Latest news with #ManhattanCardiology
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eating More of This Fruit Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Cholesterol
Eating More of This Fruit Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Cholesterol originally appeared on Parade. While no one wants to hear from their doctor that their cholesterol is too high, this is one health condition that can be reversed. What you eat directly impacts your cholesterol, for better or for worse. The key to supporting your cholesterol levels through your diet comes down to knowing what foods are good for cholesterol, what foods are detrimental and then planning your meals and snacks accordingly. In fact, one fruit is so beneficial for cholesterol that you may want to start eating it every day. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 First, it may be helpful to know why having high cholesterol is detrimental to heart health. Scientific research shows that high LDL cholesterol significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The reason for this is that when LDL cholesterol is high, it leads to plaque buildup in the arteries. This gets in the way of proper blood flow and makes the heart work harder. Suppose you want to eat in a way that will lower your cholesterol. In that case, Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder, says to focus on anti-inflammatory foods that are high in antioxidants. This includes vegetables, fruit, plant-based proteins such as beans, chickpeas and tofu, nuts, and spices and herbs. Related: Foods high in antioxidants—including all of the ones named above—support heart health by reducing oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can damage cells, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Vegetables, fruit, plant-based proteins and nuts are also high in fiber, which is also beneficial for heart health. Scientific research shows that a high-fiber diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease because it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol and bile acids in the digestive system, which prevents cholesterol from entering the bloodstream. So if you are trying to lower your cholesterol, upping your fiber can go a long way! Related: While all fruits are beneficial to heart health, there's one in particular that's especially effective at lowering cholesterol when eaten regularly: raspberries. 'While there are no studies done to quantify the [exact] amount of raspberry intake needed to improve cholesterol levels, one cup of raspberries contains eight grams of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol,' Dr. Suri says. That's a lot of fiber packed into one cup! While there haven't been any large scientific studies done specifically on consuming raspberries to lower cholesterol, Dr. Suri says that small studies have shown that eating them increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). The high fiber and antioxidant content make them an especially powerful berry. Related: Another perk of eating raspberries is that they don't spike blood sugar the way many other sweet foods can. Stable blood sugar also supports heart health, so this is yet another way the small-but-mighty fruit benefits cardiovascular health. Keeping Dr. Suri's dietary advice for lowering cholesterol, ways to incorporate raspberries into heart-healthy meals include pairing them with oatmeal for breakfast, adding them into a smoothie with Greek yogurt, greens and banana, incorporating them into salads for lunch and pairing them with nuts for an afternoon snack. While certainly eating a handful of raspberries a day won't outweigh habits that negatively impact heart health (such as being sedentary, using tobacco or having a diet high in saturated fat), it's a great step in the right direction—and a delicious one. Keep them stocked and washed in your fridge so they're ready to eat whenever a craving for something sweet hits. That way, you'll have a heart-healthy way to satisfy it. Up Next:Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder Cholesterol and Nutrition. Cleveland Clinic Overview: High Cholesterol. Informed Health. National Library of Medicine Antioxidants and Coronary Artery Disease: From Pathophysiology to Preventive Artery Disease. 2016 Dietary Fiber is Beneficial for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: An Umbrella Review of of Chiropractic Medicine. 2017 Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. National Library of Medicine The effects of raspberry consumption on lipid profile and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Science & Nutrition. 2024 Raspberries Improve Postprandial Glucose and Acute and Chronic Inflammation in Adults with Type 2 of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2019 Eating More of This Fruit Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Cholesterol first appeared on Parade on Jul 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist originally appeared on Parade. No matter what your health goals are, you likely start each day with the best of intentions. You have a healthy breakfast, full of fiber and protein. You enjoy a cup of coffee, which is known to support both brain and heart health. Maybe you even go for a walk or get a workout in. But by the time afternoon hits, it's easy for healthy habits to fall by the wayside. There's too much to do and not enough time, which can lead to doing (and eating) what's most convenient, even if it isn't healthy. And there's one common afternoon habit, in particular, that a cardiologist wishes people wouldn't do because it's detrimental to heart health. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 You're likely familiar with the afternoon slump. Typically, it happens about an hour after eating lunch. Blood sugar drops and tiredness sets in, making it hard to get through the rest of the day. To overcome it, many people turn to an energy drink. But Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder, wishes this habit would be left Suri explains that energy drinks can negatively impact heart health. 