Do you have diabetes? If so, taking good care of your feet is the key to living well. It has been estimated that nearly 70% of amputated lower limbs are lost due to diabetes complications every year in the U.S. A person with high blood sugar levels is at an increased risk of complications that can affect his feet. That’s why it’s essential to visit a podiatrist regularly and get the timely and necessary treatment.

MKR Medical PC cares for you! Our highly experienced podiatrist is committed to delivering the best foot care. If you or your loved ones have diabetes, you can schedule your appointment with our experts today! Get the best podiatry services you deserve!

Learn more about why you should consider adding a podiatrist to your medical care team.

Diabetes can affect your feet’ health.

Managing your blood sugar level under control is vital to protect your feet from potentially dangerous diabetic complications. On the other hand, high blood sugar levels can even damage your nerves, often known as Diabetic Neuropathy. It can reduce the ability of nerves to send the required signals to your brain.

In some patients, cardiomyopathy can be passed down through families. That means the disease can be inherited. So, if you or your loved ones in the family have or have had this condition, you should visit a cardiologist regularly.

Diabetic Neuropathy commonly affects the nerves in the patient’s legs and feet. When your body cannot understand the signals sent from your nerves to the brain, you can lose some sensation in your legs and feet. That means you may not feel pain even when you have a cut or sore on your foot. As a result, you will not know that you have to give the required care to your wounds.

And an unattended foot injury would become a severe condition for a diabetic person. If you leave a foot injury untreated for a long time, you can end up developing a serious infection that requires urgent care.

Watch out for the following signs of diabetic neuropathy, and get the necessary treatment from your healthcare provider if you notice them!

  • Tingling sensations or numbness
  • Reduced pain sensation
  • Foot ulcers
  • Reduced sense of temperature changes

In addition to causing nerve damage, diabetes can increase your risk of developing Peripheral Arterial Disease (narrowing of blood vessels). This condition affects the blood vessels in the legs, feet, and toes. Narrower arteries lead to reduced blood flow to your legs and feet. And a simple bump or bruise on your foot will take much longer to heal fully and leave you at risk of developing an infection in that area. If you experience the following signs of PAD, see your doctor immediately!

  • Severe leg pain
  • Changes in leg color
  • Sores on lower extremities
  • Weakness or cramps in legs

In general, it is best to visit your podiatrist regularly and get your feet health checked by him!

How can our podiatrists help you?

Our podiatrist is highly qualified and experienced in treating foot problems resulting from diabetic complications. He can easily spot subtle signs of trouble and offer the necessary treatment to prevent dangerous complications. As part of your healthcare team, a podiatrist can recommend tips on maintaining your foot health and taking good care of you at home. You can visit us for timely and effective diabetic foot treatment and care.

Vascular screening is a kind of check-up done to know about the health of your arteries and veins (also called your blood vessels). It can help find out if you are suffering from vascular disease.

When a screening is performed, it provides the required information to your healthcare provider. As a result, he can prescribe the best treatment to reduce the risk of vascular disease in the future and improve your health. In some patients, test results uncover arterial weakness, blockages, or other factors that need immediate medical care.

What is a vascular screening?

It is used to assess the chances of having various problems related to the arteries and veins. The results of vascular testing help detect the risks and early warning signs of various heart problems such as stroke, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, etc. It can also help identify whether a person is at risk of a heart attack.

Different tests of vascular screening-

In general, a vascular screening includes three different tests:

Carotid ultrasound

It uses sound waves to create a diagnostic image of a specific body part. Usually, this test is done to check the presence of fatty deposits that otherwise block the blood flow in the carotid artery in your neck. These blockages, if left unattended, can lead to a stroke.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An aneurysm is an arterial wall weakness that worsens over time if left untreated. It can reduce blood flow and may even cause a severe medical emergency. Unfortunately, people often do not realize that they are suffering from this condition until or unless the disease becomes life-threatening.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

This disease occurs when narrowed blood vessels prevent blood flow to the extremities. For example- blood vessels may not be able to pass the blood to the legs and feet. With time, this disease worsens due to arterial plaque formation. However, it can be identified with the help of some noninvasive tests that mainly focus on blood flow to the ankles.

Who is an ideal candidate for vascular screening?

A person can consider this screening if he is suffering from the risk factors for any vascular disorder. For example, a person with a family history of stroke, aneurysm, or PAD should undergo routine vascular screening. You can go for your first vascular screening in your early 30s.

Common risk factors for vascular complications are listed below-

Some factors can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. They are listed below-

  • Present or past smoking history
  • Current or past high blood pressure
  • Overweight
  • Extreme stress levels
  • An unhealthy and inactive lifestyle
  • High cholesterol
  • High sugar level

Your healthcare provider may suggest you go for a vascular screening if you have recently shown symptoms that may hint toward a serious issue, for example- unexplained chest pain. Many other tests, such as stress testing, can also be recommended by your doctor to get detailed information about your health.

Benefits of a vascular screening

The first and foremost benefit of vascular screening is its ability to diagnose health conditions unknown to the patient. This test is an effective and noninvasive way of identifying the risk levels for many vascular conditions. Based on the test results, your healthcare provider can recommend a treatment that can reduce the chances of a serious vascular event in the future.

Cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart muscle where your pumping organ (heart) finds it difficult to pump the blood to the rest of the body. If left unattended, it can cause heart failure. So, if you notice any signs of cardiomyopathy, it is advisable to consult the best cardiologist near your place.

Signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy

In the early stages of this disease, a person may not experience any signs or symptoms. But with the advancement of this condition, a person might feel the following signs and symptoms-

  • Breathlessness with any physical activity or even when you are at rest
  • Swelling of the legs and feet
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Cough while lying down
  • Feeling discomfort while lying down flat during sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Chest discomfort or pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness or fainting

If these symptoms are ignored and untreated, they can worsen. In some people, this heart disease worsens quickly, while in others, it may be under control for a long time. A cardiologist may provide the needed treatment, including medications, surgically implanted devices, heart surgery, etc. In severe cases, a person may be asked to undergo a heart transplant depending on the type of cardiomyopathy he is suffering from.

When to consult a doctor for cardiomyopathy?

Don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider if you have one or more symptoms of cardiomyopathy. For example, seek immediate care if you have severe difficulty breathing, fainting or chest pain, etc.

In some patients, cardiomyopathy can be passed down through families. That means the disease can be inherited. So, if you or your loved ones in the family have or have had this condition, you should visit a cardiologist regularly.

Causes of cardiomyopathy

Mostly, the cause of this heart disease is unknown. However, this disease occurs in some people due to another condition (inherited or acquired). In addition, there are certain health problems or behaviors that can lead to acquired cardiomyopathy, including:

  • High blood pressure for the last few years.
  • Damage to heart tissue due to a heart attack.
  • Long-term rapid heart rate.
  • Any health problem related to the heart valve.
  • COVID-19 infection.
  • Certain infections can lead to inflammation of the heart.
  • Metabolic disorders. For example- obesity, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
  • Deficiency of essential vitamins or minerals in the diet. For example- Thiamin (vitamin B-1)
  • Pregnancy complications.
  • Iron overload in the cardiac muscle
  • The growth of inflammatory cells in the heart and lungs
  • Excessive drinking and smoking
  • Overuse of cocaine or anabolic steroids

Risk factors of cardiomyopathy

Some factors can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. They are listed below-

  • Family history of any heart condition, including cardiomyopathy or heart failure.
  • Long-term high blood pressure.
  • Heart conditions such as coronary artery disease or an infection in the heart.
  • Obesity.
  • Long-term alcohol drinking.
  • Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine.
  • Treatment with some chemotherapy drugs.
  • Some health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, storage of excess iron in the body, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and connective tissue disorders can also increase your risk of cardiomyopathy.

You might have already heard the phrase “Prevention is better than cure.” Cardiomyopathy is a serious health condition, so it is always best to see a cardiologist if you suspect you have cardiomyopathy. Get the required treatment on time and stay healthy!

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule found in the blood and tissues of all vertebrates. However, in humans, cholesterol is mainly deposited in the walls of the arteries, which can cause heart disease. Therefore, it’s important to have good cholesterol management to reduce your risk of heart disease, and if you have high cholesterol levels, you need to take steps to manage them as soon as possible.

What are the benefits of cholesterol management?

There are many benefits to cholesterol management, including prevention of heart disease, reduction in inflammation, improved cognitive function, and reduced risk of some types of cancer.

How should cholesterol be managed?

Cholesterol levels should be monitored regularly, and treatments should be prescribed based on the individual’s risk factors for heart disease. Treatment options include medications such as statins, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, and finally, surgery.

What are the causes of high cholesterol?

It’s important to remember that cholesterol is not the problem, but actually, it’s a problem with how we manage levels of Good (HDL) and Bad cholesterol (LDL) that are the true cause of heart disease.

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels, including obesity, genetics, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet. However, the main culprit for excessively high cholesterol is often our lifestyles – and not just our diets. In fact, one study found that people who changed their lifestyle by quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet were able to lower their total cholesterol levels by as much as 28% without medication!

However, even if you don’t have high cholesterol levels yet, changing your lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease in the future. Here are some tips on how to make a healthy lifestyle change:

  • Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
  • Limit your intake of saturated fats and processed foods. These foods are known to increase blood cholesterol (LDL) levels.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol.

How can I lower my LDL (bad) cholesterol levels?

If you are like most people, you’re probably wondering how to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. But lowering your cholesterol isn’t only important for your heart health; HDL cholesterol can also play a major role in preventing heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. Here are some tips on how to manage your LDL cholesterol levels:

1. Start with lifestyle changes. The first step is to make simple changes to your lifestyle – such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking – that will help lower your LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (Good) cholesterol levels naturally.

2. Take the right supplements. If you don’t want to make any lifestyle changes, consider taking supplements that are specifically designed to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Many of these supplements are available over the counter.

3. Get screened for cholesterol abnormalities. If lifestyle changes and supplements aren’t enough to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, you may need to have your cholesterol checked by a doctor. On the other hand, if you have low-normal or high-normal cholesterol levels, taking targeted action, including lifestyle and supplement interventions, may be necessary to prevent heart disease.

What are the best foods to eat to lower my cholesterol?

Many foods can help lower your cholesterol, but the best way to find out is to talk to your doctor. Some of the foods that have been shown to lower cholesterol include nuts, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and fish.

How do I know if my cholesterol management program is working?

If you have been following your cholesterol management program, then you should know if it is working or not. If your LDL-C levels are getting lower, then your management program is working. Even if your total triglyceride levels are getting lower, then your management program is working. Finally, your cholesterol management program is working if you haven’t had a heart attack or stroke in the last five years.

High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood’s long-term force against the artery walls becomes so high that it puts a person at risk for major health problems like heart disease. As a result, it’s crucial to control this disease and reduce the risk of developing more significant health problems. Continue reading to learn more about the causes and complications of this condition.

Causes of High Blood pressure

There are two types of high blood pressure, each with its own set of causes:

Primary hypertension

Generally, this blood pressure problem has no recognized etiology in most adults. Instead, it tends to develop gradually over the years. It is also known as primary (essential) hypertension.

Secondary hypertension

Some people develop high blood pressure problems due to other health conditions or medications. This is referred to as secondary hypertension. It tends to develop suddenly and leads to higher blood pressure. There are many health conditions and medicines that can lead to this type of high blood pressure. Some of them are listed below-

  • Kidney problem
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Adrenal gland tumors
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Certain medicines such as birth control pills or decongestants
  • Some over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs
  • Illegal drugs. For example- cocaine

Complications-

The excess pressure on the artery walls can damage your blood vessels and other body organs. If you are suffering from this condition and leave it unattended for a longer period, you are at the risk of more significant damage later; some of the complications are listed below:

Heart attack- The high pressure on artery walls caused by hypertension can cause the hardening and thickening of the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. It may pose a person at the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart complications.

Aneurysm- It’s a condition where the blood vessels become weak and bulge. When an aneurysm ruptures, it can be fatal.

Heart failure- The heart has to work harder to pump blood against the higher pressure in your blood vessels. It can result in the thickening of the heart chamber’s walls and may often lead to heart failure.

Abnormal functioning of kidneys- High blood pressure can lead to weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys that can affect their normal functions.

Vision loss- Hypertension may often lead to thickened, narrowed, or torn blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in vision loss.

Metabolic syndrome- It’s a group of disorders that includes increased waist size, high triglycerides level, reduced “good” cholesterol level, high insulin levels in the blood, etc. These health issues put a person at the risk of developing high blood sugar, heart disease, and stroke.

Difficulty reminding things and understanding- Uncontrolled high blood pressure may also cause memory loss. It can affect your ability to think and learn.

As hypertension is a risk factor for a variety of serious health problems, it’s always a great idea to talk to your doctor about how to control hypertension symptoms and stay healthy.

Cardiac diseases are the most common causes of death among men and women in the United States. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been estimated that 1 in 4 Americans suffer from a cardiac problem, with coronary artery disease being at the top of the list. In fact, coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attack among Americans. Other common causes of heart diseases include:

  • Arrhythmia
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Blood vessel disease
  • Heart valve disease
  • Heart muscle disease
  • Heart infections

Many experts also indicate that there is a significant rise in heart-related problems in recovered COVID patients aged 30-50 years. In fact, acute cardiac issues were also observed in previously healthy individuals post COVID. After recovering from COVID, heart patients face problems due to an increase in blood clotting tendencies and inflammation. Post viral syndrome can range from minor palpitation, systemic hypertension, to life-threatening acute pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and other vascular problems. Neglect toward cardiac issues and irregular follow-up only worsen patients’ cardiac status. Therefore, doctors recommend regular cardiac screening for patients who have recovered from Covid-19 to identify any new onset abnormalities in the heart function.

The Primary Care physicians at MKR Medical PC are well-trained and experienced in identifying and treating any early signs of heart diseases. If the problem is caught early, there is a higher chance of preventing heart diseases. In fact, most heart diseases can be prevented by changing your lifestyle habits and making healthier life choices. Our facilities are well-equipped with the latest technology testing equipment to diagnose a wide range of health and cardiovascular diseases.

The following are the early signs of heart conditions that you should never ignore.

Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort

Chest pain, pressure, tightness in the chest, or chest discomfort are often caused by blocked arteries. These signs are usually associated with a heart attack, angina, stroke, or heart failure followed by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, shooting pains, dizziness, and more. If you experience more than one of these symptoms, it is best to consult with experienced cardiologists in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY.

Irregular heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat such as rapid heart beating, slow heartbeat, or fluttering in the chest can be a sign of arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a chronic heart condition. It also causes shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or chest pains.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath without exercising or any other strenuous activity is usually an early symptom of heart problems. It may be a symptom of heart diseases such as heart attack, arrhythmia, disease of the heart muscles, heart infection, or other heart defects.

Feelings of nausea

Feelings of nausea, indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, or stomach pain are the common symptoms reported more in women with heart conditions than men. Although these symptoms may also be caused due to many other reasons, experiencing these symptoms puts you at a higher risk of heart diseases. Thus, it is highly recommended to consult with experienced cardiologists in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting

Although dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting can be a symptom of many different health diseases, if these symptoms are followed by shortness of breath or chest discomfort, these are most likely a sign of heart diseases. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Fatigue or weakness or shooting pain anywhere in the body

As per research, women are most likely to experience fatigue or weakness followed by shortness of breath. On the other hand, men are most likely to experience chest pain and pain that travels to one or both arms during heart conditions such as heart attack. Some people may also experience shooting pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back.

So, if you notice one or more symptoms that are consistent with your health conditions or you are over the age of 55, consult with our healthcare experts in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY at the MKR Medical PC. We are among the top practices to provide a full spectrum of Primary care and cardiology services across New York. Our team includes some of the best Primary Care Physicians and Cardiologists with highly specialized skills and extensive experience in diagnosing and treating patients with varied health problems.

Consult with our cardiology and primary care experts for cardiovascular and health analysis and treatment solutions.

To people living in Long Island NY, Rybstein Medical is more than just the top Primary Care Doctor in all of West Babylon, Long Island. Whether you’re in need of Cardiac Testing in Long Island NY, a new Internal Medicine Specialist in Long Island NY, Vascular Disease Testing in Long Island NY, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Long Island NY, Rybstein Medical is the absolute best throughout all of West Babylon, Long Island, New York. Our patients receive the care modern medicine has to offer. Though, what if you’re not close enough to us to choose Rybstein Medical? Thankfully, we have some healthy advice that may help you out!

Did You Know?

From Healthline, ‘It’s possible to have a broken heart. It’s called broken heart syndrome and can have similar symptoms as a heart attack. The difference is that a heart attack is from heart disease and broken heart syndrome is caused by a rush of stress hormones from an emotional or physical stress event.”

Facts like that are why keeping your mind and body healthy is so important. The average heart is the size of a fist in an adult and beats about 115,000 times each day. That’s a lot of work that goes into keeping your heart healthy, and we have some heart-healthy tips to help keep you moving:

  • Laughing is good for your heart and reduces stress. But it also gives a boost to your immune system as well!
  • Exercising isn’t just for weight loss. In fact, exercising forces your heart to work a bit harder during your workout, which in turn increases muscle mass and improves your cardio. A healthier body allows your heart to function better during times of stress.
  • Eating right for YOU is just as important as eating HEALTHY (sometimes). If you don’t like kale, don’t eat kale. You can find healthier versions or alternatives to the foods you love (don’t potato chips, but try veggie straws/chips instead). Moderation is also a key to staying healthier. Don’t eat pizza or burgers five times a week, try enjoying them once a week instead. The smallest changes can sometimes make the biggest difference.
  • Drinking red wine before bed is good for your heart. Yes, you read that right! Drinking a glass of red wine before bed can be good for your heart. According to studies and information gathered from CW-Spirits, “red wine helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. This is due to the tannins in red wine that gives it that red color. Red wine also contains procyanidins, which is known for protecting against heart disease.”
  • Going for long walks, hiking, biking, or camping is great for you beyond just staying active. Think about it, “when you’re moving, your body is working,” right? So, it goes without saying, that going for a long walk every now and then, hiking, biking or camping can be extremely beneficial to your heart as well. Whether it’s fresh air, a healthier body, or even the change of scenery that may help relieve some stress. Going outside can often-times be the most beneficial thing a person can do for their health.

Looking For A Quality Primary Care Doctor In West Babylon, Long Island?

Rybstein Medical offers the best Primary Care Physicians West Babylon, and all of Long Island has to offer! Whether you’re in need of Cardiac Testing in Long Island NY, a new Internal Medicine Specialist in Long Island NY, Vascular Disease Testing in Long Island NY, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Long Island NY, Rybstein Medical is the absolute best around. Our Primary Care Physicians are specially trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of illnesses or diseases affecting adults. If you are in need of a Primary Care Doctor in West Babylon, Long Island NY? Call us today at (631) 991-8787

Choosing a cardiologist can be difficult. There are a couple things that one should look for when trying to decide what cardiologist to visit. Cardiology is a complex and ever-changing field. Becoming a cardiologist is not easy to do, and takes many years of residency, medical school, and fellowships. All cardiologists go through these steps, so most of them are fairly competent, but there are a few factors that separate a good cardiologist from a great cardiologist.

Below are a couple of things to keep in mind when meeting with a Cardiologist for the first time:

  • Your cardiologist should be both friendly and knowledgeable: Knowledge is of course a necessity, but your cardiologist should have a good beside manner, and be able to establish a strong doctor-patient relationship with you. When you meet with your cardiologist, make sure that they do their best to establish rapport with you. A cardiologist who goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable is always a good thing.
  • Your cardiologist should genuinely care about their patients: Genuinely caring about the well-being of a patient is crucial to providing them with the best care possible. Make sure that your cardiologist seems like they entered the medical field for the right reasons, rather than to just have a stable job with good income. A compassionate cardiologist is a much better cardiologist than one who doesn’t care about their patients.
  • Your cardiologist should be patient when explaining things to you: Your cardiologist should take the time to educate you about your condition, and answer any questions that you might have about your health. It is incredibly helpful to have a clinician that can explain things at a level that patients can understand. Many doctors still just tell their patients what they need to do without explaining why.

When you meet with a cardiologist for the first time, make sure that they make you feel comfortable. Feel free to ask them any questions about their expertise or qualifications, and listen to their answers carefully.

If you are in need of a cardiologist, or cardiac testing on Long Island, come to Rybstein Medical.

