Blog | Expert Insights on Heart Health and More

A rare occurrence for more individuals, heart palpitations are characterized by the unexpected fast-paced racing, fluttering, pounding of the heart. People who undergo heart palpitations might also feel as though their heart skipped or added an additional beat. While many instances merely signify a slight, benign misstep of the heart’s regular rhythm, heart palpitations can potentially signify a larger medical issue — one that might affect the heart or another area of the body. In such cases, patients might experience heart palpitations daily, which may at times be so forceful, closely resembling the feeling of myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

Symptoms of Heart Palpitations

The feelings emitted by heart palpitations can vary and different patients can experience different symptoms. A person experiencing heart palpitations might feel as though their heart is beating too rapidly, skipping beats, pounding, quickly fluttering, throbbing, murmuring, or pounding. Furthermore, some individuals even “feel palpitations as a pounding in the chest or neck; others feel them as a general sense of unease.” And these symptoms can occur whether a patient is at rest or in motion.

It is important to note that individuals who experience such symptoms on rare occasions and for short durations most likely do not have a cause for concern. However, a patient who experiences pain or discomfort in the arms, chests, upper back, neck, or jaw, severe dizziness, excessive sweating, weakness, lightheadedness, extreme shortness of breath, fainting, or confusion in conjunction with heart palpitations is advised to seek out medical attention, as such symptoms may suggest a more serious medical condition. Moreover, patients who experience frequent and worsening symptoms or who have a history of heart disease are also advised to speak with a medical professional. In these instances, doctors will often recommend heart monitoring tests to aid them in determining whether or not the heart palpitations can be attributed to a more grave heart issue.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

There are numerous activities, events, emotions, and larger medical conditions that might bring on heart palpitations. Oftentimes, the cause of a patient’s symptoms cannot be determined. Some prevalent causes or triggers of heart palpitations are:

• Depression
• Arduous physical activity
• Dehydration
• Low potassium or blood sugar
• Excessive consumption/use of stimulants (such as caffeine, alcohol, cold/cough medicines, nicotine, chocolate)
• Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
• Hormone fluctuations (like those attributed to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause)
• An excess or deficiency in thyroid hormone

Heart palpitations might disappear as quickly as they appear. Some individuals might notice that simple activities such as falling asleep or standing up quickly after bending down result in heart palpitations. Nonetheless, “heart palpitations can [occasionally] be a sign of a serious problem, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).” And patients suffering from particular medical conditions, like heart disease and anemia, are at an elevated risk of experiencing heart palpitations.

What Larger Medical Issues Might Heart Palpitations Signify?

Heart palpitations are generally not a cause for alarm unless they are caused by an underlying heart condition. Many symptomatic cases are prompted by the premature contractions of the heart’s atria, otherwise known as upper chambers. A feeling of a skipped heartbeat is emitted, caused by a contraction of the atria that occurs a bit too soon, which then results in the atria’s longer than normal period of rest. But more often than not, these premature contractions are entirely harmless. Similarly, early contractions of the heart’s ventricles can also lead to heart palpitations. An isolated experience, or even a handful of premature contractions in a row, is typically not a sign of a larger issue. However, if such occurrences are followed by symptoms like trouble breathing or fainting, or if occurrences are frequent, patients might be at risk of ventricular fibrillation.

Conversely, heart palpitations associated with a heart condition can result in several possible complications. For example, a rapid heartbeat may precipitate a drop in blood pressure, which may cause an individual to faint. Patients with heart problems, like congenital heart disease, or heart valve issues are particularly at risk of fainting as a result of heart palpitations. On a more serious note, palpitations brought about by atrial fibrillation — a condition which causes the upper chambers of the heart to flutter rather than properly beat — may lead to the pooling of blood which can cause clots. In the event that a clot breaks loose, clogging a brain artery, a stroke can occur. In addition, a prolonged, improper, and unavailing heartbeat, as a result of an arrhythmia, may very well trigger heart failure. In such a case, the best way to address this heart failure is to devise a method of controlling the arrhythmia, which can quite possibly improve heart function. And on rare occasions, lethal arrhythmias can provoke heart palpitations which can subsequently result in cardiac arrest.

Moreover, if the heart’s sinus node (or pacemaker) faces difficulties, heart palpitations can occur, in addition to the degeneration of the cooperation of the upper and lower chambers of the heart. And scar tissue in the heart left behind by a heart attack, injury, or valve issue might also result in heart palpitations.

