are carried in the blood by lipoproteins. The body needs small amounts of these substances to work well. But too much can lead to plaque buildup on your artery walls. In fact, plaque is made up mostly of unused cholesterol. A periodic check up at heart hospital is essential to check blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

High blood pressure or hypertension – Blood pressure is the force that blood makes against the walls of arteries. High blood pressure is a silent killer and big risk factor for heart problems. Years of high blood pressure can damage artery walls, causing atherosclerosis and heart disease. High blood pressure is a common problem among women, especially African American women.

Cigarette smoking – The more a woman smokes, the higher are her chances of a heart attack. Indeed about half of all heart attacks in women are due to smoking, What’s more, the women who smoke and also use birth control pills are at a higher risk of all kids of vascular diseases.

Diabetes – This is a disease in which blood glucose levels become very high. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage artery walls leading to atherosclerosis and heart diseases.  It raises the risk of heart attack in woman more than in a man.

To prevent severe heart attack warning signs, it is important to take care against such factors. At Florida Heart Group we have a team of efficient female cardiologists and physicians. We not only provide services for diagnosis and treatment of all types of vascular disease but also keep our patients and visitors informed of ways to prevent such problems.

Heart attack or myocardial infarction is often preceded by chest pain typically in male victims. Medications such as aspirin, beta blockers, nitrates, statins, and calcium channel blockers are prescribed by FL doctors for emergency angina treatment at home. An over the counter medicine such as aspirin is commonly kept at home and can be used immediately in such cases. It reduces the ability of the victim's blood to clot, making it easier for blood to flow through narrowed heart arteries. Prevention of blood clotting reduces risk of a heart attack. However, any sign of heart attack needs to be taken very seriously if the problem persists or re occurs after some time. The victim at such times needs attention of cardiology physicians at a good heart hospital so that an effective angina treatment and heart attack treatment can be arranged for.

In FL doctors may use coronary angioplasty or stenting for angina treatment. For a better recovery they may also prescribe medications that treat related conditions for heart attack- high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol level, or irregular heart rate.

Heart attack patients may need to be hospitalized for a few days up to a couple of weeks – this depends on the severity of myocardial infarction and how the body responds to treatment. Complete recovery can sometimes take six to eight weeks.

In the first few weeks following a heart attack, the heart begins to heal through the formation of scar tissue and tiny new blood vessels, known as collateral arteries – these develop near the damaged tissue to help bring additional blood flow to the area. During this period, adequate rest is crucial. Return to normal activity has to be a gradual process.

Most cardiology physicians also prescribe a simple exercise program, such as walking. How much exercise a patient can manage and the rate of exercise depends on the severity and complications of heart attack, the prior activity level, increased activity impacts the patient's heart.

Angina treatment and treatment of the heart attack are basic steps in restoring good health and normal functioning of heart muscles. But they do not cure the underlying conditions that cause such problems to develop. This is why FL cardiologists prescribe changes in lifestyle and diet to reduce risk factors for subsequent heart attacks.

At Florida Heart Group (FHG) we not only have excellent facilities for angina treatment but also help our patients to adopt better living habits and ensure a longer, healthier life. Meet cardiology physicians at FHG for any consultation on vascular diseases.

A vascular disease may not necessarily be cardio vascular problem. It may relate to arteries in other parts of the body including legs. Peripheral vascular or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing of one or more arteries (blood vessels) and it usually impacts the arteries that take blood to your legs. As per FL doctors, narrowing of arteries is caused by atheroma. This is a plaque that develops within the inside lining of arteries. A patch of atheroma may be very small in the initial stages and does not cause any problems. But if the underlying conditions that caused its formation are not checked, over the years the patch can become thicker and make the arteries narrower. This reduces the flow of blood through the impacted artery and ultimately painful symptoms in the leg. The veins may appear to be swollen and hardened.

