Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast Cancer Stages

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Breast cancer happens when healthy breast cells become abnormal, multiply, and form tumors. Most breast cancers are carcinomas that start in milk ducts or milk-producing glands. Most cases are invasive, which means a tumor can spread to other parts of your body without treatment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Although it is rare, male breast cancers also occur.

Most people who have breast cancer survive it. However, what a breast cancer diagnosis means is different for everyone. The cancer type, its stage, and your response to treatment are just a few factors that will shape your outlook.

Cancer staging systems help healthcare providers plan treatment and understand your prognosis, or what to expect after treatment. The most well-known one is called the TNM system, which considers (T) tumor size and location, and whether cancer has spread to the (N) lymph nodes or (M) metastasized to other sites. Healthcare providers will use this information to stage breast cancer from 0 to IV. The higher numbered stages mean the disease is more advanced. The TNM stages are:

Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Stage 0 doesn’t show any evidence of cancer cells or non-cancerous abnormal cells breaking out of the part of the breast in which they started or getting through to or invading neighboring normal tissue

Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells break through to or invade normal surrounding breast tissue. Stage I breast cancer is divided into subcategories IA and IB:

- Stage IA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor that measures up to 2 cm

- - The cancer has not spread outside the breast, and no lymph nodes are involved

- Stage IB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor in the breast, but small groups of cancer cells that are larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm, and are found in the lymph nodes

- - There is a tumor in the breast that is no larger than 2 cm, and there are small groups of cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm in the lymph nodes

Stage II is divided into subcategories IIA and IIB:

- Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor present in the breast, but is found in one to three lymph nodes under the arm or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone and is larger than 2 mm

- - A tumor that measures 2 cm or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and a small group of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in the lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage III breast cancer is divided into subcategories IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC:

- Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - No tumor is found in the breast, or the tumor may be any size, or cancer is found in four to nine axillary lymph nodes or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or small groups of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer

- - May have spread to up to nine axillary lymph nodes

- - May have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - There may be no sign of cancer in the breast, or if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast

- - The cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes

- - The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone

Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain

Whether you need diagnostic testing or treatment, the MediSys Cancer Center located at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers unmatched Queens cancer care for any form of cancer. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our New York hospital’s oncology department, please call 718-206-8263.

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.

Mental Illness Awareness Week- National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Depression Screening Day was created to bring light to the need for depression awareness and accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Depression results from a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, and it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take steps to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression, including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional, you can find out more about the mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

How Short Walks After Eating Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood. It is our body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food we eat. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. However, when things aren’t functioning properly, you can develop high blood sugar, which means there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. You may have high blood sugar due to:

Your body isn’t using insulin correctly
Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to serious complications, such as:

Heart attack
Stroke
Diabetes-related retinopathy, which can cause blindness
Diabetes-related nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure
Nerve damage

Our blood sugar naturally rises when we eat and is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after eating. However, frequent or especially high spikes in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of or worsen diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower blood sugar levels into a healthy range, such as eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Another way to manage blood sugar levels is to take a short walk after eating.

Research shows that a short walk after a meal can:

Prevent your blood sugar from spiking as high as it would if you ate and remained seated
Keep your insulin levels stable

Walking for ten minutes, or as little as two to five minutes, can lower your blood sugar.

When walking after a meal, it is important to stay safe. Some safety tips to keep in mind when walking include:

Go slow and gradually increase your physical activity
Avoid environmental triggers, such as high heat and humidity, environmental allergens, cold air, and safety hazards
Fall prevention for those who are 65 years of age and older

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology treats a wide variety of conditions. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology services, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Fall Allergies

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Fall has arrived, and with it, the fall allergy season. Nearly 25% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies throughout the year. Seasonal allergies typically peak during April, May, and June, however, they can also be severe during September through December.

Fall weather can affect allergies because of warm, dry, and windy days, exacerbating symptoms due to ragweed pollen being widely dispersed. Symptoms you may experience include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and post-nasal drainage.

Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the most common allergens in the fall. The ragweed plant can grow wild anywhere but is most prevalent in the eastern and Midwest regions of the U.S. Ragweed pollen typically begins to peak in late August through late September and can last until the first frost. Its lifespan is usually limited to one season, but it can produce up to one billion grains of pollen, which is a lot for one season. Mold spores are also seen during this time of year, especially as the leaves begin to decompose. Early signs of leaves beginning to decompose and possibly being infected with mold are if they start to turn black or white.

If you have an underlying dust mite allergy, it is important to note that you may experience worsening allergy symptoms during the fall due to spending more time indoors.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests these five tips to help you get ahead of fall allergy season:

Avoid allergy triggers by keeping an eye on daily pollen counts, staying indoors as much as possible during high pollen count days, and avoiding going out in the morning when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall
Change your clothing and remove your shoes as soon as you come in from outdoors, so you don’t track pollen into your home
Start taking allergy medication before your symptoms begin
Consider immunotherapy if you have severe or chronic allergies
Visit an allergist if your allergy symptoms become severe

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

Can You Actually Catch Up on Lost Sleep?

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

For many of us, getting enough sleep during the week can be challenging. Common activities like work, commuting, social life, downtime, and watching TV can cause us to lose sleep. As a result, more than one-third of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep per night, rather than the recommended seven to nine hours. The loss of those one to two hours is called sleep debt.

Sleep debt, or sleep deficit, is the difference between how much sleep you need and how much you get. Sleep debt is cumulative, so going to sleep a half hour or an hour later than normal over a few days can add up quickly. Two weeks of sleeping just six hours a night produces the same level of cognitive impairment as if you stayed awake for two full days straight. Other side effects caused by sleep debt can include:

Poor vision, hearing, coordination, and balance

Reduced energy and motivation

Slower reaction time

Drowsiness and irritability

Impaired memory, attention, judgment, and decision-making

Decreased performance in many areas, including athletics

Long-term sleep debt can lead to sleep deprivation, which occurs when you are frequently not getting as much sleep as you need. Not regularly getting an adequate amount of sleep increases the risk of developing health conditions, such as:

Cancer

Heart disease

Dementia

Mental health disorders, such as depression

Sleep deprivation can also impact your health in other ways, including:

Immune system dysfunction

Poor emotional regulation

Executive function issues

Metabolic dysregulation and weight gain

Inhibited sex drive

Higher risk of accidents, falls, and other injuries

Sleeping in on the weekends is the most common strategy to recover lost sleep. It can help with the occasional sleep deficit, but it isn’t good for the long term.

According to research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine showed that after five nights of sleeping less than four hours, a single recovery night of about nine hours still left people with residual attention lapses and slower reaction times. A six-week study of high-performing adults found that two nights of eight-hour recovery sleep failed to restore accuracy on tests of spatial orientation and sustained attention. Furthermore, performance declined steadily during the restricted weeknights, and the sleep recovery during the weekend wasn’t enough to cause a reset.

Additionally, a study done at the University of Colorado brought 36 healthy adults into a sleep lab for two weeks and found that people who slept only five hours a night gained about three pounds and saw a 13% decrease in insulin sensitivity. The group that slept five hours during the week and was allowed to sleep in on weekends fared even worse, as they also gained three pounds and experienced a 27% decrease in insulin sensitivity. What’s more, their liver and muscle metabolism suffered more than the group that never got recovery sleep at all.

When you finally get the opportunity to sleep longer, your brain prioritizes deep sleep, the sleep stage that restores daytime alertness and cognitive function, first. This is called a rebound effect. Your brain categorizes the sleep stages and recovers the most critical stages before anything else, which is why the first long recovery sleep feels so restorative even if you are far from fully recharged.