Addressing the issue Head On

Individuals who have experienced heart palpitations seemingly out of nowhere are encouraged to take small actions that might address the problem. Such actions include cutting out smoking and alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, getting an adequate amount of sleep, eating well and regularly, and having one’s doctor doublecheck that the palpitations are not a side-effect of any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements that have been taken. Patients are also advised to make strides and take up approaches to lower stress and anxiety, like meditating, doing yoga, and practicing breathwork routines.

For some patients, palpitations will persist even after implementing healthy lifestyle changes. Some individuals who suffer from symptoms might require medical intervention via prescription medication (beta-blockers) or surgical procedures. With an immense wealth of knowledge on the multitude of heart health problems that may result in heart palpitations, Dr. Beheshtian is an interventional cardiologist who has treated over 1000 patients, in New York and elsewhere. She is extremely well-informed and experienced regarding treatment paths for various types of cases, mild or complex.

Please feel free to contact Avicenna Cardiology’s office with any questions. Schedule a telehealth appointment or come in soon to see Dr. Beheshtian, who will work with you to create a care plan.

Can You Really Die From a Broken Heart?

Each and every person, at some point in their lives or another, is likely to experience heartbreak at least once. Whether brought on by a bad break up, the death of a loved one, a grave financial loss, etc., heartbreak is a part of human life. Occurring more or less exclusively in female patients between the ages of 58 and 75, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, most commonly referred to as Heartbreak syndrome, is a temporary heart condition that was first classified in Japan in the year 1990. Although most individuals who experience Takotsubo cardiomyopathy recover without any long-lasting or permanent health repercussions, specifically heart damage, the treatment for this condition has yet to become standardized. Sparked by high-stress situations and drastic or outrageous surges in emotion, Heartbreak syndrome certainly warrants further exploration.

Characteristics of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

According to Harvard Medical School, “Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber, usually as the result of severe emotional or physical stress, such as a sudden illness, the loss of a loved one, a serious accident, or a natural disaster such as an earthquake.” For these reasons, this condition is also often regarded as stress-induced cardiomyopathy. It is critical to note that while the left ventricle is weakened during Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the remaining areas of the heart carry on — operating as they otherwise would, or even sustaining increasingly vigorous contractions. The most prevalent symptoms of this condition are chest pain and shortness of breath, strongly mimicking those typically associated with a heart attack. Actually, research conducted over the course of the past several years indicates that about 5% of women who encounter Takotstubo cardiomyopathy believe that they are having a heart attack. Moreover, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can potentially present irregularities akin to those that are prominent in patients who have faced a heart attack. However, the heart arteries of those who undergo Takotsubo cardiomyopathy remain unblocked, unlike those of heart attack patients. But it is crucial to note that since Heartbreak syndrome does not lead to enduring or persistent heart health ramifications in most cases, any long-lasting chest pain may in fact be a sign of heart attack and should be taken seriously.

Stressors Linked With Heartbreak Syndrome

The exact cause of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has yet to have been concluded. But experts are firm in their belief that Heartbreak syndrome occurs as a result of surging stress hormones that effectively overwhelm or shock the heart, provoking either (or both) heart muscle cells or coronary blood vessels to undergo shifts and/or transformations. This modification disables the left ventricle from maintaining effective contractions. Women who have completed menopause are especially at risk of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome[,] is often preceded by an intense physical or emotional event.” Stressors related to this condition include, but are not limited to:

• Domestic violence
• Financial hardship
• Unexpected surprise or surprise party
• Difficult breakup or divorce
• Auto accident
• Loss of income or employment
• Death, illness, or injury endured by a loved one
• Intense argument
• Bad news, such as the diagnosis of a serious illness or medical condition
• Terrible physical pain
• Public speaking
• Asthma, major surgery, or broken bone

And although quite uncommon, there is a possibility that some drugs may result in Heartbreak syndrome by triggering a surge in stress hormone production. Such drugs might include:

• Illegal or unprescribed drugs; cocaine or methamphetamine
• Duloxetine (Brand name: Cymbalta); prescribed for the purpose of addressing nerve problems in patients living with diabetes, or to treat those experiencing depression
• Epinephrine (Brand name: EpiPen, EpiPen Jr.); prescribed for the purpose of treating severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks
• Levothyroxine (Brand name: Synthroid, Levoxyl); prescribed for the purpose of addressing improperly functioning thyroid glands

