When To Worry About Heart Palpitations

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Heart palpitations are feelings or sensations of a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. They are felt when the heart beats outside its usual rhythm.

Heart palpitations are common; most aren’t cause for concern. They can be caused by fever, anxiety, stress, fear, drinking alcohol or caffeine, dehydration, menopause, pregnancy, or overactive thyroids. Certain medications and supplements can also cause heart palpitations.

While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a serious health problem. Heart palpitations lasting more than a few seconds or minutes can be a sign of arrhythmia or other heart rhythm issues.

Additionally, heart palpitations accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, or excessive sweating can be signals of heart failure or other conditions needing immediate care.

A doctor can diagnose heart palpitations by conducting a physical examination, which includes listening to your heart and lungs. Your doctor may also order tests such as an EKG, echocardiogram, or Holter monitoring to check for an irregular heartbeat. They may also review lifestyle factors such as your diet to determine the potential cause of your heart palpitations.

Treatment for heart palpitations depends on the cause. Prescription medications or surgery may be recommended if there is an underlying issue, such as heart disease or arrhythmia. Otherwise, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as drinking less coffee, quitting smoking, avoiding certain foods, or doing less strenuous exercises to reduce triggers that lead to palpitations.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

High Functioning Depression

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in things once enjoyed.

Depression affects approximately eight percent of adults living in the United States each year. Several of whom may experience debilitating symptoms that can affect their ability to keep up with the demands of day-to-day life.

While the symptoms of depression can present significant challenges for some individuals—affecting their work, relationships, and social lives—others may appear to cope successfully with their symptoms. The term “high-functioning depression” describes people who live with depression and seem to manage well on the outside, even though they are struggling with symptoms internally.

It’s important to note that high-functioning depression is not an official clinical diagnosis. Instead, the term emphasizes the experience of living with depression while still functioning or meeting the demands of everyday life.

The symptoms of high-functioning depression are generally similar to those of major depressive disorder; however, the intensity and frequency may vary, with symptoms sometimes considered mild or moderate. These symptoms can include:

Feelings of hopelessness
Persistent sadness
Irritability
Loss of interest or pleasure
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue
Changes in appetite

Although the intensity or frequency of symptoms in individuals who seem high-functioning may not be debilitating, they should not be overlooked. It is crucial to seek help. There is no shame in reaching out to a mental health professional and building a support system.

Treatment for depression may include a combination of psychotherapy or talk therapy, medications, brain stimulation therapies, complementary medicine, or lifestyle modifications.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Hemorrhoids

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen or enlarged veins that form in the lower rectum and around the anus.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids form in the lining of the anus and the lower rectum. External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus.

Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women, affecting an estimated 50% of adults at some point in their lives. Some people are more at risk of developing hemorrhoids than others. They include those who:

Live a sedentary lifestyle or have a profession where they sit for long periods
Are pregnant
Have a family history of hemorrhoids
Are between the ages of 45 and 65 years old

Hemorrhoids develop when there is increased pressure on the veins in the anus or rectum, which leads to inflammation and swelling.

Increased pressure on the veins in these areas may be caused by:

Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Straining when passing stool
Sitting on the toilet for extended periods
Eating a low-fiber diet
Being pregnant
Frequently lifting heavy objects
Being overweight or obese
Having anal intercourse

The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary based on the type you have (internal or external). You may experience:

Itching
Swelling or hard lumps around the anus
Pain or discomfort in the affected area
Bleeding (You may see bright red blood in stool, on toilet paper, or in the bowl, after pooping)

Symptoms of more minor hemorrhoids may be treatable at home, using over-the-counter hemorrhoid and pain medications, soaking in sitz baths, drinking more water, eating more fiber, or taking laxatives.

You should see a doctor if symptoms persist (not improving after one week of at-home treatments), and especially if your stool turns black or red, or if you notice more blood than usual.

Your doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids by performing a physical examination or tests such as a digital rectal exam or anoscopy. They may recommend treatments based on the symptoms you are experiencing and their severity. Treatment can include injections, surgery, rubber band ligation, or using infrared light to burn hemorrhoids.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of arrhythmia, or heart rhythm disorder. According to the American Medical Association, more than 5 million adults in the United States are living with AFib.

