Roman Litwinski, M.D., FACS Vascular Surgeon

09/21/2023

Recent research published in the American Heart Association journal is highlighting a substantial connection between work stress and heart health.

One of the biggest discoveries was the connection between men who encountered high job demands with limited decision making control, and didn’t feel like their dedication was adequately acknowledged, and their increased risk for heart disease. In fact, it nearly doubled.

Even when facing only one of those workplace challenges, the escalated risk was nearly 49% when compared to men who found their jobs to be challenging yet rewarding.

It’s also worth mentioning that the combination of these effects resulted in cardiac risks that would typically be seen in men who were obese.

Addressing these stressors proactively is not just a health imperative but an organizational one. Enhancing support structures, fostering a balanced work-life environment, promoting transparent communication, and empowering employees are essential steps.

We need to recognize that cultivating a cardiac-friendly work culture is as significant as traditional health interventions. We understand better now that workplace stressors can rival known health threats like obesity and secondhand smoke, but it’s harder to see when there aren’t as many visible signs.

If you feel like your stress levels are always high due to work or other factors, make time to see your primary physician. Having a good grasp on your health is the best way to start making changes to cut down the risk of cardiac disease and live your best life.

If you would like to read the details of the study you can find the original article here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230919155014.htm

09/01/2023

Between 1990 and 2019, cardiovascular disease linked to tiny air pollution particles surged by ~1/3 globally. Interestingly, men faced a greater risk than women, and economically disadvantaged regions suffered more than affluent ones.

This pollution, both indoors and outdoors, can arise from vehicle emissions, wildfires, heating with coal or wood, and more. Inhaling these particles can irritate our respiratory system and has been previously associated with heart issues and stroke.

Researchers from Tehran University studied data from 204 countries and discovered:
• A 31% global rise in disability-adjusted life years due to particulate pollution.
• Cardiovascular deaths attributed to this pollution rose from 2.6 million in 1990 to 3.5 million in 2019.
• Deaths increased by 43% in men and 28% in women.
• Outdoor pollution-related cardiovascular issues rose by 8%, while household pollution fell by 65%, potentially due to cleaner fuel access and improved ventilation.

Although overall deaths dropped after accounting for age, indicating better healthcare and pollution control, the increasing number of people living with disabilities due to pollution is a concern that needs to be addressed.

This study shows how vitally important it is for there to be a focus on protecting public health. If you feel like you may be suffering from the side effects of increased pollution, please talk with your primary physician as soon as you are able.

Read the original article here - https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/08/09/global-cardiovascular-deaths-disability-linked-to-particulate-air-pollution

08/10/2023

It’s been a pretty exciting year in the medical community already, and now it’s become just a bit more due to some groundbreaking advancements in how we monitor and check heart health.

This past July, a new study was published detailing how researchers have produced the most detailed human Heart Cell Atlas to date, which even includes information on where the heartbeat originates.

The research was led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute at Imperial College London, and is part of the International Human Cell Atlas project, which is mapping every cell type in the human body. This particular study charted eight regions of the heart, and has provided details of the heart that were previously unheard of.

With each scientific advancement we gain more and more insight as to how the heart works, and how we can better help those individuals who suffer from cardiovascular disease or are worried about their potential future risk. These details will help medical professionals gain new understandings as to how certain drugs can affect the heart, and how many other health risks, like diabetes, can have an overall impact on heart health.

If you would like to read details about the study, please visit this link -

Researchers have produced the most detailed and comprehensive human Heart Cell Atlas to date, including the specialized tissue of the cardiac conduction system -- where the heartbeat originates.

07/18/2023

Summer has arrived, and it is here to let everyone know.

This past week in Southern California we saw some pretty hot days compared to the extended June Gloom, with temperatures easily getting into the high 80’s and even 90’s in some places.

This means it’s officially beach time, and of course, heat stroke prevention time.

Most people know to be careful out in the sun, but sometimes even if you are taking it easy and you don’t think you are at risk, you can be.

Heat stroke occurs when your body is unable to cool down from being overheated. Generally speaking, our bodies cool down through the act of sweating. But in the event that you get too hot, your body isn’t able to sweat enough or fast enough to keep your core temperature from rising. And if you are outside being active, the risk increases.

It’s also good to be aware that you can suffer from heat exhaustion, which is much less dangerous than heat stroke.

