The Heart of Jacksonville Issue 10

Letter from the

PRESIDENT Dr. Yazan Khatib

Mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, friends. As a proud father of three young women, dedicating this issue to improving the health of the women in our community is especially personal.

Women also make up some of the most amazing doctors in our community. We have been blessed with a team of wonderful female physicians and nurse practitioners, who remind us every day to treat each patient like we would treat our own family members. Dr. Dhanjal, one of our newest doctors, knew she was destined to become a physician at the young age of six! She let nothing stand in her way. Get to know Dr. Dhanjal on page 9 and see the two young girls in her life inspiring her. According to the American Heart Association, rates of coronary artery disease have been declining for years, yet heart disease sadly remains the number 1 killer of women just like it is for men. With this issue of “The Heart of Jacksonville”, we take a step towards changing these statistics.

This issue’s focus on women heart health, does not mean we are oblivious to the country’s and the world status of economic uncertainties. While we cannot help solve economic issues, nor predict economic forecasts, we continue to be proud of our choice and commitment to be the leaders of quality and value in cardiovascular health. Blessed as we are to have wonderful hospitals with the most advanced technologies to help us deal with the most complex of illnesses. We feel equally honored and fulfilled to have invested and pioneered outpatient capacity and technologies, to enable more of our patients to heal at home, with excellent outcomes and far lesser financial burdens.

On behalf of the team, thank you for tuning into the 10th edition of the “Heart of Jacksonville” magazine. It is an honor to educate and serve our community. This publication, much like our entire practice and staff are all for you, the patient. Please give us feedback on how to better serve your needs.

Sincerely, Yazan Khatib,

MD President

of First Coast Cardiovascular Institute Interventional Cardiologist & Endovascular

Specialist

Board Member and Past President, American Heart Association | First Coast Chapter

WOMEN vs MEN: The Heart

Men and women share some traditional risk factors, such as, smoking, genetics, and poor eating habits. However, there are key differences such as...

Women’s hearts and arteries are generally smaller than men’s. Women also have less buildup of plaque in their arteries especially during their reproductive years, as the the hormones produced by an active ovary are thought to offer women extra protection during those years. Yet Women are more prone to blood clots, and because their vessels tend to be smaller, when plaque does form it tends to create more obstruction in those smaller vessels. The blessing of being a bit more protected early on, is offset in those who smoke or develop diabetes.

Heart failure is a major problem in the US and worldwide.. A woman’s body goes through much more changes than a man, for example during pregrnancy there are major hormonal changes at the different stages of pregnancy, that can lead to:

- High blood pressure

- Being more prone to clots (especially towards end of pregnancy and in post partum phase)

The vast majority of women bodies and hearts handle those changes perfectly well.

A small minority might need extra attention and medical help.

Recent studies done by Johns Hopkins University showed that women tend to witness an increase in hypertension during menopause.

In mid age, Menopause is associated with many familiar symptoms including palpitations (feeling of faster heartbeat) due to the changes in hormone levels, here again in the vast majority of women, this turns out to be benign, in a minority additional testing is needed.

While women especially earlier in life seem overall less prone to heart attacks and blockage formation, they are at more risk for other heart issues. Additionally those who do end up with blockages tend to have a slightly worse prognosis, because of the fact their smaller arteries tend to be harder to treat.

The good news is, knowing the symptoms and risks unique to women, as well as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising, reduces your risk. Please contact us at 904.493.3333 to learn more about cardiovascular disease in women and to schedule an appointment with our board-certified cardiologists.

We are here to talk about women.

Sources: American Heart Association Johns Hopkins University

5 Minute

It’s no secret that daily exercise is an important component to living a healthy life. However, it can be difficult to carve out 30 minutes of your day to go to the gym, attend yoga class, or even take a walk outside. Between spending long hours at work or school and making time to spend with loved ones, working out every day isn’t always a top priority. But even just a few minutes of physical activity each day can help improve your overall health and fitness, even if it’s from your desk chair! Here are several exercises that you can do right from your chair, whether you’re at home or on the go. These exercises are not only good for your heart, but also for your spine and back health.