Most typical symptom of PAD is pain that develops in one or both calves when you walk or exercise and is relieved when you rest for a few minutes. This pain also varies between cases and you may feel aching, cramping or tiredness in your legs. FL doctors and cardiology physicians call it intermittent claudication and this is due to narrowing of one or more arteries in the leg.

Obesity and lack of physical activity are some of the risk factors that cause peripheral artery diseases. However, this disease may also occur in an individual who is otherwise healthy but frequently takes alcoholic drinks. If the habit of drinking is also accompanied by smoking, possibilities of developing peripheral artery diseases are stronger.

According to FL doctors excessive alcohol consumption is directly associated with peripheral artery diseases. Alcohol is known to increase hyper tension and blood pressure – these further worsen the problems for a victim of peripheral artery disease. Although some studies have indicated that moderate consumption of wine and few other drinks is good for preventing vascular disease, there is still a lack of medical consensus about the same.

Men who drink more than 21 units of alcohol per week and women who drink more than 14 units in a week are strongly prone to peripheral artery diseases. One unit is about half a pint of normal strength beer, or two thirds of a small glass of wine.

At Florida Heart Group we have a team of proficient FL doctors and physicians. We not only provide efficient services for diagnosis and treatment of all types of vascular disease but also keep our patients and visitors informed of ways to prevent such problems. Contact us today for tips on reducing alcohol intake.

A heart attack, or a myocardial infarction as it is called in medical terminology, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart stops for a lengthy enough time as to cause part of the heart muscle to become damaged or die. The symptoms of a major heart attack may vary for individuals so it is important to know the critical ones.

Discomfort in the chest – When we talk about symptoms of heart attack, discomfort in the chest is always considered a crucial sign. It typically lasts longer than a few minutes and does not get better with rest or with other treatments, such as antacids. The chest pain or discomfort may also start and stop instead of staying consistent all the time. Angina treatment is essential at such times.

Discomfort in the upper body – Besides pain and discomfort in the chest, a victim of myocardial infarction may also experience discomfort that radiates to parts of upper body. Pain may thus spread to one or both arms and however, if it is felt in only one arm, it is typically the left one. It may also be felt in the back, neck, jaw and/or abdomen. Such symptoms of heart attack cannot be ignored and the victim needs to be taken to a good Florida heart hospital.

Shortness of Breath – This may also happen after a sprint or workout. However when shortness of breath is felt with one or more of the heart attack warning signs as mentioned above, it important to seek medical help. In Orlando doctors at good heart hospitals are prepared with equipment and medications to deal with emergency cases of heart attack.

Nausea and cold sweat – Chest pain is one of the known symptoms of heart attack but the signs of a major and fatal heart attack may not necessarily be pain in chest. Studies pertaining to women and heart attack have revealed that in females, pain in upper body, nausea and cold sweat are strong signs of a possible heart attack.

Once the victim gets proper medical attention at a Florida heart hospital, the doctors take all possible steps to minimize the damage to heart muscle. Angina treatment is also provided in case of chest pain. For effective treatment, the doctors may also need to do coronary angiography and check the damaged part of heart.

Florida Heart Group has a team of proficient and experienced Orlando doctors for diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases and peripheral artery diseases. We have all facilities to provide in-time treatment for heart attacks.

When visiting a Florida heart hospital, you may come across posters and banners that describe harmful effects of smoking. Most people associate smoking with breathing problems, lung cancer and throat cancer. However, smoking is also a big cause of heart diseases in men and women. According to various Orlando doctors in reputed Florida heart hospitals, approximately 20% of all deaths from heart diseases in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking.

A person's risk of heart disease and heart attack increases significantly with the number of cigarettes that he or she smokes. Several studies have proved that smokers continue to increase their risk of heart attack the longer they smoke. People who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day have more than twice the risk of heart attack than non-smokers. Women who smoke and also use birth control pills increase their risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Symptoms of heart attack or heart attack warning signs may be frequently seen in such women.

