Doctor Column

Coronary Stents, From Blockage to Blood Flow: How Tiny Mesh Tubes Revolutionized Heart Care September 5, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Karen is a 52 year old IT worker who has been treated for several years because of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and problems with her gallbladder (cholecystitis). When she complained of indigestion, and had pain in the upper part of the stomach that radiated to the back and neck, she thought it was another gallbladder attack. Damar Hamlin: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (“Commotio Cordis”) and The Game of Life January 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on January2, 2023 after tackling Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the game broadcasted on “Monday Night Football.” People in the stands at Paycor Stadium and those at home were stunned as they watched Hamlin stand up from the tackle and a few seconds later crumbled to the ground, stretched out on his back, lying motionless. The Importance of Push-Ups as a Risk Factor in Heart Health November 25, 2020 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD I was watching TV and saw this diminutive 99 year old man, drop to the floor and began doing push-ups. It’s rare that anyone can reach the age of 99 but to do push-ups is another matter indeed. Could push-ups be a link to his longevity and good heart health? Electrical Cardioversion for Heart Rhythm Problems August 25, 2020 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD John is a 67 year old retired postal worker. He complained of being tired, lightheaded, having palpitations and being short of breath, the latter, especially after walking two or three blocks. A thorough cardiac evaluation pinpointed the problem. Calcium deposits formed on the heart’s aortic valve causing a narrowing of its opening and thereby reducing the flow of blood from the heart to his brain and the rest of the body. Atrial Fibrillation (‘A Fib’) What is Holiday Heart? December 25, 2019 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, often causes the heart to beat faster with an abnormal rhythm. It is the most common chronic, irregular heart rhythm in the U. S. It strikes more than two and half million people in America and the incidence of AFib rises with age. It’s most prevalent in people over the age of 65 affecting about nine per cent of this population; and there isn’t a predictable pattern to the irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). How Does the Healthy Heart Work? December 15, 2019 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Have you ever run to catch a bus, worked on a strenuous job, played sports or run up a flight of steps? Whether you’re exercising, stressed-out or working hard, the heart needs to adjust to the added physical or emotional stress. Folic Acid and B9 November 20, 2014 Natalie W. Geary, MD According to new research out of Johns Hopkins, folic acid or vitamin B9 may not only prevent birth defects, but may also decrease allergies and reduce asthma symptoms. Gluten Aware November 20, 2014 Natalie W. Geary, MD The media has focused a lot of attention on gluten free diets and the role of gluten in inflammatory disease. The important thing to remember is that one should be “gluten aware,” not terrified of gluten. Only those with Celiac diesaese have to be strictly wheat free. The Digital World in Cardiology November 15, 2014 Jesus A. Bianco, MD Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is responsible for the highest percentage of morbidity and mortality in the Unites States. At the present time, institutions such as the American Heart Association devote major efforts to promote wellness and prevent arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.