Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

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.

Snow STEMI

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A powerful winter storm called a Nor’easter has brought blizzard-like conditions and a large amount of snowfall to our area.

When we get such large amounts of snow, the easy part is watching the beauty of the snow falling. Unfortunately, the most difficult part is having to shovel several inches of snow from the sidewalk and driveway.

A major worry when shoveling large amounts of snow is how it can affect our health.

According to the National Library of Medicine, heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure during the winter months have been associated with increased adverse cardiovascular events, such as “snow-shoveler’s ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).”

Snow-shoveler’s STEMI is a type of heart attack that occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which stops blood flow to part of the heart muscle. This can especially occur due to the over-exertion caused by shoveling snow.

Per the American Heart Association, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of a heart attack, but most people won’t have a problem. Sudden exertion, such as shoveling hundreds of pounds of snow or pushing a heavy snow blower after being sedentary for several months, can put a huge strain on the heart.

There is also a factor of cold weather, as it can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and make blood clots form more easily and constrict arteries, which can decrease blood supply. This can even affect healthy people. People who are over the age of 40 years old, or are relatively inactive, are especially at risk. Other people who are at risk of STEMI include:

Those with preexisting heart conditions:

Those with high blood pressure (hypertension)
Those who smoke tobacco products

According to Medical News Today, research indicates that heavy snowfall is linked to a 6% higher likelihood of hospital admission for men with a heart attack and a 34% increase in dying.

The National Safety Council recommends the following safety tips to shovel safely:

Know the signs of a heart attack, stop immediately, and call 911 if you’re experiencing any of them; every minute counts

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

- Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach
- Shortness of breath

Other signs of a heart attack can include:

- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual tiredness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Lightheadedness

Take it slow and stretch before you start shoveling
Shovel only fresh, powdery snow because it is lighter
Push the snow instead of lifting it. If you do lift the snow, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
Lift with your legs and not your back
Dress in warm layers
Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
Do not work to the point of exhaustion

If you have a history of heart disease, do not pick up a shovel without the permission of your healthcare provider.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of STEMI, while, during, or after shoveling snow, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Do Using Smart Rings Actually Help You Be Healthier?

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Recently, technology has brought us fitness trackers and smart watches that can help us track our workouts, daily steps, and even monitor our sleep, stress, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels.

However, smart rings have become another way to track our health, and can be used to monitor movement, body temperature, sleep, heart rate, stress, as well as menstrual cycles.

Unlike smartwatches, smart rings don’t have screens to view these health metrics. Instead, they use a Bluetooth connection to send health data to your smartphone.

When a smart ring detects a person’s cardiovascular health, it uses infrared photoplethysmography technology (PPG), which uses a light source and a photodetector on the surface of the skin to measure the variations in blood circulation. These variations can estimate heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and artery stiffness.

Out of the different sensors a smart ring has, the PPG is the most studied one due to its proposed accuracy in tracking heart rate and monitoring overall cardiovascular health. However, most studies note that they are significantly less accurate than medical-grade technology.

According to the National Library of Medicine, in a study with 35 healthy individuals, researchers compared the heart rate and heart variability measured by a smart ring with an ECG during the night. Results showed that some health parameters matched the medical-grade measurement, but most were inaccurate.

To monitor body temperature, smart rings use a sensor called a thermistor, which estimates body temperature based on a person’s skin temperature. Smart rings also use this feature to assess stress levels and identify other bodily issues. However, a systematic review of the sensors and functionalities of wearable health technology, like a smart ring, indicates that these devices may not accurately indicate a person’s core body temperature, as researchers point out that a person’s skin temperature is a few degrees Fahrenheit lower than their body’s temperature.

What’s more, researchers emphasize that a person’s skin temperature fluctuates based on environmental conditions. When considering these two factors, it may be assumed that the thermistor sensor won’t be accurate.

