FAQs

WHAT IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart become damaged and narrowed. This can happen when plaque–made up of substances found in your blood including fat, cholesterol, and calcium–builds up inside these arteries. When too much plaque builds up, it causes a condition called atherosclerosis, in which blood flow to the heart is reduced.

WHY DO I GET SHORT-WINDED WHEN I WALK?

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea can be caused by several things. It is imperative to see a physician when you are having this symptom. Common causes of shortness of breath include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, myocardial ischemia (heart blockage), myocardial infarction (heart damage), anemia, and deconditioning.

WHAT IS A D.O.?

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine. They focus on a holistic approach to patient care. They combine their knowledge with the latest advances in medical technology, they offer patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.

Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention, and tuning into how a patient’s lifestyle and environment can impact their well being. They strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit — not just free of symptoms.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CARDIOLOGIST AND AN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST?

An interventional cardiologist performs interventions or procedures using catheters which include placing a balloon or stent to help open or widen a narrowed artery or valve. Interventional cardiologists are not the same as cardiac surgeons, whom provide bypass surgeries to reroute and blocked vessel in the heart.

A cardiologist is specialty in which a physician is an expert in disorders of the cardiovascular system. They diagnose and treat various conditions associated with the heart and vessels that travel to and away from the heart. Some conditions that cardiologist treat include high blood pressure, chest pain, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE VEIN DISEASE?

Many patients with vein disease experience cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness, or “tired” or “restless” legs, especially in the calf muscles. If you experience these symptoms, Dr. Thomas can quickly and easily perform a test to determine if you have vein disease.

Featuring vegetables and fruits in your diet can be easy. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your refrigerator for quick snacks. Keep fruit in a bowl in your kitchen so that you’ll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredients, such as vegetable stir-fry or fresh fruit mixed into salads.

Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in a heart-healthy diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products. Or be adventuresome and try a new whole grain, such as whole-grain farro, quinoa or barley.

Fish and poultry can provide lean protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins. Protein may help people feel full and satisfied until the next meal. Protein is essential for building muscle and keeping strong – especially as a person ages. The American Heart Association recommends eating skinless poultry and fish cooked using healthier methods.

Dairy products are a good source of calcium, protein and vitamins A and D. However, they can be high in fat and dietary cholesterol — a problem for anyone looking to reduce their cardiac risk factors. Select fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1%) dairy products. Sticking to low-fat dairy products or dairy alternatives will give you the same nutritional benefits without the drawbacks.

The best way to reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet is to limit the amount of solid fats — butter, margarine and shortening — you add to food when cooking and serving. You can also reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by trimming fat off your meat or choosing lean meats with less than 10 percent fat.

Limit your consumption of foods with high amounts of added sugars, such as sugar-sweetened beverages. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than half of your daily discretionary calories allowance.

Eating a lot of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing sodium is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. One way to reduce the amount of salt you eat is to choose your condiments carefully. Many condiments are available in reduced-sodium versions, and salt substitutes can add flavor to your food with less sodium.