Keep Your Heart in Rhythm and Pumping Strong

Your heart is a muscle, just like the biceps in your arms. Over time, coronary artery disease (CAD) can weaken the heart's pumping power and lead to heart failure or arrhythmias.

"These conditions can be dangerous — even life-threatening," says Ashish B. Patel, M.D., a subspecialist in cardiac electrophysiology in the Division of Cardiology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "But just like you can lift weights to build your biceps, you can take steps to strengthen your heart and prevent arrhythmias and heart failure."

Arrhythmias: Not Just Butterflies
In novels, it's romantic when someone's heart skips a beat. But in real life, a fluttering feeling in your chest could be the sign of an arrhythmia — a problem with your heart's speed or rhythm.

"Some arrhythmias are harmless, and can even occur in young patients with otherwise normal heart function," says Dr. Patel. "Others can reduce your heart's ability to pump enough blood or stop your heartbeat completely." Fortunately, many of these arrhythmias can be treated with medications or with a procedure called radiofrequency ablation.

To stay safe, Dr. Patel recommends the following tips:

• Know the symptoms and call your physician or 911 if you experience any of them for a prolonged period of time. "Symptoms include a fast or irregular heartbeat with anxiety, sweating, dizziness, or chest pain," Dr. Patel says.



• If you experience palpitations or skipped heartbeats, consult your cardiologist. You may be a candidate for medications or an ablation.



• Ask your doctor about medications called statins. Besides lowering cholesterol, they may help protect against some types of arrhythmias in patients with CAD.

Heart Failure: Losing Pumping Force
With congestive heart failure, your heart can't push enough blood through your body. You might feel tired and out of breath and your legs and abdomen might swell. "Heart failure can limit your daily activities and shorten your life," says Dr. Patel.

Dr. Patel says these steps can help stave off heart failure:

• See your doctor regularly and make sure you are aware of all the heart medications you are prescribed.



• Consult with your cardiologist. You may benefit from a device called a biventricular defibrillator. This device can protect you from dangerous arrhythmias. It also can improve your heart muscle strength.



• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.



• Eat a heart-healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.



• Exercise regularly — for 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week.



• Limit your alcohol intake. The upper limit for men is two drinks a day. For women, it's one drink.

About The Doctor

Patel, Ashish B., M.D. Board certified in Internal Medicine Ocean, NJ  07712 (732) 663-0300