Seated abs crunch

Position yourself towards the edge of the chair and slightly lean back. While grabbing both sides of the chair to maintain your balance, bring both knees towards your chest and then extend your legs out. Repeat for 1 minute or longer.

Back extension

Sit with both feet planted flat on the floor. Place your hands on the back of your head and slowly lean forward, making sure to keep your back straight. Once you are parallel with the floor, lean back to an upright position. Repeat for 1 minute.

Single leg raises

Position yourself towards the edge of the chair and firmly grab both sides. Keep one leg bent at a slight angle with your foot planted flat on the floor while you extend the other leg straight out. Slowly raise the extended leg until it is parallel with the floor, then slowly lower it. Repeat for 1 minute, then switch to the other side for 1 minute.

Arm circles

Sitting upright, extend both arms out to the side until parallel with your shoulders. Slowly move both arms in a circular, clockwise motion. Repeat for 30 seconds, then switch to a counterclockwise motion for 30 seconds.

Seated

Crunch

WORKOUT

FROM YOUR CHAIR

Workouts adapted from: Healthline & HuffPost

Abs

Back Single Leg Raises

Arm Circles

Amy Supachinda, our Research Manager, shows us exercises that can be done from your desk chair.

WHOLE HEAT AFFLES

Fresh fruits such as sliced bananas or berries are a great way to naturally add fiber, vitamins and minerals, and sweetness to the meal. This waffle batter contains no added sugar.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup of 100% whole wheat flour

• ¾ cup low-fat milk (you could use unflavored, unsweetened flaxseed milk or almond milk)

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup canola oil

• 2 tablespoons baking powder

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• ½ tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/8 tablespoon salt

OPTIONAL: ½ cup chopped walnuts, 1 tablespoon nut butter, and 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup for the topping

Directions:

• Preheat your waffle iron

• Beat the eggs into a large bowl. Beat in flour, milk, baking powder, oil, salt and the vanilla just until smooth

• Spray the pre-heated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour your mix into the hot waffle iron. Cook until waffles turn golden brown

• Serve warm, top them with sliced bananas, and drizzle with nut butter and maple syrup to your taste

• Enjoy!

Recipe from homebase.org

Behind the White Coat:

Dr. Ashu Dhanjal

Dr. Dhanjal knew she wanted to become a physician at the young age of six years. “I had uncles who were physicians and I wanted to be just like them,” Dr. Dhanjal says.

Dr. Dhanjal went on to pursue her lifelong dream by enrolling in medical school at Lady Harding Medical College in India. She then pursued her internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Marshall University, West Virginia.

Dr. Dhanjal loves what she does, however, being a woman in the field has not been without its challenges. While she admits that she has had a few patients that have challenged her or had a hard time accepting a female cardiologist, she believes being a woman has allowed her to provide better patient care. “Being a woman, I feel like my family caregiver responsibilities carry over to patient care; because patients become almost like family to me” she says.

Dr. Dhanjal is passionate about preventing heart disease in women. As a wife and mother of two young girls, Dr. Dhanjal knows personally how hard it can be to balance home life while also taking care of yourself. For the last eight years, she has been actively involved in the “Go Red for Women” campaign in collaboration with the American Heart Association to raise awareness around heart disease in women. She also served as the cardiologist for the Razorbacks in Northwest Arkansas.

Over the years, Dr. Dhanjal has treated thousands of patients. Each patient has their own story. Dr. Dhanjal recalls a young man who was an alcoholic. He had congestive heart failure, multiple organ failure, and was very sick. After a long stay in the hospital, he turned his life around. He quit

drinking, lost 50 pounds, and has not been to the hospital since. “He always reminds me that no matter how bad it gets, with determination, you can always turn your life around,” Dr. Dhanjal says.

At the end of every day, Dr. Dhanjal looks forward to coming home to her two beautiful daughters. Their smiles and stories are her ultimate destressor.

