Understanding Your Heart Health
Trusted cardiovascular education from board-certified specialists serving North Shore Long Island.
Provided by the physicians of Island Cardiovascular Associates · island-cardio.com
Common Cardiovascular Conditions
Understanding your cardiovascular health begins with knowing the conditions our board-certified cardiologists diagnose and manage most frequently.
Coronary Artery Disease
The most common form of heart disease, coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up within the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, narrowing blood flow and increasing the risk of chest pain, heart attack, and other complications.
Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heart's electrical rhythm, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or unevenly. Left unmanaged, certain arrhythmias can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is unable to pump blood as efficiently as the body requires. With appropriate diagnosis and ongoing management, many patients maintain an active, well-supported quality of life.
Valve Disease
Heart valve disease develops when one or more of the heart's valves fail to open or close properly, disrupting normal blood flow. Conditions such as stenosis and regurgitation are commonly identified through echocardiography.
Hypertension
High blood pressure places sustained strain on the heart and arterial walls. Chronic, uncontrolled hypertension is a leading contributor to coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease results from narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs. It shares risk factors with coronary artery disease and warrants comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation.
Reducing Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Most cardiovascular disease is preventable through consistent management of key risk factors. Our physicians work with patients to build individualized prevention plans grounded in diet, activity, and ongoing clinical monitoring.
Heart-Healthy Diet
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting sodium and saturated fat helps reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and supports healthy blood pressure.
Regular Physical Activity
At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
Cholesterol Management
Routine lipid panel screening allows our physicians to monitor LDL and HDL levels and recommend dietary or medical interventions before cholesterol contributes to arterial plaque buildup.
Blood Pressure Control
Hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. Regular monitoring and, when appropriate, medication management help keep blood pressure within a healthy range.
Family History Awareness
A family history of heart disease increases individual risk. Sharing your family's cardiac history with our physicians allows for earlier, more personalized screening recommendations.
Smoking Cessation
Tobacco use significantly accelerates cardiovascular disease. Our physicians provide guidance and support resources to help patients quit smoking and reduce long-term cardiac risk.
Know the Signs
A Guide to Recognizing Cardiac Symptoms
Understanding your body's warning signs is an essential part of protecting your heart health. Review the symptoms below and the recommended course of action for each.
Chest Pain or Pressure
A sensation of tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest, particularly if it radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, or back.
Call 911 immediately
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing that occurs at rest, with mild activity, or when lying flat, especially if it develops suddenly.
Seek emergency care
Heart Palpitations
A fluttering, racing, or pounding sensation in the chest that persists or is accompanied by dizziness or discomfort.
Schedule a prompt evaluation
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Sudden faintness, unsteadiness, or loss of consciousness, which may signal an irregular heart rhythm or blood pressure issue.
Seek evaluation promptly
Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Persistent swelling, particularly when paired with weight gain or shortness of breath, can indicate reduced heart function.
Discuss at your next visit
Fatigue with Exertion
Unusual tiredness or exhaustion during routine activities that previously caused little difficulty.
Discuss at your next visit
If you are experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency concerns, our board-certified cardiologists are available to help. Contact our office →
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common patient questions about heart health, diagnostic testing, and prevention.
Have Questions About Your Heart Health?
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified cardiologists today.