Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Normal pressure cephalus (NPH) is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus can affect several brain-related abilities, including:

Thinking and concentration
Memory
Movement

There are two forms of normal pressure hydrocephalus, and they happen at equal rates. The two types are:

Primary (idiopathic) NPH means that it isn’t happening because of another medical condition, and the cause is unknown. Experts suspect idiopathic NPH can involve one or more age-related issues with how the body makes, circulates, and reabsorbs cerebrospinal fluid. About half the cases of NPH are idiopathic.
Secondary NPH happens when another medical condition affects how the body makes, circulates, or reabsorbs cerebrospinal fluid. Some examples of conditions that can cause secondary NPH include:
- A brain aneurysm
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Brain tumors, including cancer
- Encephalitis or meningitis
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injuries

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is usually difficult to diagnose because it shares several symptoms with dementia and similar age-related conditions. It is also common for NPH to happen at the same time as age-related conditions. About 30% of people with NPH also have Alzheimer’s or a similar degenerative brain disease.

The symptoms of NPH usually start gradually, and develop and worsen over three to six months. The three main symptoms of NPH are known as Hakim’s triad. Between 50% and 75% of people with NPH show all three symptoms at the same time. Hakim’s triad includes three types of symptoms, which include:

Gait issues are the most likely of the three symptoms to occur. About 80% to 95% of people with NPH show this kind of symptom. Some of these symptoms may resemble movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, however, a key difference is that NPH symptoms typically only affect the legs and feet. If you have NPH, it often causes the following:
- Trouble lifting your feet
- Taking shorter and unsteady steps
- Hesitating or walking uncertainly
Urinary incontinence is when you lose control of your bladder, causing you to pee unintentionally. Early on, this can cause a strong urge to pee often that is difficult to control.
Cognitive difficulties are the third key symptom of NPH and can appear as or cause any of the following:
- Mental and physical slowness
- Memory problems
- Executive dysfunction
- Emotional changes

A healthcare provider can diagnose NPH using a combination of methods that include:

physical and neurological exams
Asking questions about your medical history and symptoms
diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, cisternogram scan, and CT scans
Lab tests, such as a spinal tap

Depending on your symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend other tests to rule out conditions that have symptoms similar to NPH.

NPH is usually a treatable disease. The approach to treatment varies depending on whether it is primary/idiopathic or secondary NPH. Unlike most brain-related conditions, treating NPH rarely involves medications because NPH doesn’t respond to medications.

Primary/idiopathic NPH is usually treatable, with the most common and most effective treatment being surgery to implant a device called a shunt.

Secondary NPH may be curable, only if it happens because of a curable condition. The treatment for secondary NPH varies depending on the underlying cause. A healthcare provider is the best person to tell you about the possible treatments and what they recommend.

If you commonly experience symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus or other brain-related conditions, you can receive specialized treatment from a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718)-206-7001.

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.

Primary Heart Attack Center Certification

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Every year, more than 800,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart’s arteries. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the artery and the treatment.

Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease, which is the most common cause of death in the United States.

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

Several key factors can affect your risk of having a heart attack. Unfortunately, some heart attack risk factors aren’t things you can modify. They include:

Age and sex
Family history of heart disease
Lifestyle
Certain health conditions

Healthcare providers usually diagnose heart attacks in an emergency room setting. If you have heart attack symptoms, you should undergo a physical exam. A healthcare provider will check your pulse, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure, and listen to your heart and lung sounds. They will also ask about the symptoms you experienced.

A healthcare provider will diagnose a heart attack using the following testing procedures:

Blood tests
An Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An echocardiogram
A coronary angiogram
A heart computed tomography (CT) scan
A heart MRI
An exercise stress test
Nuclear heart scans

Treating a heart attack means restoring blood flow to the affected heart muscle immediately. This can happen in various ways, ranging from medication to surgery. Treatment will likely include:

Supplementary oxygen
Medications
Percutaneous coronary intervention
Coronary artery bypass grafting

Although several risk factors for a heart attack can’t be modified, there are many ways to reduce your risk of a heart attack, including:

Scheduling a check-up with a healthcare provider
Quitting tobacco products
Exercising regularly
Eating nutritious foods
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing existing health conditions
Reducing stress
Taking medications as prescribed
Keeping all medical appointments

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been awarded the Joint Commission’s Primary Heart Attack Center certification with a gold seal.