Companies that produce smart rings have detailed the use of a variety of sensors to support women’s health. This feature relies mostly on the smart ring’s temperature feature, which they claim to use to track menstrual cycles and fertility windows.

Numerous studies have examined the accuracy of smart rings, which have produced promising results. According to the National Library of Medicine, in a pilot study with 22 participants, researchers used a smart ring to analyze temperature changes during the menstrual cycle. They discovered that the temperature readings were consistent with oral temperatures that were taken with ambulatory equipment.

In a separate study with 26 participants, it was found that this study was consistent with the previous study’s findings, demonstrating that smart rings could be a beneficial tool for monitoring menstruation. This study also detected that there was a significant temperature drop around ovulation, highlighting that smart rings could be an additional tool to track fertility.

Although these results are promising based on limited studies on smart rings, further research is needed as they are not 100% accurate.

Most of the smart rings on the market combine various metrics such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, and movement, to estimate a person’s daily stress levels and provide tips to reduce them.

According to the National Library of Medicine, research suggests that there is a connection between stress and decreased parasympathetic regulation, the regulation that affects heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate. These are changes that a smart ring could potentially detect.

Additionally, a study with 525 college students explored this subject further. The study indicated that sleep data from smart rings could help predict stress. Notably, some experts do not consider smart rings as promising as research, as they highlight the negative effect smart rings may have on mental health. The reason is that while smart rings are promoted as a tool to shift lifestyle habits, they may cause the opposite effect, noting that constant monitoring of health metrics can create obsessive behaviors and paranoia about a person’s well-being. It could also be harmful to a person’s self-confidence, as a person may feel like they are not meeting the expectations and goals that a smart ring sets for them.

Smart rings can perform a sleep analysis by tracking a person’s heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep cycles. They may also include features, such as a snoring score and a recovery metric that indicates energy levels before a person starts their day.

Polysomnography (PSG) is used to track sleep, which uses a variety of signals such as brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, blood pressure, heart rate, and more. Although smart rings are not as accurate as PSG, researchers have been drawn to them due to the smart ring’s potential to monitor a person’s sleep at home comfortably.

Any current evidence on smart rings for tracking sleep is still very limited and conflicting. While some small studies highlight their potential. However, studies with bigger sample sizes indicate that smart rings can over- or underestimate some sleep parameters. A study in the National Library of Medicine compared the accuracy of several health technology devices on 35 individuals overnight. The study found that a smart ring surpassed the accuracy of smartwatches in various sleep parameters such as wake, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.

Smart rings can measure a person’s physical activity with two sensors: an accelerometer that tracks movement and speed, and a gyroscope that helps determine orientation. Smart rings gather data from these motion sensors, as well as the PPG and body temperature trackers, to understand how physical activity affects the body.

Research is limited in this area; however, a study in the National Library of Medicine focused on the accuracy of smart rings in measuring caloric expenditure and steps. The results indicated that smart rings were far from accurate, causing researchers to note the need to improve these devices, specifically their estimation of energy expenditure.

Another study on step count was consistent with a study that indicated a smart ring overestimated step count, compared to a medical-grade device to detect motion called ActiGraph.

A systematic review on wearable tech devices supported the findings of the studies, noting that they may be useful for estimating step count but shouldn’t be trusted to measure calorie expenditure.

Smart rings and other wearable devices that can track a person’s health can be useful. However, it is important not to use them to self-diagnose conditions. It is important to see a healthcare provider when experiencing any symptoms to professionally diagnose conditions.

If you are experiencing any medical problems, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Heart Association defines hypertension, or high blood pressure, as a condition that occurs when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high.

Hypertension causes the heart to work harder, which can lead to serious cardiovascular problems, including heart failure, stroke, and heart disease. When the heart works harder, it also greatly increases the risk of a heart attack.

