Cardiology Care at EHS
Millions of people develop heart-related illness each year. The Episcopal Health Services Cardiology team uses evidence-based practices to help you take the necessary steps to prevent and reduce your risk of developing heart-related illnesses, while obtaining the compassionate, outstanding care you need.
The EHS Cardiology team on the Rockaway Peninsula has extensive experience working with patients toward improved heart health with high-quality, values-based care that is customized to the faith, traditions, gender and race of each patient. They review your medical history, assess your risk and work with you to develop a heart-smart plan that guards against disease.
Regular Cardiology Check-Ups
Regular check-ups are an important defense against developing cardiovascular diseases. Each appointment and test provides vital information for maintaining heart health.
The EHS team has helped many patients lower their risk for heart disease. Through regular cardiology check-ups, they monitor key factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, and body-mass index for changes that could lead to disease. These findings are used to develop plans with personalized heart healthy interventions such as changes in nutrition and exercise as well as proven stress management and sleep hygiene techniques. The team monitors your progress and makes adjustments to help you better protect your heart.
Weight Management
Studies show that cardiovascular disease is associated with a high body-mass index, with the number of deaths from obesity-related heart disease tripling nationwide over a 20-year span. Losing weight contributes to better heart health by reducing both strain on the heart and the risk of developing related conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The EHS team has extensive insights on heart-smart weight management techniques, having helped thousands of patients achieve their goals. Each plan they develop is based on a thorough review of your current weight, lifestyle, health conditions, and needs. Their recommendations integrate a range of evidence-based interventions, including nutritional plans and exercise, to help you achieve and maintain your target weight and improve your overall heart health.
Heart Healthy Diet
Nutrition is a crucial factor in maintaining or improving heart health. Some options, such as whole grains and vegetables, provide a line of defense against developing heart conditions. But foods that are high in saturated fats (for example, meat and dairy) or trans fats (such as baked goods and processed snacks) are associated with an increased risk for heat disease.
The EHS team has helped many patients make more informed choices about what they eat to better protect their heart. Through consultations, they take an in-depth look at your nutritional habits—everything from ingredients used and portion sizes to snacking choices—to assess your risk for heart disease. Using these insights, they develop customized food plans that consider your overall health and nutritional goals, and then monitor your progress, making adjustments so that you can achieve the best possible results.
Exercise Programs
Studies have found that physical activity helps improve heart health, with muscle strengthening contributing to a 10 to17 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The key is to choose the right mix of activities with a frequency and intensity that improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and lower stress levels—all of which reduce your likelihood for developing heart disease.
The Cardiology team at EHS has achieved considerable success in preventing heart disease among patients through customized exercise plans. Each plan is developed through consultations that assess your current health, level of activity, and your goals. The result is a regimen that combines aerobic (swimming, cycling) and resistance training (weightlifting) to help you improve heart health with motivational techniques and recommendations for frequency and body-mass index targets to keep you on track.
Risk Factor Modifications and Treatment
Several health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Ongoing monitoring and management of these risk factors is crucial for maintaining heart health.
At EHS, the Cardiology team has extensive experience in assessing, treating, and monitoring conditions associated with heart disease. Through patient consultations, they assess contributing factors such as age, substance use, diet, and body-mass index to identify opportunities for interventions. Based on this, they will recommend treatments such as medications and lifestyle changes, including exercise, weight loss, and nutrition that help protect your heart.
Relaxation Techniques, Stress Management and Sleep Management
Researchers have discovered that people with psychological stress or poor-quality sleep have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, and for associated conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The EHS Cardiology team is well-versed in addressing the factors that contribute to stress and lack of sleep. They work with patients to understand why they are experiencing these health issues, such as major life events, mental wellness, substance use, and poor sleep habits, and show them how the two are connected. Based on their findings, they develop a customized plan that combines stress management techniques (such as mindfulness exercises and resilience training) with lifestyle changes (such as regular exercise, creating a sleep schedule and increased socialization) to increase calm and improve sleep. They also monitor your progress and make changes to help you optimize the results you achieve.
Smoking Cessation
Studies show that, among people who quit smoking, the risk of developing heart disease drops by half after one year. However, most efforts to cease smoking or using tobacco products are unsuccessful.
At EHS, the Cardiology team has achieved significant success in helping patients quit smoking. They take a comprehensive approach that starts with a review of your smoking history, reasons for smoking, and how your use of tobacco is affecting your health. Based on their findings, they develop a customized plan with you, incorporating evidence-based techniques, nicotine replacements, and medications. They also monitor your progress, suggesting different approaches until they find the right solution for you.
Genetic Counseling
Lifestyle choices are not the only factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Genes also play a key role. A single gene mutation can result in a heart defect that causes arrythmia, or irregular heartbeat, or blocked arteries due to the body’s inability to properly process cholesterol.
At EHS, our Cardiology team has deep expertise in assessing the risk for inherited heart conditions. Through consultations, they discuss your family history, conduct tests and develop a customized plan for regular screenings and lifestyle changes to help you stay healthy.
Get In Touch
If you are looking to take proactive steps to protect your hearth health, we are here to help. Click here to find an EHS Cardiologist today or call 718-869-7690 to make appointment to start your journey to better heart health.