FEELS LIKE I'M GETTING A LIGHT SHOCK FROM MY HEART SHOOTING TO MY HEAD AND WHOLE BODY, EKG IS FINE. WHAT CAN BE CAUSING THIS? PANIC ATTACK?

High anxiety episodes can precipitate shallow breaths and hyperventilation.  This causes a sensation of chest tightness and paresthesias in one’s extremities (numbness, tingling).  This certainly could account for your symptoms.  Oftentimes this will occur with a “sense of dread” as well as the discomfort.

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 8... SIP SOME WINE

LAST STEP TO HEART HEALTHY STEPS!

Alcohol in wine, beer and distilled spirits has been shown to protect the heart.  You'll also find some heart-healthy antioxidants in both red and white wine.  If you don't drink, there's no need to start, but if you do, keep the portions sensible.  That means one drink per day for women and two for men.


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OUR BEAUMONT MICHIGAN HEART GROUP HEALTH CARE TEAM

Sometimes you will see one of highly trained extenders.  Below is a list of our physicians and extenders.  For bios and more information please visit our website at mhgpc.com.  Thank you!

PHYSICIANS:

David R. Cragg, MD

Steven L. Almany, MD

Steven C. Ajluni, MD

William H. Devlin, MD

Terry R. Bowers, MD

Brian D. Williamson, MD

Ilana B. Kutinsky, DO

Michael J. Gallagher, MD

EXTENDERS:

Cheryl Vincent, APRN, MSN

Anita Juriga, APRN, MSN

Mariann Graham, RN, BSN

Howard Hollinger, PA-C

Lily Paciorkowski, RN, MSN

Debby Goodall, APRN, ANP-BC

Michelle Forcina, PA-C

Dawn Mitchell, ACNP

Jan Halash, Device Specialist

Amy Douglas, Device Specialist

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEART AND VALVE DISEASE?

Valve disease is a kind of heart disease.  A valve is an integral part of the heart.

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 7... MOVE MORE

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

Extra pounds and inactivity can put stress on the heart and create other health problems.  exercise is key for heart health and weight management, so aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day.  not only will it help you shed some pounds, it can also help raise your "good" cholesterol.

Use the following tips to make the most of your exercise time...

How Much?
According to the American College of Sports Medicine and the CDC, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity per week.  you can break up this time in a variety of ways.  Feel the burn for 30 minutes, 5 days a week or try a split of 30 and 60-minutes workouts of the course of 3 days.  Even if 150 minutes is more than your ready for, every little bit helps.  The American Heart Association reports that every hour of walking may increase your life expectancy by two hours.

What Type?
Your body is best served by a combination of both cardiovascular and resistance exercise.  So combinations of walking, running or biking (just to name a few options) along with some weight training, pull ups and sit ups, or yoga will cover all your bases.

Tips for Success
If the desire to exercise doesn't come naturally to you, don't give up!  These tips can help keep you on track:

• Find something you enjoy, forcing somethijng you hadte won't stick long term
• Start slow and work your way up- doing too much at first can lead to injury and then you can't exercise at all
• Enlist a friend or family member to help stay motivated
• Diversifty! Change up the workouts to keep things intersting
• Fuel your workouts properly to make sure yoyu are energixed
• Make a day off part of your paln. It's a good way to find balance and you'll reduce your risk of injury
• Is the gym not your thing?  Try one of the following:
• Go for a walk
• Forgo the elevator
• Park at the end of the parking lot
• Have a garage sale
• Boogie to your favorite tunes

Toby Amidor

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BEAUMONT MICHIGAN HEART GROUP'S PHYSICIAN LIAISON IS HERE TO HELP YOU

Michigan Heart Group has a Physician Liaison on staff to assist with questions, concerns or problems you, your staff or your patients may have with our office.

Stacie Batur is available Monday through Thursday at (248) 267-5050 (x6509). She is often between two buildings or visiting referring physician offices. If you get her voice mail, please leave a message and she will call you back shortly. If you need to speak to her immediately you can reach her on her cell phone at (248) 765-4466.

SHOULD I SEEK HELP FROM MY CARDIOLOGIST IF I WANT TO KNOW MY STROKE AND HEART ATTACK RISK?

A cardiologist or internist can help define your risk profile by getting a history (family history, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), and arranging for a fasting lipid level.  In high risk stings additional risk can be found with a lipid NMR study assessing non-traditional risk factors such as lipoprotein particle size.  Other risk factors, PLAC, CRP, homocystenine could also help with higher risk patients. 

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE CAUSE OF DIFFICULTY BREATHING IN WARM AREAS?

Humidity, if the humidity is high that could do it.  If you mean very warm, the inability to cool upper airways (as they warm air for lower airways) can do it.  If tropical or fertile, can be pollens/ molds.  If desert, can be dusts (or still molds/pollens).  If a firefighter—might be smoke & toxic gasses.  Unfortunately, many options means need good history and exam to narrow down and diagnose properly.

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 6... OPT FOR OMEGA-3 FATS

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

Research has shown that polyunsaturated omega-3 fats can help lower triglycerides (fat in the blood), help maintain HDL "good" cholesterol, and decrease the risk of sudden heart attacks, blood clots and strokes.  The best sources of omega-3s are found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, as well as plant foods like flax sees and walnuts.

