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All About Telehealth for Atrial Fibrillation
Last Updated: Mar 05, 2021 9:23:15 PM
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Curious about telehealth for atrial fibrillation? Here's what you should know.
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All About Telehealth for Atrial Fibrillation
Telehealth allows doctors to care for people virtually over a phone call, text message, or most commonly, video chat.
Although some situations require an in-person visit, telehealth is a great option when you can't get to the doctor's office for your atrial fibrillation (afib).
If you're new to telehealth, here's what you need to know.
Medicare will cover telehealth visits just like in-person visits, but state Medicaid programs and private insurers vary, so confirm your coverage in advance.
With telehealth, even though you're not in the doctor's office, your private health information is still covered by HIPAA, so it will remain confidential and secure.
Although your cardiologist can't give you a physical exam via telehealth, they can write prescriptions and offer quality care, especially if you prepare in advance.
Before your telehealth appointment:- List any afib symptoms (including dates and severity), like palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Note any side effects from your afib medications or treatments, such as nausea, dizziness, or fatigue
- Some blood thinners can cause dangerous bleeding, so your doctor may order regular blood tests if you take it
- Keep a food diary, and document any new stresses in your life
- Compile a list of your health conditions and all medications
- Gather any recent lab results
- Record your vital signs if you own a heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, or another device
- Write down any questions you have for your cardiologist
- Charge your computer or phone
- Make sure your internet is reliable
- Download any telehealth apps your specific provider may require
- Find a quiet, private space to conduct the call
- Be prepared with pen and paper or a note-taking app
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right cardiologist to treat atrial fibrillation via telehealth. And share this video to spread the word!
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Last Updated: Oct 29, 2020 2:48:59 PM
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Coronary artery disease is a serious condition, but with lifestyle changes and medication, you can make your heart healthier and stronger.
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Coronary artery disease is when cholesterol plaque builds up within the arteries. Cholesterol plays a role in coronary artery disease in that it collects in the arterial walls. This can result in a narrowing of the artery over time, or it can also result in a plaque rupturing into the artery, which causes a heart attack. There is a connection between coronary artery disease and diabetes. Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to developing the cholesterol plaque inside your arteries. And when they do develop these plaques inside of the arteries, they tend to develop in a very diffuse nature, affecting many of the blood vessels supplying blood flow to the heart.
There are several signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease. One, this can cause a stiffening of the arteries. It can cause angina, or cardiac chest pain, or it can result in a heart attack, or weakening of the heart muscle over time. At times, it's associated with discomfort radiating to the neck, jaw, arm, or to the back, oftentimes associated with sweating, perhaps nausea. There's several contributing factors that lead to the development of coronary artery disease. Risk factors include the presence of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, whether you smoke or not, how active a lifestyle you lead, and your family history.
If someone's having symptoms of coronary artery disease or angina, those symptoms can be treated with beta blockers, nitrates, or other medications that dilate the blood vessels to the heart. If patients continue to have symptoms despite being on adequate medical therapy, that's when we consider revascularization. The message for hope for patients with coronary artery disease is that we currently have many treatments available that decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke and extend your life. My name is David Halpin and I'm an interventional cardiologist.
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Last Updated: Nov 13, 2020 9:29:22 PM
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Atrial fibrillation (afib) has many causes and can lead to serious symptoms, but with the right medications and lifestyle changes, you can live a normal life. Dr. Layth Saleh explains more.
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In the normal heart, the heart is composed of four different chambers, two bottom ones that are the ventricles and two top ones that are the atria. With normal rhythm at resting state, people have a heart rate of about 60 to 100 beats per minute, which starts in the right, in the top right chamber, which is the right atrium. And then it goes down to the bottom. With atrial fibrillation, there's a problem that actually overtakes that normal rate and instead of going at 60 to 100 beats per minute in the top chambers, it goes to 300 and 350 and 400 beats per minute.
There is more than one way that afib negatively affects the heart. First of all, you lose your normal atrial function. And that is, that adds about maybe 15, 20% of your heart efficiency or the pumping efficiency of the heart. And then the second thing is with a heart rate that is fast, you could actually affect the function in the bottom part of the heart. Ejection fraction is what we call it, which is the amount of blood that the heart pumps each beat. It goes from a normal of about 65 or 70% down to maybe 40, 30, 20% sometimes. It actually causes heart failure.
