Medicor Cardiology

10/28/2025

Medicor Cardiology is hosting a booth at the Canal Walk Health Fair today. Canal Walk residents are welcome to visit us and learn more about our services.

10/15/2025

Rising Cardiovascular Risks in Pregnancy: Are We Doing Enough?

Cardiovascular complications during pregnancy are no longer rare. A recent American Heart Association (AHA) analysis of more than 56,000 pregnancies found that about 15 % involved serious cardiac events such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots and even maternal death . The rising trend underscores how conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes increasingly affect mothers and babies. Understanding these trends helps families and healthcare providers prioritize heart health before, during and after pregnancy.

Researchers tracked pregnancies from 2001–2019 and discovered an alarming increase in cardiovascular risk factors: obesity rose from 2 % to 16 %, high blood pressure from 3 % to 12 %, high cholesterol from 3 % to 10 % and diabetes from 1 % to 3 % . Each of these conditions was linked to higher rates of pregnancy‑related heart attack, stroke and other cardiac complications. Importantly, many women entered pregnancy unaware of these risks or lacked access to pre‑pregnancy care. Dr. Stacey Rosen, AHA volunteer chair, emphasizes that families should engage with healthcare providers early: she advises discussing heart health before conception, monitoring blood pressure and weight during pregnancy, and paying attention to postpartum health . Postpartum monitoring is crucial because cardiovascular problems can emerge weeks after delivery.

Conclusion & call‑to‑action

If you’re planning a family or currently expecting, talk to your doctor about a heart‑healthy plan. Maintain a balanced diet, keep weight under control, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and seek regular prenatal care. After delivery, continue engaging with your healthcare team to ensure your heart recovers fully. When communities recognize the risks and adopt prevention strategies, mothers and babies thrive.

Source: American Heart Association – “Risk factors for cardiovascular disease negatively impact health during, after pregnancy”

10/10/2025

In honor of National Physician Assistant week, we would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Luba and Fred, our two outstanding PA's, for their tireless commitment to delivering exceptional care to our patients and community.

10/09/2025

From Heart Attack to Heart Advocate: Patricia Bracknell’s Journey

Introduction – relevance

Personal stories often illuminate the broader realities of heart disease. Patricia Bracknell was a healthy, active 47‑year‑old when a spasm in an artery caused her to have a heart attack. Her experience highlights that heart events can happen even in the absence of traditional risk factors and underscores the role of mental health in recovery.

Main body – summary of findings

After leaving the hospital, Patricia felt physically fine but emotionally shaken: she described feeling as if her heart had betrayed her and worried about her family’s future . She began therapy to manage anxiety and learned that up to half of heart attack survivors experience psychological distress, a factor linked to a higher risk of subsequent heart events . Realizing how fortunate she was to have insurance and access to care, Patricia wanted to give back. In 2021 she founded the Chamber for Hispanic Progress, a nonprofit that provides health education, disease management assistance and connections to medical and economic resources for Latino and Hispanic communities . Her guiding philosophy is succinct: “Health is the foundation for success – whether in education, business, or personal growth” .

Conclusion & call‑to‑action

Patricia’s story reminds us that recovery doesn’t end with leaving the hospital. Pay attention to your emotional well‑being after a cardiac event and seek professional help if anxiety or depression arises. Support local organizations that provide health education and resources to underserved communities. Most importantly, remember that maintaining heart health empowers every aspect of life, from career ambitions to personal goals.

10/07/2025

Wishing Medicor's nuclear medicine technologists a Happy Nuclear Medicine Week!

10/04/2025

10/03/2025

Beyond Blockages: Uncovering Hidden Triggers of Heart Attacks in Younger People

When people think of heart attacks, they often imagine clogged arteries. But a new Mayo Clinic study reveals that in adults under 65 — especially women — a significant share of heart attacks stem from nontraditional causes such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), embolism, or stress-related triggers.

The researchers analyzed data spanning 15 years from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and found that while atherosclerotic plaque was the most common cause overall, it accounted for only about 47% of heart attacks in women under 65 (versus 75% in men). In women, SCAD was nearly six times more common than in men. Additionally, heart attacks triggered by conditions like anemia or systemic infection had the highest 5-year mortality rates—even though these patients often had lower levels of direct heart damage from the event.

Clinical Implications:

Misdiagnosis or under-recognition of SCAD and other nontraditional triggers can lead to inappropriate treatments (for example, placing a stent when not needed), which may raise complication risks.

Clinicians need heightened awareness about these alternate mechanisms, particularly in younger women with atypical symptoms.

Patients should be empowered to seek second opinions or advanced imaging if “standard” risk factors don’t fully explain their condition.

What You Can Do:

If you are a younger adult (especially female) and experience angina, chest discomfort, or unexplained cardiac symptoms, ask your cardiologist whether nontraditional causes (e.g. SCAD) have been considered.

Maintain vigilance around “triggering” conditions — infections, anemia, stress — that could provoke cardiovascular events.