This certification standardizes patient care across hospital settings regarding identification, assessment, monitoring, management, data sharing, and performance improvement for multidisciplinary STEMI heart attack care. Our hospital collaborates with the American Heart Association (AHA) in providing patient-centric cardiac care for all patients, their families, and the community the hospital serves.

The protocols and performance measures related to this designation reduce variances and promote standardization of the best practices in cardiac care. This, in turn, assists in improving clinical outcomes.

For more information about heart attacks, visit the American Heart Association’s website: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks

If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away. If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100.

How to Take Care of Your Health after Cancer Treatment

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

After you are diagnosed with cancer and go through the treatment process, the time afterward is just as important as the time before. When your treatment is finished, a healthcare provider may tell you that you should get checkups or tests in the future. This is called follow-up care. These tests can help find early signs of a new cancer or the same cancer.

After your initial recovery, there are ways to improve your long-term health to enjoy the years ahead. The recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from those for anyone who wants to improve their health, including:

Exercising- regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can make you recover faster. Cancer survivors who exercise may experience:
- Increased strength and endurance
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Less anxiety
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved mood
- Higher self-esteem
- Less pain
- Improved sleep
- Lower risk of the cancer coming back
- A sense of well-being
Eating a balanced diet- it is important to vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors:
- Eat at least 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits every day
- Choose healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish and walnuts
- Select proteins that are low in saturated fat, such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes
- Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables
Maintaining a healthy weight- you may have gained or lost weight during treatment. Try to get your weight to a healthy level. Talk to your healthcare provider about what a healthy weight is for you and the best way to achieve that goal.
Getting good sleep- sleep problems are more common in people with cancer and cancer survivors. This can be due to physical changes, side effects of treatments, stress, or other reasons. Getting enough sleep is an important part of your recovery, as sleeping gives your mind and body time to recover and refresh to help you function at your best while awake. To optimize your chances of getting good sleep, practice healthy sleep habits, such as:
- Avoid caffeine for at least eight hours before bedtime
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid computer and television screens for one to two hours before bedtime
- Exercise no later than two to three hours before going to bed
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dim, and cool
Reducing stress- as a cancer survivor, you may find that the physical, emotional, and social effects of having cancer have taken a toll on you. Using effective coping strategies to deal with stress can greatly improve your quality of life. It can help relieve depression, anxiety, and symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. Effective stress management strategies may include:
- Relaxation or meditation techniques, such as mindfulness training
- Counseling
- Cancer support groups
- Medicines for depression or anxiety
- Exercise
- Interacting with friends and family
Avoiding tobacco usage- smoking or using chewing tobacco puts you at risk of several types of cancer. Quitting could reduce your risk of cancer coming back and lower the risk of developing a second type of cancer.
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink- if you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

While it may take an entire overhaul of your lifestyle to achieve all these goals, following these simple steps can improve your quality of life, helping you transition into being a survivor.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

Different Types of Cancer Treatment

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Current cancer treatments are helping people live longer, fuller lives. There are many types of cancer treatment. Some people with cancer may only receive one type of treatment. While most may have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

A healthcare provider will recommend treatments based on your unique diagnosis, including your type of cancer, stage, and treatment goals.

The general goal of cancer treatment is to stop or slow the progression of the disease. In some cases, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, not including subtypes. Each type of cancer requires a unique treatment approach.

