I can highly recommend Dr. Ben-Zur and his staff at the Cardiovascular Institute. He is a very caring and knowledgeable physician and expert Cardiologist and I am very glad to have found him. I wanted to share my review and story so that others who might find themselves in a similar life threatening situation can know that an oasis of true caring and real help exists right here in LA.
Late last year, I went to see him as my blood pressure had been getting very high and I wasn't feeling well. That afternoon when I arrived at his office, my BP was in an extremely high range. I was seen by Dr. Ben-Zur right away and given some emergency medication. We then also began a number of tests. I was overweight had other issues and was not in good shape at all. Dr. Ben-Zur was very calm, reassuring and helpful at each test and each step of the way. Not only that, but he gave me his personal cell and email so I could reach him anytime. This felt so good knowing I always could reach out no matter what time or day.
I was also amazed that I could come in for an appointment early before work or in the afternoon and each time, I was always seen right away. This was wonderful compared to the dreaded typical waiting room wait at other offices.
As we carefully and thoroughly tested and eliminated possible issues, I was briefed on diet and exercise changes I needed to make immediately. This sounds like what one would expect, but I mean 100% vegetables! And I mean exercise every day!
I started on my new diet and my medications, but my goal was to be healthy, fit and off all medications, but I needed to get there safely and not cause other complications or land up in the ER. After all, it had taken me years of bad habits and putting on weight, it wasn't going to disappear overnight and I also didn't feel that simply relying on the medication and not changing my diet was the true path to ultimate health.
I really took it seriously and decided that I had gotten myself into this mess and had a chance to get things right if I followed a strict vegetable diet. I also decided the safest and fastest way to lose weight was to cut out all salt, sugar, caffeine, bread, pasta, sodas, meat, dairy etc. It wasn't easy, but it was the right thing to do and in the end it was only food choices and there was no need to put my life at risk over some pizza or cheeseburger etc.
This diet has worked wonders!
Eating Organic Vegetables wherever possible, skipping the Salt and exercise became my daily routine!
I began to lose weight and while I was able to only walk 15 min my first day, I was on the path to recovery. Each day closer and each visit to Dr. Ben-Zur I gained a better understanding of what was happening and what we were doing next. I never felt I was on my own for an instant.
By working with Dr. Ben-Zur, I could see that I could eat well, eat lots of vegetables and then later a little bit of fruit in the mornings, but limited to low sugar choices like a few strawberries. I then increased my walking to two walks per day, and then an hour of walking, running and finally added in calisthenics and aerobic exercises to get my heart rate up and burn those calories.
Now 8 months later, I have lost 50 pounds! My BP is down in a manageable range, I have managed to eliminate two of my meds and working on getting off the last.
Eating well and exercising every day now is my permanent lifestyle. To me it has been my path to recovery and an investment in the future so I can enjoy life and my years ahead with my family and friends.
If you have any heart or blood pressure issues, please go see Dr. Ben-Zur. You will not be disappointed and you will be very glad you did.
You can also visit his website, read his articles and his wonderful book online "Our Heart to Yours - A Guide to Heart Health".
Thanks Dr. Ben-Zur! You are truly one of a kind! Also, many, many thanks to all your fabulous caring, professional and friendly staff at the Institute.
Wishing you continued success and all the very best!
Alan W. read more