Craving something sweet but worried about your heart health? Well we’ve got you covered with this simple whole wheat waffle recipe that is not only healthy, but also delicious.

Health Screenings EVERY WOMAN NEEDS

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential component for bone health and cell growth. It also supports neuromuscular and immune function, according to the National Institutes of Health. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, which causes fragile and weak bones. Vitamin D deficiency may also cause lack of energy or low metabolism. Although vitamin D deficiency may go undiagnosed without annual screenings, it can be easily treated with an oral supplement.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer most commonly affects women between the ages of 35 and 44, according to the American Cancer Society. As with any health issue, early detection is key. It is crucial for women to begin annual pap testing at the age of 21. This screening can detect abnormalities in the cervix, which may indicate early stages of cervical cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends getting a pap test done once every three years

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to make your health a top priority. Preventive medicine is one of the best ways to ensure optimal health. One of the ways to do this is through annual screenings, which can detect health problems during their early stages. This allows your health care team to provide the best treatments possible before a condition becomes serious. While there are certain health screenings that everyone needs--such as your annual physical and fasting labs—there are several screenings that are particularly important for women:

Mammogram

A mammogram is a type of x-ray exam used to detect breast cancer. Although some women may have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer, this screening allows for early detection. The National Cancer Institute recommends women start annual mammogram screenings in their mid-40s. Depending on one’s family history, prior health history, and genetics, it may be beneficial to start screenings even earlier.

Depression

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. According to the Mayo Clinic, “women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.” Puberty, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, and menopause are all factors that increase women’s risk for depression. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends using the Patient Health Questionnaire to determine one’s risk for a depressive disorder. This allows the physician to then determine the best treatment plan.

The Scientific Evolution of Women’s Health FAST FACTS

Women make up half of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet it wasn’t until 1993 that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began including women in government funded research. Since then, researchers have discovered key differences in disease prevention and diagnosis between men and women. This includes the prevalence of cardiovascular disease amongst both sexes.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “heart disease is sometimes thought of as a man’s disease, however almost as many women as men die of heart disease in the United States.” Although heart disease affects both sexes equally, the presentation of symptoms can be quite different. This might cause women to be diagnosed less often with heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Heart attack symptoms, for example, may seem less obvious in women than in men. Most men usually experience chest pain and shortness of breath during a heart attack. Women may experience more subtle symptoms that are not chest pain related, such as jaw or neck pain, nausea, indigestion,

and fatigue, according to the American Heart Association. With these advances in research, women can now recognize symptoms of heart disease early on and seek life-saving treatment.

Healthcare providers play a critical role in understanding women’s risk for cardiovascular disease. For example, preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, might increase women’s risk for developing heart disease. Age is also an important factor in identifying cardiovascular disease in women. Post-menopausal women are more likely to develop heart disease due to the decrease in their estrogen levels, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease can also differ between men and women. Women’s cardiovascular structure can affect the interpretation of diagnostic studies. Women tend to have smaller arteries, which can be a little harder to evaluate.

As medicine continues to evolve, healthcare providers should be cognizant of these differences when evaluating female patients who are also at risk for heart disease.

For women between 40 and 64, it is important for women to have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack and heart failure, let alone kidney failure and a variety of other diseases. You are your numbers!

— Dr. Andrea DeNeen Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Although heart disease affects both sexes equally, the presentation of symptoms can be quite different.

You are your numbers!

Amputation Prevention Center

What is PAD?

Peripheral arterial disease (also known as PAD) occurs when there is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Simply put, it is a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to our limbs.

Similar to coronary artery disease, PAD is also caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries that causes them to narrow and cause blockage throughout the body in various critical locations such as heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, kidney, and elsewhere. Individuals with PAD face a significantly increased risk for cardiovascular ischemic events like strokes and heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. If left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation. The amputation rates are 5-10 times higher for patients with diabetes than their nondiabetic counterparts.

What are signs and symptoms of PAD?