Managing high blood pressure and keeping it under control can significantly reduce the risk of these issues. You can reduce heart risks caused by high blood pressure by:

Monitoring your blood pressure at home
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Lowering sodium intake
Maintaining a healthy weight
Taking blood pressure medications as prescribed

Understanding the risk factors of high blood pressure is also crucial, as this can help you manage your heart health. The risk factors are:

Family history (Having a parent or close blood relative with high blood pressure increases the likelihood that you develop hypertension)
Age (As you get older, your risk for developing high blood pressure increases)
Sex (According to the American Heart Association Until age 64, men are more likely than women to get high blood pressure. At 65 and older, women are more likely to get high blood pressure)
Race (African Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to other races)
Obesity (Too much weight puts strain on your heart and circulatory system)
Tobacco use (Using tobacco can damage the heart and arteries, leading to elevated blood pressure levels)
Drinking too much alcohol (Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly can raise blood pressure. Heavy drinking can weaken and damage blood vessels, potentially leading to hypertension)
Lack of physical activity (Regular exercise strengthens the heart; when you are inactive, the heart must work harder to circulate blood, and harder pumping leads to high blood pressure)
Eating an unhealthy diet (Eating a diet that is high in sodium, trans fats, saturated fats, and sugar increases your risk)

One of the dangers of living with high blood pressure is that many people are unaware that they have it. This is why hypertension is called “The Silent Killer.” Living with untreated high blood pressure can cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system over time.

Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure can delay or prevent complications that affect cardiovascular health. Treatment may involve medications and lifestyle modifications.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s cardiology department features a specialized Hypertension Center that offers high-quality, patient-centered care for hypertension and incorporates the latest treatment advances. This center was established specifically to assist patients who do not respond effectively to traditional hypertension medications.

The American Heart Association has recognized our Hypertension Practice Center for meeting or exceeding its standards for hypertension treatment. To schedule an appointment with our Cardiology Department, please call 718) 206-7100

First Patient Treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with New, Minimally Invasive Technology to Help Control High Blood Pressure

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

February 2026 – Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce that it is the first hospital in Queens to offer a new renal denervation (RDN) procedure to treat certain patients with high blood pressure. The hospital’s cardiology team recently and successfully completed its first case.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive, causing high blood pressure. The procedure – also known as the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure – is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure.

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death, and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control.

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.

High blood pressure is a significant issue for patients worldwide. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant – it can also help patients regain their peace of mind. We are pleased to have treated our first patient with this new technology, and we look forward to the future of hypertension care by offering innovative solutions to the people of Jamaica, Queens.

Jamaica Hospital’s Hypertension Center provides the highest quality, patient-centered hypertension care. The Hypertension Center was created to treat patients who do not respond well to traditional hypertension medication treatments. The American Heart Association has recognized our Hypertension Practice Center as meeting or exceeding standards for hypertension treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing high blood pressure or difficulty controlling it, talk to your doctor to see if the Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a possible treatment option: visit this link to learn more.

How Does Winter Weather Increase Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we get deeper into this winter season, extreme, record-low cold temperatures have brought snow and frigid winds with them. These conditions can severely affect your heart, especially if you already suffer from or are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

The cold temperatures affect the heart by causing blood vessels to constrict, which is the body’s natural reaction to send blood deeper into the body. This doesn’t cause problems for those with healthy arteries. However, if someone has arteries that were narrowed by fatty plaque, cold-related blood vessel constriction can leave them more vulnerable to chest pain or a heart attack. This is especially true when engaging in a strenuous outdoor activity such as walking quickly in a strong wind or shoveling snow, which can commonly trigger a heart attack.

Strenuous outdoor activity in cold weather isn’t the only thing that can put the heart at risk. Cold temperatures also increase the risk of suffering from hypothermia. Hypothermia means the body’s temperature has fallen below 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius, and the body can’t produce enough energy to keep its temperature warm enough. Cold-related blood vessel constriction keeps vital organs warm and helps reduce heat loss. If a person has narrowed blood vessels, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the body, which then raises blood pressure and puts stress on the heart. Hypothermia has several symptoms, including:

Lack of coordination

Slowed reaction time

Mental confusion

Shivering

Sleepiness

Hypothermia can be life-threatening, so it is extremely important to take proper precautions to stay warm by dressing in layers, keeping your head and ears covered, and keeping your hands and feet warm.

