The heart works hard from the second we are born until the moment life ends.
This complex organ controls blood flow throughout our bodies. Keeping it healthy is vital to our well-being. Many of us know this, of course, and we do our best to stay fit by exercising regularly, eating properly, and having cholesterol checked on a regular basis. But we need to do something else, too. We need to see a cardiologist.
Fortunately, Heart Docs (6410 Veterans Avenue, Suite 102, 718-763-7061) is in the borough. This health care center is run by Board-certified doctors, and tests such as echocardiograms, stress tests, and more can be done right on the premises.
Dr. Vaijinath Chakote’s staff at Heart Docs includes Board-certified cardiologists such as: Dr. An-Moo Rim, (Lenox Hospital); Dr. Robin Arshad, (NYU); and Dr. Viswanath Banad, (Brooklyn Hospital). These physicians are specially trained to treat heart diseases. They are also knowledgeable when it comes to preventing heart disease, and can help you better understand what it takes to keep your heart healthy.
Every patient who sees the doctors at Heart Docs receives individual care, including a physical examination and medical history review. Blood pressure, weight, heart, and lungs will be checked. Should the doctor require additional information, it’s convenient that testing can be arranged and performed right at the Veterans Avenue location.
One common test is an echocardiogram. This test allows the doctor to get a better look at your heart. It’s a painless procedure that utilizes sound waves to produce images.
Some patients may be asked to take a stress test. This evaluates your heart both before and after you exercise. It compares and contrasts how the heart reacts under average circumstances and when it’s made to pump harder.
The information from these tests is evaluated by the cardiologist, and each patient is advised. Sometimes, additional testing may be required. Perhaps lifestyle and diet changes may be recommended.
Conditions such as angina may be determined. This condition occurs when there is a temporary imbalance between the need for oxygen in the heart and the ability of the coronary arteries to supply enough blood. It is often experienced when there is an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure, but it may also be experienced at other times as well. Many patients have symptoms such as chest pain, which can feel heavy, confining, or crushing. For some, this pain may run down to the shoulders or arms. Depending upon the results of tests, the doctor can advise you as to the best course of treatment.
There are a number of risk factors associated with heart disease. While heredity plays a part, people can lower their risks by maintaining a healthy weight. Some studies suggest that if you are more than 30 percent overweight, you double your risk of developing heart disease. In addition, people who are overweight are also more apt to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and have high cholesterol levels. All of these factors contribute to heart disease.
A sedentary lifestyle is another risk factor. Regular exercise has many benefits, including improving circulation and toning muscles, so get off the couch and start moving.
A visit to Heart Docs can be a very positive experience. You may hear some wonderful and reassuring words – your heart is healthy and well. Won’t that bring peace of mind. Whatever the outcome, seeing the cardiologists at Heart Docs means you are being pro-active about your health and well-being. You will leave with a wealth of information, especially for you, that will provide insight and knowledge into keeping your heart healthy. That’s a step in the right direction.
Make an appointment to see Heart Docs today. The office is open Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 2-6 p.m. Most major medical plans are accepted.
