Get to Know Your Hospital - Heart Health at Bassett Healthcare Network

COOPERSTOWN — Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cardiology Department is prepared to take part in American Heart Month in February. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for Americans and one that many people are afraid to approach.

We spoke to Nidhish Tiwari, MD, FACC, FASE, FACP, Attending Physician at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta.

Dr. Tiwari is a cardiologist who has spent his career researching and treating the heart. He has been a doctor for ten years and came to Bassett last year after a successful career in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as New York City.

The doctor said that he wanted to take the “mystery out of heart health.” He said that Bassett Medical Center has the modern technology to provide the same level of care as a hospital in a large city, but with a comfortable and convenient approach.

He said that “what you eat, what you do, and what you don’t do” are all essential to healthy heart. Dr. Tiwari said that he does not endorse a specific diet, but instead adjustments to lifestyle.

“You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to be consistent,” he said. There is strong evidence that adding certain foods helps, such as berries, green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds, and whole grains such as quinoa. This allows for the addition of antioxidants, oils, and more to help heart health.

The doctor recommended at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. It can be divided into smaller segments depending on your routine and lifestyle. At least 150 minutes of “moderate intensity” exercise is key, he said. This includes exercising to the point that you would have trouble holding a regular conversation.

Dr. Tiwari said that smoking is the biggest risk factor against heart health. The number of “pack years” multiplying cigarettes by the duration of a smoking habit is especially dangerous for the heart. He added that alcohol should be drank in moderation.

“The poison is in the dose,” he said.

The doctor said that “sitting is the new smoking.” Sedentary lifestyles at home or work can be dangerous. Every hour, a person should get up and move for a few minutes.

These are the “low-hanging fruit” that can help individuals avoid many potential heart issues.

Dr. Tiwari told us that strokes and heart attacks are tied to timing and muscles. He said that if you are experiencing the signs of a stroke or heart attack, don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911 immediately.

He added that the acronym BE FAST can help anyone remember the symptoms of a stroke. Take action quickly if you experience sudden changes in your Balance, Eyes (vision changes), Face (such as a drooping smile), Arms (weakness or an inability to raise them), or Speech (especially slurred speech). The T means it is for time to call 911 if you see these symptoms. 

Many heart issues are not like Hollywood movies. Only some heart attacks and strokes come with the traditional crushing chest pain. They can instead include cold sweats or pain that radiates to the jaw or chest. Dr. Tiwari said that if you feel “impending doom” or nausea without vomiting, these could also be signs of a heart attack.

If you know that you are at risk of heart disease and see any of these signs, pay close attention.

Bassett Medical Center’s advanced facilities are valuable community resources during these kinds of medical emergencies. The hospital in Cooperstown has a Cardiac Catheterization Lab, which is open 24/7 and is equipped with advanced diagnostics and tools that allow cardiovascular professionals to “maximize their ability to preserve the heart’s function.”

Modern techniques allow for catheterization from the wrist and not the groin, he added.

Dr. Tiwari complimented the “incredible team” of medical professionals he works with.

For those who suffer from heart health issues or have had a heart attack or stroke, Dr. Tiwari said that Bassett is especially ready for long-term health treatments. He said that there can be a period of great healing in the aftermath of a heart attack or stroke when individuals undergo Cardiac Rehab therapy. The medical team is able to keep track of your progress and vital statistics. The therapy team “treats you like family,” he said.

The doctor said that Bassett Medical Center has treatment and imaging options, including advanced CT that can see blockages without a single incision. The technologies can also help to determine risk of potential heart attacks. There is hybrid operating room, including “world-class operators.” He said that these experts have been trained in procedures that can help treat issues that previously required open-heart surgery, such as TAVR. This includes Dr. John Kelley, an experienced heart surgeon, and Dr. Nidhi Madan, a nationally recognized expert in valve disease.

“We can handle most cases within your neighborhood,” he said. “Cooperstown is just a short ride away, compared to New York City.”