Risks, Complications, and Treatment

There are numerous characteristics and elements of medical history that might put one individual at a greater risk for Heartbreak syndrome than others. Age is a critical risk-factor of this condition, as those above the age of 50 have historically found themselves at a greater risk of developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Moreover, as previously mentioned, women, predominantly those of Asian and Caucasian descent who have completed menopause, are far more affected by this condition as opposed to their male counterparts. In terms of medical history, Heartbreak syndrome is a more notable risk for those with neurological disorders, like a head injury or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. And those who have faced or currently face a psychiatric disorder, like depression or anxiety, may find themselves at an increased risk of this condition.

Although fairly sporadic in occurrence, Heartbreak syndrome does, in fact, have the potential to be fatal. This should not be a considerable cause for concern, though, as the majority of patients do not sustain any persistent or permanent ramifications of this heart health event. However, Heartbreak syndrome might bring about other complications in some instances, such as hypotension, pulmonary edema, or even heart failure. And though the odds of this condition resurfacing are quite low, it is not entirely impossible if incited by an additional high-stress event.

Treatment of Heartbreak syndrome varies greatly according to the gravity of the symptoms that a patient confronts. More often than not, medical professionals will prescribe basic heart failure drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors. For patients experiencing atherosclerosis — or a build-up of plaque in the arteries — in addition to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, physicians tend to advise the utilization of aspirin.

Stress and grief are universal aspects of humanity. Patients looking to learn more about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, how to recognize and manage stressors that induce this condition, along with potential treatments, should reach out to a skilled and experienced medical professional. With an immense wealth of knowledge on the multitude of conditions and illnesses regarding heart health, Dr. Beheshtian is an interventional cardiologist who has treated over 1000 patients, in New York and elsewhere. She is extremely well-informed and experienced regarding treatment paths for various types of cases, mild or complex.

Please feel free to contact Avicenna Cardiology’s office with any questions. Schedule a telehealth appointment or come in soon to see Dr. Beheshtian, who will work with you to mitigate environmental and physical stressors that may put you at risk for developing Heartbreak syndrome.

Maintaining both a heart healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine has the power to significantly improve an individual’s health. Not only are the aforementioned lifestyle choices and habits integral to any person looking to lose excess weight or sustain a healthy BMI (body mass index), but opting for hearty, nutritious foods and adopting a regular physical activity regimen has the ability to reduce one’s reliance on prescription drugs. However, this is not a journey that any patient should embark upon by themselves. By working with a cardiologist to curate the right diet and exercise plan for the individual, patients are more likely to successfully reduce their dependency on prescription medications to mitigate heart issues. Cardiologists can assist patients in devising a plan of action for both physical activity and nutrition that will not only be easier for the patient to maintain, but that has the potential to result in long-lasting heart and overall health benefits.

Reducing Hypertension with a Heart Healthy Diet

Patients living with hypertension, or high blood pressure, may face great difficulties in their attempts to lower their blood pressure readings. While working with a cardiologist, individuals with high blood pressure may require as many as five medications to successfully bring it down. However, making an effort to implement basic lifestyle changes may result in a patient’s lowered dependence on such medications. Eating right and exercising regularly may only result in minor improvements for those experiencing hypertension, but the outcomes have the potential to be dramatically favorable. Regardless, taking up healthy habits can only be advantageous for an individual’s overall health.

According to Dr. Randall Zusman, a physician who specializes in blood pressure at Massachusetts General Hospital, “a healthy diet that is high in red, green, yellow, orange, and purple foods, and low in salt, carbohydrates, and fats,” is highly recommended and encouraged by medical professionals, specifically for those looking to reduce their blood pressure. Among the numerous health advantages of consuming a colorful diet is that a large percentage of these fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, which is an especially crucial element in the diet of any patient taking a diuretic. Potassium is also incredibly effective in counteracting the blood pressure repercussions associated with high sodium intake. Moreover, patients with high blood pressure are advised to steer clear of salt as much as possible. Opting for fresh foods instead of salt-rich foods like fast foods, cold cuts, canned foods, and even several varieties of cereal may help to significantly reduce hypertension. Additionally, patients with high blood pressure must monitor and regulate their daily alcohol intake. Consuming above the suggested quantity (1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men) of alcoholic beverages on a daily basis has the power to bring about a rise in blood pressure over time.