Healthcare providers may recommend one or a combination of cancer treatments, including:

Surgery- the goal is to remove all cancer cells and some of the surrounding healthy tissue
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancerous tumors. Types of radiation therapy include:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
- Internal radiation therapy
- Hyperthermia therapy
Chemotherapy- uses chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells
Hormone therapy blocks or reduces hormones that fuel cancer cell growth
Immunotherapy helps the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells
Targeted therapy- interferes with specific processes that allow some cancer cells to thrive
Ablation therapy- uses extreme hot or cold energy to kill cancer cells. Types of ablation therapy include:
- Cryoablation
- Laser therapy
- Electrosurgery
Bone marrow or hemopoietic stem cell transplant- replaces immature blood cells that are or could become cancerous with healthy cells. The two main types of stem cell transplants include:
- Autologous stem cell transplant
- Allogenic stem cell transplant
Clinical trials are studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new cancer treatments

Cancer treatment usually involves a main treatment and additional treatments. These treatments include:

Primary treatment is the main cancer treatment. The most common primary cancer treatment for tumors that haven’t spread is surgery
Adjuvant therapy is an additional therapy given after your primary treatment to help prevent or reduce the risk of cancer coming back
Neoadjuvant therapy is a treatment received before primary treatment

Cancer treatment may involve surgery or other procedures that target cancer cells, including:

Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Precision technologies

Cancer therapy also involves medicines that you may take, which can include:

Orally
Topically
Intravenously (IV)
Injection

A healthcare provider may use words like “local” or “systemic” to describe the cancer treatments you may need.

Local treatments remove tumors or destroy cancer cells in a specific part of our body, or “locally”.

Systemic treatments destroy cancer cells that have broken off from the primary tumor and spread. This includes advanced cancers that have spread or metastasized to distant parts of the body.

Cancer treatment may be a one-time surgery or may require many treatments. Ask your healthcare provider what your course of treatment will involve.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

How Your Social Media Consumption Can Influence Your Eating Habits

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Social media has made it easier for us to connect with loved ones and even celebrities. For better or worse, social media has changed our lives.

Whether it is foodies posting photos of their meals, following food influencers, home chefs, or nutritionists, our social media consumption consciously and unconsciously affects what and how we eat.

A study from the University of Birmingham examined how Facebook users’ perceptions of food-related content in their social networks influenced their eating habits. Researchers found that perceived social norms about food consumption significantly predicted users’ intake of fruits, vegetables, energy-dense snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The study found that when people believed their peers ate more fruits and vegetables, they were likely to do the same. Furthermore, perceived norms around high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks also influenced consumption, whether encouraging or discouraging these choices.

While this implies that exposure to health-conscious content could promote healthier eating habits, it also poses the problem of someone’s social media feed being filled with fad diets, misleading nutrition information, or a lack of nutrient-dense food representation, which may negatively affect their dietary choices.

Research suggests that when social media users’ feeds are flooded with images of bodies that fit the “ideal” body image, they have lower self-esteem, feel shame, and feel the need to manipulate their diet to lose weight, gain weight, or gain muscle, leading to disordered eating, which is often misdiagnosed as healthy or disciplined eating habits.

With the negative feelings that can come with a social media feed, there are new movements such as intuitive eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), body acceptance, and body positivity that are helping bring a positive effect.

Research shows that these movements help to rectify the impact of social media on disordered eating behaviors and negative body image:

When compared to a control group, people enrolled in a HAES intervention were less susceptible to hunger and inhibition than those in the control group
A systematic review of HAES interventions demonstrated a positive effect on mental health outcomes and physical activity, and they also promote positive changes in eating habits.
An eight-year longitudinal study found that intuitive eating produces better psychological health and lower use of disordered eating behaviors
Body acceptance and body positivity movements on social media show diverse body types and sizes through fashion and beauty-related activism, physically active portrayals of people in bigger bodies, and a focus on holistic wellbeing. However, like any community-driven movement, these movements are not immune to conflicting messaging.

As social media continues to play a powerful role in how it shapes its users’ perceptions of health, nutrition, and body image, it is up to us to understand that our self-worth, eating, and wellness habits shouldn’t be dictated by social media.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is lupus that only affects your skin
Drug-induced lupus occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it
Neonatal lupus occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body
Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight
Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Kidney and liver assessment
Urinalysis
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray
An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during one. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Antimalarial drugs
Immunosuppressants
Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly
Being sun smart
Getting regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888 or the Lupus Hotline at 1-877-33-LUPUS.

High-Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

High-functioning anxiety is a type of generalized anxiety disorder.

Although high-functioning anxiety is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The term is used to represent individuals who experience anxiety symptoms but, instead of avoiding situations or interactions, they actively confront their fears and are adept at masking their symptoms.

There are many emotional and physical symptoms of high-functioning anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional symptoms
- Fear of criticism or significant self-criticism
- Fear of looking inadequate or foolish to others
- Feeling on the edge or on the verge of losing control
- Feeling a sense of impending doom
- Experiencing significant stress

Physical symptoms
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling off-balance or lightheaded
- Headaches or migraines
- Intestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea or ulcers
- Muscle tension
- Racing heart rate
- Tired, jelly-like legs
- Sleep disturbances
- Tingling or numbness in toes or fingers

The intensity of these symptoms varies depending on a person’s level of functioning. People with high-functioning anxiety can appear to be:

Perfectionists
Punctual, or always early
Highly organized
Overachievers
Detail-oriented
Proactive

However, they often internally struggle with:

Overthinking/overanalyzing
The fear of disappointing or angering others
Self-doubt
Obsessively double-checking details
Racing thoughts
The inability to relax

There are many treatments available for high-functioning anxiety, including:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
Deep-breathing exercises
Medication

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call 718-206-5575.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. It is observed as a month that encourages education about the battle against the disease, which affects more than 30,000 people in the United States.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, causing constant lung infections. It also impacts other organs in the body where mucus builds up, such as the pancreas.

There are two types of cystic fibrosis, classic cystic fibrosis and atypical cystic fibrosis.

Classic cystic fibrosis often affects multiple organs. It is usually diagnosed in the first few years of life.

Symptoms of classic cystic fibrosis include:

Frequent lung infections
Loose or oily poop
Trouble breathing
Frequent wheezing
Frequent sinus infections
A nagging cough
Slow growth
Failure to thrive (inability to gain weight despite having a good appetite and taking in enough calories)

Atypical cystic fibrosis is a milder form of the disease. It may only affect one organ, or symptoms may come and go. It is usually diagnosed in older children or adults.

People with atypical cystic fibrosis may have some of the same symptoms as those with classic cystic fibrosis. Over time, they might experience symptoms that can include:

Chronic sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Dehydration or heatstroke from abnormal electrolyte levels
Diarrhea
Pancreatitis
Unintended weight loss

Changes to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause cystic fibrosis. It affects the cells that make mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. When the CFTR protein doesn’t work as it should, it results in a thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, as well as extra salt in sweat.

Changes in the CFTR gene that cause cystic fibrosis are divided into several different groups based on the problems they cause. Different groups of gene changes affect how much CFTR protein is made and how well it works.

To have cystic fibrosis, children must get one copy of the changed CFTR gene from each parent. If children get only one copy, they won’t develop cystic fibrosis. But they will be carriers and could pass the changed gene to their children. People who are carriers may have no symptoms of cystic fibrosis or a few mild symptoms.

Because cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, family history is a risk factor. Cystic fibrosis occurs in all races. However, it is most common in white people of North European ancestry. Because it is less common in people who are Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Native American, or Asian, this may lead to a much later diagnosis.

A late diagnosis may cause worse health issues. Early and effective treatment can improve your quality of life, prevent complications, and help you live longer. If you are a person of color and have symptoms that could be cystic fibrosis, talk to your healthcare provider so you can get tested for it.

To diagnose cystic fibrosis, healthcare providers usually perform a physical exam, review your symptoms, and perform tests.

Every state in the U.S. now routinely screens newborns for cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis means treatment can begin right away. Testing can include:

Newborn screening
A sweat test
Genetic testing

Cystic fibrosis tests may be recommended for older children and adults who weren’t screened at birth. A healthcare provider may suggest genetic and sweat tests if you have repeated bouts of symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, however, treatment can ease symptoms, lessen complications, and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention are recommended to slow the worsening of cystic fibrosis over time, which can lead to a longer life.

