Preventing Atrial Fibrillation Complications

Dr. Hitesh Patel received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Based in Maryland, Dr. Hitesh Patel is affiliated with Cardiology Associates of Frederick, where he treats disorders such as atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a type of abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. During an AFib episode, the upper chambers of the heart quiver, making them ineffective in transporting blood to the lower chamber, thus compromising blood circulation. AFib is a potentially dangerous condition, as it can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and other cardiac complications.

How can someone prevent the complications associated with AFib? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a heart-healthy lifestyle is the best option in mitigating harmful complications. This lifestyle encompasses a wide range of choices, which include maintaining regular physical activity, modifying the diet to reduce the amount of salt, cholesterol, and fats, avoiding substances such as caffeine and alcohol, and quitting smoking. For more information on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AFib, visit Heart. org.

American Heart Association Lowers Threshold For Stage 1 Hypertension

Dr. Hitesh Patel, a respected Maryland physician, provides cardiovascular treatment and diagnosis at Cardiology Associates of Frederick. Among Dr. Hitesh Patel’s areas of extensive knowledge is congestive heart failure, which along with stroke and heart attack, is linked to aspects of health such as exercise, nutrition, and hypertension.

With the concern of hypertension at the forefront, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recently set in place guidelines that recommend earlier lifestyle changes for patients who have a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg. This adjustment supplants the previous threshold of 140/90 mm Hg and boosts the percentage of the US adult population classified as having high blood pressure from 32 percent to 46 percent.

Under the new guidelines, those with Stage 1 hypertension, which involves an 80 to 89 mm Hg systolic reading or an 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic reading, will not be prescribed medications unless they have a pre-existing cardiac disease or are at high risk for future cardiac events. Rather, the recommended physician-patient conversation will center on a healthier diet with low salt intake and regular exercise.

Exercise and Cardiac Health in Patients with Heart Failure

In his practice at Cardiology Associates of Frederick in Maryland, Dr. Hitesh Patel treats patients of all ages. Dr. Hitesh Patel has diverse experience in the treatment of congestive heart failure and advocates consistently for heart health.

In December of 2017, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published the results of a study that investigated the effects of exercise training on peak oxygen uptake in older adults with heart failure. Researchers assessed data from cases involving heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as well as those involving heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as prior research had not yet made such a comparison.

Study participants were all aged 65 or older, and all had chronic AF with a stable regimen of medication. Subjects participated in a 16-week course of thrice-weekly supervised exercise regimens, which included 15- to 20-minute periods within an hour-long session.

Data from this activity revealed a 9.2 percent improvement in peak oxygen uptake across both groups, though improvement was greater in patients with HFpEF. Review of absolute peak oxygen uptake revealed similar patterns.

The typical exercise intolerance in patients with HF and specifically HFpEF serves as further support that exercise training improves measurable results in these patients. This is particularly notable considering the consistent failure of pharmacological treatments in generating mortality benefits. Therefore, researchers have suggested the findings prompt a review of cardiac rehabilitation coverage for HFpEF patients so that they can more easily access exercise training.