Luckily, prevention isn’t hard. If you know that you are going to be outside for any length of time when temperatures are high and humidity is increased, make sure you have water, a hat, and loose-fitting clothes. If you can take breaks in the shade then try and do so as possible.

You can read more here -

Heat-related illnesses rise along with summer temperatures. It's important to know how to recognize symptoms and when to seek emergency care.

07/02/2023

Not all cardiovascular health risks come from genetics, or even the immediate decisions you make regarding exercise and food. While these things do play a large role in your cardiovascular health, sometimes there are external things that impact us without our knowledge.

In recent and ongoing studies, researchers have discovered that chronic exposure to low levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

How is this possible? Well, as it turns out it’s not that uncommon.

These chemicals are found nearly everywhere and involuntary exposure can happen through things like water pipes, to***co products, old paint, and many types of electronics and cosmetics.

The issue is much worse in lower-income communities as well, as they are exposed to toxic metals at a much higher concentration than more isolated suburban communities.

While there is currently no way to really counter these effects from every day exposure, researchers are hoping that one day there will be with continued study. In the meantime, if you feel like your health might not be as optimal as it should be, talk with your physician to see if you are at a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.

To read more on this you can visit think link -

Chronic exposure to low levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement.

06/06/2023

Technology and medicine have gone hand in hand for many years. As we learn and understand more about how the body works, science and technology come up with new ways for us to streamline how we diagnose and eventually treat many health issues that occur.

Now, new cutting edge technology can be be used to detect rapid pressure changes inside your heart. Using advanced technology based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), physicians can create detailed images of your heart, and see the pressure changes that happen when you are given specific medications for testing the heart’s blood flow.

Typically the specific medication is given during a test to help evaluate whether a patient has blockages, and monitoring the blood flow is what helps pinpoint those issues. Now, with this new technology, the level of detail can help doctors better understand how well the heart may or may not be working.

The new tech has helped them understand exactly what happens right before increased blood flow, and in the future may help diagnose and monitor potential and existing heart disease.

While the procedure is still new, the potential applications are exciting to think about and hopefully in the near future it will be more commonplace to help patients live their best lives.

If you would like to read more detail about the new technology, you can find it here:

New technology can detect rapid pressure changes inside your heart. The state-of-the-art technology uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed images of the heart. Using the new technology, the team discovered that pressure inside the heart goes up when given a specific medication for....

05/12/2023

We know that as a general rule, it’s good for adolescents and young people to be physically active. It helps them as they grow and keeps them healthy while their muscles develop.

A recent study may have given us another reason to encourage physical activity during this crucial time in their development as well.

The study was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports investigated the impact of sedentary time and physical activity on the hearts of adolescents. It focused on the impact of a more sedentary lifestyle (something that has become an issue for all ages of people since the explosion of technology) when compared to a lifestyle of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

The study found that adolescents had a particularly high risk of increased heart size when more sedentary. In addition, it was discovered that even light physical activity helped with overall cardiac function.

It’s estimated that nearly 80% of young people worldwide are not engaging in sufficient physical activity. With the potential cardiovascular and heart disease issues that could result from a significant lack of activity, it’s more important than ever to have teachers, doctors, and parents encourage students and teens to be more active now to help with their health in the near and far futures.

If you would like to read more on the study please visit here -

In adolescents, sedentary time may increase heart size three times more than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, a recent article concludes. The researchers explored the associations of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with cardiac structure and...

04/24/2023

With cardiovascular health issues being as prominent as they are, here are eight key lifestyle changes that can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

These aren’t necessarily all-inclusive, and there are a number of things you can do to improve your health, but these are proven methods that have shown positive results in the majority of people who practice them.

• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Managing blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Managing diabetes�

Making major lifestyle changes can be difficult, but with the right support and motivation these lifestyle changes can be crucial for promoting your heart health. Of course we always suggest that they be followed in consultation with healthcare professionals to tailor them to individual needs.

By adopting these healthy habits, individuals can significantly lower their risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of mortality globally. It's important to prioritize these lifestyle changes for long-term heart health and overall well-being.

If you would like to read more detail on these eight lifestyle changes, you can visit the original article here -

Stronger adherence to Life's Essential 8 reaps bigger reductions in coronary heart disease and stroke risk, new research suggests, especially for women, younger adults and those with a low genetic predisposition.