Complete recovery from weeks of sleep debt and deprivation will require many nights of quality sleep, rather than making up the sleep during the weekend. The first step in getting sufficient sleep is to improve your sleep hygiene. There are several ways to improve your sleep hygiene and reduce your chances of accumulating sleep debt, including:

Keeping a set sleep schedule

Developing a nightly routine

Considering daytime habits

Improving the bedroom environment

When recovering lost sleep, the most effective strategy is to add sleep in small, consistent increments instead of overhauling your schedule. Some techniques that can be useful to help you properly catch up on sleep and eliminate sleep debt include:

Staying consistent

Keeping a sleep diary

Trying an afternoon nap

Giving time to the process

Talking to your healthcare provider

If you are having difficulty sleeping and would like help, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Herniated Discs

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or bulging disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes against and leaks out of its outer ring. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in your neck, back, or legs.

Every year, more than three million people in the U.S. get a herniated disc. They are a leading cause of neck, back, and leg pain and can happen anywhere along your spine, but most often in your lower back or neck.

Although pain is a common symptom throughout your back, symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on its location and may lead to other symptoms. A herniated disc in your lower back may cause sciatic nerve pain that usually shoots down one side of your buttocks into your leg and sometimes your foot. Other symptoms of a herniated disc in your lower back may include:

Lower back pain

Muscle weakness

Tingling or numbness in your legs and/or feet

Symptoms of a herniated disc in your neck may include:

Neck pain, especially in the back and on the sides of your neck

Pain near or between your shoulder blades

Pain that travels to your shoulder, arm, and sometimes your hand and fingers

Numbness or tingling in your arms

Pain that increases while bending or turning your neck

Several factors can contribute to a herniated disc, including:

Traumatic injuries, such as falls

Aging

Lifting heavy objects improperly

Performing repetitive bending or twisting motions

People between the ages of 30 and 50 years old are most likely to get a herniated disc, with men being twice as likely to be affected by them as women. Herniated discs tend to run in families. Other risk factors for herniated discs include:

Sitting in the same position for long periods of time

Being overweight or obese

Having diabetes

Smoking

Having a connective tissue disorder

A healthcare provider can diagnose a herniated disc by performing a thorough physical exam, which allows them to assess your pain, muscle reflexes, how well you respond to touch, pinpricks, or vibration, and muscle strength. Your healthcare provider may also perform other tests, such as:

A neurological exam

Imaging tests, such as:

MRI scan

X-rays

CT scan

A nerve conduction study

Myelogram

Electromyogram (EMG)

In most cases, pain from a herniated disc eventually goes away on its own within four to six weeks. However, if you need to relieve your pain while at home, you can:

Rest for one to three days if the pain is severe, but avoid long periods of bed rest to prevent stiffness

Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Apply heat or ice to the affected area

If your symptoms aren’t improving, your healthcare provider may recommend more advanced treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or spinal injections.

If nonsurgical treatments don’t ease or relieve your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend a minimally invasive spine surgery called a microdiscectomy.

Although it isn’t always possible to prevent a herniated disc, you can reduce your risk of developing one by:

Stretching

Using proper lifting techniques

Practicing good posture

Maintaining a healthy weight

Getting regular physical activity

Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes

Quitting smoking

The Orthopedic Surgery Department of Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY, consists of board-certified, expert surgeons who offer treatment for patients suffering from any orthopedic condition, ensuring speedy recovery and maximum comfort throughout the treatment process. For more information about how to make an appointment with our orthopedic surgeons, please contact us at 718-206-6923.

What Happens to Your Body During a Hot Flash?

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A hot flash is a sudden warm feeling in the upper body, usually the most intense over the face, neck, and chest. Hot flashes are most commonly caused by menopause.

Menopause is when the menstrual period stops for good, with most women experiencing a hot flash about four and a half to five years after their last period. It is diagnosed after 12 months without having a menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting.

During a hot flash, a woman might feel like she is spiking a high fever, but physiologically, that isn’t what is happening. As women approach menopause and the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen, the hypothalamus, the brain’s internal thermostat, becomes hypersensitive to even small shifts in temperature.

When a woman experiences a hot flash, the body believes it is overheating, even when the actual temperature hasn’t changed much. In response to this, the body tries to cool down as blood vessels dilate, which is supposed to help dissipate some of that heat, triggering a sweating reflex.

