February is American Heart Month, and for the cardiology team at Riverside Medical Clinic, it's a reminder of how many Inland Empire residents are living with heart conditions they don't fully understand, and how many warning signs go unrecognized until it's too late.
Riverside Medical Clinic's cardiology department offers a range of specialized care — from treating abnormal heart rhythms to managing blood clots to helping patients recover after a cardiac event.
What Does a Blood Clot Actually Feel Like?
Dr. Patrick Hu, who specializes in blood clot treatment at Riverside Medical Clinic, says most patients don't ask until they're already in an ER.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg — often presents with signs that are easy to dismiss. Dr. Hu points to three things to watch for: sudden swelling in one leg (not both), persistent calf pain or tenderness, like a deep cramp, and skin that turns red or feels unusually warm over the affected area.
If that clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs — a condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE) — symptoms shift: sudden shortness of breath; sharp chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing; or an unexplained dry cough. In severe cases, someone may cough up blood.
If you experience signs of a pulmonary embolism, seek emergency care immediately.
When Your Heart Beats to Its Own Rhythm
Doctor examining patient's hands in exam room. (Courtesy of Riverside Medical Clinic)
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting millions of Americans. Many live with it for years, attributing fatigue, palpitations, or shortness of breath to stress or aging.
Dr. Adnan Raza, an electrophysiologist at Riverside Medical Clinic, specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms including AFib. The clinic's cardiology program uses advanced mapping and ablation technology — including the Affera system — to treat rhythm disorders.
Riverside Medical Clinic also has a pediatric cardiologist on staff — Dr. Payal Patel — for patients of all ages.
Recovering From a Heart Event — Without Leaving Home
For patients who have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, or other cardiac event, the road to recovery runs through cardiac rehabilitation. Traditionally, that meant regular in-person appointments — a barrier for many patients, especially those in outlying areas or managing other responsibilities.
Riverside Medical Clinic offers Recora, a virtual cardiac rehabilitation program that removes that barrier. "Many patients who might otherwise struggle to attend in-person rehab are now able to fully participate from home without sacrificing quality," said Dr. Mandira Patel, the program's medical director. "I've seen improved engagement, stronger outcomes, and greater patient confidence in managing heart health."
A patient from Temescal Valley who completed the Recora program was able to participate fully in rehab without the travel burden that traditional in-person sessions would have required.
Care That's Already Here
Physician consulting with patient in clinic office. (Courtesy of Riverside Medical Clinic)
One of the most common barriers to cardiac care isn't cost or fear — it's distance. Residents in Riverside and the broader Inland Empire have historically had to travel to Los Angeles County or Orange County to access certain specialized procedures.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. During American Heart Month — and beyond it — knowing the warning signs, having a local care option, and not waiting to seek help can make a life-saving difference.