During AFib, the upper chambers (atria) of our heart beat irregularly and rapidly, which may cause blood to pool and clot. This can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart failure.

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Here are other potential causes:

High blood pressure
Thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart diseases such as heart valve disease or coronary artery disease
Infections

Some people have an increased risk of developing AFib more than others. Risk factors include:

Obesity
Lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking alcohol excessively
Age, especially individuals over the age of 65
A family history of AFib
Having diabetes
Having chronic kidney disease
Having had recent heart surgery

Not everyone who has AFib will notice symptoms. However, in other cases, a person may experience:

Extreme fatigue
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Dizziness or lightheadedness

AFib is often discovered during health checkups because not everyone experiences symptoms. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

To diagnose AFib, your doctor will order an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. They may also order additional tests to test conditions that cause irregular heartbeats.

Treatment for AFib can include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7100.

Hypertensive Heart Disease

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypertensive heart disease are conditions that develop when chronic high blood pressure, one that is higher than 120/80 mmHg, is left untreated for a long time.

Hypertensive heart disease is a leading cause of illness and death related to high blood pressure. When high blood pressure is not properly managed over time, it puts extra strain on the heart. This can lead to various issues, including damage to the heart, coronary heart disease, and thickening or enlargement of the heart muscles, along with other serious health conditions.

Symptoms of hypertensive heart disease can vary based on the type of heart condition a person has, or the progression of disease; they may include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Pain in the shoulders, neck, or back
Stroke
Sudden cardiac death
Fainting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Swelling of the ankles or legs
A persistent cough

Complications that can result from hypertensive heart disease are:

Heart failure
Stroke
Sudden cardiac death
Arrhythmia

Some people are more likely to develop hypertensive heart disease than others. You have an increased risk if you:

Smoke or use tobacco products
Drink alcohol heavily
Do not exercise regularly
Are taking certain medications
Eat a high-sodium diet
You have a close family member with a history of high blood pressure
Have certain health conditions such as diabetes
Are over the age of 45
Have high cholesterol
Are overweight

Hypertensive heart disease takes years to develop. You can reduce the risk of complications by visiting your doctor regularly. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hypertensive heart disease, your doctor may order tests such as blood tests, urine tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or imaging tests to diagnose the disease.

Treatment for hypertensive heart disease may include medications to control high blood pressure or help your heart in other ways, recommending lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to offer a patient-centered environment that consistently provides quality cardiology care. Please call our cardiology department at (718) 206-7100 to make an appointment or learn more about our services.

Nasal Polyps

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Nasal polyps are small, painless, non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of the nose or sinuses. Polyps vary in size, ranging from small teardrops to large grapes.

Polyps may not cause symptoms when they are small; however, as they grow larger, they can lead to health problems, including:

Difficulty breathing through the nose
Facial pain
Runny nose
Postnasal drip
Itching around the eyes
Loss of smell or decreased sense of smell
Headaches
Loss of taste
Nasal congestion
Snoring
Sinus pressure
Nose bleeds

Larger polyps can lead to complications such as sleep apnea, frequent asthma attacks, or recurrent sinus infections.

The causes of nasal polyps are unknown, but it is believed that long-term inflammation or irritation plays a role.

While anyone can develop polyps, they are more common in people who:

Have asthma
Have chronic sinus infections
Have cystic fibrosis
Are hypersensitive to certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Have chronic rhinitis

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing persistent symptoms associated with nasal polyps. To diagnose this condition, your doctor may perform a physical examination. Your doctor may also order tests such as a nasal endoscopy, CT scan, MRI, allergy test, or blood test.

Treatment for nasal polyps can include medications such as nasal steroids, oral steroids, or biologic medications. If medications are not effective, you may require surgery to remove the polyps.

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Mosquito bites are common during the summer months. They are itchy bumps that form after a female mosquito has bitten us.

Mosquito bites generally cause mild symptoms, which may include:

Itching
Redness
Small blisters
A small amount of swelling

While these symptoms are usually minor, some individuals, particularly those with certain immune disorders, may experience a severe reaction. Symptoms of a severe reaction can include:

Swollen lymph nodes
Low-grade fever
Significant swelling

Severe reactions are more common in children than in adults. Some children may develop Skeeter Syndrome, a localized allergic reaction to the bite, which results in large, swollen, and painful areas. These symptoms can persist for several weeks.