How an individual woman experiences hot flashes varies greatly. Some women describe very mild symptoms, while others suffer from profuse sweating. Additionally, some women only have hot flashes during the day, while others have regular night sweats. According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, about four in five women experience hot flashes at some point during the menopause transition.

Common triggers of hot flashes include:

Alcohol

Caffeine

High sugar intake

High processed foods

Stress

Black women are more likely to experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms, sometimes up to 11 years, and research shows that women with more severe, longer-lasting hot flashes and night sweats appear to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

For decades, hot flashes were blamed solely on the loss of estrogen, but that explanation left some questions unanswered because not every menopausal woman has night sweats. What’s more, it doesn’t explain why perimenopausal women experience hot flashes while they still produce estrogen.

Newer research has shown that when the brain recognizes that a woman’s estrogen levels are low, nerve cells in the hypothalamus called KNDy neurons become overactive, releasing neurotransmitters, which include kisspeptin, dynorphin, and neurokinin B.

For women in the middle of their hot flash years and the ten percent of menopausal women who continue to experience them, here are some strategies and tips that can help you manage your hot flashes:

Keep your core body temperature as cool as possible

Keep cool at night

Watch what you eat and drink

Refrain from smoking

Maintain a healthy weight

Reduce your stress

Exercise regularly

When you feel a hot flash coming on, take several slow, deep breaths and try to relax

Drink a glass of cold water and sit calmly until it passes

Wear layers you can easily take off when you feel yourself getting hot

Once a hot flash starts, there is no instant cure. Talk to your healthcare professional about medications and complementary therapies that make the most sense for you and your symptoms.

If you are experiencing hot flashes due to menopause, the most effective way to relieve the discomfort from them is to take estrogen, but taking it carries risks.

Other treatments for hot flashes can include:

Medications

Antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and other medications

Hormone therapy

Mind and body approaches

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Hypnosis

Mindful meditation

Acupuncture

Dietary supplements

At Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.

National AFib Awareness Month

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National AFib Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education, early detection, and improved care for AFib.

AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Afib usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of AFib, including:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of AFib, including:

Paroxysmal AFib
Persistent AFib
Long-standing persistent AFib

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause AFib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of AFib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce heart disease risk and prevent AFib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

A healthcare provider can diagnose AFib by examining you and asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of AFib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for AFib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. Afib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, 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.

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a month that addresses the challenges patients, their families, and caregivers experience and provides an opportunity to increase public knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease and traits.

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop. These abnormal red blood cells block blood flow, resulting in recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as Black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait, and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are several symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow

Extreme tiredness

Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle disease can include:

Episodes of severe pain

Anemia symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat

Fever

Acute chest syndrome

Stroke

Priapism

Avascular necrosis

Pulmonary hypertension

Organ damage

Leg ulcers

Gallstones

Deep vein thrombosis

Pregnancy complications

Vision problems

Frequent infections

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease, including:

Medicines

Blood transfusions

Blood and bone marrow transplant

Gene therapies

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (718) 206-7001.

Four Key Risk Factors Linked to 99% of Heart Attacks

Posted on September 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack, are the leading causes of death around the world.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart’s arteries.

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

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, more than 99% of people who experience a heart attack previously had at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors that were above ideal healthy levels. These risk factors include:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

High fasting glucose or high blood sugar

Tobacco use

For this study, researchers analyzed medical data from more than 9 million adults in South Korea and almost 7,000 adults in the United States for up to 20 years, allowing scientists to see multiple measurements for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking exposure before a participant had their first cardiovascular issue.

At the conclusion of the study, researchers discovered that more than 99% of the study participants had at least one risk factor at unhealthy levels before experiencing a heart attack. What’s more, scientists found that high blood pressure was the biggest culprit of the four major risk factors, affecting more than 95% of South Korean participants and over 93% of U.S. participants.

Fortunately, these risk factors are categorized as modifiable, meaning they are potentially preventable. If high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar can be reduced, as well as eliminating the use of tobacco, there is a possibility that the risk of heart attack can be decreased.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack, 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.