'Drinking these substances in excess sometimes speeds up our heart rate too much, or can cause some extra heartbeats, called ectopy,' she says, explaining that when this happens, it can lead to palpitations or a feeling of fluttering in the I'm a Cardiologist, and This 'Relaxing' Habit Is Actually Harming Your Heart Health Scientific research backs this up, showing that too much caffeine puts stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of arrhythmia. Other studies show that drinking energy drinks can cause blood pressure to go up. Drinking soda isn't any better. Scientific research shows that regularly drinking soda increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the same is true of diet soda. Another reason why Dr. Suri warns against using energy drinks to overcome an afternoon slump is because they can get in the way of getting a good night's sleep. Scientific research shows that not getting enough sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Related: Okay, so energy drinks and soda are out. What is a more heart-healthy way to get through the afternoon? Dr. Suri recommends taking a walk after lunch and getting some sunshine to help wake the body up. 'Incorporating a 15-minute walk [into your afternoon] can get blood circulating and can be good for your blood pressure and energy levels,' she says. Instead of downing an energy drink that can lead to heart palpitations, you'll be doing something that a wealth of scientific research has shown reduces the risk of cardiovascular Dr. Suri says that there's a way to craft your lunch in a way that will make experiencing an afternoon slump less likely. 'Having a protein-rich meal as opposed to high carbohydrates at lunch can improve energy levels,' she says. This is because simple carbs (like bread, chips, soda and pastries) increase blood sugar levels and then cause them to drop, which leads to a decrease in energy levels. But protein-based foods like chicken, tofu, beans and chickpeas don't spike blood sugar, which will keep energy levels more steady. Building an after-lunch walk into your daily routine is a way to keep your healthy habits going throughout the afternoon. By making a conscious effort to support your health in the morning and afternoon, you'll be more likely to keep it up in the evening too. Soon, your afternoon walk will become such an integral part of your routine that it will become automatic. And that's bound to benefit your heart both now and in the future. Up Next:Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder Effects of coffee/caffeine on brain health and disease: What should I tell my patients? Practical Neurology. 2016 Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. The Ochsner Journal. 2023 Effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system. World Journal of Cardiology. 2017 Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2015 The Impacts of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) on Cardiovascular Health. Cureus. 2022 Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with an Increased Risk of Vascular Events in the Northern Manhattan Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2012 Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease — a Review of the Recent Cardiovascular Reviews. 2010 Walking — the first steps in cardiovascular disease Opinion in Cardiology. 2011 The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist first appeared on Parade on Jul 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist originally appeared on Parade. No matter what your health goals are, you likely start each day with the best of intentions. You have a healthy breakfast, full of fiber and protein. You enjoy a cup of coffee, which is known to support both brain and heart health. Maybe you even go for a walk or get a workout in. But by the time afternoon hits, it's easy for healthy habits to fall by the wayside. There's too much to do and not enough time, which can lead to doing (and eating) what's most convenient, even if it isn't healthy. And there's one common afternoon habit, in particular, that a cardiologist wishes people wouldn't do because it's detrimental to heart health. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 You're likely familiar with the afternoon slump. Typically, it happens about an hour after eating lunch. Blood sugar drops and tiredness sets in, making it hard to get through the rest of the day. To overcome it, many people turn to an energy drink. But Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder, wishes this habit would be left Suri explains that energy drinks can negatively impact heart health. 'Drinking these substances in excess sometimes speeds up our heart rate too much, or can cause some extra heartbeats, called ectopy,' she says, explaining that when this happens, it can lead to palpitations or a feeling of fluttering in the I'm a Cardiologist, and This 'Relaxing' Habit Is Actually Harming Your Heart Health Scientific research backs this up, showing that too much caffeine puts stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of arrhythmia. Other studies show that drinking energy drinks can cause blood pressure to go up. Drinking soda isn't any better. Scientific research shows that regularly drinking soda increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the same is true of diet soda. Another reason why Dr. Suri warns against using energy drinks to overcome an afternoon slump is because they can get in the way of getting a good night's sleep. Scientific research shows that not getting enough sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Related: Okay, so energy drinks and soda are out. What is a more heart-healthy way to get through the afternoon? Dr. Suri recommends taking a walk after lunch and getting some sunshine to help wake the body up. 'Incorporating a 15-minute walk [into your afternoon] can get blood circulating and can be good for your blood pressure and energy levels,' she says. Instead of downing an energy drink that can lead to heart palpitations, you'll be doing something that a wealth of scientific research has shown reduces the risk of cardiovascular Dr. Suri says that there's a way to craft your lunch in a way that will make experiencing an afternoon slump less likely. 