On the very basic level to get afib, your heart probably has some abnormality. Most of the time that involves some scarring in the heart. An enlarged left atrium for any reason could cause afib so things like high blood pressure that's not treated, valvular heart disease, heart valves that are diseased, that are not treated. Things like thyroid disease, lung disease could cause afib. Some medications if they're taken in excess or if they're not monitored well can cause afib. A lot of things can cause afib.
Atrial fibrillation, unfortunately is like I said, a burdensome disease that at this point is a chronic condition and it's not curable. However, even though we can't say that we can cure it today, we can absolutely manage it. It is a very manageable disease and with a good relationship with your cardiologist, as well as a good healthy lifestyle as far as your diet, your exercise regimen, weight management and treatment of other conditions that could actually be contributing to afib like diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, then you can live a very normal life.
My name is Layth Saleh and I'm a cardiac electrophysiologist.
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What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?
Last Updated: Oct 29, 2020 3:20:10 PM
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A pulmonary embolism is a serious problem that can be fatal in some cases. Learn what you need to know about risk factors, prevention, and treatment of this issue.
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Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which is most commonly caused by a blood clot. Pulmonary embolism can be really fatal. In different reports, the fatality is reported to be different, anywhere between 5% to 30%.
Pulmonary artery is a big vessel that connects the right side of the heart to the lungs. Pulmonary embolism obviously directly can affect the lung. It will cause blockage in the pulmonary artery, which is providing blood flow to the lungs. That section of the lung that doesn't see the blood flow will eventually die.
Symptoms can vary. The most common symptom of a pulmonary emboli is shortness of breath. They might also have chest pain. Chest pain can be sharp, stabbing pain. There are also--a variety of different cardiac symptoms are common. Most common ones are tachycardia, which means the patients are feeling their hearts beating fast. In more severe cases, we see patients coming in with shock and, unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, the best thing to do is to go to the emergency room.
There are different factors that raise the risk for having pulmonary embolism. These are including: advanced age--Anyone over the age of 65 is going to be at more risk; Obesity; If you have clotting issues in the family or if you have clotting issues in the past, that will put you at more risk. Recent surgery is another risk factor; smoking; if you are inactive or nonmobile for a period of time.
Treatment options vary. The majority of the time, we use blood thinners as a first step. In more severe cases, we use very strong clot busters called thrombolytics. Also, we have interventions that we do that we actually go with catheters, we go after the clot, and we can basically mechanically extract the clot. In some also rare cases, they'll need surgery to remove the clot.
The good news is that with timely and effective treatment, we expect patients to have a full recovery and really go back to their normal life in a few months. I'm Nima Aghili. I'm an interventional cardiologist.
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Coronary Artery Disease 101
Last Updated: Apr 15, 2020 8:17:14 PM
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If you've been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, here's what you need to know.
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Coronary Artery Disease 101
Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects 16.5 million Americans. If you're one of them, here's what you need to know.
Your coronary arteries are vessels that send blood to your heart muscle so it can pump it to the rest of your body.
CAD develops when cholesterol and fatty deposits called plaques build up, blocking and narrowing your coronary arteries.
As a result, your heart doesn't get enough blood and nutrients it needs. You might feel shortness of breath and chest pain called angina.
If blood flow is completely blocked, or your heart muscle weakens, this can cause a heart attack.
Lower your risk of CAD by:- Exercising regularly- Eating less fat and salt- Managing stress levels
Medications for CAD include blood thinners, cholesterol drugs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs.
In severe cases, you may need a stent to keep your artery open, or a bypass that allows blood to flow around blocked arteries.
If you're concerned about your heart health, turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease.
And share this video to help spread the word!
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 03-23-2020
Review Date: 03-23-2020
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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Pulmonary Embolism 101
Last Updated: Apr 16, 2020 9:43:59 PM
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Learn about pulmonary embolism to better manage your heart health and lower your risk.
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Pulmonary Embolism 101
Your pulmonary artery carries blood from your heart to your lung tissue.
Sometimes, a blood clot forms in the veins of the leg or arm and travels up through the pulmonary artery to your lungs.
If the blood clot blocks the pulmonary artery, it's called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
This makes it harder for your lungs to send oxygen to the rest of your body. If untreated, PE can be life-threatening.
PE symptoms include:- Sudden shortness of breath- Pain in the chest, neck, jaw, arm, or shoulder- Coughing up blood- Lightheadedness and dizziness- Sweating and fever- Leg pain or swelling- Blue-ish, clammy skin
Certain factors can raise your risk of PE, like:- Some cancers and chemotherapy- Being sedentary for too long- Recent surgery- Heart disease- Taking estrogen supplements- Being overweight- Pregnancy- Smoking
Sitting in one position, like on a long plane ride, can increase your risk of PE because blood flow in your legs slows down and can pool, leading to blood clots.
