Become ‘Heart Smart’ this February: American Heart Month

People think that cardiovascular disease affects only middle-aged men, but that is not the reality … it can affect people at any age

By: Mary Koeppel with Geralyn Karpiscak, R.N.C.
   The month of February is all about romance, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, hearts and flowers may be on our minds. But did you know that the American Heart Association also marks February as American Heart Month each year? It’s the perfect time to take stock of our own health—and that of those we love—and make heart-healthy changes for the better.
   According to the American Heart Association, there are more than 64 million Americans currently living with some form of cardiovascular disease—including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, congenital cardiovascular defects, hardening of the arteries as well as diseases of the circulatory system.
   Geralyn Karpiscak, R.N.C, nurse manager of the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP), sees the devastating impact of cardiovascular disease first hand, and points out that it’s never too early to become "heart smart."
   "Typically, people think that cardiovascular disease affects only middle-aged men, but that is not the reality," she explains. "We have provided care to men—and women—in their late 20s and early 30s in cardiac rehab," she notes. "This is a progressive disease and while the prevalence of cardiovascular disease gets higher with age, it can affect people at any age."
   Because of that fact, Ms. Karpiscak stresses the importance of incorporating heart-healthy living at an early age. "It’s important for people, beginning in early childhood through their adult lives, to become ‘heart smart,’ to take care of themselves and their health, and to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease."
   While some people may be at greater risk for cardiovascular disease due to family history and a genetic predisposition to the disease, Ms. Karpiscak points out that there are many risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are preventable.
   "People can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease if they know the risk factors, recognize where they may be at risk and make appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce their risk. Even those with a genetic predisposition for heart disease can reduce their risk by making heart-healthy lifestyle choices," she adds.
   According to Ms. Karpiscak these preventable risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol when genetics are not a factor, chronic stress and smoking.
   "It’s important to know what lifestyle habits and behaviors put you at risk for developing cardiovascular disease," explains Ms. Karpiscak, "and to maintain a good relationship with your doctor so that you can monitor your health status during each stage of your life, and make changes when necessary."
   Other helpful tools in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, she notes, include participating in screenings and educational programs—such as those offered by Princeton HealthCare System throughout the community, particularly during Heart Month.
   In an effort to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease and in recognition of American Heart Month, Princeton HealthCare System Community Education & Outreach and University Medical Center at Princeton’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program have brought together a series of informative programs and screenings, through a generous grant from the Princeton HealthCare System Foundation, to reach out to those affected by cardiovascular disease and promote healthier heart living in the community overall.
   Ms. Karpiscak points out that educational programs like these help keep participants current with rapidly changing federal guidelines and recommendations related to cardiac risk factors. This knowledge, together with screening results, she explains, offers participants an accurate picture of their personal health status, and awareness of their individual risk for cardiovascular disease, and where they may need to make some health-related change.
   "I always try to offer participants practical ways they can incorporate heart healthy living into their daily routine," she says. "Tips like taking the stairs as opposed to the elevator, or parking just a little farther away from your destination and walking the extra steps, if you’re trying to increase your level of activity, or reducing portion sizes if weight loss is your goal. These are simple changes that can really make a significant difference in reducing your risk factors for heart disease," she adds.
   Screening programs, however, cautions Ms. Karpiscak, should never take the place of medical care, particularly for people who have concerns about their health.
   "Screening programs can be very effective at helping to detect a cardiac problem, but it’s important to have regular physical exams," she says, "and to talk to your physician about your risk for cardiovascular disease and any usual symptoms you might be experiencing."
   It’s also important, she notes, to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and to seek immediate medical attention if you experience them. Symptoms may include chest discomfort, which may or may not be an intense stabbing pain, pain or discomfort in one or both arms, pain in the back, neck or jaw, or shortness of breath.
   Make the month of February all about your good heart health. Celebrate Heart Month and take a step toward reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease by participating in the myriad of heart-healthy events available throughout the community.
   On Monday, from 6 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., PHCS is offering a free blood pressure, body fat, and body mass index screening program, "Be Your Own Valentine!" The program will take place in the Ground Floor Conference Room at UMCP. No registration is required.
   On Friday, Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Stuart Robertshaw, Ed.D., J.D., also known as "Dr. Humor" and a nationally renowned speaker and humorist, will share what he has learned through his studies of humor.
   Woven in with the laughter are messages about the need for caring, optimism, empathy and generosity. The first 200 registrants will receive a free copy of "Dear Dr. Humor: A Collection of Humorous Stories for All Occasions." The program will be held at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, located at 102 Carnegie Center Boulevard in West Windsor. The cost is $15 per person, and includes a light dinner and book signing following the presentation.
   For more information or to register for any of these programs, please call Princeton HealthCare System Community Education & Outreach Program at (609) 497-4480.
Editor’s note: On Jan. 28, "Health Matters" discussed the importance of clinical trials. The name of a contributing physician was misspelled in the headline. His name is David B. Sokol, M.D., as stated throughout the story. We regret the headline error.