The impact of COVID-19 goes beyond the lungs—it can also affect your heart. Research shows that the virus can cause heart problems like inflammation, irregular heartbeats, and blood clots, even in people with no history of heart disease. Understanding these risks and taking steps to protect your heart is important for your long-term health. Read more in this NY Times article.
At Cross County Cardiology, we’re committed to cutting through the myths and misinformation surrounding heart health, especially when it comes to alternative therapies. With so much conflicting advice online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re here to share evidence-backed insights that can help you make informed choices and build a healthier heart.
As you reach your 50s, your heart health becomes a top priority. At Cross County Cardiology, we believe this is the perfect time to take proactive steps to protect your heart and improve your overall health. Let’s explore why heart care is essential in your mid-50s and how you can take charge of your cardiovascular wellness.
At Cross County Cardiology, our mission is clear: to improve lives through advanced heart care. Interventional cardiology, a cornerstone of our practice, plays a vital role in addressing coronary artery disease (CAD)—a condition that affects over 18 million Americans and remains the leading cause of death in the United States (American Heart Association, 2021). Our focus is not just on treating the heart but on helping patients regain a better quality of life.
The Cross County Cardiology Education Team is here to explain a diagnostic test that gives your heart the attention it deserves: the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This minimally invasive procedure provides highly detailed images of the heart and nearby arteries, helping your doctor diagnose and treat heart conditions with precision.
The Cross County Cardiology Education Team is here to share an exciting new study that shows how time-restricted eating (TRE) can help people with metabolic syndrome improve their health. This method doesn’t require cutting calories but focuses on eating within an 8- to 10-hour window each day.
At Cross County Cardiology, we hear this question often: "Why am I on so many medications?" It’s a valid concern—nobody enjoys managing a growing list of prescriptions. But these medications aren’t just arbitrary; each one plays a critical role in helping you live a longer, healthier, and more hospital-free life. Let’s explore the science, guidelines, and real-life impact behind these treatments.
Heart care has come a long way in the last decade. Advances in research and guidelines from leading institutions like the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) have transformed how we manage heart-related conditions. These guidelines are grounded in evidence, designed to save lives, and tailored to address complex conditions like congestive heart failure.
For example, managing congestive heart failure isn’t about treating just one issue. It often requires a combination of medications:
This approach ensures that each aspect of the condition is addressed, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalizations and complications.
Clinical research consistently demonstrates the importance of combination therapies. Beta-blockers alone reduce heart failure-related deaths by 34%, while pairing them with an ACE inhibitor decreases hospitalizations by an additional 20%. Skipping even one of these medications can leave you vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of hospital visits or severe complications.
Heart health is deeply connected to other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Each condition has specific medications that form part of a comprehensive strategy:
Together, these medications create a safety net, targeting interconnected risks and preventing a cascade of complications.
Many resources discuss the individual benefits of medications but rarely emphasize how interconnected cardiovascular conditions can be. High blood pressure can strain the heart, potentially leading to heart failure, kidney damage, and other complications. Each medication works as part of a larger strategy to address these overlapping risks.
At Cross County Cardiology, care is always personalized. Every prescription is tailored to your unique needs, considering your medical history, lifestyle, and specific risks. This individualized approach ensures your treatment plan is both effective and manageable.
Our mission is to provide evidence-based care that improves your quality of life. At Cross County Cardiology, we carefully evaluate each medication to ensure it contributes meaningfully to your health. We’re here to help you manage side effects, prevent drug interactions, and address cost concerns.
Each prescription is a vital piece of the puzzle, working together to protect your heart, reduce hospital visits, and add life to your years. With us, you can trust that your treatment plan is designed with your long-term health and well-being in mind.
At Cross County Cardiology, we’re dedicated to empowering patients to lead healthier lives through individualized care. One area where personalization truly matters is in blood pressure management. While general medical guidelines often set rigid targets, such as the well-known 120/80 mmHg, these goals may not be ideal—or even safe—for everyone. For some, a tailored approach to blood pressure control can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.
This article is brought to you by the Cross County Cardiology Education Team, where we strive to empower patients with knowledge about their heart health. Today, we’re exploring aortic stenosis and the transformative potential of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Understanding these advancements can help you take control of your health and live a fuller life.