If you're diagnosed with PE, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner (anticoagulant), or in more severe cases, a clot dissolver (thrombolytic) or even surgery.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent PE, like:- Compression stockings to prevent blood pooling- Taking a blood thinner per doctor's instructions- Regular exercise- Quitting smoking
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right pulmonologist for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism. And share this video to help spread the word!
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 03-24-2020
Review Date: 03-24-2020
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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5 Things You Didn't Know About Atrial Fibrillation
Last Updated: Apr 16, 2020 9:49:09 PM
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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (afib), understanding the basics can make you feel more confident in the path forward.
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5 Things You Didn't Know About Atrial Fibrillation
1. Atrial fibrillation (afib) begins in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) and involves a rapid, irregular heartbeat, also known as fibrillation.
2. Afib often causes symptoms like weakness, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, although some people experience no symptoms at all.
3. In some cases, afib goes away on its own, or comes and goes over time, but many people require treatment to prevent serious complications.
4. People with untreated afib are five times more likely to have a stroke.
5. Treating afib can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease-related death and stroke.
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation. And share this video to help spread the word!
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 04-12-2020
Review Date: 04-12-2020
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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Heart Attack Stories: Cardiac Rehab
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2019 5:57:19 PM
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After a heart attack, cardiac rehab is a crucial step in beginning your new heart-healthy life. Here, heart attack survivors and doctors share what to expect.
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Dr. Lee Marcus: How did you know you were having a heart attack?
Beth: I didn't.
Beth: I was at work. I was nauseous, dizzy, and my pain was majority in my back.
Juan: I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I broke out into a sweat.
Peter: I felt like I was going to pass out. Some pain kind of radiating up through my neck.
Kevin: I was out on a bike ride. I started having severe chest pain. Spread to my shoulder, my left arm, my left jaw.
Sharon: I had lower back pain and I equated it to being back spasms.
Juan: Then the EMT arrived. And they were like, "You know, mister, I don't think this is a heart attack." Well, if it's not a heart attack, then I'll wait it out. The next morning, the burning is still very intense in my heart.
Kevin: So I drove myself to the emergency room. And when you walk into the emergency room and you say chest pains and shortness of breath, you go to the front of the line.
Juan: The nurse behind the desk was like, "Are you crazy? You're lucky you're alive."
Kevin: They run all the tests, EKG. They draw blood. They said, "You're not going home today. You're actually having a heart attack now."
Sharon: It completely blew my mind. I couldn't understand how I had a heart attack. A person who goes to the gym and that eats healthy.
Kevin: 90 minutes after I left the house that morning, I'm in the cardiac catheter lab with my hero, my cardiologist, who did find a torn artery.
Peter: One of my major arteries was blocked, so I needed a stent.
Kevin: There was a lot of mental wrestling with what exactly was going on. Did my body betray me? How do I deal with this?
Juan: You need to realize that your body may feel strong, like your arms and legs, but your heart took a major hit.
Beth: I did cardiac rehab for six months, and it was the best exercise and informative program that I've ever done in my life and I learned so much from it.
Dr. Lee Marcus: The value of cardiac rehab is equivalent to the effect of medications, lowering risk 25 to 30% of having a second heart attack.
Beth: That's what I've heard.
Kevin: When you go to cardiac rehab, they have classes, and they're teaching you proper nutrition, exercise. They're trying to get you to change all these behaviors that may have led to your heart attack.
Peter: That was really the beginning of a change in my lifestyle. I exercise. I watch my diet. I take my medicine, my medications diligently.
Sharon: Knowing what I can and cannot do is extremely important.
Juan: It gave me a sense of where the limit is. When I would work out on my own, I had a sense of when I was pushing too much.
Peter: I started to feel much better, stronger. I don't feel any fear.
Sharon: Because I know the signs of a heart attack, I can act quicker.
Juan: And I'm not wasting time. In a weird way, this heart attack has been like a new beginning for me.
Kevin: We can't really change what just happened. What we can do is learn from it and adapt and move forward.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 03-09-2019
Review Date: 03-09-2019
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Preventing a Second Heart Attack: Lifestyle Changes
Last Updated: Apr 25, 2018 3:08:25 PM
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If you’ve had one heart attack, your chances of having another are much higher. But you can do a lot to prevent this. Learn from these heart attack survivors about the lifestyle changes they’re making to keep their hearts healthy.