The nicotine in cigarettes causes heart disease by:

• Decreasing oxygen to the heart
• Increasing blood pressure and heart rate
• Increasing blood clotting
• Damaging to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels

When you make the effort to quit smoking, you instantly begin to reduce your chances of developing diseases including heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, ulcers, gum disease, and other conditions.

Once you quit this habit, you:

• Prolong your life
• Feel healthier – You will have fewer sore throats and will improve your stamina against common infections.
• Improve your sense of taste and smell
• Look better – Quitting helps you prevent face wrinkles, prevents stained teeth, and improves your skin quality
• Save money!

At Florida Heart Group (FHG), our cardiologists proactively help patients to quit smoking. FHG is a renowned heart hospital in Central Florida with centers in Orlando, Oviedo, and Altamonte Springs. We have advanced facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and other vascular diseases. Meet one of our cardiologists if you suspect heart problems or need effective angina treatment

Only a few more weeks until we ban together and stand up against the number one killer of women in the U.S.—heart disease. Will you be wearing red to show your support?

This year, February 3rd, we are asking all women (and men) across the country to take a stand and WEAR RED. If you can't wear red for some reason, a small red pin or red tie would equally show your support for this cause.

National Go Red Day was started in 2004 by the American Heart Association in order to raise awareness and dispel the myths of this deadly disease—a disease that touches nearly every family  across the country in some way.

The movement unites all women regardless of age or race to ban together and take a stand against the disease, which can be prevented with proper education and awareness.

Sadly, heart disease is the cause of death for 1 in 3 women every year. Our mothers and daughters need to understand how important heart health is to their overall well being.

FACT: On average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than other women. Despite the heightened risk, most are still unaware of the threat to themselves and their families.

It's time to take a stand and make a change!

Start a Go Red for Women event at your workplace! For information on how you can do so, click HERE for a variety of posters and materials you'll need to get started.

And please SHARE THIS POST on your Facebook wall or Twitter page in order to help raise awareness of heart disease and its life-threatening risks.

Angina or the chest pain is a known precursor of heart attack and calls for quick medical attention. In Florida, angina treatment can obviously be addressed at a good heart hospital with adequate facilities and experienced doctors. However while consulting Orlando doctors, a victim of angina or heart attack should also ask them about the care to be taken to prevent such problems in future. Besides angina treatment, it is important to understand the complications associated with angina.

If a person is afflicted by coronary artery disease (CAD), the coronary arteries get narrowed due to deposits of plaque. This restricts the flow of blood through them. During physical activity or exertion, the cells in the heart (myocardium) may need more oxygen (and therefore more blood) than the blocked coronary arteries can supply. As the cells are forced to work without adequate oxygen, the nervous system complains by sending pain signals to the brain.

Whenever body tissue does not get the oxygen it needs, the condition is referred to as ischemia. Angina is caused by 'myocardial ischemia' – the condition in which the heart muscle fails to get the oxygen it needs for proper functioning. This is not really the same as 'myocardial infarction' or heart attack. Infarction implies permanent cell death caused by long-lasting and severe ischemia. In angina, the cells are not usually so starved of oxygen that they die. This is why angina treatment at the right time can help to prevent a heart attack – the more serious problem.

Angina pain is caused by the problems with heart muscle but the pain is usually felt under the sternum (known as breastbone), midway between the breasts or pectoral muscles. The pain is typically not localized to just the sternum and it spreads, commonly down the left arm and also to the back, sides, upper abdomen, right arm, neck, jaw, or even the teeth. Angina pain may also occur in these places without occurring in the chest. Angina treatment is therefore important if a person who was diagnosed with CAD feels pain in such areas. Even a person who may never have had any heart problems experiences such pain frequently during exercise should see a good doctor in Orlando to avoid further complications.

At Florida Heart Group, we have the most advanced facilities and a team of best Orlando doctors for diagnosis of CAD and angina treatment. Feel free to contact us at any of our centers in Central Florida for any information concerning vascular diseases and for treatment of such problems.