Furthermore, exercise has the potential to be wonderfully beneficial in lowering blood pressure. If performed on a daily basis, low-impact physical activities that stimulate movement throughout the body. Something as simple as going for a walk in the park can reduce hypertension. Light lifting — via a multitude of reps with weights weighing between 5 and 10 pounds — may also effectively lower blood pressure, along with bad cholesterol. And those who find themselves teetering on the line between elevated and high blood pressure may be able to avoid hypertension completely through the implementation of a consistent exercise routine. Aerobic exercises, like dancing, walking, swimming, jogging, and cycling, are often touted as physical activities that yield serious results for blood pressure reduction. In addition, strength training and high-intensity interval training have also been shown to have great effects on hypertension.

Many patients typically find that their blood pressure increases exponentially as a consequence of unhealthy weight gain. And although the exact rationale behind this phenomenon isn’t widely understood in is entirety, patients who undergo major weight loss tend to experience great reductions in blood pressure as well. Those who are significantly overweight or obese may suffer from sleep apnea, which has historically been proven to raise blood pressure. Individuals looking to both lose weight and reduce hypertension should pay special attention to any excess weight concentrated in the waistline area, as high blood pressure is often directly related to this.

Alleviating Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

A rather serious illness, congestive heart failure denotes damaged heart muscle resulting in an inability to pump enough blood to properly meet the needs of the body. Effecting 1 in every 5 adults, most typically in the latter half of their lives, congestive heart failure has grown to become a common illness, and patients living with this disease now have various treatment options at their disposal. Although prescribed medications are quite fruitful in terms of lowering individuals’ risk of heart disease, drugs are far from the only avenue available to patients looking to minimize heart health threats.

Tamara Horwich, a cardiologist and medical director of UCLA’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, advises patients to take proactive steps to mitigate their risk for health problems, like high blood pressure and bad cholesterol, that may ultimately put them in danger of congestive heart failure. According to Dr. Horwich, “physical activity five or more days a week and a healthy, plant-based diet are key” to avoiding heart muscle injury. Consuming a diet that is abundant in fruits and vegetables (five or more servings per day), nuts, legumes, lean meats, fish, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, all while simultaneously keeping away from processed foods will undoubtedly result in positive heart health outcomes. Monitoring sodium intake is also critical to alleviating one’s risk of congestive heart failure. Cutting down on the salt can help the body to reduce its fluid retention, in turn, lessening any swelling experienced in the legs and feet. And a healthy dosage of physical activity can provide assistance to the heart, both strengthening it and lessening its burdens.

Working with Your Cardiologist

Patients looking to improve upon their heart health, whether that means making small adjustments to food intake, initiating a complete heart healthy diet overhaul, or implementing a consistent exercise regime, should not initiate this all on their own. With an immense wealth of knowledge on the multitude of heart health benefits that healthy eating and regular physical activity can offer to patients, Dr. Beheshtian is an interventional cardiologist who has treated over 1000 patients, in New York and elsewhere. She is extremely well-informed and experienced regarding treatment paths for various types of cases, mild or complex. Please feel free to contact Avicenna Cardiology’s office with any questions. Schedule a telehealth appointment or come in soon to see Dr. Beheshtian, who will work with you to create a care plan.

Plant-based diets have experienced exponential growth in their popularity over the past several years. Abiding by a plant-based diet isn’t an entirely new concept, and it is certainly not a fad diet. Although this lifestyle choice has been propelled to its current prevalence with the help of social media and celebrities — notably Miley Cyrus, Joaquin Phoenix, Venus Williams, and Ellen DeGeneres — sticking to a plant-based diet is immensely beneficial for one’s body and overall health. Not only can following a plant-based diet help an individual to lose weight and to lower bad cholesterol, but it is also incredibly advantageous in terms of bettering one’s heart health.

