Dr V Thomas

Happy New Year! ✨
Taking care of our heart health is a vital aspect of starting fresh in the new year, reminding us that every new beginning comes with an opportunity to prioritize and improve our overall well-being.

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Hugs for your heart!

Hugging has a positive impact on heart health. Embracing someone leads to significant decreases in both blood pressure and heart rate. Research suggests that hugging can have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Physical touch and hugs have been shown to alleviate concerns about mortality.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

💧Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid through sweating, illness, fever or urination than you consume in food and water.
Dehydration can negatively affect your organs and bodily functions, including your heart and cardiovascular system. When you are dehydrated your blood volume, or the amount of blood circulating through your body, decreases. To compensate, your heart beats faster, increasing your heart rate and your blood pressure. Also, when you are dehydrated, your blood retains more sodium, thickening your blood and making it harder for your blood to circulate through your body. Keeping your body hydrated helps your heart pump blood more easily and allows oxygen to reach your muscles, which helps the muscles work efficiently.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

🐶Studies have shown pet ownership may help increase fitness levels, relieve stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and boost overall happiness and well-being. Pets also provide social support, which is an important factor in helping you stick with new healthy habits.
🔸It’s no surprise that people who walk their dogs are more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity than those who don’t. One study found that pet owners who walk their dogs got up to 30 minutes more exercise a day than non-walkers.
🔸Welcoming a dog into the family is a big decision with big responsibilities — and many wonderful benefits. And if you end up getting more active with your new loving companion, it’s a win-win.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Flying has the potential to elevate the strain on your heart and could heighten the likelihood of experiencing heart-related complications, especially if you have a history of heart disease. While individuals with well-managed cardiovascular conditions generally can travel by air without major issues, it is advisable to consult with a medical practitioner or healthcare expert beforehand if you have any concerns.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

🎄Holiday heart syndrome refers to heart issues that happen because of overindulging in salty foods and alcohol. While eating and drinking too much is something that can occur any time of year, it’s called holiday heart syndrome because the holidays — that time of celebrating with a continual flow of salty snacks and festive cocktails — is when we overdo it the most.

🔺All of that salt and alcohol can cause your heart to beat irregularly, also known as atrial fibrillation (or AFib). In the short term, it can be simply an alarming side effect of a bit too much celebrating, but in the long term, it can lead to serious heart issues, including heart failure and stroke.
🔺 Possible signs and symptoms of AF include:
* irregular heartbeat
* heart palpitations
* lightheadedness
* extreme fatigue
* shortness of breath
* chest pain

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Did you know?

When a woman is pregnant, both cardiac output and heart rate increase more significantly during exercise compared to when she is not pregnant. When the amount of blood pumped by the heart increases, the resting heart rate accelerates from its typical rate of around 70 beats per minute before pregnancy to as high as 90 beats per minute.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Heart attack vs cardiac arrest, here is the difference:

Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.
Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

How do you calm a racing heart? ❤️

1. Breathe deeply. it will help you relax until your palpitations pass.
2. Splash your face with cold water. It stimulates a nerve that controls your heart rate.
3. Don't panic. Stress and anxiety will make your palpitations worse.

The most important thing is to drink enough water.
The thicker your blood is, the harder your heart has to work to move it through your veins. That can increase your pulse rate and potentially lead to palpitations.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Are you aware that emotional stress can impact your Heart Health?

If you are feeling overwhelmed or “off,” listen to the signs and take a moment to practice mindfulness, de-stress or do activities that help you relax

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

While chest pain can be a sign of a panic attack, as well as the most prominent symptom of a heart attack, the two don’t have much else in common. In general, a panic attack occurs in a setting with severe anxiety and the symptoms associated with the “fight or flight” response, including a fast heart rate, dizziness or mental distress. In contrast, chest pain in heart attacks usually feels like a squeezing sensation; it can feel like a tightness on the left side of the chest that can go down the left arm, accompanied with sweating.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

World AIDS Day

Is there any connection between HIV and heart disease? HIV accelerates the aging process of the immune system and causes inflammation, potentially increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. If left untreated, HIV can elevate the risk of heart disease. However, initiating treatment immediately after diagnosis can help reduce these risks.

It is advisable to undergo regular testing to effectively manage this condition.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367


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When life gives you lemons, eat them for a healthy heart!

Lemons provide a valuable supply of vitamin C and antioxidants. Studies indicate that these two essential nutrients contribute to maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, the presence of fiber in lemons can effectively decrease certain factors associated with heart disease.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Reflexology offers numerous advantages, including enhanced blood flow. By properly manipulating the reflexes in the feet, circulation can be automatically improved. Focusing on the reflex associated with the heart is a proactive approach to preventing heart-related issues and maintaining overall cardiovascular health.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms infect the body. These pathogens enter the bloodstream and make their way to the heart. Once in the heart, they adhere to weakened heart valves or damaged cardiac tissue. Normally, the immune system is capable of eliminating any harmful bacteria that enter the bloodstream.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Fun Fact!

In a formula one race, the heart rate can be elevated even further due to adrenaline, reaching levels of over 200 bpm. On average, the heart rate during these races is around 170 bpm. This means that the heart beats nearly three times every second.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Bradyarrhythmia, also known as a slow heart rhythm, occurs when the heart beats too slowly to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, and fainting. If diagnosed with bradyarrhythmia, your cardiologist may suggest the use of a pacemaker as a treatment option.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367

Discover the top six medicinal plants that promote heart health.

- Hawthorn is known for its beneficial effects on cardiac well-being.
- Lemon balm aids in supporting circulation and maintaining a healthy heart.
- Olive leaves have been linked to blood pressure regulation.
- Horse chestnut is beneficial for both the heart and venous system.
- The Ayurvedic herb Centella asiatica also contributes to heart health.
- Yellow sweet clover promotes healthy circulation.

📍Suite 88, Ground Floor, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Road, Pinelands
📞 021 000 2367