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Dr. Williams: What other factors have changed in your life since your heart attack?
Mariana: My diet. But I still have a little ways to go.
Dr. Williams: Dietary management is all about balance. Something that encompasses whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, but definitely no saturated fats and the sugars.
Mike: A lot of the food I am eating is better. The number of calories I eat over the course of the day is slightly less, but it's better quality food.
Dr. Jones: People are becoming a lot more aware of fat. They're like, "Oh, fat. We don't want fat." But there are good fats and bad fats. You get cholesterol in your body mostly from saturated fat in food, and saturated fat only comes really from animals. So mostly from beef, and in our country, dairy or cheese. The good fats, which are the poly and the monounsaturates, those come essentially from vegetables.
Dr. Williams: You have to be a student of the labels. Anytime you buy foods, I would recommend that you look on the back-
Mariana: And see the saturated fat.
Dr. Williams: ... and you read not only just the saturated fat, but all the components.
Mariana: Right.
Dr. Williams: That's how you can educate yourself, and that's how you can make sure that you're eating the foods that you need to eat.
Dr. Jones: What are you doing as far as non-medical things? Do you exercise?
Rina: Exercise, yeah.
Dr. Jones: How much are you doing?
Rina: I've gone back to yoga, slowly. I actually try to go a couple of times a week to yoga, and that's all the exercise that I do.
Dr. Jones: People just limit their activity and don't realize it.
Rina: I mean, I could walk up and down the stairs in my house.
Dr. Jones: You could.
Dr. Williams: Are you still doing intervals?
Mariana: You know, I'm still running, but I don't push myself the way I used to.
Dr. Williams: Have you had a discussion with your cardiologist about what your limits are?
Mariana: When I see my heart rate go to 120, that's about all I ... then I start to slow down.
Dr. Jones: Listen to your body. That's always my first thing. I'm not a real fan of very high intensity. I'm much more about consistent, steady exercise. I would rather have you go for a power walk every day for 30 minutes, than do a crazy intensity workout once a week.
Rina: Right.
Dr. Jones: But for the cardiac effect, I think you do need to raise that heart rate a little bit.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 04-20-2018
Review Date: 04-20-2018
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Preventing a Second Heart Attack: Treatment Plans
Last Updated: Apr 25, 2018 3:07:19 PM
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After one heart attack, your risk of a second heart attack increases. Learn from these heart attack survivors and doctors about the medications available to help prevent a second heart attack.
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New Speaker: Has your doctor gone over with you the types of medications you're taking and the importance of these medications?
Mariana: Yes.
New Speaker: I'm sure you're on a beta blocker.
Mariana: Yes.
Dr. Williams: Okay, and probably an ACE inhibitor medication.
Mariana: Yes.
Dr. Williams: Mm-hmm, now these are two medications that are blood pressure medications. However, in the instance of a patient who's had a heart attack, their role is not necessarily to control blood pressure.
Mariana: Right. I get that. They do other things.
Dr. Williams: Mm-hmm.
Mike: The meds, it hasn't been overly intrusive. It's really one or two additional medications.
Dr. Jones: One of the big things when people have heart attacks is actually, it's not just a plaque buildup, but it's a blood clot and so being on an anti-platelet agent is really important because the platelets get sticky and stick together. In addition, you didn't get them, but if people have stents placed in the arteries with a heart attack, they are then on two anti-platelet agents for at least six months and even a year in order to keep the stent from forming clots also.
Dr. Jones: Did you know your cholesterol was high?
Rina: I did.
Dr. Jones: So that was probably-
Rina: Not horribly high and my ratio was good.
Dr. Jones: Yeah. This is a lifelong process for you, as you see.
Rina: Yeah.
Dr. Jones: I'm going to assume, I shouldn't assume, but let me assume you are on something to lower your cholesterol.
Rina: True.
Dr. Jones: A statin.
Rina: True.
Dr. Jones: One of the statin medicines.
Rina: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Jones: Do you know your cholesterol numbers?
Rina: I don't.
Dr. Jones: Okay, you should. We should know just to know.
Rina: Well they're low thanks to taking the statin.
Dr. Jones: Good.
Dr. Williams: I'm certain one of those medications is aspirin.
Mariana: Yes. Yes, baby aspirin.
Dr. Williams: Okay.
Mariana: Absolutely.
Dr. Williams: So baby aspirin is essential in patients who have had heart attacks to continue.
Mariana: Right.
Dr. Williams: What it does is prevent clotting inside the arteries of the heart.