Controlling Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (as it is more commonly referred to as), can cause significant damage to the heart and kidneys over time. Most patients with high blood pressure typically require medication to help lower their readings. “However, eating a healthy plant-based diet can bring your blood pressure down.. and may even reduce your need for medication.” One study, in particular, concluded a strong relationship between those who regularly ate more fruit and a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. Specifically, blueberries, raisins, pears, grapes, and apples have all shown to have positive effects on controlling blood pressure. This may very well be due to the fact that fruits and vegetables contain plentiful amounts of potassium, which is very impactful in lowering blood pressure. Consuming more whole grains, and maintaining a healthy body weight are additional perks of plant-based diets that may help to reduce hypertension. Moreover, plant-based foods typically have low sodium and fat contents and often do not contain cholesterol. For these reasons, compared to those who consume animal products, the blood of those who follow a plant-based diet is generally less thick. This causes the blood to be less difficult to pump, in turn, lowering blood pressure.

Lowering Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Individuals that keep to a plant-based diet may also reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, plant-based diets may lower one’s risk of dying as a result of heart disease by as much as 19 percent. Furthermore, eating more fruits and vegetables has been shown to have positive effects on overall heart health. In particular, apples, citrus fruits, pears, and leafy greens can all boost an individual’s heart health. And due to the fact that plant-based diets typically place an importance on the consumption of not only fruits and vegetables, but also whole grains, nuts, healthy oils, and legumes, these diets are rich in nutrients that are beneficial to heart health — specifically fiber, minerals, and vitamins. However, it is imperative to note that not all plant-based products are equal. Individuals are advised to consume processed plant-based foods in moderation, like white bread, white rice, etc. And prioritizing breakfast is still incredibly important, even when following a plant-based diet. According to a 2017 study conducted by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, a first meal of the day that is rich in healthy, high-energy nutrients commonly found in plant-based foods can effectively reduce one’s chance of developing atherosclerosis — or the hardening of the arteries as a result of plaque build-up.

Lowering Risk of Chronic Heart Disease

Several studies have discovered a tight-knit link between abiding by a plant-based diet and the prevention or reversal of conditions associated with chronic heart disease, specifically coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. “One large study found that people who ate more vegetables had a smaller risk of chronic heart disease; in fact, the more veggies they ate, the more their risk went down.” Due to the fact that meats and other animal products often contain copious amounts of bad cholesterol and saturated fat, as well as environmental pollutants — all of which can have detrimental effects on the heart, those who do not follow plant-based diets are generally at an increased risk for chronic heart disease. With the ability to minimize inflammation along with the imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals within the body, plant-based foods are extremely beneficial to overall heart health.

Making the Switch to Plant-Based

Transitioning from a diet that includes meat and other animal products to a strict plant-based diet is undoubtedly a rather large undertaking. The average American diet is teeming with carbs, protein, and sugar-heavy foods, and it can be difficult to break away from this pattern. However, with careful planning and motivation, anyone can successfully maintain a healthy, rewarding plant-based diet. Those who follow a plant-based diet generally consume fewer calories and unhealthy food additives, allowing them to eat just about as many fruits and vegetables, as well as a hearty amount of nuts, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and healthy oils, as they might desire to.

Moreover, individuals don’t need to make incredibly dramatic changes to their lifestyle to reap the healthy rewards supplied by plant-based foods. By making the conscious effort to include more healthy, nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, etc. into one’s everyday diet, avoiding or eliminating unhealthy food choices, and consuming healthier meats in moderation — for example, skinless chicken breast, individuals can still greatly improve their heart health and lower their risk of heart disease. Even making moderate adjustments to one’s everyday food intake can result in enduring favorable heart health outcomes.

But individuals looking to better their diet, whether that means making small adjustments to food intake or initiating a complete dietary overhaul, do not have to do it all on their won. With an immense wealth of knowledge on the multitude of heart health benefits that a plant-based diet can offer to patients, Dr. Beheshtian is an interventional cardiologist who has treated over 1000 patients, in New York and elsewhere. She is extremely well-informed and experienced regarding treatment paths for various types of cases, mild or complex.

Please feel free to contact Avicenna Cardiology’s office with any questions. Schedule a telehealth appointment or come in soon to see Dr. Beheshtian, who will work with you to create a care plan.

As the decades have quickly zoomed by, humanity’s overall hunger for success has only intensified. Careers in professions like banking, law, and consulting have become increasingly desirable, seducing individuals with the promise of eventual economic prosperity. But “making it” can come at a hefty cost. According to the United States Department of Labor, “long work hours and extended and irregular shifts may be stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally.” And so, high-stress jobs with demanding hours may — in the long-run — very well result in a slew of heart health issues. As the leading cause of death worldwide, not discriminating against gender, color, creed, etc., it is no surprise that heart disease is a prevalent result of demanding careers. However, being aware of these possible health repercussions to professional success can empower you to lead a more healthy and prosperous life.