Treating a mosquito bite can be done at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that we:

Wash the bite and surrounding area with soap and water.
Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply ice pack as needed.
Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response.
- Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the mosquito bite.
- Wait 10 minutes.
- Wash off the paste.
Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching. Follow the product label directions.

However, if you are experiencing a persistent fever, difficulty breathing, headaches, body aches, throat swelling, hives, or any other signs of a severe reaction or infection, you must seek medical attention.

The Health Effects of High Cortisol Levels

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone”, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Cortisol helps the body respond to stress by mobilizing energy to cope with stressors, or perceived threats. Cortisol triggers the “fight or flight” response.

In addition to regulating your body’s stress response, cortisol plays other important roles, including:

Regulating blood pressure
Controlling the sleep/wake cycle
Regulating metabolism and glucose (blood sugar) levels
Managing how the body uses proteins, carbohydrates and fats
Suppressing inflammation
Controlling heart rate

Because cortisol affects most systems in the body, having elevated levels and prolonged exposure can have a negative impact on your health. Having high cortisol levels for a long time can lead to:

High blood sugar
High blood pressure
Hirsutism or excessive hair growth in women
Muscle weakness
Osteoporosis
Wide pink or purple stretch marks on the belly, hips, breasts, underarms or thighs
Weight gain in the abdomen or face
Acne
Skin that bruises easily
Severe fatigue
Reduced fertility

There are several reasons why our bodies may produce high levels of cortisol, including:

Cushing syndrome
Chronic stress
Adrenal gland tumors
Taking high doses of certain medications, such as corticosteroids

If you are experiencing symptoms related to high cortisol levels, it is recommended that you consult your doctor. They can assess your health by asking about your medical history and lifestyle, and ordering tests to investigate the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include the surgical removal of tumors, adjusting medication doses, prescribing medication to regulate cortisol production, or making lifestyle changes.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

June Is Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

June is designated as Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness of health issues that affect men and encourage the prevention and early detection of diseases such as prostate cancer, hypertension, and other conditions.

Many of the health risks faced by men are preventable or treatable if detected early.

One of the most effective ways to detect certain health problems early or prevent them is to get regular screenings.

Key health screenings include:

Prostate cancer
Colorectal cancer
Blood pressure
Lung cancer
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Osteoporosis

In addition to getting regular screenings, it’s important to make lifestyle changes that help reduce health risks, such as:

Eating a healthy diet
Quitting smoking
Exercising
Limiting alcohol consumption
Getting adequate sleep

Prioritizing mental health is also crucial for overall well-being. It’s important to recognize and be attentive to the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support by confiding in trusted friends or family or seeking assistance from licensed healthcare professionals.

Jamaica Hospital offers a variety of services that can help you manage your health. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JamaicaHospital.org

Varicose Veins

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Varicose veins are swollen or enlarged veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. They typically occur in the legs but can form in other parts of the body.

Varicose veins develop when vein walls or valves become weakened or damaged. This allows blood to pool or flow backward, increasing the pressure within the veins. Over time, our veins can stretch, grow larger, or twist, leading to the formation of varicose veins.

There are several risk factors for varicose veins, including:

Obesity
Sex (women are more likely to get varicose veins than men)
Family history of varicose veins
Pregnancy
Standing or sitting for long periods
Taking birth control pills
Going through menopause
Older age
Tobacco use

Individuals with varicose veins may experience:

Veins that are visibly twisted, swollen, or bulging
Veins that are blue, dark purple, or the same color as the skin
A feeling of heaviness in the legs
Itching around the areas of the varicose veins
Pain in the legs
Swelling of the feet or ankles
Scaly, irritated skin that cracks easily

Untreated or severe varicose veins may also lead to complications such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, venous ulcers, or pulmonary embolism.

Varicose veins are diagnosed by performing a physical examination and assessing your medical history and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also order imaging tests.

Treatment for this condition can include lifestyle changes such as elevating the legs when resting, wearing supportive or compression stockings, laser therapy, injection therapy, or surgery.

You can reduce the risk of varicose veins by focusing on lifestyle modifications such as avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, drinking adequate amounts of water, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting tobacco use, exercising, and elevating your legs above your waist when resting.

If you have questions or concerns about varicose veins, please schedule a consultation with our vascular surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.