'Having a protein-rich meal as opposed to high carbohydrates at lunch can improve energy levels,' she says. This is because simple carbs (like bread, chips, soda and pastries) increase blood sugar levels and then cause them to drop, which leads to a decrease in energy levels. But protein-based foods like chicken, tofu, beans and chickpeas don't spike blood sugar, which will keep energy levels more steady. Building an after-lunch walk into your daily routine is a way to keep your healthy habits going throughout the afternoon. By making a conscious effort to support your health in the morning and afternoon, you'll be more likely to keep it up in the evening too. Soon, your afternoon walk will become such an integral part of your routine that it will become automatic. And that's bound to benefit your heart both now and in the future. Up Next:Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder Effects of coffee/caffeine on brain health and disease: What should I tell my patients? Practical Neurology. 2016 Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. The Ochsner Journal. 2023 Effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system. World Journal of Cardiology. 2017 Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2015 The Impacts of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) on Cardiovascular Health. Cureus. 2022 Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with an Increased Risk of Vascular Events in the Northern Manhattan Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2012 Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease — a Review of the Recent Cardiovascular Reviews. 2010 Walking — the first steps in cardiovascular disease Opinion in Cardiology. 2011 The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist first appeared on Parade on Jul 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Heart disease could be prevented with this one simple test
Heart disease is the world's leading cause of mortality, comprising 32% of all deaths. But that doesn't mean people are powerless against the condition — there are some steps they can take to help reduce the risk. In addition to adopting healthier lifestyle habits, getting a specific screening — the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score — can help detect early signs of heart disease, experts say. Disease Starts On Your Plate, Cardiologist Says — Here's What To Change The CAC score is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the walls of the heart's arteries, according to board-certified cardiologist Dr. Robert Segal, founder of Manhattan Cardiology and co-founder of "This calcium points to the accumulation of plaque that can cause heart disease," he told Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App The higher the score, the more calcium in the arteries, thus a greater likelihood of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac issue. Some Winter Viruses Could Trigger Heart Complications, Experts Warn A calcium score of zero indicates no coronary calcium and places the individual at a very low risk for heart disease. A calcium score greater than 400 indicates a high risk of heart disease, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals. "The CAC score is obtained with a rapid, low-dose CT scan," Maryland-based Serwer told Fox News Digital. The scan images are processed using specialized computer software, producing what is called an "Agatston score." "This computer algorithm evaluates how much calcium is present and calculates a number or score," Serwer said. The CAC score is a "non-traditional risk factor" that isn't as widely known as more routine screenings like cholesterol checks or blood pressure measurements, according to Segal. "Still, awareness is rising as more research shows how valuable it is in forecasting cardiac disease," he said. The result of the scan can help people take charge of their cardiac conditions, experts say. "It's helpful because it helps identify heart disease early, even if you have no symptoms," Segal said. "This allows for preventive steps, like lifestyle changes or medications, to lower your risk." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter If the CAC score is zero, Segal recommends keeping up good practices and continuing to track risk variables. "A low score indicates mild plaque; therefore, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, exercising and lowering cholesterol will help," he said. "A high score indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce your risk, maybe with statins." Generally, if a CAC score is zero, there is little need to repeat the study for five years, according to Serwer. For those with an elevated calcium score, there is limited data on the benefit of repeat testing. "These patients should discuss their individual case with a trained cardiologist to determine the need for any further testing," Serwer advised. This Disease Kills More People Than All Cancers And Accidents Combined The test is used in combination with other risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes, to determine who needs aggressive medical therapy for primary prevention of heart disease. "The earlier we can identify those at higher risk of a heart attack, the earlier we can start them on proven therapies to avoid bad outcomes," Serwer said. "While we have no data that shows merely performing this test makes you live longer, knowing who we need to treat aggressively and knowing when we can delay or avoid medical therapy is very important." In terms of potential risk, Segal compared the CAC scan to a mammography, noting that it's fast, noninvasive, uses only a small amount of radiation, and does not involve dye injection. "It only gauges current calcium, and it cannot identify soft plaque that's not solidified," he noted. Segal also cautioned that a zero CAC score does not imply zero risk — particularly in cases of diabetes or smoking, which are additional risk factors. "It's a useful instrument to be coupled with other health evaluations," he added. People interested in getting the CAC score should start by seeing a cardiologist. "Those between the ages of 40 and 70 who have risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease are usually advised to get the scan," Segal said. Serwer recommends that patients discuss individual risk with their primary care provider to determine whether the test will be helpful. "We don't currently have standardized guidelines for testing or frequency of repeat testing," he said. The test can be performed in most radiology departments. For those who are only getting a coronary artery calcium score, there is no preparation required, Serwer noted. "There is no need for IV contrast, so there is no need to fast or obtain blood work prior to getting this study." Coverage for the CAC test varies based on individual insurance plans. For more Health articles, visit "Some plans consider this test elective or investigational and therefore won't pay for it," Serwer noted. "Medicare currently does not cover the cost for asymptomatic people for risk stratification purposes."Original article source: Heart disease could be prevented with this one simple test
Fox News
28-02-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Heart disease could be prevented with this one simple test
Heart disease is the world's leading cause of mortality, comprising 32% of all deaths. But that doesn't mean people are powerless against the condition — there are some steps they can take to help reduce the risk. In addition to adopting healthier lifestyle habits, getting a specific screening — the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score — can help detect early signs of heart disease, experts say. The CAC score is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the walls of the heart's arteries, according to board-certified cardiologist Dr. Robert Segal, founder of Manhattan Cardiology and co-founder of "This calcium points to the accumulation of plaque that can cause heart disease," he told Fox News Digital. The higher the score, the more calcium in the arteries, thus a greater likelihood of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac issue. A calcium score of zero indicates no coronary calcium and places the individual at a very low risk for heart disease. A calcium score greater than 400 indicates a high risk of heart disease, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals. "The CAC score is obtained with a rapid, low-dose CT scan," Maryland-based Serwer told Fox News Digital. "A high score indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce your risk." The scan images are processed using specialized computer software, producing what is called an "Agatston score." "This computer algorithm evaluates how much calcium is present and calculates a number or score," Serwer said. The CAC score is a "non-traditional risk factor" that isn't as widely known as more routine screenings like cholesterol checks or blood pressure measurements, according to Segal. "Still, awareness is rising as more research shows how valuable it is in forecasting cardiac disease," he said. The result of the scan can help people take charge of their cardiac conditions, experts say. "It's helpful because it helps identify heart disease early, even if you have no symptoms," Segal said. "This allows for preventive steps, like lifestyle changes or medications, to lower your risk." If the CAC score is zero, Segal recommends keeping up good practices and continuing to track risk variables. "A low score indicates mild plaque; therefore, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, exercising and lowering cholesterol will help," he said. "A high score indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce your risk, maybe with statins." Generally, if a CAC score is zero, there is little need to repeat the study for five years, according to Serwer. For those with an elevated calcium score, there is limited data on the benefit of repeat testing. "These patients should discuss their individual case with a trained cardiologist to determine the need for any further testing," Serwer advised. The test is used in combination with other risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes, to determine who needs aggressive medical therapy for primary prevention of heart disease. "The earlier we can identify those at higher risk of a heart attack, the earlier we can start them on proven therapies to avoid bad outcomes," Serwer said. "While we have no data that shows merely performing this test makes you live longer, knowing who we need to treat aggressively and knowing when we can delay or avoid medical therapy is very important." In terms of potential risk, Segal compared the CAC scan to a mammography, noting that it's fast, noninvasive, uses only a small amount of radiation, and does not involve dye injection. "It only gauges current calcium, and it cannot identify soft plaque that's not solidified," he noted. Segal also cautioned that a zero CAC score does not imply zero risk — particularly in cases of diabetes or smoking, which are additional risk factors. "It's a useful instrument to be coupled with other health evaluations," he added. People interested in getting the CAC score should start by seeing a cardiologist. "Those between the ages of 40 and 70 who have risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease are usually advised to get the scan," Segal said. Serwer recommends that patients discuss individual risk with their primary care provider to determine whether the test will be helpful. "We don't currently have standardized guidelines for testing or frequency of repeat testing," he said. "Some plans consider this test elective or investigational and therefore won't pay for it." The test can be performed in most radiology departments. For those who are only getting a coronary artery calcium score, there is no preparation required, Serwer noted. "There is no need for IV contrast, so there is no need to fast or obtain blood work prior to getting this study." Coverage for the CAC test varies based on individual insurance plans. For more Health articles, visit "Some plans consider this test elective or investigational and therefore won't pay for it," Serwer noted. "Medicare currently does not cover the cost for asymptomatic people for risk stratification purposes."
