Show Your Heart Some Love

February is here and with it comes an abundance of love. It’s also Heart Month and the perfect time to learn how to take the best care of your body’s most vital organ. This month Dr. Peter Cohn, Chief of Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular, shares guidance about heart health and how to help keep your heart beating strong

Understanding Heart Disease Risks

While heart disease affects both men and women, the risks and symptoms can present differently. Understanding these risks and adopting heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce the chances of heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions.

Risks for Men

Men are generally at higher risk for heart disease at an earlier age compared to women. Key risk factors include:

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol or triglycerides
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• High stress levels
• Family history of coronary disease

Symptoms of a heart attack in men often include intense chest pain, pressure or heaviness, as well as shortness of breath and pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

Risks for Women

Women tend to develop heart disease later in life, often after menopause when estrogen levels decline. In addition to high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and obesity, risk factors for women also include:

• Inflammatory conditions (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Stress and depression, which can have a greater impact on women’s heart health

While Women’s heart attack symptoms are often the same as in their male counterparts, there are instances when the symptoms can be more subtle and may include nausea, fatigue, dizziness and back or jaw pain.

If you experience these symptoms, it is very important to seek help immediately. Early recognition of an acute heart attack can save your life. In cardiology we say, “Time is muscle.” The earlier we can intervene in the setting of a heart attack, the more heart muscle we can save.

Tips to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of heart disease cases are preventable? A few simple steps today, like the diet and lifestyle changes below, can lead to a healthier heart tomorrow.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Foods that are low in sodium and saturated fat are key to heart disease prevention. Adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains is one simple way to put your eating habits on the right track. In addition, try to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, and avoid foods and beverages with added sugar.
• Stay active. Regular exercise strengthens your heart muscles, which improves your heart’s capacity to pump blood throughout your body. Just 150 minutes of physical activity each week – such as brisk walking, cycling and strength training – is recommended. That’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week!
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity or being overweight is hard on your heart. It increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol. The chemicals in tobacco can harm your heart and blood vessels in so many ways. They can cause blood to thicken and form clots inside veins and arteries, leading to heart attacks. Minimize alcohol consumption, if any – up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
• Get regular checkups. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels regularly. Discuss any family history of heart disease with your doctor and take preventive measures if needed.
• Manage diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. This can cause your heart muscles to overwork, leading to high blood pressure.
• Control stress and improve sleep. Stress, lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can contribute to high blood pressure and strain our hearts. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and practice forms of stress reduction such as meditation and yoga.

The Bottom Line

Your heart works tirelessly for you – return the favor by taking proactive steps to protect it. By making small but meaningful lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and enjoy a healthier, longer life.

This Heart Month, take a moment to evaluate your heart health and encourage loved ones to do the same. Your heart will thank you for it!

Wishing you and your heart the best,

Peter Cohn, MD, FACC

Chief of Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular