Samuel Daneshvar, M.D., Cardiologist

This is an excellent program with a comprehensive approach to heart health, including diet, exercise, meditation, and group counseling.

http://abc7news.com/336963/ Very interesting study on Alzheimer's disease using diet and lifestyle modification. Certainly not conclusive but very hypothesis generating!

If you or a family member, have the condition known as atrial fibrillation (afib) and would like more information, set up an appointment for a consultation. I am happy to discuss your concerns and help you sort through the vast array of treatment options including rate control, rhythm control, ablation, cardioversion. We can also discuss the use of the new blood thinners which you have seen advertised in the media.

As we bring in the New Year, try to make a heart healthy New Years' Resolution. Here are some suggestions and feel free to post any others: 1. Eat better! Decrease the saturated fat in your diet. Try to decrease your red meat by sometimes replacing it with chicken, turkey white meat, or fish. Decrease the full fat dairy products and replace with low/non-fat dairy (try making your own pizza with low-fat cheese and fresh veggies-Saul loves it!) Get rid of the trans-fats ...in your pantry! These are labelled "partially hydrogenated vegetable oils." 2. Exercise! 30 minutes of aerobic activity, at least 5 days a week can improve your cardiovascular health and emotional well-being. Start at a comfortable pace and ramp it up until you can generate a good sweat. 3. Check your BP. If it is high you can try a "DASH" diet. If it is still high you can consider starting high BP meds with your doctor. 4. Check your cholesterol and CRP. If your cholesterol is high, start a heart healthy diet. Your CRP is a marker of swelling that can be an indicator of your risk for heart disease. This information can help you and your doctor decide how aggressively to treat your cholesterol. 5. QUIT SMOKING! If you don't quit for the health or your lungs and cardiovascular system, quit for you teeth, bank book, and those people around you. If cold turkey is not for you, see your doctor to discuss your options. If you don't smoke, help a friend to quit. As always, I'm always here for you and your loved ones. Call me at (310) 582-6220 if there is anything I can do for you.

This is a nice review of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD can severely "cramp" your lifestyle, and in many cases there are treatments for this that can lead to improved ability to walk. It is also a strong risk factor for heart disease and stroke and you should see your doctor about what treatments are necessary to prevent these conditions.

Here is the video from the Fox 11 News!

The FDA is taking a big step in proposing an all-out ban on trans-fats. Look out for me tonight on the FOX 11 Local News at 5:00 PM, as I discuss the ill effects of trans-fats on your cardiovascular effect and how you can avoid them in your diet.

Denver Broncos coach John Fox is scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement early this week. This is commonly done for valves that are either narrowed (stenotic) or leaking (regurgitant). He described feeling dizzy. Common symptoms include chest pain, light-headedness, passing out, or shortness of breath. The procedure is done using a bypass machine. He may have his valve replaced with a mechanical valve or a tissue valve (made from either a pig valve or from cow tis...sue). The benefit of the mechanical valve is that it is very durable, however, the downside is that he will need to be on blood thinners for the rest of his life. On the other hand, tissue valves do not require lifelong blood thinners, but may deteriorate to the point that another surgery is needed. This is a personal decision made after weighing the risks and benefits of each type of valve carefully with the doctor. Best of luck to Coach!

Watch me on CBS news as I discuss "When to resume intimacy after a heart attack"

Have you ever wondered how doctors answer the question "Is your heart healthy enough to handle sex?" Watch the CBS evening news tomorrow night as I discuss the topic of sexual activity in patients with cardiovascular disease. Details to come.

The article showing that a Mediterranean Diet leads to a 30% reduction in strokes, heart attacks and cardiovascular death has been trending on the New England Journal of Medicine website for weeks. What is a Mediterranean Diet? Its high in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or mixed nuts. It's high in fruits, vegetables, fish, and white meat. You get to enjoy wine with meals (in moderation of course!). It includes a salsa-like food called Sofrito. You avoid soda, red meat, spread ...fats and commercial pastries/sweets. This study really highlights a couple of things: 1. Diet is Important! It would be hard to find a medication with this much benefit. 2. Extra-virgin Olive Oil and mixed nuts when added may have a tremendous impact on cardiovascular health. 3. The best diet is one you enjoy! The study participants did a great job following the diet because it was reasonable. What's not to enjoy when your diet is flavorful? So, get out your favorite bottle of wine and extra-virgin Olive Oil with meals and Buon Appetito!

Consumer Reports has found that the price of medication differs based on where you purchase it from. According to them, Costco is the best deal. For instance, "if you shop around, a month’s supply of generic Lipitor will set you back $17 at Costco, CR’s secret shoppers found. However, if you fail to do your homework and purchase it from CVS, you could pay $150. That’s a difference of $133. Rite Aid and Target were also pricey."

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR MEDICINE: 1. Ask your DR for generics 2. Check for discount programs 3. Negotiate with independent pharmacies 4. Order online in the U.S.... 5. Follow your formulary See more