Heart disease is one of the most widespread and complicated health challenges in the United States and around the world and February in the U.S. is known as Heart Health Month, a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who’d had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month.
Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, killing 17.9 million people every year — a number that’s expected to grow past 23.6 million by 2030. About 80 percent of these deaths are from heart attack and stroke, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Heart Federation.
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and lower your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Every day, your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to cells and organs throughout the body, which is an incredible amount of work for a muscle about the size of your fist. So the easier you can make your heart’s job, the longer it can keep you alive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are a number of ways we can keep our hearts healthy and operating efficiently that include talking to your family and doctor about your health history. You should also make healthy food choices like eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Eat less salt, saturated fats and added sugar.
It’s also a good idea to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. If you’re a smoker, quit now. If you take medicine to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something, and never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. You’ll also want to start monitoring your own blood pressure by using home monitors that are easy to operate.
We encourage you to drink water instead of sugary drinks to reduce calories. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation by limiting consumption to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
High blood pressure is one of the catalysts for heart ailments and strokes, and a stroke occurs when there’s a blocked or ruptured artery. Sometimes called a brain attack, strokes happen when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die.
Eskenazi health offers a number of programs and services to help with a person’s heart health. Programs include Eskenazi Health Healthy Me, nutrition education and a stroke center that offers comprehensive care, including prevention, diagnosis, and acute treatment for stroke.
Drawing on decades of experience in stroke treatment and prevention, the Eskenazi Health Stroke Center staff immediately jump into action when a patient experiencing stroke symptoms arrives. The stroke team consists of certified vascular neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, neurointensivist and board-certified stroke registered nurses.
It is always important you have a primary care physician and to schedule regular appointments to review your heart health. Please call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu to find a primary care provider.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialist at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington