Emotional Eating
As we approach the last month of the year, it's important to be ready and prepared for the holidays. I'm not talking just shopping and parties.... I mean mentally and physically. The holidays can bring out the best and the worst in all of us. Our eating plays a big part in how we handle everything."Sometimes, it isn't hunger that causes us to reach for our favorite foods. Moods and emotions can also impact our relationship with food and they can interfere with our ability to stick with a healthy eating plan. Emotional eating can be triggered by stress, depression, loneliness, overwhelming job and family pressures, or ...
Source: Dr Portnay - December 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
The Power of a Daily Bout of Exercise
http://nyti.ms/IhPmzPA new study suggests a moderate daily exercise session can blunt the harmful effects of overeating and being inactive, which too many of us will be doing as the holidays approach. (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - November 29, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Heart Attack Pain Similar for Men and Women
A new study found that too much has been made of gender differences in chest pain, the hallmark symptom of heart disease. http://nyti.ms/1he9z8K (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - November 27, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Great quick update from the American Heart Association
Scientific Sessions is the American Heart Association's largest annual gathering of scientists and healthcare professionals devoted to the science of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and the care of patients suffering from these diseases. Many ground breaking discoveries are presented by the top leaders in their field and we, as promoters of public health education , would like to share a few of these discoveries with you.Coffee may help perk up your blood vessels.The caffeine in a cup of coffee might help your small blood vessels work better, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientifi...
Source: Dr Portnay - November 27, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
New treatment guidelines for lipid treatment for cardiovascular disease
Here are the four major primary and secondary prevention patient groups which the guidelines advocate who should be treated with statins to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)Individuals with clinical ASCVDIndividuals with LDL-cholesterol of levels > 190mg/dL, such as those with familial hypercholesterolemiaIndividuals with diabetes aged 40-75 years old with LDL-cholesterol levels between 70-189 mg/dL and without evidence of ASCVD Individuals without evidence of ASCVD or DM but who have a LDL-cholesterol levels between 70-189 mg/dL and a 10-year risk of ASCVD > 7.5%The evide...
Source: Dr Portnay - November 20, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
New guidelines published
This past week, The American Heart Association and the American Cardiology Association Task Force on Guidelines published 4 very important reports. These included new guidelines for lipid treatment, new guidelines for CV risk assessment, new guidelines for lifestyle recommendations to reduce CV risk and new guidelines on obesity management. I will be writing much more in separate blog posting regarding lipid treatment and CV risk assessment. I wanted to comment here on continued the emphasis placed on adherence to a Mediterranean style diet in the new guidelines. Those of you who know me and/or have read my blog know that ...
Source: Dr Portnay - November 14, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Hunt is on for the last surviving trans fats
Last week, the FDA announced that it will be moving to ban trans fats from our foods permanently. Consumption of these partially hydrogenated oils have been specifically linked to increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. "The FDA says cutting trans fats could prevent as many as 20,000 heart attacks a year".Follow this link for a great article from Marketplace that discusses the announcement (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - November 11, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Testosterone and CV Disease
This report does not show a "causal" relationship but this "association" does raise red flags. At the very least, patients currently taking or considering starting testosterone therapy should be discussing this report with their physician. (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - November 11, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
A letter from a patient
Here's a terrific note I just received from a patient. Helping people like this feel better is why became a Cardiologist. Doctor Portnay,I just thought I'd drop you an email. I just want to let you know thatI am feeling great, and I mean great. Somehow that little tweekingand you telling me to increase my dosage of lasix seemed to do thetrick. The my tireness, and feeling sluggish went away.I am in Boston and realized that I am back to being myself. I amwalking everywhere with a spring in my step.So, I want to thank you for saving my life. I didn't realize how sickI was. I just plugged ...
Source: Dr Portnay - November 4, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Low Fiber Intake Linked to Increase Diabetes and CV Risk
A recent trial from Brigham and Women's Hospital reports that there is a significant association between low dietary fiber intake and cardiometabolic risks, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular inflammation, and obesity.The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the following adequate intake levels for total fiber: 38 g per day for men aged 19-50 years, 30 g per day for men older than 50 years, 25 g per day for women aged 19-50 years, and 21 g per day for women older than 50 years.In the above mentioned study, the authors found that on average, individuals only consumed 16.2 g per day, well below the IOM total reco...
Source: Dr Portnay - October 29, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
We will never forget
While on the anniversary of Super Storm Sandy we here in Fairfield, CT have bright blue skies and the first frost of the season, we will never forget those who suffered and are still suffering from the ravaging effects of Super Storm Sandy. (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - October 26, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Good Heart Healthy Tips from the AHA
http://bit.ly/Y1cUM2Let me know if you agree... (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - October 26, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Almonds For Skinny Snackers? Yes, They Help Curb Your Appetite : The Salt : NPR
This study was funded by the almond industry, and researchers didn't evaluate other types of nuts.Mattes explains that industry-funded studies are becoming more common, especially as government funding becomes harder to obtain. But he emphasizes that the research is carried out completely independently and is peer-reviewed before being published."So it does have the checks and balances," Mattes concludes. (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - October 26, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Tis the season... To exercise
While there are some seasons that are perfect for celebrating and caroling, some for swimming and barbecuing and some for skiing and making snowmen, now (especially here in the NorthEast) it's the perfect time to get outside and exercise. I been hitting the trails for runs in the woods and enjoying soaking up the foliage on walks/hikes with my family. If you've been wanting to get outside and start exercising - now's the time. (Source: Dr Portnay)
Source: Dr Portnay - October 23, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
Flu vaccines are not only safe but they reduce major cardiovascular events
In a recently published report, the Flu vaccine has been shown to be associated with impressive reduction in major cardiovascular events. ]The study examined 6735 patients (mean age 67 years-old, 36.2% with a cardiac history). The trial showed a significant lowering of risk of the composite endpoint of CardioVascular death, hospitalization for heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, heart failure and need for urgent coronary intervention. The number needed to treat was 58. This means that for every 58 patients that received the flu vaccine, one major cardiovascular event was prevented. This is a powerful effect. I woul...
Source: Dr Portnay - October 23, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr Portnay Source Type: blogs