04/04/2023

Did you know the shape of your heart can help determine if you are more at risk for certain heart conditions? It’s true, and the reason why might be a little surprising.

According to a study from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, individuals with hearts more spherical in shape, compared to the more traditional valentine heart shape, are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy.

The researchers used MRI images and data models to identify genetic markers that were present in spherical hearts, and those cases were associated with cardiomyopathy and increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

So what does this mean?

For starters, it gives medical practitioners a new way to check for potential heart issues that might have gone overlooked previously. Through MRI imaging, it’s more likely that risks can be identified earlier based on a simple visual comparison of the shape of a heart.

The rounding of your heart isn’t uncommon as you get older, but big changes can help alert your physician ahead of time and let you get help earlier than you might have otherwise.

If you would like to read more on the details of the study, check it out here -

A new study found individuals with spherical hearts were 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy, a type of heart muscle disease.

03/13/2023

Everyday it feels like the future of sci-fi movies is getting a little bit closer. We already have promising AI assistants to help with everyday tasks, and now the medical world is showing major leaps in the technology we use to help patients everyday.

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, engineers have developed a procedure to accurately 3D print a soft and flexible replica of a patient’s heart.

Why is this newsworthy? Because it can be tailored to each individual and their unique biology. No two hearts are the same. Sure, they have the same function and overall a heart is the same organ, but in each patient they are different in size, slightly different in shape, and they can even beat differently. If you add in someone who has existing heart disease the differences become more pronounced.

This new technology could lead to a whole new level of personal care for heart patients as doctors are able to better study what kind of treatments may or may not work on a specific heart, instead of using general knowledge.

There will be a lot more study involved in how to best use this in practical application, but overall the consensus is positive and we are likely only seeing the beginning of what this can do to help patients at present and in the future.

If you would like to read more details about how engineers developed the 3D heart and how it works, click here to read the full article - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230222141222.htm

02/28/2023

Do you suffer from insomnia? If you do, it may be time to talk to your healthcare provider about it. Experts are calling for sleep disorders to be assessed and included as cardiovascular health risks, now more than ever.

In fact, people who suffer from insomnia can have up to a 69% increased chance of having a heart attack when compared to those who don’t have a sleeping disorder. And if you fall into the group of people who regularly get less than 5 hours of sleep per night, your risk goes up significantly.

The risks also were higher and more likely regardless of age, and the majority of recorded heart attacks over the period of research occurred in women who suffered from insomnia.

So what does this mean? For starters, we need to help educate patients better on the real risks that come about by not getting proper sleep. We know that a lack of good sleep can impact a number of things in regards to health, but this latest data draws a significant line between rest and heart risk.

We also need to help people understand how to achieve better sleep. This includes things like sleeping in a darkened room, without lights from devices, and if you can manage it, keep the room on the cooler side.

If you, or someone you know, suffers from insomnia, you should consult with a physician as soon as possible to try and come up with a plan to get back on track. Not only will your risk of cardiovascular problems decrease, but you will probably feel more refreshed overall.

If you would like to read the details on the study, you can find it here -

People who suffer from insomnia were 69% more likely to have a heart attack compared to those who didn't have the sleep disorder during an average nine years of follow-up, according to new research. In addition, when looking at sleep duration as an objective measure of insomnia, researchers found th...

02/03/2023

We’re at the beginning of the second month of 2023 already, and it’s hard to believe how quickly January flew by. There’s always a lot going on, and it seems like there is no real indication that life is planning to slow down at all.

It’s easy to get distracted from the day to day worries when you’re busy with work and family, but what happens in your down time? Do you find yourself worrying a lot about the future, or even what may happen tomorrow?

New research is now showing that there is a definite link between young adults suffering with depression and overall poor mental health and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular disease risks.

The study took place between 2017 and 2020, and involved data from 593,616 adults who averaged around 35 years old. The study linked data between individuals who had reported they were told they had a depressive disorder and those who reported experiencing a heart attack and other cardiovascular risk factors.

While it’s not clear whether the relationship is bi-directional, or if one more largely impacts the other, there is a definite relationship between the two.