The typical and classic symptom for PAD is pain in the legs with physical activity, such as walking, that subsides with rest. Surprisingly though, not all patients with PAD experience leg pain. Other symptoms that may point towards PAD may be:

• Numbness or weakness in the leg

• Coldness in the lower leg or foot

• Sores on toes, feet or leg that won’t heal

• Change in the color of legs

• Slower hair growth on your legs and feet

• Hair loss on legs

• Slower growth of toenails

The major problem with diagnosing PAD is that often times, patients think their symptoms are a normal part of the aging process and do not report them to their healthcare provider. If you are facing any of the above signs or symptoms, make sure to let your provider know.

What are the risk factors for PAD?

Risk factors for developing PAD include:

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Age above 60 years

• Obesity (having a body mass index of over 30)

Approximately 6.5 million people aged 40 and above in the United States have PAD. It affects both men and women.

How can I prevent PAD?

• Do not use tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of PAD and makes symptoms only worse

• If you are a diabetic follow up closely with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist

• Exercise often. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of exercise to help prevent PAD or improve symptoms of PAD

• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels

• Eat foods low in saturated fats

• Maintain a healthy weight

At FCCI, we pride ourselves on preventing unnecessarily amputations. We do this every day. Patients such as Mr. Robert Rio have witnessed this themselves:

“I was taken care of immediately and patiently. The staff was amazing and understanding of my condition and didn’t rush me through the process. During our first appointment, our doctor was very kind and amazing at explaining all the procedures and test results. He told us right away that he will save my buddy (my leg). I am very thankful for the FCCI team; they fought for my leg like it was theirs.”

Sources: Mayoclinic.org, CDC.gov, Heart.org

“...They fought for my leg like it was theirs.”

We asked a few of our advanced providers…

Describe your perfect Saturday.

Chelsea Blum, APRN

A perfect Saturday would be a sunny day on the water, boating with family or a fall day watching college football and eating chili with a cozy fire burning.

Micky Prince, APRN

A bike ride to start the day, followed by an afternoon spent at the beach with family and friends, wrapped up with a dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Behind the White Coat:

Dr. Abdel Ghani M. Anabtawi

Dr. Anabtawi has two role models that shaped who he is today – his father and his mother. Dr. Anabtawi’s father was a compassionate obstetrician and gynecologist practicing for more than forty years! The inspiration to become a healthcare provider came easy for Dr. Anabtawi as serving was not just his father’s calling; it was also his mother’s. She was a lifelong educator and university professor that instilled in him the importance of learning, giving, and the love of books and reading (which he tries to pass down to his kids).

Lisa

Richardson, APRN

Hanging out with my girls at a State Park and then grabbing dinner out!

Marjorie Matheny, APRN

Family breakfast, followed by kick boxing, then Krav Maga. Next, lunch then a family walk on a nature trail and finish with dinner and sitting around the fire.

Sherita Bentley, APRN

Waking up whenever. Exercising for about an hour. Then either relaxing around the house or shopping for the rest of the day.

Merdijana “Jana” Ahmetovic, APRN

A perfect Saturday for me involves being close to nature and outdoors with my husband and kids.

Dr. Anabtawi earned his medical education at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Following that, he completed his internal medicine residency at Brown University Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and his cardiology fellowship at the University of New Mexico. Prior to joining FCCI, he completed an advanced fellowship in interventional cardiology and endovascular peripheral procedures at Wayne State University – Detroit Medical Center.

Dr. Anabtawi grew up admiring his dad’s approach to patient care, “Watching my father practice with humility and compassion, while thriving to provide the most cutting-edge care, has made me who I am today.”

Choosing cardiology as a specialty came easily to Dr. Anabtawi. In fact, he honestly never imagined himself in any other field. “The decision to choose cardiology came to me when my grandfather was very ill and suffering from congestive heart failure,” Dr. Anabtawi says, “he became one of my first patients, and always turned to me for advice on his diet, fluid intake, and medications. This experience made cardiology appeal to me.”