If you are going to engage in any strenuous outdoor activities, here are some tips to keep you safe:

Take frequent breaks

Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and listen to your body

Learn CPR

Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia

Don’t drink alcohol before or immediately after a strenuous activity

Consult with your healthcare provider

If you have, or are at risk of developing, or are experiencing symptoms of a heart condition, you should consult a cardiologist to explore the most effective precautions you can take to protect your heart health during the winter season. You can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

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.

Foods Rich In Magnesium

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Magnesium is a mineral that can be found in various foods. It helps support more than 300 different chemical processes throughout the human body, such as:

Muscle function

Regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Promoting energy production

Nerve function and bone health

Mental health

When eating foods containing magnesium, experts recommend consuming between 310 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, depending on age and sex:

Babies 6 months and younger: 30 mg

7 to 12 months: 75 mg

1 to 3 years old: 80 mg

4 to 8 years: 130 mg

9 to 13 years 240 mg

14 to 18 years (male): 410 mg

14 to 18 years (female): 360 mg

19 to 30 years (male): 400 mg

19 to 30 years (female): 310 mg

31 and older male: 420 mg

31 and older female: 320 mg

Pregnant women should get an additional 40 mg of magnesium per day. Some, but not all, prenatal vitamins include magnesium.

Many foods contain magnesium, including:

Nuts and seeds:

- Roasted almonds- 1oz = 80 mg of magnesium

- Roasted cashews- 1oz = 72 mg of magnesium

- Whole flaxseeds- 1 Tbsp = 40 mg of magnesium

- Dry roasted peanuts- 1 oz = 49 mg of magnesium

- Hulled and roasted pumpkin seeds- 1 oz = 15 mg of magnesium

- Chia seeds- 1oz = 111 mg magnesium

Legumes:

- Boiled black beans- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Cooked and prepared edamame- ½ cup = 50 mg of magnesium

- Cooked lima beans- ½ cup = 40 mg of magnesium

Fiber-rich whole grains:

- Cooked quinoa- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Plain, unfrosted shredded wheat- 1 cup = 56 mg of magnesium

Low-fat dairy products:

- Nonfat milk- 1 cup = 24 to 27 mg of magnesium

- Plain low-fat yogurt- 8oz = 42 mg of magnesium

Greens:

- Cooked spinach- ½ cup = 78 mg of magnesium

- Cooked Swiss chard- ½ cup = 75 mg of magnesium

- Collard greens- ½ cup = 25 mg of magnesium

Fruit:

- One whole avocado = 58 mg of magnesium

- One medium banana = 32 mg of magnesium

- One small papaya = 33 mg of magnesium

- Blackberries- 1 cup = 29 mg of magnesium

Vegetables:

- Green peas- ½ cup = 31 mg of magnesium

- Sweet corn- ½ cup = 27 mg of magnesium

- One medium potato with skin on = 48 mg of magnesium

Dark chocolate that is 70%-85% cocoa- 1oz = 64 mg of magnesium

2 liters of water- up to 240 mg of magnesium

If you have a magnesium deficiency, a healthcare provider may suggest magnesium supplements. When magnesium is combined with other substances, it can help bring out specific benefits, including:

Magnesium glycinate: helps promote sleep

Magnesium citrate: helps digestion

Magnesium oxide: an antacid and aid to relieve migraines

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): used as a muscle relaxant

Eating a meal that contains magnesium-rich foods is the foundation of a healthy diet and is beneficial for your overall health.

It is important to note that you should first speak with your doctor about making any changes to your diet and before taking any new supplements. To consult a physician about the best ways to get your daily amount of magnesium, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Benefits of Yoga for Heart Health

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

There are many aerobic exercises that can increase the heart rate and help prevent or manage heart disease. However, calming exercises such as yoga are good for the heart as well.