The goals of treatment include:

Preventing and controlling infections that occur in the lungs
Removing and loosening mucus from the lungs
Treating and preventing intestinal blockages
Getting enough nutrition

To learn more about cystic fibrosis or to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-7126.

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Acute coronary syndrome refers to three types of coronary disease that are related to sudden reduced blood flow to the heart.

The three types of coronary artery disease are:

Unstable angina
Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Acute coronary syndrome can affect anyone. However, certain risk factors raise the likelihood of developing the condition. Risk factors include:

Older age
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Smoking or tobacco use
Not enough physical activity
An unhealthy diet
Obesity or being overweight
Diabetes
Personal or family history of angina, heart attacks, or stroke
History of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or diabetes during pregnancy
Early menopause
COVID-19 infection

The symptoms of acute coronary syndrome usually start suddenly. They include:

Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like aching, pressure, tightness, or burning
Pain that starts in the chest and spreads to other body parts. These areas include the shoulders, arms, upper belly area, back, neck, or jaw
Nausea or vomiting
Indigestion
Shortness of breath
Sudden, heavy sweating
A racing heartbeat
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Fainting
Unusual fatigue

Acute coronary syndrome is usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in and on the walls of the heart’s arteries. When a fatty deposit breaks open, a blood clot can form and block blood flow to the heart, causing the heart not to receive enough oxygen.

The lack of oxygen can cause cells in the heart muscle to die. This damage can lead to a heart attack. When acute coronary syndrome doesn’t cause heart muscle cells to die, it is called unstable angina.

Acute coronary syndrome is an emergency and is usually diagnosed at a hospital. A healthcare provider runs tests to check the heart and determine the cause of symptoms.

Tests for acute coronary syndrome may include:

Electrocardiogram
Blood tests

A healthcare provider looks at the symptoms and test results to diagnose acute coronary syndrome. This information can also help classify your condition as a heart attack or unstable angina.

Other tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of symptoms and may also help determine treatment. Tests include:

Coronary angiogram
Echocardiogram
Myocardial perfusion imaging
CT angiogram
Exercise stress test

There is no cure for acute coronary syndrome. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can protect your heart from further damage and help it work as well as possible. A healthcare provider can discuss ways to reduce risks and avoid complications.

The immediate goals of treatment for acute coronary syndrome are to:

Relieve pain and distress
Improve blood flow
Restore heart function quickly and as much as possible

Long-term treatment goals are to:

Help the heart work as well as possible
Manage risk factors
Lower the risk of a heart attack

Treatment for acute coronary syndrome may include medicine, heart procedures, or surgery.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Are Allergy Symptoms Worsening?

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the height of spring, seasonal allergy symptoms may seem to be getting worse for those who suffer from them.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can include:

Sneezing
A runny or stuffy nose
Watery, itchy eyes
Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
Ear congestion
Postnasal drainage

Public health and research organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America point to climate change as a possible contributing factor to worsening allergy seasons.

Due to the warmer temperatures, pollinating plants experience earlier and longer growing seasons, which allows them to produce more pollen.

“Climate change impacts allergy season because the consistent rhythm of, in this case of pollen, for example, new flowers being generated through spring is all off kilter. Areas that were not pollinating at a given time are pollinating earlier, while other areas are pollinating later”, says Frederic Bertley, PhD, president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry.

More than a quarter of adults and about 1 in 5 children experience seasonal allergies in the United States.

However, despite the increasing severity of allergy season, there are ways to decrease exposure to pollen and reduce symptoms, including:

Keeping pollen out of your home by closing doors and windows
Installing HEPA filters
Giving your home a deep clean
Washing your hands often
Tracking pollen levels before you go outdoors
Showering after being outdoors
Staying indoors if pollen levels are high

In addition to decreasing exposure, there are over-the-counter allergy medications that you can take to relieve symptoms, including:

Antihistamines
Decongestants
Nasal and oral corticosteroids

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.