Mariana: Which is what the blood thinners do too, right?
Dr. Williams: That is correct. There's other types of blood thinning medications. Works in a similar manner on similar cells within the blood as aspirin, but a different mechanism, but the two of them together work in conjunction to reduce your risk of having a second heart attack.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 04-20-2018
Review Date: 04-20-2018
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Heart Failure 101
Last Updated: Apr 10, 2017 6:18:06 PM
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When the heart isn't pumping blood efficiently, patients start to experience heart failure. Learn about the basics of heart failure, from its causes to treatment methods.
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Dr. Marcus: Essentially, heart failure is when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.
Dr. Grayver: The heart really is nothing but a pump. It's supposed to pump in one direction, and in one direction only.
Dr. Green: When the heart isn't pumping efficiently, the body adjusts and tries to compensate. The main way that the body adjusts is to accumulate fluid.
Dr. Grayver: It starts to back up. It goes into the lungs, it goes into the liver.
Beth Warren: That means their body is holding on to a lot of fluid.
Dr. Marcus: The main causes of heart failure are related to coronary artery disease or heart attacks.
Dr. Green: Long-standing high blood pressure.
Dr. Grayver: Congenital heart disease.
Dr. Marcus: People can get heart failure after pregnancies.
Dr. Green: There are a variety of medicines and lifestyle modifications that patients can make to improve their quality of life and long -term prognosis, their length of life, with heart failure.
Beth Warren: I look to make things practical and simple. Small changes carry over in the long run a lot more effectively than these huge changes.
Dorothy H.: Stress management is key. The meditation, prayer, exercise ... That absolutely is a game changer.
Beth Warren: Be physically active, but with their doctor's guidance.
Dr. Green: Good healthy muscles can accommodate a little bit better and make the overall body healthy.
Dr. Marcus: Heart failure patients also should be on a low-sodium diet.
Beth Warren: We could eat foods that damage the heart, and you could eat foods that improve the heart.
Dr. Grayver: We start off by a water medication.
Dr. Green: Usually with diuretics so patients urinate that extra fluid out.
Dr. Grayver: And then there's a slew of drug classes. There's a beta blocker, there's an ACE inhibitor, there's an ARB inhibitor. And when the drugs do not work, that's when we have to go through more of a mechanical support for those patients.
Dr. Marcus: We've found out that putting something called a pacemaker defibrillator in people can improve mortality up to 50%. Don't let yourself get down and depressed about the diagnosis. There are so many treatment options.
Dorothy H.: Your body is miracle machine. If you give it the least amount of help, it will find the resources to heal your disease.
Dr. Marcus: Cardiologists that treat heart failure really are "never-say-die" cardiologists. We never like to give up.
Dr. Green: It represents a transition to a new outlook on life, but this does not mean that their life is coming to an end by any stretch of the imagination.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 04-06-2017
Review Date: 04-06-2017
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Low Fat Greek Chicken Bar
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2021 3:36:57 PM
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Low fat, high protein, loaded with deliciousness: learn how to prepare our Greek chicken bar and spice up tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.
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A tasty meal, low in fat, high in protein: introducing the Greek Chicken Bar, served family style. It's flavorful and healthy and will have you feeling energized and satisfied. Let's dig in. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, oil, dried oregano and garlic. The lemon juice in this recipe gets you one step closer to meeting your daily vitamin C requirements, aiding your immune system as well as collagen production, helping to keep your skin looking radiant and bright. Pour the marinade into a reusable zip top, then add chicken and smush around to thoroughly combine. Let everything sit and soak together for 20 minutes to one hour.
Here's the deal with the oils. Avocado oil can withstand higher cooking temperatures than olive oil, but some prefer the taste of olive oil over avocado oil. So it's totally up to you. Preheat your grill or stove top grill pan to medium heat. Grill roughly five minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer measures the internal temperature at 165 degrees. Now for the low fat cucumber herb yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl, stir one seeded and grated English cucumber, one cup of non-fat Greek yogurt, one tablespoon of lemon zest, one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of chopped mint leaves, two tablespoons of chopped dill, and one teaspoon of salt.
