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5 Warning Signs You Should See a Cardiologist — and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them

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Your heart works tirelessly every second of your life — but sometimes it sends subtle (or not-so-subtle) signals that it needs help. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. At New Jersey Cardiology Associates (NJCA), we encourage patients to be proactive about their heart health. Here are five key warning signs that mean it’s time to schedule a cardiology appointment.

1. Chest Pain or Pressure

Chest discomfort — especially when paired with shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating — may be a sign of a serious heart condition. While not all chest pain is heart-related, it’s always best to have it evaluated by a cardiologist.

2. Shortness of Breath

If climbing stairs or walking short distances leaves you unusually winded, your heart may not be pumping efficiently. This could indicate heart disease, valve problems, or heart failure.

3. Irregular Heartbeat

Feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats could point to an arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can increase your risk of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.

4. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Fluid buildup — known as edema — can be a sign that your heart isn’t circulating blood effectively. This is often associated with heart failure or valve disorders.

5. Family History of Heart Disease

Even if you feel fine, a strong family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol means you should be proactive with regular checkups and screenings.

Your Partner in Heart Health

At NJCA, we provide comprehensive cardiac care — from prevention and diagnosis to advanced treatment options. Our team includes specialists in interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and heart failure management, ensuring you get the expert attention you deserve.

With locations in Clifton, West Orange, Belleville, and Bloomfield, we make it convenient for patients throughout New Jersey to prioritize their heart health.

Don’t Wait — Protect Your Heart Today

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms or have concerns about your heart health, contact New Jersey Cardiology Associates to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified cardiologists.

Understanding TAVR: A Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Option

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When your heart’s aortic valve isn’t working properly, every beat becomes a struggle. For patients with aortic valve stenosis, simple activities like walking to the mailbox can leave them breathless and exhausted. Thankfully, there’s a less invasive solution available — Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). At New Jersey Cardiology Associates (NJCA), our board-certified cardiologists in West Orange and Belleville specialize in performing this innovative procedure, helping patients regain their energy and improve their quality of life.

What Is TAVR?

TAVR is a catheter-based heart procedure that replaces a narrowed aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. This is particularly beneficial for patients who may be at higher risk from traditional surgery due to age, health conditions, or other factors.

In aortic valve stenosis, the valve leaflets become thick and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, this can lead to chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, heart failure, and even death if untreated.

Who May Benefit From TAVR?

Your cardiologist may recommend TAVR if you are:

  • Experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, fatigue, or shortness of breath
  • Diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis
  • At moderate or high risk for open-heart surgery
  • Living with a previously replaced valve that is no longer functioning correctly

How the Procedure Works

Before: You’ll undergo a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging, blood work, and a review of your medical history. Your cardiologist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

During: While under anesthesia, a catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the leg. The new valve is positioned inside your existing valve and expanded — sometimes with the help of a balloon — to restore proper blood flow.

After: Most patients spend two to five days in the hospital. Your care team will monitor your heart closely and provide recovery guidance, including healthy eating and exercise recommendations.

Risks to Consider

As with any procedure, TAVR comes with potential risks, including bleeding, stroke, heart attack, kidney problems, arrhythmias, or complications with the replacement valve. Your NJCA cardiologist will discuss these with you and determine if TAVR is the safest choice for your situation.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, you don’t have to wait. Contact New Jersey Cardiology Associates to schedule your consultation today.

Signs of Heart Problems in Children and Teens

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Most of us don’t think children have heart problems, but did you know that 2,000 children of all ages die each year from sudden cardiac arrest in the United States? It is responsible for up to 5% of all deaths in children from 5 to 19 years old. That is just one such heart problem and there are more. Read further to learn the most common signs of heart problems in children and teens.

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How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Heart and What You Can Do About It

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One of the first things checked after our weight when we visit the doctor’s office is usually our blood pressure. Of course we all know that it’s important, but do you know why? Blood pressure is a predictor of how our heart will continue to perform. Also known as hypertension, let’s investigate how high blood pressure affects your heart and what you can do about it.