If you feel like you are overwhelmed and have become more depressed over time, or if you suffer from a depression disorder, it’s important to talk with your family and/or primary doctor to try and cut down on any other adverse risk factors that may become a problem later. We know that mental health plays a huge role on our physical health, and keeping the two parts happy and healthy will give you the best chance possible.

If you would like to read more on the details of the study, you can visit here:

The relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease risk is well established in middle-aged adults. A new study suggests the link may begin in early adulthood.

01/10/2023

Have you heard of the polar bear plunge challenge? If you haven’t, it’s not something new that is trending online. It’s actually been happening for quite a long time in climates where lakes and other large bodies of water freeze over in the winter.

So what is it? To put it simply, you jump into the icy water of a mostly frozen body of water in the middle of winter. Some do it as a challenge, some do it to raise money for charity, and other do it for the belief that it helps your immune system and improve cardiovascular health through regular cold therapy.

And while this may seem like a convincing reason, as it’s been practiced for many years, the actual evidence to back up that claim is anything but readily available. In fact, sudden immersion in water under 60 degrees Fahrenheit has the potential to kill you if you don’t know how your body will react.

When you plunge your body into cold water it triggers rapid breathing, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Anyone with a history of cardiac problems should probably stay away from the extreme activity.

On top of that, staying in the frigid waters can lead to hypothermia, heart muscle damage, and loss of muscle control has blood moves to protect your internal organs.

It’s not all bad of course, as many people can condition themselves to the cold over time by slowly lowering temperatures at home in the shower and helping to prepare your body for the shock that cold water brings.

As with all things, it’s important to separate facts from hype. Things can be fun, but not everything that is said to have medical benefits always does. If you feel like being adventurous, talk with your doctor first to make sure you don’t have any underlying issues that might put you at severe risk.

If you would like to read more, check out this article:

Some people believe cold water swims, including the popular "polar bear plunges," have health benefits, but there's little evidence to support that notion. In fact, the practice can be dangerous.

12/23/2022

The holidays are here, and another year is coming to an end. Whether you celebrate Christmas, or one of the other end of year traditional holidays, it usually brings about a sense of happiness and enjoyment of being with family.

But did you know that too much holiday stress can actually be bad for you?

We live in a time where holidays come with a lot of things attached to them. There are presents, food, family, outings, and many other things that while enjoyable, can cause higher than normal levels of stress on the people who plan them and take of all the details.

We know from numerous studies that mental stress has a direct link to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain heart problems. It can also increase your risk of high blood pressure which can cause a whole deal of problems if not addressed.

So during this holiday season, try to remember to take it slow, delegate things to others, and remember that nothing is so important that it’s worth putting your health at risk.

If you start feeling overly stressed by your list of to-do’s, try to step back and change your focus, even if it’s only for a short while.

Things you can do include:

Go for a walk and get some fresh air. The increased blood flow will help you get a clear mind on tasks at hand and reset your focus.
Cut down on the snacking. The extra salt will only make things worse when you are already stressed out.
Get enough sleep. Some things can wait until the next day.
Limit alcohol intake. It’s easy to say yes to another drink when you’re in good company. Try to keep it limited to one to two, and drink enough water to offset the extra sugar.
Talk to someone. If you are overly stressed due to the holidays, talk to a friend so you aren’t bottling it up.

Most of all, remember to enjoy the holidays as much as possible. It’s a time to come together and have fun, not to stress yourself to the point of being sick or ending up in the hospital.

11/30/2022

With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas coming up, there’s a lot going on at the end of the year as usual. And even if you don’t celebrate or participate in either holiday, it’s easy to get sidetracked on your health because of how busy the end of the year becomes. There are always friends and family who insist on dinners, gathering, outings, you name it!

So while it might be easy to say “just one more piece”, or “we can go out one more time”, don’t forget to take your health into consideration and maybe skip some of the unhealthier options if you have already had them recently. If you suffer from any stomach related issues, your gut will probably thank you.

And that brings us to our topic today, which is all about eating more broccoli.

A recent health study has found that broccoli, and other similar sprouts, can improve your gut microbiota and reduce IBD inflammation. IBD is a health issue that affects the GI tract, but it can cause other issues all through the body. Most common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss (not the good kind), fatigue, and blood in the stool. Additionally, those with IBD are at a greater risk of developing other cardiovascular health issues.

