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.

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.

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.

The Importance of an Annual Physical Exam

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new year is upon us, and we are all looking for ways to improve our health. An important way to do so is to get an annual physical exam.

Getting a physical exam provides us with an opportunity to check our overall health and prevent any health issues from becoming more serious. It can also cultivate a relationship with a primary healthcare provider who can help:

· Manage current health issues

· Prevent illnesses

· Monitor the risk of chronic disease

· Identify illnesses that don’t have symptoms

· Monitor your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and basic body chemistry

· Adjust your lifestyle to one that is suitable for your age

Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider to ensure you are taking the right steps to maintain and improve your health.

If you would like to receive a physical exam, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

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.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Cardiovascular disease can be deadly for anyone. However, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones. They are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure.

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States and can affect them at any age.

There are three types of heart disease. They include:

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.

Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating.

Although some women have no symptoms, other women may experience:

Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache

Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat

Pain in the upper abdomen or back

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Tiredness that won’t go away of feels excessive

In some women, the first signs and symptoms if heart disease can be:

A heart attack

Palpitations

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the artery and the treatment.

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 can include:

Breaking out in a cold sweat

Nausea

A rapid or irregular heartbeat

Unusual tiredness

Lightheadedness

Medical treatment for a heart attack is based on the type of heart attack and where the blockage in the coronary artery is.

A complete blockage of the artery of the heart is a STEMI or ST-elevation myocardial infarction. A partial blockage is an NSTEMI heart attack or a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The different ways to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle during a heart attack include:

Clot-dissolving medications

Balloon angioplasty and stenting

Surgery

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 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) 206-1700.

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.

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.