Dr. Anabtawi is celebrated at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute (FCCI) for his ability to connect with patients and always takes the time to council his patients. “During residency, a patient in my care who had a heart attack mistook me for a psychologist when I counseled him after his heart attack. The most valuable thing I can do for my patients is give them time.”

Outside work, Dr. Anabtawi appreciates the beauty of the outdoors. He always remembers the quote of the Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran saying, “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”

What is a CLINICAL TRIAL?

You may have heard the term ‘clinical trial’ without really knowing what it means. Well, simply put clinical trials are studies performed on individuals, with the aim of evaluating a new medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention. They are fundamental for helping us determine if an intervention being studied actually works and if it is safe or not. If you think about it, every medicine or treatment option we currently have available, has been through long and stringent clinical trials before getting FDA approval and thus becoming available to all.

Why would you want to participate?

People participate in clinical trials for a variety of reasons. Some of the common reasons for people to join are hopes of obtaining a better treatment option, assisting others with the same condition, and advancing science and medicine.

Time commitment involved?

New and innovative treatments go through multiple phases of Clinical trials before they become available to the public, below caption is taken verbatim from clinicaltrials.gov and we feel gives a very good description of the process and its multiple phases:

Phase 1: A phase of research to describe clinical trials that focus on the safety of a drug. They are usually conducted with healthy volunteers, and the goal is to determine the drug’s most frequent and serious adverse events and, often, how the drug is broken down and excreted by the body. These trials usually involve a small number of participants.

PHASES 4

Phase 3: A phase of research to describe clinical trials that gather more information about a drug’s safety and effectiveness by studying different populations and different dosages and by using the drug in combination with other drugs. These studies typically involve more participants.

Phase 4: A phase of research to describe clinical trials occurring after FDA has approved a drug for marketing. They include postmarket requirement and commitment studies that are required of or agreed to by the study sponsor. These trials gather additional information about a drug’s safety, efficacy, or optimal use.

The Research Department at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute

First Coast Cardiovascular Institute’s (FCCI) Research Department dates back to 2007 –when it was founded with top standards. Our research department has gone on to achieve many milestones and has been involved in several pre-market device and therapeutic trials that have been FDA approved and are now on the market.

Phase 2: A phase of research to describe clinical trials that gather preliminary data on whether a drug works in people who have a certain condition/disease (that is, the drug’s effectiveness). For example, participants receiving the drug may be compared to similar participants receiving a different treatment, usually an inactive substance (called a placebo) or a different drug. Safety continues to be evaluated, and short-term adverse events are studied.

New Devices (like stents or valves or pace-makers, etc.) go through a different approach and less “phases” in their development until reaching the approval of the FDA.

FCCI’s Research Department is actively involved in numerous clinical trials including medical devices and therapeutic treatment. We are currently looking for patients with:

?

• congestive heart failure

• chronic kidney disease

• peripheral vascular disease

• non-healing foot wounds

• Other heart related conditions

If you are interested in participating, please speak to your physician at your next visit or contact FCCI at 904.493.3333.

Life’s Simple 7 Recommendations

Are we bound by our DNA?

While popular belief may lead most to believe that genetic predisposition and genetic risks are unavoidable – the case does not seem to stick when it comes to coronary heart disease or heart attack, ultimately showing us that our DNA is not really our destiny.

A recent study published by the American Heart Association has taken roughly 11,000 individuals under their examination for an extensive period of time. The study took into account seven cardiovascular health factors such as smoking status, body weight, total cholesterol, physical activity, blood sugar, and diet. These categories were then ranked subsequently into ideal, intermediate, and poor.

The study yielded that ultimately – we are not bound by our DNA and that our DNA is not really our destiny. Lifestyle modifications can in fact play a bigger role than our genes in determining our risk for

heart disease. What the study concludes is that adherence to the Life’s Simple 7 recommendations was directly associated with lower lifetime risk of coronary heart disease for all individuals – especially those with high genetic susceptibility.

The take home message is that positive lifestyle factors have a great impact on decreasing the risk of coronary events.

To such an extent that following favorable lifestyle methods can decrease risk of coronary events by 50 percent, even among individuals with high genetic risk. The conclusions from the studies show unequivocally that lifestyle trumps genetics and by an abundance of 9 years of survival. Someone with the worst genetics yet the best lifestyle will outlive another with best genes yet worse lifestyle by 9 years.

If you are thinking of ways to optimize your heart’s health, referring to the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 recommendations is a great place to start.

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WHY TRAVEL FOR YOUR HEART

Many of us hear that “traveling is good for the soul.” However, you may not have heard about the variety of health benefits traveling can bring. People who take vacations may have lower stress levels, which may lower their risk of heart disease, according to a study published in the journal “Psychology and Health” back in 2019.

Did you know that only 46 percent of Americans use their paid vacation time and less than 40 percent of U.S. citizens own a passport, according to Travel Noire?

Vacation may reduce your stress levels and increases dopamine in your brain. This can lead to a positive state of mind and ultimately increases your physical activity and productivity.

Another study done by “Framingham Heart”, showed that women who took time off for vacation every six years (or less frequently) had a significantly higher risk of facing heart attack or coronary death, comparing to women who vacationed at least twice a year.

Ichetucknee Springs, FL

It isn’t just about getting away though - the quality of your time away is proven to have a substantial impression on your stress levels. Disconnecting fully from work can improve your time spent away and reduce stress.

It is very important to spend some time to yourself, and traveling can be one of the best options, where you get away from the busy schedule of work and spend time relaxing. We did some research and found some amazing destinations to visit not too far from home!

Known as one of the peaceful springs in Florida, Ichetucknee hosts the 6-mile Ichetucknee River to its visitors where they can kayak, paddle board and much more. This beautiful state park is also a wildlife haven to beavers, otters, gars, softshell turtles, wild turkey, wood ducks and limpkins.

Amelia Island, FL

Searching for a peaceful, uncrowded beach? Amelia Island is the perfect spot for you and your family. Highly rated local seafood, rivers, and the unique nature of Amelia Island are waiting for you.

Big Talbot Island State Park, FL

Little Talbot Island is an untouched and undeveloped barrier island located in Northeast Florida. Hosting more than 5 miles of pristine, calm water beaches and 3 miles of bike trails, Little Talbot offers natural beauty and a diverse ecosystem for visitors to explore.

Blue Springs State Park, FL

Famous for its wading birds and ospreys, Blue State Spring Park also is home to manatees. According to research, in 1970, 14 manatees in the spring run were tracked. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200, and by 2018 that number has skyrocketed to a record of 485.

Cedar Key, FL

Not too far from Gainesville, Cedar Key is an old-fashioned, southern Florida vacation spot. It is a perfect spot for people who love to fish and is known as a productive fishing area.

Sources: https://travelnoire.com/why-travel-isgood-for-your-heart-health https://framinghamheartstudy.org/

ONLINE TESTIMONIALS

Patient reviews are the heart of our practice. Nothing is more heart-warming than seeing we made the experience of visiting a doctor’s office just a little bit easier.

“I love this group...front staff and ancillary medical staff are always kind and professional. Dr. Sasseen will always have a special place in my heart...right next to the stent he put into my 100% blocked LAD and saved my life.”

“Dr. Hu is an exceptional doctor! Always explains what’s going on, asks if you have any questions for her, and will take the time to go over any questions you have.”

~ Google review

~ Google review

“Dr. Thielemann is great! He is very generous with his time, and has a very logical approach to sleep medicine.”

~ Google review

I have been to many of the best doctors in the US, and have to say, Dr. El-Sabbagh tops them all! I had a rare life-threatening emergency, and Dr. El-Sabbagh saved my life. He made my family and I feel at ease and explained in careful detail everything about the ablation. With Dr. El-Sabbagh, feel rest-assured, you are in the best hands.” ~ Google review

Heart Attacks in Women

These reviews have been edited for spelling and grammar.

