By Lisa S. Motavalli, M.D., F.A.C.C
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, killing at least 600,000 people in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although heart disease is one of the most prevalent health conditions in America, it is preventable.
Though there are some risk factors that are beyond your control such as age and family history, there are many other risk factors that can often be reduced by working with your doctor and making some simple lifestyle adjustments.
Knowing your risk
One of the first steps toward lowering your risk for heart disease is being aware of what the risk factors are and how susceptible you may be toward developing heart problems.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. The CDC reports that about half of all Americans have at least one of these risk factors.
Other risk factors include:
Diabetes.
Overweight or obesity.
Poor diet.
Lack of exercise.
Family history.
Age.
Leading a heart-healthy life
The following recommendations can help you lead a heart healthy life and lower your risk for heart disease:
Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in fiber and low in saturated fat to help control high cholesterol. Limiting or lowering salt in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.
Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends adults engage in moderate intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes five days per week. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated based on your weight and height. A normal BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9.
Don’t smoke and avoid other’s second hand smoke. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
Manage health conditions. Have your cholesterol checked, monitor your blood pressure regularly, keep diabetes under control and take your medications as prescribed.
Talk with your doctor. Your doctor can help assess your risk for heart disease and come up with a plan for keeping you healthy. Ask questions, and stay informed. You are your own best healthcare advocate.
It is also important to note that while the link between stress and heart disease is not entirely clear, stress affects behaviors that can increase heart disease risk. For instance, some people may not eat a healthy diet when they are stressed or they may forego exercise or drink too much alcohol. Finding ways to manage stress whether through positive self-talk, physical activity or other relaxation techniques is critical to your overall health.
Recognizing warning signs
Heart disease may not have any symptoms until a heart attack occurs. Knowing the signs of a potential heart attack and getting help fast can help save your life. Signs of a heart attack may include:
Chest discomfort. Heart attacks may involve discomfort in the chest that can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. This may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Breaking out into a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Every minute counts when it comes to treating a heart attack. If you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1. Do not drive yourself to the hospital, as emergency responders are able to begin care immediately and alert the Emergency Department of your impending arrival.
If you are unsure of your symptoms, but concerned you might be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and have them checked out. It could mean the difference between life and death.
To find a physician with Princeton HealthCare System call (888) 742-7496 or visit www.princetonhcs.org.
Lisa S. Motavalli, M.D., F.A.C.C. is board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. She is a member of the medical staff of University Medical Center of Princeton.
