The Importance of Heart Health

Most people brush their teeth at least once a day to prevent cavities and take vitamins to support specific health needs that are not met by diet alone. But, how many people focus on their heart health on a daily basis? Do you?

February is American Heart Month, a national observance to raise awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

According to the American Heart Association, due to increases in high blood pressure and obesity, heart disease continues to kill more people in the U.S. than any other cause. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in this country than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths – the #2 and #3 causes of death – combined.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association encourage men and women to focus on cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise, and stress management.

“Heart health is knowing your risk factors, making smart choices and adopting healthy habits,” said Adil Waheed, DO, a five board-certified and fellowed interventional cardiologist at Penn Highlands Cardiology. “It is important to focus on three key areas: diet and nutrition; activity and weight; and lifestyle.”

Dr. Waheed recommends the following steps to heart health:

• Reduce salt and saturated fats.

• Consume lean protein, fruits, vegetables and fiber.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Reduce prolonged sitting.

• Get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

• Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

• Quit smoking.

• Limit alcohol consumption.

Physicians and providers help their patients in the prevention of heart disease through the early diagnosis of risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. They also can perform or prescribe routine screenings and create personalized plans that focus on lifestyle modifications. If necessary, they can refer patients to specialists such as dietitians or cardiologists for more intensive care and support. Medications such as blood pressure lowering or cholesterol medication may be necessary.

For patients, it is important to be proactive and schedule annual physicals. It is also essential to ask questions about your family history and risk factors. Honesty is vital too. It helps to discuss challenges with diet, exercise and smoking cessation.

Penn Highlands Healthcare cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and heart health experts treat all types of heart problems from chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, to emergency conditions, such as heart attacks. For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/heartcare.