High cholesterol, like high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke

BUSTING

TRUE OR FALSE

MYTHS ABOUT

HEART HEALTH

Your heart is responsible for supplying blood to all parts of your body. When your heart is not functioning to its fullest extent, it can cause a number of problems. Below we will be busting myths about heart disease so you are better prepared to take preventative measures against it!

If you have heart disease, resting is the best thing you can do. If you are a longtime smoker, quitting won’t decrease your chances of heart disease. 2

FALSE. Heart disease can be different for everyone, and it is important to talk to your doctor about what is best for you. In most cases, a sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of blood clots in the legs, which can worsen your health, according to Harvard Health.

What you can do: Talk to your doctor about what fitness plan works best for you. Just walking 10 minutes a day can improve your heart health, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

FALSE. No matter how long you have smoked, the health benefits of quitting begin as soon as you quit. One year after quitting, your risk of heart attack decreases by 50%, according to Harvard Health. In 10 years, it will be as if you had never smoked before.

What you can do: Seek help. Quitting is not easy and may require help such as classes, smoking cessation, medication, nicotine gum and more. Always tell your doctor if you are having an issue stopping, your provider may have some helpful tips or suggestions.

Heart disease is an “old man’s” disease. 3

FALSE. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women over the age of 65, according to the AHA. Although men and women can experience symptoms differently, both genders should be actively taking preventative measures to decrease their chances of heart disease.

What you can do: Be sure you are aware of your numbers. Always check your blood pressure, glucose levels and cholesterol no matter your gender. High cholesterol, like high blood pressure, is a major 5

risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Vitamins and supplements can be used to decrease your risk of heart disease. 4

FALSE. Although folic acid is associated with better overall heart health and stroke prevention, the evidence is not strong. Many clinical trials of vitamins and supplements have either failed to confirm a benefit or no conclusion could be drawn, according to Harvard Health. According to the AHA, there is no scientific evidence showing that supplements prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.

What you can do: Your body absorbs and uses the vitamins and minerals through food the best. Eat a wide variety of healthy food to gain all the vitamins and minerals you need, and decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease.

TRUE. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up on the walls of your arteries and they begin to narrow. The process is called atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease. When the arteries become narrower, the blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked, causing heart disease and stroke.

What you can do: To reduce high cholesterol, you can reduce your saturated fat intake and eliminate trans fats. Increasing your omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, can also decrease your high cholesterol.

DIET TRENDS:

THE GOOD, THE BAD,

THE UGLY

We live in a world with massive amounts of information constantly being thrown at us. A big chunk of that information is how to lose weight with diets. There are thousands of diets out there, each claiming to offer the quickest and longest lasting results. However, instead of focusing on instantly losing weight, we should think about building healthy lifestyles. But, which diets are the best for a healthy lifestyle? Below, we will be debunking some of the most popular diet trends in the United States and which are good, bad, and ugly.

Mediterranean Diet Low Carb Diet

One of the most heart healthy diets, which focuses on all major food groups, is the Mediterranean diet. This diet encourages you to have a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil, while encouraging a low consumption of eggs, dairy products, and poultry. Red meat is eaten rarely, according to the AHA. This diet originated from countries along the Mediterranean Sea where heart disease occurs less than in the United States.

The diet is packed with fiber, which slows digestion and helps control blood sugar. When your blood sugar is controlled, your chances of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, can decrease, according to Harvard Health.

Monounsaturated fat is also a big part of the Mediterranean diet. Monounsaturated fats are the healthy fats that may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering bad cholesterol. Foods that contain monounsaturated fats include nuts, avocado, olive oil and more, staples in the Mediterranean diet. Low carbohydrate (carb) diets have been all the hype lately. A low carb diet entails restricting carb intake and emphasizing protein and fat. Low carb diets can assist with weight loss. However, when watching your carb intake, it is very important to be aware of the type of carb you are limiting.

Carbs fall into two major categories: natural or refined. Refined carbohydrates have undergone a process that strips them of most of their essential nutrients such as fiber and b vitamins. Refined carbs can be found in breakfast cereals, white bread, pastries, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These are the types of carbs you want to cut back on when practicing a low carb diet.

Not all carbs are bad, however. Naturally occurring carbs can be found in heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. These types of carbs have not undergone processing and provide a myriad of health benefits from improved digestion to regulating blood glucose. These should not be cut out entirely during a low carb diet.

Liquid Diet

Liquid diets can be one of the worst diets you could put your body through. This diet consists of only consuming liquids or foods that turn into liquid at room temperature. Under a doctor’s instruction, this diet can be beneficial for those suffering from extreme digestive or swallowing issues.

Our lives can become pretty busy, and it may seem easier to just grab a drink and head out the door. However, liquid diets can deprive your body of adequate nutrition, according to Livestrong. Liquid diets can decrease your intake of the good carbohydrates that help maintain your energy and could cause malnutrition; both are negative for your heart health.

If you struggle with a busy schedule, try meal prepping instead. Meal prepping is a great way to save time because you pre-plan and make food ahead of time. Most people store each day’s food in separate containers. For example, on Sunday you make Monday—Friday’s food and store each in separate containers. This way, you can grab and go!

The New Food Label How the New Food Label is Creating More Educated Consumers

Sometimes, change is good. As is the case with the new food label. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) set out new rules for food labels, the black & white chart on the back of food products that outline the nutrition facts. The new food label comes with a slew of changes, hoping to make consumers more aware of what they are putting in their bodies. Companies are being asked to update their

Here are the six big changes to look out for

1. Servings – We have all likely been thrown off by serving sizes. We may look at the nutrients of a food item and not take into account that the serving size may be obscurely small. Now, serving sizes are getting an upgrade to reflect realistic portions. For example, previously, a serving size for ice cream was ½ cup. Now, that has been changed to 2/3 cup.

2. Calories – The calories on the nutrition label are now bigger and bolder to stand out to consumers.

3. Fats – Previously, next to calories, you would have seen a place for calories from fat. This has now been removed as research suggests, it isn’t how much fat you consume, but rather the type of fat that matters. Types of fat range from those that are very harmful, such as trans-fat, to those that are beneficial for heart health, such as unsaturated fat.

from the FDA

Serving size 2/3 cup (55g) 8 servings per container Nutrition Facts

Calories Amount per serving

230

% Daily Value* Total Fat 8g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 160mg Total Carbohydrate 37g Dietary Fiber 4g Total Sugars12g Includes 10g Added Sugars Protein 3g 10% 5% 0% 7% 13% 14% 20%

The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. * Vitamin D 2mcg Calcium 260mg Iron8mg Potassium 240mg 10% 20% 45% 6%

4. Added sugars – Organizations such as the American Heart Association raved over added sugar being added to the nutrition label. Moreover, added sugar is being shown as a percent daily value. This will help consumers know how much of what they eat consists of added sugar. 5. Nutrients – Out with the old, in with the new. Nutrients that are not widely deficient have been removed as requirements, such as vitamin A & C. On the other hand, nutrients that are commonly low in the American diet, such as vitamin D and potassium, are required to be listed. The FDA hopes this will help improve deficiencies in those nutrients. 6. Footnote – At the bottom of the food label, you will find a footnote defining %Daily Value (%DV). %DV shows the percent of a certain nutrient in a product, in comparison to how much of that nutrient you need for the whole day. For example, if a product contains 20% DV of calcium, this means the product contains 20% of the calcium you need for the day. %DV is based on a 2000-calorie diet.

FAST FACTS

A cup of Tea Makes Everything Better

Drinking tea may lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing the “bad” cholesterol that can clog your arteries. Sit back, relax and enjoy your next cup of tea. Your cardiologist approves!”

— Dr. Vaqar Ali

Cardiologist and Endovascular Specialist

ONLINE TESTIMONIALS

We love when our patients are so happy with their experiences, they choose to share it with the world! Check out what our patients are saying about us online.

I have been with them for many years. I trust them with my life. They are the very best physicians.”

~ Facebook Review

Amazing, caring, professional, punctual. I am so thankful for them!”

~ Facebook Review

Dr. Lamba is an awesome doctor. I feel that the staff and doctors in the office really care about their patients. I feel well advised under their care. I appreciate that they share their concerns and knowledge to help me improve my health. The office is always clean and ran smoothly. The medical assistants are always very welcoming and kind to me and my family. I truly appreciate that.”

~ A Google Review

I am always treated courteously and expeditiously. Dr. Schimmel is the best! The staff of First Coast Cardiovascular Institute are topnotch. I’m glad to be a patient there.”

~ A Google Review

I was impressed with the size of the office and the friendliness of the staff. The appointment went smoothly and the doctor was polite and spoke to me using terminology that I could understand. I felt welcomed and like my health was their genuine concern.”

~ A Google Review

The receptionist was very professional, spoke in a very calm voice and very positive! The scheduling assistant was very positive and smiled. It is always a very positive experience visiting this office!”

~ A Google Review

Best doctors, highly educated, and very caring. It is a very loving and caring environment. When you are there, you are in good hands.”

~ Facebook Review

I’ve been coming to First Coast Cardiovascular for many years. The staff and doctors are the best, and they’ve always taken excellent care of me. Thank you, a thousand times over.”

as told by Dr. Brett Sasseen FOLLOWING A PLANT-BASED DIET

Plant-based diets have been all the hype in the past few years.

Wondering where to start? Check out these plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

In fact, sales of plant-based foods have grown by 11% in the past year, according to a report published by the Good Food Institute and the Plant Based Foods Association. A plant-based diet is centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Essentially, more of the foods consumed are derived from plants. Dr. Brett Sasseen has been following a plant-based diet for several years. He also encourages his patients to move their diet more towards plant-based, when appropriate. “Most patients come back with higher energy levels and feeling great, after reducing the amount of meat they eat,” says Dr. Sasseen, “Beyond just a plant-based diet, I recommend a whole food, plant-based diet, meaning most foods consumed should be minimally processed.” This means steering clear of foods with added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and refined grain products such as white rice.

Dr. Sasseen also reminds his patients that a plant-based diet does not substitute the need for other health habits. “Sleep 7-9 hours a night and move around 30 minutes a day,” he says.

A plant-based diet may not be suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor before transitioning to a plant-based diet.

A plant-based diet has shown immense benefits. A recent study published in JAMA found those who were strict with a plant-based diet had a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, diets that are predominately plant-based, such as the Mediterranean diet, prove beneficial as well. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce risk of heart disease by controlling blood sugar and minimizing inflammation, according to a study in JAMA. *Sources: healthline.com, 21 day vegan kickstart

Oatmeal with berries

Chickpea burger

Breakfast Breakfast tofu scramble

Yogurt with fruit and pumpkin seeds

Lunch Hummus and veggie wrap

Costa Rican rice and beans

Red beans and rice with collard greens

Dinner Black-eyed peas with sweet potatoes and greens

Spaghetti al Pisto

Snacks

Carrots and apple slices

Fresh fruit

Why is the Risk for Amputation

Greater for People with Diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you are at a much higher risk for foot or leg amputation. This is due to the increased chance of developing non-healing wounds or foot ulcers. In fact, 85% of diabetes-related amputations are caused by foot ulcerations, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Peripheral Artery Disease Foot ulcers from diabetes are caused by a few different conditions. The first is the close relationship between diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes a build-up of plaque in the artery wall and can lead to a blockage of the lower extremity, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. This narrowing of the arteries may cause ulcers or open wounds and infections that may lead to amputation, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Hyperglycemia Long-term hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, is also particularly damaging to blood vessels, potentially causing decreased circulation. This can make it harder for the body to heal wounds, especially at the extremities like the feet and legs, according to Diabetes Daily. Neuropathy Diabetes can also cause extensive nerve damage, or neuropathy. Neuropathy can worsen a patient’s ability to feel or recognize a small cut on their foot. If the wound is left untreated it can cause infection. If the patient is diabetic, a simple cut can turn into an amputation. If you have diabetes, there are ways to help reduce your risk of amputation. Check out these tips below from Diabetes Daily. •Check your blood and glucose levels regularly. This is the number one tactic you can do to reduce your risk of amputation. •Be proactive about your wounds. Do not wait to seek medical attention if you see a wound on your extremities. •Check your feet and legs every day. Before getting into bed do a quick check for cuts or wounds. If you are a patient with neuropathy you may not feel a wound happen, so it is important to check before it becomes too late. Grab a hand mirror to make sure you can examine your entire foot.

If you have a non-healing wound and have been told amputation is your only option, you can contact FCCI’s Amputation Prevention Center today at 904.493.3333.

Unhappy with your hemodialysis access management? First Coast Cardiovascular Institute is here for you.

Behind the

White Coat: Dr. Bruce Krieger

Dr. Bruce Krieger has been serving the Jacksonville community for over 14 years.

Dr. Krieger says the most fulfilling part of medicine is seeing the change you make in a patient’s life, “Helping patients and families receive life-saving medical care with compassion is the most rewarding part of my career,” he says.

Dr. Krieger started his journey in medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, where he attended medical school. From there, he completed his Pulmonary/ Critical Care training at the University of California, San Diego.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Krieger has a huge heart for teaching. His passion for teaching has been recognized through many teaching awards including, the University of Miami Faculty Teaching Award, the AOA Faculty Award, and the George Paff Teaching Award on four occasions. Dr. Krieger calls these awards one of the highlights of his career.

Proven success in reducing hospital admissions and catheters Close collaboration with your nephrologist and dialysis center 10-year tradition of caring for kidney disease patients with thousands of procedures performed

Outside of work, Dr. Krieger volunteers for the American Lung Association. He also enjoys golf, music, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Krieger is now accepting new patients. To schedule your appointment, call First Coast Cardiovascular Institute at 904.493.3333.

PHYSICIAN’S SPOTLIGHT Like many doctor visits, you may feel rushed or flustered during a one-on-one with your doctor. You might even find that once you get home, you have another question you forgot to ask. When it comes to your cardiologist, your appointment might be one of the most important meetings you have about your health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. Being prepared with written questions ahead of time just might help save your life. But, which questions are the best to ask? Which answers will help you build a stronger heart once you leave the office and get back to your normal routine? Below is a list of the top three questions you should be asking your cardiologist. Your cardiologist is certainly a better source than Google! The Top 3 Questions You Should be Asking your Cardiologist

?

FAST FACTS FAST FACT

What is my potential risk of having a cardiovascular issue in the future?

This question is essential because it will give you insight into the future of your heart health. If you know your future risk, you will know what preventative measure you should be taking. For example, your doctor says you have high blood pressure and it is increasing your chances of a future heart attack, and you need to act fast. You may want to stop smoking, get out of the house more to increase your activity level and add some veggies to your diet.

2

What symptoms indicate that my condition is becoming worse?

3

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my condition?

Many times, symptoms of heart disease or heart attack can go ignored. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious disease affecting the blood flow to your feet and legs, and it often goes undiagnosed. One reason it can go undiagnosed is because patients often chalk up their symptoms to age or leg pain. Heart disease symptoms are so broad and different for each person depending on age, risk factors and even gender. Knowing your symptoms can save your life. Although you should always be taking the medicine prescribed to you correctly, lifestyle changes are just as important in many cases. For example, for heart failure, it is primitive that you take your medications, aggressively reduce your sodium intake, eat healthier, exercise and make sure you are getting enough rest. These changes can improve the quality and longevity of your life.

Rethink the drive-thru

Nearly 1 in 3 adults consume fast food every day. When you are in a pinch and fast food seems to be your only option, try making healthy substitutes such as: 1. Order water instead of soda 2.Swap out the fries for fruit or a salad 3.Order a small portion option

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our boardcertified cardiologists, please reach out to First Coast Cardiovascular Institute at 904.493.3333.

— Dr. Youssef Al-Saghir

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Without ADDED SUGAR

Apples with Almond Apricot Sauce American Heart Association Recipe Serving size: 4

The American Heart Association has done us another huge favor by introducing us to these incredible and easy baked apples. These apples are tasty and sugar free!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Cooking spray • 2 tbsp water • 2 large apples, cut in half and core removed • 1/4 cup chopped almonds • 2 tbsp chopped dried apricots • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp light tub margarine INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray and pour in the water. Then, add the apple halves with the cut side up.

2. Stir together the remaining ingredients except for the margarine. Use a spoon to pour the mixture onto each apple half and top with 1 teaspoon of margarine.

3. Cook while covered on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until just tender. Once removed, the apple will continue to cook. Be sure not to overcook them or they will become mushy.

4. Carefully transfer the apples to plates. Let the apples cool completely for about 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly while cooling.

Sugar is everywhere: in our drinks, in our snacks and most importantly, in our favorite desserts. Studies have suggested that a higher intake of added sugar is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, according to JAMA. If you are having trouble satisfying your sweet tooth while staying away from added sugar, try these delicious substitutes by the American Heart Association. Sugar is everywhere: in our drinks, in our snacks and most importantly, in our favorite desserts. Studies have suggested that a higher intake of added sugar is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, according to JAMA. If you are having trouble satisfying your sweet tooth while staying away from added sugar, try these delicious substitutes by the American Heart Association.

Cinnamon Quinoa with Peaches American Heart Association Recipe Serving size: 6

Quinoa is extremely nutritious. It is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, potassium, antioxidants and more. It is also versatile; you can make it into a healthy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth with this recipe from the American Heart Association.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Cooking spray • 2 1/2 cups water • 1 cup uncooked quinoa • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 2 cups frozen peach slices thawed (sliced or diced) • 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp chopped pecans (dry roasted, coarsely chopped) • 2 tbsp chopped pecans (dryroasted, coarsely chopped) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray and pour in the water.

2. Stir in the quinoa and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Cook while covered on low for 2 hours or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. 3. While the quinoa is cooking, stir together the half-andhalf, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and vanilla extract. 4. Pour the quinoa into bowls and top with the peaches. Pour in the half-and half mixture on top and shake the pecans over top.

Maple Vanilla Latte American Heart Association Recipe Makes 1 serving

It is winter time, you are in your robe and snuggled up to a fire, but something is missing. Usually you would go for a cup of hot cocoa but you are trying to watch your sugar intake. Instead, try this sugar-free, steamy hot latte with maple and vanilla.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk • 2 tsp vanilla • 2 tbsp sugar free maple syrup • 1 tbsp of cinnamon INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a small saucepan and warm over medium low until completely heated through and warm to drink.

3 Shifts

in Healthcare Affecting Your Care

20 years ago, if you needed to go to the doctor, you would likely ask a family or friend for a recommendation, see the physician, then follow the exact steps they prescribed. 1 2 HEALTHCARE; it is confusing, perplexing, and always changing. The truth is, every day is one step closer to dramatic shifts in healthcare .

Now, seeing a physician would likely start with an online search to find the physician nearest to you, a review of their online ratings, followed by a call to your insurance company or the physician office inquiring about cost. When you see the physician, you are likely participating actively in your care, instead of simply attaining a check list. 3

Shift #1: From Volume to Value Physicians used to be judged on the volume of patients seen, tests prescribed, and procedures performed. Now, healthcare is centered on value. Value means the most effective care provided with the least amount of dollars.

Shift #2: Patient Participation & Experience Patient experience matters. This may seem like an obvious statement, but in reality, the idea of a patient having an enjoyable experience visiting a physician is a relatively new concept. Healthcare providers are more focused on this patient experience, from the time the patient enters the facility to the time they see the physician.

Shift #3: Enter Technology As technology seeps into our lives, it is no surprise it has found its way into our healthcare. One example is telemedicine. Telemedicine allows you to visit your physician virtually for eligible services such as a followup appointment or medication management. Your smartphone is likely a pivotal tool in your life and now you can also use it to enhance your health. If you are looking to improve your lifestyle, there is an app for just about everything. Looking to eat healthier? MyFitnessPal can track all of your calories for the day and allows you to search for the nutrition information of over 5 million foods. Looking to track your steps? Google Fit can track all of your activities. The possibilities are endless.

What does this mean for you? Shop the market when it comes to choosing a physician. Don’t be afraid to ask for a cost estimate of the services you need. At First Coast Cardiovascular Institute (FCCI), when you call to schedule an appointment, our schedulers are equipped with a cost estimator tool that can predict the cost of your visit.

What does this mean for you? Take a minute to provide your feedback at the physician’s office. Whether this is a patient feedback survey or an online review, let the physician’s office know how they did so your experience continues to be at the forefront of care. At FCCI, patient feedback is reviewed daily to ensure we are constantly evolving our patient experience to meet your expectations.

What does this mean for you? Try choosing one risk factor you would like to improve on and find an app that can help you do this. You may be surprised how much easier a lifestyle change can become with some friendly help from technology.

Also, if you are on a tight schedule, consider a practice that allows you to visit your doctor virtually. At FCCI, we are able to hold televisits for eligible services such as medication management, review of test results, and follow-up appointments. This service provides our patients with added convenience.

THE FINANCIAL STRESS OF

More than Half of Americans with Heart Disease Experience Financial Hardship Heart disease is a costly illness.

The CDC estimates cardiovascular disease costs the US $200 billion annually. With such a high cost, it is no surprise this financial stress is oftentimes passed on to patients. HEART DISEASE

study recently done by Yale University found that nearly half of Americans under the age of 65 with cardiovascular disease experience financial hardship, directly stemming from medical bills. Moreover, 20% of these individuals say they cannot afford to pay their medical bills at all and cut back on essentials such as food or medication. Hardships were reported even for the insured. A

According to the study, the average heart disease patients shells out $2,000 annually in out-of-pocket costs. More than half of this is to cover the cost of their medication.

With such high costs and an unpredictable burden, it is more important than ever for healthcare consumers to be aware of cost as a factor in seeking care.

Here are a few tips to cutting back on healthcare costs:

Ask for Generics

Many medications have a generic or less expensive version that works just the same. Talk to your doctor about a generic option for your medication. Moreover, different pharmacies may offer different pricing for the same medication. Shop around at different pharmacies to find the best price.

Understand your health benefits, prior to renewing your health insurance

Insurance is a complex world, but one that is worth taking the time to understand. Prior to signing up for health insurance or renewing your current plan, take the time to understand your health benefits. Go beyond looking at just the premiums. Consider the deductible and the network of physicians the plan allows.

Look for a Physician’s Office that Values Price Transparency

Surprise medical bills are an unfortunate common occurrence in healthcare. With price transparency increasingly being prioritized in healthcare, it is a good time to ask if your provider values your dollar.

How First Coast Cardiovascular Institute (FCCI) Values Price Transparency & Keeps Cost Low:

No surprise medical bills

You are able to receive an estimate of the cost of your visit, prior to your appointment. This ensures you are prepared for any costs that are coming.

Quality over cost

FCCI believes strongly that in the face of hardship, patients should be focused on their health, not their finances. We have created a cost-efficient environment that allows us to offer a slew of cardiovascular testing and procedures at a fraction of the cost, compared to hospital systems.

Eliminating unnecessary medical care

The Lown Institute estimates the US may be spending $200 billion every year on unnecessary medical care. This is a statistic we are actively seeking to change, starting with ourselves. We compare our utilization of certain cardiovascular tests to the national average and consistently find, that we are under the 50th percentile for utilization. This demonstrates our commitment to responsible utilization of medical care.

JACKSONVILLE

Doctor Insight Q&A What’s the best way to start the day? Dr. Yazan Khatib – The best way to start my day is with a cup of tea. Afterward, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Yasmine, as I drive her to school. Dr. Vaqar Ali – I start my morning by going for a run. No better way to start the morning than with a bit of fresh air and exercise! Dr. Youssef Al-Saghir – To relieve stress throughout the day, it is best to be well prepared. I always give myself extra time in the mornings to prepare for the busy day ahead. Dr. Ziad Alnabki – The best way to start the day is by making sure to wake up early, exercise and eat a nice breakfast! Dr. Irram Hamdani – The best way to start the day is with relaxing exercise. For me, that is taking a long walk on the beach if the weather is nice. 34 THE HEART OF JACKSONVILLE | Issue 7 2020 If you could add 4 hours to your day, what would you spend that 4 hours doing? Dr. Andrea DeNeen – One of my favorite hobbies outside of work is knitting. Although I enjoy the clinical aspects of patient care and training new cardiologists, I wish I had the time to knit! Dr. Ibrahim Fahdi – Family time is so precious to me. If I had four more hours in the day, I would spend them around my loved ones. Dr. David Swain – I would be at the beach with my wife and kids!

What do you like to do on rainy days? Dr. Firas El-Sabbagh – If I’m off, I like to stay at home and read (many times, electrophysiology articles) and sip coffee. I enjoy listening to the rain. Dr. Daniel Thielemann – Warm, rainy days put me in a nostalgic mood. If the wind isn’t blowing, I like to open the windows to hear the rain and take in the fresh air. I usually read or watch an old movie. Dr. Cary Rose – I am a very big movie buff. I like to hunker down with a long movie, some popcorn, my two kittens and a glass of wine. Sometimes, I also just like listening to the rain! What motivates you to work hard? Dr. Sumant Lamba – Many of our patients come to us with little hope they can get better. I am motivated to keep going when I prove them wrong. Dr. Imran Farooq – Being able to provide the best care to my patients is what motivates me to continuously learn and become better every single day. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed to be in a position to do what I do. Dr. Alan Schimmel – Seeing my son follow my footsteps into medicine. Dr. Brett Sasseen – For many patients, lifestyle change can be difficult but necessary. When my advice leads to a patient becoming healthier, it really motivates me to keep helping others. Dr. Bruce Krieger – Helping not only the patient, but their families, is what motivates me. Q Q Q Q

WORD SEARCH

R E C G W E I G H T L E S R L L L Y I T G O C T O R R S E T S Y R N R R C C R U I N T E D F T O O N S R E S E I D T E Y L S C T Y S T S R E I I E F S S E L T I S E P V S O E Y E O R F E E E R E T E T R T D C Y L I E L P R T O H S L S E S O H L O D C L E O R E E R T O E S H O T R Y E H R F E O G O S C O S R U R W S E I R E T R A L O I C P T R L I E I T I O B E Y Y A R E E O E O T E R S R L

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ARTERIES VEINS

FREE COUPONS for your Health

Our FREE screenings can detect the onset of vascular diseases, so we may have the chance for early prevention & intervention.

FREE Vein Screening

Venous screening is a test that takes about 20 minutes to determine your risk level for venous disease. The test involves taking an ultrasound scan of the leg to assess vein function and identify vein blockages that could lead to Chronic Venous Insufficiency. You may be a good candidate for this free screening if you are experiencing:

• Unexplained swelling • Varicose, spider or reticular veins • Changes in skin color (red or brown) • Ulcers on the legs • Pain when standing that is less noticeable when legs elevated • Itchiness

The ankle brachial index (ABI) test can detect peripheral arterial disease by comparing blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm. The test takes about 15 minutes to perform. You may be a good candidate for this free screening if you are experiencing: FREE Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening • Leg pain • Muscle cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves while walking • Coldness in the leg or foot • Hair loss on the legs • Non-healing ulcers or wounds • Smooth, shiny skin that is cool

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