At Rybstein Medical, we are known for having the best, most experienced cardiologists on Long Island. We have a cutting edge facility, full of top of the line testing equipment for all major cardiology tests. To speak with one of our expert cardiologists, call us today.

Physicians who specialize in internal medicine are often called Internists. These physicians apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to their diagnosis and treatment of adults for a wide variety of health issues, including minor and complex illnesses.

Internal medicine is a discipline that is mainly focused on the care of adults. The internal medicine discipline focuses on the use of the most up to date medical science and techniques available for patient care. Internists specialize in creating a caring doctor-patient relationship with their patients.

Doctors who specialize in internal medicine spend several in medical school learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat all different types of diseases that adults can contract. This training makes the doctors qualified to practice internal medicine. Both terms “Internist” and “Doctor of Internal Medicine” are used to describe these types of primary care physicians.

Internists help patients with conditions such as:

  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Lung Diseases

Internists also sometimes consult with doctors in other fields of medicine, and can sometimes be called on to consult on a patient by some other type of specialist.

If you are an adult, it is advisable to have an internal medicine expert as a primary care physician. Choosing an internist as your primary care physician is a good idea because of their training and varied experience with different medical conditions. If you do not have a current primary care physician, our offices have internists that can be your doctor.

Make an appointment with the best Primary Care Physicians on Long Island at Rybstein Medical

Our Internists can provide:

  • Physical and wellness exams
  • Healthy lifestyle management
  • Management of a wide range of complex, acute and chronic medical conditions
  • Women’s health and wellness services
  • Preventive screenings
  • Cancer prevention and screening
  • Referrals to specialists for further diagnosis and/or treatment
  • Comprehensive travel-related services including physicals and vaccinations

If you have large, visible varicose veins on your legs, the very question in the title of this article may seem nonsensical. You might be tempted to respond, “It’s easy: all I have to do to know I have varicose veins is look in the mirror.”

Unfortunately, this answer is overly simplistic, because not all varicose veins are close enough to the surface of your skin to become visible to the naked eye. To detect them, you need the help of a Long Island vein clinic and an experienced Long Island vascular doctor such as Dr. Marc Rybstein.

What kinds of tests does a vein doctor perform to detect varicose veins?

The best way to know for sure if you have varicose veins (or any other form of vein disease) is to have a venous health screening. These checkups are fast (usually less than an hour), painless, and non-invasive, but they allow Dr. Rybstein to determine the exact state of your vein health very accurately.

The examination may start with a standard physical examination, and then the doctor will ask a number of questions to determine your risk for vein disease. This may include questions about not only your health but that of your family, because varicose veins are hereditary. If your mother or father had them, that increases your risk. The doctor will also ask questions about your lifestyle (whether you smoke, how much exercise you get per week, etc.) and if you are female, whether or not you have been pregnant or are taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

The physical tests the doctor performs may include taking your blood pressure in two locations to determine your ankle-brachial index, a measurement of how well your blood is circulating. If your overall risk of vein disease is high, the doctor may then look beneath the surface of the skin using Doppler ultrasound to locate venous valves that have become damaged or possible blood clots.

What happens after the screening?

After all the tests have been completed, the doctor will discuss his findings with you. If he has found no evidence of varicose veins or other forms of vein disease but your risk for them was high, he will give you advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices that can help you remain disease-free. If he finds evidence of varicose veins, he will explain all of the treatment options, both conservative and those involving actual vein removal in Long Island.

Modern varicose vein treatment in Long Island, if it is needed, is almost as fast, easy, and painless as the screening itself. Because Dr. Rybstein uses only state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive treatment procedures, if you choose to have your varicose veins removed, you can do so in the comfort of our offices, with no need to ever go to a hospital. The procedures are so painless that they often don’t require any anesthesia at all, so some patients have literally had their varicose veins removed on their lunch hour and then returned to work that same day.

So if you’re tired of not knowing or being unsure whether you have varicose veins or some other form of vein disease, stop worrying and do something about it. Pick up a telephone, call Dr. Rybstein at 516-806-5055, and schedule a screening today. You’ll feel better knowing for sure and knowing that even if you do have varicose veins, they can be treated quickly, easily, and painlessly.