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MICHIGAN HEART GROUP'S LOCATIONS AND SATELLITE OFFICES

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group has 2 main locations and 2 satellite locations.  Different physicians see patients out of different suits.  

THERE ARE TIMES, when a physician will need to SWITCH SUITES for one reason or another.  It usually has to do with coverage or addition of office time.  You will ALWAYS BE NOTIFIED of this DURING YOUR REMINDER CALL so PLEASE pay close attention to the LOCATION when we call you.  

MAIN CAMPUS:

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group:

4600 Investment Drive, #200

Troy, MI 48098

Steven L. Almany, MD

Steven C. Ajluni, MD

William D. Devlin, MD

Terry R. Bowers, MD

Michael J. Gallagher, MD

Beaumont Michigan Heart Rhythm Group

4550 Investment Drive, #250

Troy, MI 48098

David R. Cragg, MD

Brian D. Williamson, MD

Ilana B. Kutinsky, DO

SATELLITE OFFICES:

Beaumont Western Wayne Heart Group

39500 Ten Mile, #103

Novi, MI 48375

Steven L. Almany, MD

Steven C. Ajluni, MD

William D. Devlin, MD

Ilana B. Kutinsky, DO

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group- Macomb

15959 Hall Road, #304

Macomb, MI 48044

David R. Cragg, MD

Terry R. Bowers, MD

Michael J. Gallagher, MD

USPSTF: LITTLE EVIDENCE VITAMINS PREVENT HEART DISEASE, CANCER

On its website,Time (11/12, Sifferlin, 13.4M) reports that the “U.S. Preventive Services Task Force [USPSTF] says that for most vitamins and minerals, there is not enough evidence to determine whether the pills can lower risk of heart disease or cancer.” With regard “to beta-carotene (found in carrots and tomatoes) and vitamin E, there is no evidence that they can protect against either heart disease or cancer; in fact, beta-carotene use contributed to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers.”

On its website, NBC News (11/12, Fox, 6.79M) reports that an analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine was “used as the basis” for the recommendations.

CQ (11/12, Young, Subscription Publication, 967) reports that the USPSTF “said that ‘eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood may play a role in the prevention of cancer or cardiovascular disease,’ even though no benefit has been shown for vitamins supplements in this connection.”

Reuters (11/12, Seaman) quotes Dr. Michael LeFevre, co-vice chair of the USPSTF, as saying, “At this point in time the science is not sufficient for us to estimate how much benefit or harm there is from taking vitamin or multivitamin supplements to prevent cancer or heart disease.”

MedPage Today (11/12, Neale, 122K) reports that “the guidance” released as a draft recommendation “applies to primary prevention in healthy adults without nutrient deficiencies, with the exception of women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, a group that’ should take a daily supplement containing folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects.’” The article points out that “the new proposed guidance is consistent with that from other organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which also found insufficient evidence to recommend the use of multivitamins” as a way to “prevent chronic disease.” HealthDay (11/12, 5K) also covers the story.

POSTED BY:  Steven Almany M.D.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LOWER MY TRIGLYCERIDES WITHOUT MEDICATION?

If you want to lower your triglycerides (T) do the following:  Stay at a healthy weight.  T’s are stored as fat in your tissues and muscles.  Eat fewer calories, as excess calories are converted to T.  Eat a heart-healthy diet.  Limit alcohol and high-calorie foods and carbohydrates, especially high-sugar foods such as cookies, soda, and fruit juices.  Good Luck!

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 5... SHAKE OFF SOME SALT

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

The daily recommendation for sodium is 2,300 milligrams a day for healthy adults- that's about 1 teaspoon.  Since too much sodium can aggravate high blood pressure and kidney disease, people who suffer from these conditions should cap their salt intake to 1,500 milligrams or less.  Sadly, many Americans take in closer to 4,700 milligrams per day.  

Since much of the sodium in American's diets comes from processed foods, cooking fresh food at home can help you cut back on sodium dramatically.  Use herbs and spices to boost flavor and always choose low-sodium versions of canned soups, broths and sauces.

How Much Salt is Too Much?
Salt is a valuable flavor enhancer and electrolyte that your body needs for muscle function, fluid balance, and nervous system health.  Despite the need for some salt in the diet, many Americans go (way) overboard with diets that are too high in process and prepared foods.

So where does the majority of the slat in American's diets come from?  Processed and prepared foods make up so close to 80 percent.  So, it's not the extra sprinkle from the salt shaker or the pinches of salt use in home cooking- those only contribute to 6 percent and 5 percent, respectively.  Check out the Center of Science in the Public Interest's list of worst offenders- steer clear of those foods and use our tips below to keep your slat intake in check.