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Understanding the Causes of Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a serious medical condition where the heart is not able to circulate blood effectively for the body’s needs. It does not indicate that the heart has ceased functioning, but rather that it’s not pumping blood as sufficiently as it should. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, and may have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of heart failure, its risk factors, and the lifestyle influences that can contribute to or worsen the condition. By understanding these causes, you can better manage your health and make choices that support heart health.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart’s ability to pump blood becomes compromised, leading to a reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues. It can happen when the heart is too weak, known as systolic heart failure, or too stiff, known as diastolic heart failure, to function properly. While heart failure can develop suddenly, it often occurs gradually over time, worsening if not properly managed.

What Are the Common Causes of Heart Failure?

Several conditions and diseases can lead to heart failure by damaging the heart or making it harder for it to work efficiently, including:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD is the most typical cause of heart failure. It happens when the arteries that deliver blood to the heart become constricted or obstructed due to a buildup of plaque. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage and weakening its ability to pump blood.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Consistently high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder than normal. Left untreated, this extra strain can lead to heart failure by causing the heart’s walls to thicken or stiffen, making it harder for the heart to circulate blood effectively.

Heart Valve Disease

The heart has four valves that ensure blood flows in the right direction. If these valves are damaged, due to conditions like valve regurgitation or stenosis, the heart has to work harder, which can lead to heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy

This term refers to diseases of the heart muscle that cause it to become enlarged, thickened, or stiff. This condition can weaken the heart over time and impair its ability to pump blood. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, genetics, and chronic conditions.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, can damage the heart and lead to heart failure.

Congenital Heart Defects

Some individuals are born with heart defects that can impact the heart’s function and increase the risk of heart failure later in life.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can harm the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, making heart failure more likely.

Chronic Lung Diseases

Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to heart failure by increasing pressure in the lungs and making it more difficult for the heart to pump effectively.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Chronic heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), leading to heart failure.

Certain Medications

Some medications, particularly those used to treat conditions like cancer or infections, can have side effects that damage the heart over time, contributing to heart failure.

Risk Factors and Lifestyle Influences

In addition to underlying health conditions, several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing heart failure:

  • Age: The risk of heart failure increases with age, particularly after the age of 65.
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can weaken the heart and increase the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that contribute to heart failure.
  • Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in sodium, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can lead to conditions like high blood pressure and obesity, which increase the risk of heart failure.
  • Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure.

Heart Failure Specialist in New Jersey

Heart failure is a complex condition with many potential causes and risk factors. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to protect your heart, such as managing underlying conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular medical care. 

If you’re at risk for heart failure, contact New Jersey Cardiology Associates to discuss preventive measures and strategies to support heart health. Early detection and management are key to living a healthier life with a lower risk of heart failure.

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Recognizing the Warning Signs of Heart Disease: Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

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In movies and television we are accustomed to seeing a perfectly healthy looking character suddenly cringe in pain, fall over, and suffer a heart attack. They typically do that for dramatic effect. In real life, there are numerous signs of an impending heart attack before you might reach that point. Pay special attention in your own life to recognizing the warning signs of heart disease.

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Preventing the Holiday Heart Attack: What You Need to Know

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Do you notice that heart attacks seem to be more prevalent during the winter time and at the holidays? Is it really due mostly to stress? It certainly can play a part, but there are multiple factors that lead to heart attacks and strokes during the holidays. Preventing the holiday heart attack: what you should know.

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Managing Heart Failure: Tips To Enhance Life and Longevity

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When many people hear someone has heart failure, they automatically think this is a death sentence. That is not the case. People can live with heart failure for many many years. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about managing heart failure, including tips to enhance life and longevity.

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Broken Heart Syndrome: Can a Person Die From a Broken Heart?

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We have all heard stories about a spouse that passed away shortly after their husband or wife died. Many people will say, they died of a broken heart. Most likely that’s not the case, but there is actually a medical condition that can look like a heart attack after a stressful event in someone’s life. Broken heart syndrome: can a person die from a broken heart?

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