Richard Zelman MD

  The treatment of heart rhythm disorders varies widely depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, as well as the patient’s overall health. Dr. Richard Zelman highlights several key approaches:   Medication: Antiarrhythmic drugs are often the first line of treatment, aiming to restore normal heart rhythm, control heart rate, and prevent complications such as stroke. Anticoagulants may also be prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of blood clots.   Lifestyle Changes: Patients are encouraged to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoidance of substances that can trigger arrhythmias, such as excessive alcohol or caffeine.   Electrical Cardioversion: For certain types of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, electrical cardioversion may be used to reset the heart’s rhythm with a controlled electric shock.   Catheter Ablation: This proced...

  Dr. Richard Zelman Heart rhythm disorders can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, from palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat) and dizziness to fainting, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, some arrhythmias may be asymptomatic and are only detected during routine medical exams or tests for other conditions.   Dr. Zelman emphasizes the importance of recognizing risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing an arrhythmia. These include age, underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and a history of heart attacks. Lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, smoking, and stress can also contribute to the development of arrhythmias.

  Heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, are conditions where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. These disorders can range from benign to life-threatening, affecting millions of people worldwide. Dr. Richard Zelman , a distinguished cardiologist, provides expert insights into the diagnosis, management, and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, highlighting the importance of early detection, individualized care, and patient involvement in managing these conditions.

  Dr. Richard Zelman Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty within cardiology that focuses on catheter-based treatments for heart diseases. Cardiologists who specialize in this field play a vital role in saving lives and improving the quality of life for heart patients. They are often responsible for performing procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy. Angioplasty, a commonly performed procedure by interventional cardiologists, involves using a balloon-like device to widen narrowed arteries. Stent placement follows angioplasty, where a small, mesh-like tube is inserted to keep the artery open. These procedures can restore blood flow to the heart muscle, preventing heart attacks and alleviating chest pain. In some cases, cardiologists may also use atherectomy, a procedure that involves removing plaque buildup from the arteries to improve blood flow.

  Carbs provide energy to our bodies, and eating healthily should include carbs in moderation. They are found in many sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products; added sugars from cookies, cakes, or candy bars may provide energy but lack essential vitamins and minerals - leading to weight gain. Naturally occurring sugars in fruit, milk, or yogurt offer better choices for maintaining heart health. Complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and grains should be eaten for maximum nutrition; their slow digestion provides steady supplies of glucose into the bloodstream while providing essential fiber, digestion-aiding nutrients, and vitamin-rich vitamins, as suggested by Dr Richard Zelman MD . Sources such as unrefined whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and barley are healthy carbohydrates. Dr Richard Zelman mentions that diets that support healthy heart eating typically restrict red and processed meats (such as hot dogs, salami, and bologna), salty, crun...

  An adequate diet to support heart health includes restricting sugary food and beverages and unhealthy fats. Read food labels carefully for those that contain minimal amounts of sugar and fats as well as no trans or saturated fats when selecting fat sources for consumption; choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ones when selecting monounsaturated or polyunsaturated options - olive and canola oil, avocados, nuts/seed varieties, as well as certain fish, are great examples of healthy choices! Always opt for lean meats and poultry over processed meats, and use only minimal unsaturated fat (canola or olive oil) when cooking, baking, or roasting them. Incorporating at least one serving of fish or shellfish each week into your diet to increase omega-3 intake is also highly beneficial. Limit saturated and trans fats, both of which tend to solidify at room temperature, while selecting healthier fat sources such as olive or canola oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds, as well as oily fis...

Dr. Richard Zelman There are several types of cells that have been investigated for their potential to regenerate cardiac tissue:   Stem Cells: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes. Dr. Zelman notes that two primary types of stem cells are used in cardiac therapy: embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells. ESCs have a high potential for differentiation but come with ethical concerns and the risk of immune rejection. On the other hand, adult stem cells, such as mesenchyme stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are more commonly used due to their ability to differentiate into heart cells and their lower risk of rejection.   Cardiac Progenitor Cells: These are specialized cells found in the heart that can differentiate into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Dr. Zelman explains that cardiac progenitor cells are particularly promisin...

Dr. Richard Zelman In just 10 minutes, the team successfully completed the TAVR procedure, a feat that typically takes much longer even under less urgent circumstances. The new valve was expertly positioned and deployed, immediately improving blood flow and stabilizing the patient’s condition. The speed and success of the procedure were nothing short of miraculous, earning praise from colleagues and medical professionals who recognized the extraordinary nature of the achievement.   Dr. Zelman attributes this success to the seamless collaboration among the heart team, the advanced technology available, and the extensive experience they have in performing TAVR procedures. "It was an unbelievable save," Dr. Zelman remarked, reflecting on the outcome. "We knew we had to act fast, and everyone stepped up to the challenge. This is what we train for, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team."

Dr. Richard Zelman The patient, an elderly individual with severe aortic stenosis, had been experiencing worsening symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and extreme fatigue. Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. In this case, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and immediate action was required to prevent a fatal outcome.   Upon arrival at the hospital, it became clear that the patient was in dire straits. The heart team, led by Dr. Richard Zelman, quickly assessed the situation and determined that an emergency TAVR was the only viable option. Traditional open-heart surgery was deemed too risky due to the patient’s age and frailty, making TAVR—a less invasive procedure—the best course of action.

LVADs are mechanical pumps that are surgically implanted to assist the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber, in circulating blood throughout the body. Initially developed as a temporary solution for patients awaiting heart transplantation (bridge-to-transplant therapy), LVADs have evolved to become a viable long-term treatment option for those who are not candidates for transplantation (destination therapy). Dr. Zelman explains that LVADs work by taking over the pumping function of the left ventricle, helping to maintain adequate blood flow and reduce symptoms associated with heart failure, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. By supporting the failing heart, LVADs can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, increase survival rates, and reduce hospitalizations. Heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs, affects millions of people worldwide and remains a leading cause of morbi...

Carbs provide energy to our bodies, and eating healthily should include carbs in moderation. They are found in many sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products; added sugars from cookies, cakes, or candy bars may provide energy but lack essential vitamins and minerals - leading to weight gain. Naturally occurring sugars in fruit, milk, or yogurt offer better choices for maintaining heart health. Complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and grains should be eaten for maximum nutrition; their slow digestion provides steady supplies of glucose into the bloodstream while providing essential fiber, digestion-aiding nutrients, and vitamin-rich vitamins, as suggested by Dr Richard Zelman MD . Sources such as unrefined whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and barley are healthy carbohydrates. Dr Richard Zelman mentions that diets that support healthy heart eating typically restrict red and processed meats (such as hot dogs, salami, and bologna), salty, crunchy sn...

Diets rich in red meat, processed meat, and egg yolk can increase LDL cholesterol, increasing your risk of blood clots and heart disease. Fish, poultry, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds are excellent protein choices that can reduce risk. Salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids with numerous cardiovascular health benefits. Eating these types of fish at least twice weekly is recommended. Poultry also offers protein, Vitamin A, magnesium, and zinc, although its impact on heart health remains neutral. Plant-based proteins can also help the heart. Dr Richard Zelman points out that chickpeas, kidney beans, soy products, and quinoa are excellent plant-based protein sources for those following vegan or vegetarian diets, providing ample soluble fiber to lower LDL cholesterol. Adding protein-rich plants such as beans or lentils into your meals is vital as a critical step toward heart health. Try including these items when ...