Tips for Shaking the Salt Habit:

• Read labels carefully
• Cut back on processed foods, especially canned soups and prepared frozen entrees
• Cut back on take-out and restaurant foods- 1 to 2 times a week at the most
• If you use canned foods, choose low sodium and no salt added versions
• Measure out those "pinches" and "dashes" of salt while you're cooking- you'll know just how much you're adding

Dana Angela White, MS, RD, ATC

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MEET THE MHG PHYSICIAN EXTENDERS, AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HEART CARE TEAM! THIS MONTH WE RECOGNIZE HOWARD HOLLINGER!

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group would like to introduce you to our physician extenders.  They are a critical part of the Cardiology team at Michigan Heart Group.  The Physician Extenders work hand and hand with the physicians, making decisions on the best treatment options for each patient on a case by case basis.  All of our extenders round on the weekends as well as work in the hospital during the week.  Most of our extenders also have have office hours and we encourage our patients to feel comfortable following up with them in the office.  Our medical decisions are often a team approach that each extender is a part of and they are often at the forefront of each decision that is made.

The practice is made up of Interventionist (plumbers) and Electrophysiologist (electricians).  The plumbers are located at 4600 Investment Drive, #200, while the Electricians are in the building next door at 4550 Investment Dr., #250.  In addition Michigan Heart Group has two satellite offices to accommodate our out of town patients.  One in Macomb at 15959 Hall Road, #304, Macomb and another in Novi at Ten Mile and Haggerty, 39500 Ten Mile, #103, Novi. Each extender is trained and familiar with both specialties however all but one currently they only see patients at our 2 main locations.

Each month we will be focusing on one extenders achievements, this month we recognize Howard Hollinger.

Howard Hollinger, P.A.-C.:  Howard joined the group in February 2000, almost a decade after the practice was founded.  Howard received his Master of Science with the Physician's Assistant Program at Western Michigan.  He is certified by the American Academy of Physician's Assistants and licensed by the State of Michigan.  You will find Howard in the office all day on Monday and Tuesday he has office hours at our main office 4600 Investment Drive.  Howard is our only extender that sees patients at a satellite office, seeing patients Wednesday afternoons with Dr. Gallagher at Macomb.  When he's not in the office Howard is rounding at Troy Beaumont hospital.  You can schedule any type of appointment with Howard, weather you need to be seen emergently or it’s a routine visit, rest assured you are in great hands.  Many of our patients refer to him as Dr. Hollinger, Dr. H or Dr. Howard.

OUR EXTENDER TEAM AND WHERE YOU MAY SEE THEM:

Cheryl Vincent, MSN, A.P.R.N: Sees patients at Michigan Heart Rhythm group all day Thursday and Friday.  Also, sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Troy, covers Beaumont RO when needed.

Anita Juriga, MSN, A.P.R.N:  Sees patients at Michigan Heart Group all day Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  Also, sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Troy, covers Beaumont RO when needed.

Howard Hollinger, P.A.-C.:  Sees patients at Michigan Heart Group all day Monday and Tuesday.  Also, sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Troy, covers Beaumont RO when needed.

Debby Goodall, A.P.R.N, A.N.P.-B.C.:  Sees patients at Michigan Heart Group on Monday afternoons and at Michigan Heart Rhythm Group on Friday afternoons.  Also, sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Troy, covers Beaumont RO when needed.

Michelle Forcina, P.A.-C.:  Sees patients at Michigan Heart Rhythm Group all day Mondays and Tuesdays and in the morning on Wednesdays.  Rounds at both William Beaumont Hospital- RO and Troy on the weekends.

Dawn Mitchell, A.C.N.P.:  Sees patients at Michigan Heart Group all day Wednesdays.  Also,  sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Royal Oak, covers Beaumont Troy when needed.

Lily Paciorkowski, R.N., MSN:   Sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Royal Oak, covers Beaumont Troy when needed.

Mariann Graham, R.N., BSN:  Sees patients at William Beaumont Hospital- Royal Oak, covers Beaumont Troy when needed.

We are very fortunate to have such a great, caring and educated team working with us.  They look forward to meeting you and we hope you look forward to meeting them.

Thank you!
The Beaumont Michigan Heart Group Physicians

STUDY: SMOKERS WHO QUIT AFTER BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY LIVE LONGER

Reuters (8/2, Hackethal) reports a new study found that smokers who quit following a balloon angioplasty live about two years longer than those who keep smoking. According to Ron van Domburg, the senior author of the paper and a clinical epidemiologist at Rotterdam’s Erasmus Medical Center, the message of the study is that quitting, no matter at what age, can help. The findings were published in the American Journal of Cardiology. 

POSTED BY: Steven Almany M.D.

WHAT IS PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC OF RIGHT SIDED HEART FAILURE?

The commonest cause of right heart failure is left heart failure.  The causes of isolated right heart failure include primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary disease associated with pulmonary hypertension.  Left to right cardiac shunts cause right heart failure and mitral stenosis is another (technically this is a left heart cause).

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 4... HELP YOURSELF TO HEALTHY FATS

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

Cut back on saturated fats found in meats and full-fat dairy products.  Look out for trans fats ("hydrongenated oil") in some commerically baked goods, snack foods and fried foods.  Capitalize on healthy unsaturated fats from olive and canola oils, nuts, avacatdos, peanut butter and olives.  You don't want to avoid fat, just choose the healthy versions most of the time.

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