Ricky Sayegh MD is a board-certified physician based in Bergen County, New Jersey, whose clinical practice centers on interventional pain management, with additional experience in internal medicine, emergency care, and intensive care. He earned his medical degree in 2000 and completed residency training at New York University/Mount Sinai Medical Center, culminating in a position as chief medical resident. He later obtained a physician executive MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focusing on health care management, finance, and population health informatics. Dr. Sayegh has presented on topics including congestive heart failure management and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and has held roles such as chief medical officer with Con Edison’s employee wellness program, senior medical director at Centene/Fidelis, and director of utilization management at Yonkers Medical Associates. He was recognized as a Top Doctor in New Jersey in 2025 for interventional pain management.
The impact of cardiovascular conditions on the American public cannot be overstated: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease claims 683,491 lives each year, more than any other health condition, and more than Alzheimer’s, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and unintentional injuries combined. Heart disease refers to several distinct illnesses and conditions that adversely affect heart health. Specific types of heart disease include coronary artery disease and other blood vessel conditions, heart failure, heart valve disease, and irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias.
Another form of heart disease, congenital heart disease, encompasses various heart conditions that a person lives with from birth.
While these and other forms of heart disease present a serious risk to health and wellness, Americans can significantly reduce their risk by making a few simple lifestyle choices, such as eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Avoiding the excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can also reduce heart disease risk, as can abstaining from the use of illegal drugs, including cocaine. Tobacco products greatly increase a person’s risk of heart disease.
Dental health is, perhaps surprisingly, another major risk factor for poor cardiovascular health. Unhygienic teeth and gums promote the presence of germs, which can enter the bloodstream through the mouth and ultimately travel to the heart, resulting in an infection called endocarditis. With this in mind, brushing teeth, flossing, and regular dental checkups can help mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Other risk factors are beyond a person’s control. The risk of heart disease naturally increases as a person ages. Men are more likely to develop cardiovascular conditions than women, and so are Americans with a family history of heart disease.
Although there are many unique types of heart disease, many of the conditions share similar symptoms. Early on, individuals may notice pain or discomfort in their chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, and unusual heartbeats.
Other symptoms depend on the specific disease. Congenital heart defects, for example, can cause swelling in the limbs, belly, and around the eyes.
Individuals should contact a healthcare provider any time they experience chest pain or faint. Any person living with an increased risk of heart disease should familiarize themselves with heart attack symptoms and immediately call 911 if they believe they are experiencing heart failure.
While cardiovascular disease remains a serious health threat in the US, physicians and medical researchers have made great strides when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Patients can benefit from an array of medications, surgical procedures, and counseling on lifestyle changes. Treatment may also include management techniques for related health conditions, such as diabetes.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) seeks to reduce cardiovascular health issues throughout the US by developing robust clinical guidelines and policies to support medical professionals. ACC hosts numerous scientific sessions, professional meetings, and educational opportunities designed to keep members abreast of the latest findings and strategies for addressing cardiovascular health threats. The organization also provides updates on industry news and clinical discoveries. Healthcare professionals can learn more about ACC programs and offerings by visiting acc.org.
About Ricky Sayegh MD
Ricky Sayegh MD practices interventional pain management in Bergen County, New Jersey, and is board certified in internal medicine and advanced trauma and life support. He has served as chief medical officer with Con Edison’s employee wellness program, senior medical director at Centene/Fidelis, and director of utilization management at Yonkers Medical Associates. He holds a physician executive MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has volunteered with Doctors Without Borders and local reentry organizations supporting former inmates. He was named a Top Doctor in New Jersey in 2025.