Women tend to develop heart disease later in life than men –the average age for heart attacks in women is 70, whilst it’s 66 in men.

~ Google review

Dr Al-Saghir is by far the very best, most interested cardiologist I have ever seen. He basically saved my life three years ago. He has the most competent medical staff I have ever seen. I have sent three friends there with wonderful results. Wish I had 6 stars to rate him.”

— Dr. Yuhning “Linda” Hu Electrophysiologist

Source: Cleveland Clinic

A good night sleep and losing weight

If your goal is to lose some weight, a good night’s sleep can be your teammate in this journey. According to the Sleep Foundation, over the past several decades, the amount of time that Americans spend sleeping has steadily decreased as well as the self-reported quality of sleep. The first step to a good night’s sleep is watching what you eat before you sleep. Try to stop food intake at least two hours before bedtime and avoid heavy meals.

A poor sleep schedule can result in:

Decrease in quality of life: Even missing an hour or two of sleep will affect your daily routine. When you have lower energy, you are less likely to participate in daily activities or exercise you planned on doing.

Slower metabolism: A decrease in sleep can raise the risk of metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in the journal, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity: Targets & Therapy. Not getting enough sleep will leave you less inclined to be active. As a result, the number of calories you burn per day will decrease.

This slows down your metabolism and causes weight gain.

Low energy leading to increased cravings: If you are low on energy, your body will start craving foods that are high in fats, calories, and sugars. These types of foods raise your carbohydrates and sugar levels to make you experience a quick feeling of energy.

Insulin resistance: The Sleep Foundation also found that even partial sleep deprivation over one night increases insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. Not having balanced insulin levels in the body will lead to extreme hunger, overeating and potentially weight gain.

The risk of sleep apnea: If not treated, sleep apnea can leave you with hypertension, A fib, lung disease, and heart failure. Make sure to get tested and treated!

The good news is you can improve your sleep schedule with some dedication.

Here are some simple tips you can follow throughout your journey

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Avoid caffeine and alcohol 4-6 hours before sleep: These two substances can energize you, decrease quality of sleep and cause discomfort.

Take a warm bath and meditate: Managing your stress can play a big role in the quality of your sleep. Try to take a relaxing warm bath at least an hour before bed to wash away all the stress and worries of the day.

Stick to a sleep schedule: Adults 65 and older may sleep between 7 to 8 hours, and adults 18 to 64 may sleep 7 to 9 hours.

Put away the phone and TV at least 30 minutes before sleep: The blue light on your phone and TV decreases levels of melatonin and makes it more difficult for you to fall asleep.

At First Coast Cardiovascular Institute, we know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Our board-certified sleep medicine specialists work tirelessly to ensure the best night’s sleep for their patients. If you suspect you could have sleep apnea or any other sleep disorders, contact our office at 904.493.3333.

Sources: — Orlando Health — Mayo Clinic

JACKSONVILLE

Doctor Insight

What is your favorite part of the day?

Dr. Schimmel

Morning.

What is the best way to spend a day off?

Dr. Swain

The best way to spend a day off is with my wife Allison and my three children: Lillian, Will, and Caroline. We love to swim, hike, and play games together.

Name one thing guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Dr. Hu

My dog Yogi!

What is the best way to spend a day off?

Dr. DeNeen

Waking up around 7:007:30AM, and then knitting until the rest of the family wakes up so we can spend the day together.

What is your favorite family vacation?

Dr. Anabtawi

My favorite family vacation is whenever the whole family is together. Since part of my family lives overseas it can get a bit challenging while trying to plan a perfect family getaway, but most of the time we manage to get the whole family together for a vacation!

Name one thing guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Dr. Ali Golf and family.

If you could live anywhere where would it be?

Dr. Chami

Home is where our family is, so could live anywhere if I have my family with me.

If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?

Dr. Alnabki

My powers would to be in more than once place at a time.

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