Yoga is a mind-body activity that involves moving through a series of body poses and breathing exercises that can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. There are dozens of different formats, or practices of yoga, such as hatha, anusara, and ashtanga, that emphasize different focuses, such as toning, strength training, or meditation.

One of yoga’s clearest benefits to the heart is its ability to relax the body and mind. Emotional stress can cause several physical effects, including the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can narrow the arteries and increase blood pressure. The relaxation response that yoga provides not only slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure; it may also reduce inflammation and promote favorable changes in blood vessel function that protect the heart.

Additionally, practicing yoga can help lower blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

As mind-body practices, yoga encourages people to slow down and be more mindful about heart-healthy behaviors, such as eating well and getting enough sleep. These habits, along with positive emotions that some forms of yoga aim to inspire, such as compassion and gratitude, may also help foster cardiovascular health.

Recent studies support the benefits of yoga for heart health. One study has shown that blood measurements and waist circumference, which are signs of heart disease, improved in middle-aged adults with metabolic syndrome who practiced yoga for three months.

Another study has shown that attending slow-paced yoga classes twice a week reduced the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes in patients with that condition. Additionally, in another report, patients with heart failure who went through an eight-week yoga program showed improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life. They also had lower blood levels of markers for inflammation, which contributes to heart disease.

Research has also indicated that yoga may be a useful tool in helping smokers quit, as smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.

If you would like to learn about other ways to be heart healthy, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100.

National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. It is a call to action aimed at raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest and highlighting its impact on individuals, as well as guiding how to help save lives.

Here are some things to know about cardiac arrest:

· More than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S., and nearly 90% of them are fatal

· Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple survival rates, yet fewer than half of victims receive bystander aid

· Sudden cardiac arrest kills one person every two minutes

· About 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home

· An estimated 10,000 cardiac arrests occur at work each year in the U.S.

· Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses

Having a heart attack can increase your risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest; however, there are distinct differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, their causes, and symptoms.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is typically caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances in the coronary arteries.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating and pumping blood to vital organs.

Signs of sudden cardiac arrest include:

· Unconsciousness

· No breathing or only gasping for air

Many factors can put someone at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, including:

· Family history of coronary artery disease

· Smoking

· High blood pressure and high cholesterol

· Obesity

· Diabetes

· A sedentary lifestyle

· Drinking too much alcohol

· Using illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines

Every second counts in a sudden cardiac arrest. In 95% of sudden cardiac arrest cases, the victim is lost. Survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest greatly depends on nearby loved ones or bystanders promptly calling 911, initiating CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). For every minute that immediate CPR and use of a defibrillator are delayed, the odds of survival decrease by 10%.

Knowing how to start CPR and how to use an AED greatly increases the chance of survival of a sudden cardiac arrest. The survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest is about 10% for out-of-hospital incidences and 21% for in-hospital events, yet research shows that high-quality CPR has a significant impact on survival outcomes, whether inside or outside the hospital.

Unfortunately, sometimes people refrain from helping someone who needs CPR because of the fear of injuring the person or doing something wrong. Calling 911 and starting chest compressions is better than doing nothing at all because it can help give the person a better chance of survival.

Here is what you can do when someone is in sudden cardiac arrest:

· Call 911 or have someone nearby call 911 immediately. The emergency dispatcher can guide you on what you can do until advanced medical help arrives. This includes how to perform Hands-Only CPR.

· Check to see if the person is breathing or responsive

· Send someone to get the AED

· If the person is not breathing, or gasping for air, and they are not responsive, start CPR immediately. If you don’t know CPR, perform hands-only CPR, pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest

· Use an AED if available. Portable AEDs are available in many public places

Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone and everyone. That is why it is important to be educated about sudden cardiac arrest, the warning signs, and how to respond if someone around you goes into cardiac arrest.