Stay up to date on cardiac assessments and use advanced diagnostics (like coronary angiography with special imaging) when recommended.

Call to Action: This study underscores the need to look deeper than blockages. Younger adults — and especially women — deserve a diagnostic approach tailored to their unique risks. If your story doesn’t align with typical risk profiles, advocate for comprehensive evaluation.

10/02/2025

AI Voice Assistance Boosts Accuracy in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

Headline

AI Voice Agents Help Older Adults Report Blood Pressure Readings More Accurately

Body Content

Getting reliable home blood pressure readings is a cornerstone of managing hypertension—and one recent study shows artificial intelligence (AI) could make it easier. Researchers presented at the 2025 AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions found that AI voice agents improved older adults’ accuracy when reporting their blood pressure values, helping detect those who needed follow-up care.

In the study involving about 2,000 participants (most aged 65+), the AI system engaged users with conversational prompts, guided them through measurement steps, and validated the data before passing it on to clinicians. The AI agent not only encouraged adherence but also flagged readings that merited medical attention. According to lead author Dr. Tina-Ann Kerr Thompson, this approach helps bridge gaps in remote monitoring and supports better cardiovascular outcomes.

Why It Matters: Many patients struggle with correct blood pressure technique, forget to record readings, or miscommunicate values to their care team. This can lead to under- or overtreatment. AI voice assistance offers a scalable, low-cost tool to help users capture and share accurate data from home.

Action Steps for Patients:

Ask your clinician whether an AI-enabled or guided home monitoring system is available or suitable for you.

Continue following recommended protocols: rest before measuring, use a validated cuff, keep your arm at heart level, avoid talking during measurement.

Share your home readings regularly with your care team—and inquire about tools or apps that offer guided assistance or validation.

Call to Action: If you or someone you care for monitors blood pressure at home, this tech may help reduce error and improve treatment decisions. Talk to your provider about supported AI tools.

09/30/2025

Medicor Cardiology has been named a NJ Top Doc Practice with 11 reviewed and approved providers. Medicor Cardiology has been central New Jersey’s trusted heart care provider since 1977, offering expert, personalized cardiac services through their board-certified team and advanced diagnostic facilities. They are also the official cardiology group of the Somerset Patriots.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NNf7Zu

09/26/2025

After AF Ablation: Device or Blood Thinner?

Headline: Cleveland Clinic subanalysis: LAA closure matched efficacy and cut bleeding across stroke‑risk groups
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For some people with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo catheter ablation, staying on oral anticoagulation (OAC) long‑term can be hard because of bleeding risk. A new Cleveland Clinic subanalysis of the OPTION trial (presented at ESC 2025) found that left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) was non‑inferior to OAC for preventing the composite of death, stroke or systemic embolism and was associated with significantly less nonprocedural bleeding. Importantly, the benefit held regardless of baseline stroke risk, suggesting LAAC can be considered across a wider range of post‑ablation patients — particularly when bleeding tips the scales. Numbers that resonate: in the main OPTION results published earlier this year, LAAC and OAC had similar event rates, while bleeding was markedly lower with LAAC. What it means for you during AFib Awareness Month: if you’ve had or are planning AF ablation and struggle with anticoagulation, ask your EP team about LAAC candidacy (factors include anatomy, CHA₂DS₂‑VASc, and bleeding history). Decisions remain individualized — LAAC involves a procedure and follow‑up imaging — but this analysis broadens the conversation about stroke prevention choices after ablation.

09/25/2025

Congratulations on this amazing achievement!

Congratulations to Bill Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, who has just been named to Becker's Hospital Review's list of Academic Medical Center CEOs to Know for the third consecutive year. The list recognizes executives from academic medical centers and health systems across the U.S. who are at the forefront of the industry and redefining state-of-the-art patient care at the helm of some of the most complex and influential organizations in healthcare.


Rutgers Cancer Institute
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

09/24/2025

Heart Recovery = Body + Mind

Headline: Heart recovery is physical and psychological: New AHA statement for post‑heart attack care
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After a heart attack, healing isn’t only about arteries and stents—it’s also about anxiety, mood, sleep, and stress. A new American Heart Association scientific statement underscores that about one‑third to one‑half of heart attack survivors experience significant psychological distress (depression, anxiety, PTSD). Persistent distress for up to a year is linked with ~1.5× higher risk of future cardiac events, so identifying and treating it is not optional—it’s part of heart care. Evidence‑based options include cognitive behavioral therapy, appropriate antidepressants (SSRIs) that have been shown to be safe in people with cardiovascular disease, and cardiac rehabilitation programs that weave in stress management and emotional support. Yet fewer than 1 in 5 eligible patients enroll in rehab—closing that gap can improve quality of life and may help outcomes. Practical next steps: tell your cardiology team how you’re sleeping and coping; ask specifically about mood screening; and, if offered, accept a referral to cardiac rehab or counseling. As World Heart Day (Sept 29) approaches, remember: protecting your heart means protecting your mind—and vice versa.