Beyond the yummy crunch and fiber that cucumbers provide, it's also one of the most hydrating foods out there. So, it may even quench your thirst. Both dill and mint are booming with antioxidants, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. You may not realize it, but this meal can actually benefit your gut thanks to the probiotics and the Greek yogurt. These healthy probiotics found in the sauce help to calm stress, ease moodiness, and can even boost the immune system. So I certainly recommend you generously drizzle that yogurt sauce. Arrange your Greek Chicken Bar family style and build as you wish. This low fat and light option can be combined in so many different ways. A bowl, plate, wrap, or even a salad, you can't lose. This meal has it all, the lean protein from the chicken mixed with the Greek yogurt sauce, herbs and spices lend both health and low fat nutrition to your lunch or dinner.
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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Eggcellent Avocado Toast
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2021 3:46:09 PM
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Start your day right with this super tasty “eggcellent” avocado toast–it’s healthy, easy to make, and can keep blood sugar levels balanced.
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Avocado toast is an easy meal to put together. It provides the perfect combo of healthy fats, satisfying protein, and slow-digesting carbohydrates that help keep your blood sugar low and stable.
Start with a small bowl. Pick a ripe avocado, cut open and mash the avocado with a fork, leaving it slightly chunky into the bowl. Stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice, a quarter teaspoon of ground white pepper, one teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder, and a quarter teaspoon of sweet paprika.
Avocados are still one of the most popular fruits out there. It's also one of the most nutrient-dense fruits, too, aiding in weight and cholesterol management and hormonal balance.
Drizzle a small amount of oil in a non-stick sizzling pan and let that egg fry to perfection. An egg, no matter how it's cooked, is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and protein.
Toast one piece of wholegrain bread until it's brown and crisped. Top the avocado mixture and then add your fried egg. Between the avocado and fried egg, sriracha, pickled red onion, pumpkin seeds, and scallions, you have a meal that's overloaded with beneficial antioxidants that help keep the body healthy while fighting off diseases and certain cancers.
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
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Pesto Mushroom Zoodle Bowl
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2021 6:50:55 PM
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Not only is this low-sugar, heart-healthy meal nutritious and full of savory crunch, it’s also fun to make, using zoodles and a delicious pesto sauce.
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One of the most versatile and healthful meals is a zoodle bowl. And my pesto mushroom zoodle bowl is heart-healthy and great for everybody, and especially for those that are watching their carbs and sugar.
Zoodles, that's right, not noodles, are basically long zucchini strands. That means it's packed with fiber, vitamin C. And in just a few twirls, you get a ton of high quality nutrition.
I'm going to begin by making my pesto. In a food processor, pulse basil, heart-healthy walnuts and adding in some avocado. Walnuts and avocados are a perfect duo, both packed with anti-inflammatory vitamin E and omega-3s and great for any diet. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, packed with vitamin C, garlic, a pinch of pepper and salt. And here is olive oil, which is a great monounsaturated fat, that also supports heart-health. Pulse this.
After you've used your pesto, feel free to take the remaining and use it in an ice cube tray and freeze it for later. I'm going to take this pesto, put it in a bowl, and it's time to make the zoodles.
Now onto the fun part. We're going to be spiralizing some zucchini. Time to get zoodling. These make a ton of delicious spirals. And if you want, you can also cut them up, and you can dice them, or you can leave them as long strands like this one. And if you don't have a spiralizer, you can easily get some already made in the supermarket.
But what I like to do is I'll chop up the long ones with a little bit of a scissor, so we're not getting these huge bites. So guess what? I made some earlier, which I will just add and combine these together. Here we go. Hey, hey. You can't have too many zoodles, can you?
Now in a large nonstick skillet, I'm going to heat this to medium high. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the zucchini. And I'm just going to toss it around for a couple of minutes.
So what's great about the spiralizer is that you can use any type of vegetables. You can use butternut squash, carrot. And all of these vegetables that you can use in it are packed with a ton of vitamins and minerals.
So after a couple of minutes, they've cooked thoroughly and they're not too mushy, which is the key here. So I'm going to take this off of the heat and I'm going to transfer now all of these yummy zucchini noodles into my bowl. If you thought that part was fun, I'm getting ready for my pesto.
I like to add a couple of dollops, but feel free to use as much or as little as you'd like. And then you can't forget to use your shiitake mushrooms. And I baked these shiitake mushrooms earlier on a sheet tray, which are an amazing plant-based and vegan source of vitamin D.
All right, who's getting hungry? I'm going to plate a little bit in this bowl here, and the family will eat the rest later. These walnuts are the final great addition, which have a ton of vitamin E. Now, I can't leave without taking a bite. It's crunchy, flavorful. It's also deliciously hydrating. You can taste the earthy aromas coming from the shiitake mushrooms.
The zoodle bowl is an adaptable and nutritious meal. Your heart and your health will thank you.
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