Modern technology has enabled working people across the globe to stay connected 24/7. Although this creates opportunities for greater success and business growth, it has the potential to simultaneously foster a near inability to step away from one’s work. The ever-demanding work schedules born out of this omnipresent technological connection “may disrupt the body’s natural cycle, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and lack of concentration.” Not only can fatigue “cause weariness, sleepiness, irritability, reduced alertness, impaired decision making, and lack of motivation, concentration, and memory,” but it can also lead to grave and long-lasting health issues. Dr. Peter L. Schnall, professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine, explains that there is, in fact, a direct link between “workload and coronary artery disease.” One 2012 study in particular “found a 67% increased risk for coronary heart disease among [individuals] who worked 11 or more hours a day compared with those only working 7 to 8 hours.” Thus, those in high-demand jobs in volatile industries with little control over their pace nor the tasks at hand may find themselves coming up against critical heart problems in time.

Moreover, in a 2017 study published in the European Health Journal and conducted by University College London researchers has found that “people who put in more than 55 hours a week on the job may have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation—an irregular heart rhythm linked to stroke and other health problems—compared to those who work 40 hours or less.”  After evaluating 500,000 individuals, the researchers concluded that — regardless of socioeconomic status — those who consistently worked excessive hours were at higher risk of stroke. As defined by the Mayo Clinic, strokes occur “when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.” As a result of this shortage in blood supply, brain cells promptly die off. And further corroborating the tight-knit relationship between excess work time and heart health, “90% of [the study’s atrial fibrillation] cases occurred in people who did not already have cardiovascular disease.” Thus, greater attention must be paid to pinpointing methods for stress reduction and the management of cardiovascular risk for those regularly working long hours.

High-Stress Careers

Lawyers encounter high-stress environments and situations on a daily basis, as they must constantly worry about which figurative fire they might have to extinguish next. According to the American Bar Association, lawyers may find themselves to be particularly at risk for stress-induced health problems — predominantly heart disease — “because of the unique interplay of the legal profession and lawyer personality.” In other words, the high-stress, hostile nature of the legal profession can be incredibly detrimental long-term. Moreover, lawyers have been found to have “the highest rate of depression among 100 professions.” These factors combined, “even [if they manifest themselves] in the mild to moderate range,” put those in the legal profession at an increased risk of cardiac issues.

Excessive work hours, a lack of sick days, and intense levels of stress are also all too familiar to those in the banking profession. “An unhealthy, busy lifestyle with people working longer hours then they have in the past,” has resulted in cardiac events and conditions in staggering numbers. Bankers — whether at the start of the finish line of their careers — commonly experience “cardiac arrhythmia and myocarditis, both of which can lead to a fatal heart attack and can be made more likely by excessive work, stress, and drug use.” The Mayo Clinic defines myocarditis as “an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium),” which can ultimately precipitate arrhythmia (irregular or rapid heart rhythm), due to the heart’s reduced ability to pump properly. This is the most prevalent cardiac condition faced by banking professionals, but it is generally predominant “in people that have a weakened immune system due to fatigue and unhealthy living.”

Although cutting back working hours may not be in the realm of possibility for some individuals, particularly those in historically demanding industries, those in positions of power should keep in mind that, more often than not, when workers feel supported and experience low levels of workplace stress, their output is likely to be of a higher caliber and overall company success is more easily achieved. “Super fast-paced environment[s] in which employees are tied to their electronic devices 24/7” is not exclusive to lawyers, bankers, or consultants. For lawyers, curtailing any uncivil interactions or behavior and refraining from quick displays of over-aggression may help to subdue unnecessary added stress. But no matter the profession, the key to eradicating the epidemic plaguing overworked individuals requires more than simple “time management, or [fewer] holidays or not taking vacations or even weekends off.” Tired minds and bodies necessitate sufficient downtime, allowing them to bounce back from the day’s stressors healthily. Moreover, making healthy lifestyle changes like consistent physical activity, nutritious eating habits, good weight control, and the forgoing of smoking, are all steps that any individual can take towards strengthening heart health. In avoiding detrimental lifestyle choices and excessive work hours, and maintaining regular and appropriate sleep cycles, individuals may lower their risk of severe cardiac events and illnesses — prolonging success and longevity.