Studies have shown that those who eat a high amount of cruciferous vegetables, which includes broccoli and broccoli sprouts, had less inflammation and a reduced risk of cancer overall.

So at this time of year when dinner parties and eating out seem to be happening every other day, remember to grab a little extra green for your plate to help keep your guts happy and healthy.

If you would like to read more on the science of how broccoli helps your gut health, you can find more here:

Recently, scientists reviewed the role of sulforaphane from cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli) in preventing IBD by regulating inflammation and altering the gut microbiome.

11/03/2022

We know that sleep is tied to health. If you are well rested, you tend to have a better chance at fighting off sickness and health risks, and if you constantly run short of getting the rest you need it puts you at risk in a number of ways.

Well, a new study coming from UCL researchers may give you at least two new reasons to try and make sure you get the rest that your body needs, before it becomes a problem.

The researchers studied the data of a group of over 7,000 individuals, who all ranged from from 50-70. The goal was to examine the relationship between sleep patterns and the diagnosis of multiple chronic diseases.

At age 50, people who slept less than five hours of sleep were 20% more likely to be diagnosed with a chronic disease, and 40% more likely to have two of more develop over the course of 25 years.

They also discovered that were was a 25% increased risk of mortality over the course of 25 years when compared to someone who slept up to seven hours.

So what can be done about it? For starters, more effort should be made when it comes to making sure you are getting better sleep. This can be done by making sure your room is dark and free of electronic device lights, a good temperature, and free of distracting noise. It may also help to exercise during the day and avoid large dinners right before bed time.

It might seem like a simple thing, but millions of people suffer from poor sleep patterns, and this in turn has a big effect on their health. It’s one of the most important things you can do to help your body stay healthy.

If you find that you are unable to get the rest you need, even when you make a conscious effort, it may be worthwhile to speak with your physician about natural alternatives to help.

If you would like more details on the study, you can find the information here:

Getting less than five hours of sleep in mid-to-late life could be linked to an increased risk of developing at least two chronic diseases, finds a new study.

10/12/2022

Have you heard of the cardiac diet?

According to a recent article, it’s a diet that prioritizes foods that include vegetables, whole grains, and fish. These foods have been proven to help with heart health, and at the same time it excludes other foods that are high in sugar and salt, which are known to increase risk of heart disease.

The main goal of the diet is to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk by helping people make healthier choices with their food. By focusing on certain food groups and staying away from others, it seems a lot of positive progress can be made.

So what exactly does the cardiac diet promote?

In a nutshell, the basic principles are to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, a limited amount of sugar and salt, whole grains instead of highly refine or white grains, plant proteins, non-tropical plant oils, limited process foods, and limited alcohol.

The cardiac diet also considers monitoring calorie intake to maintain moderate weight.

While we can’t officially recommend a particular diet to every person, we can note that this diet does follow the basic guidelines that have been proven to help with heart health and lower cardiovascular disease risk. If it sounds like something that might benefit you, please speak with your primary physician to come up with a plan that best suits your lifestyle and health goals.

If you would like to read more about the specifics of what foods to eat and what to avoid on the cardiac diet, follow this link here:

The cardiac diet may be effective in preventing heart disease. Learn more about which foods to eat and limit, and get some tips for meal planning.

09/20/2022

Do you like walking?

Not the leisurely stroll kind, but the kind that elevates your heart rate a bit?

If you answered yes, and you manage to walk around 9,800 steps a day, you might be helping to reduce to your chance of developing dementia by up to 50%.

Hitting a daily goal of steps isn’t a new idea. It’s a great way to make sure you get a minimum level of physical activity, without the worry of over-exerting or injuring yourself with higher intensity exercise. Additionally, higher step counts per day may even help reduce risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and incident diabetes.

The study is fairly technical, with individuals being monitored with wrist accelerometers, and adjustments made for various group factors.

While the link between lower dementia risks and higher step-counts is still relatively unknown, the study did find that there was a definitive relationship between the two. The study is considered to be the first of its kind, and hopefully more studies will continue to further the understanding of how these things are related.

If you would like to read the specifics of the study, you can find more details here: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220914/Risk-of-dementia-reduced-5025-by-walking-9800-steps-a-day.aspx

In a recent study published in JAMA Neurology, researchers assessed the association between the number and intensity of steps taken per day and dementia incidence among adults residing in the United Kingdom (UK).