Take action and protect your heart during Heart Month

Did you know in 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation declaring February American Heart Month? Amy Montgomery, from Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center from Methodist Hospital | Hill Country, presented to the Gillespie County Retired Teachers Association on Monday, February 12, at the Golden Hub in Fredericksburg. Educational information, history, and resources on protecting your heart and the signs/symptoms of a heart attack were shared. Following the presentation, participants had the opportunity to learn hands-only CPR.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. When people discuss heart disease, the most common form is coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common type of heart disease. When someone has CHD, the coronary arteries (tubes) that take blood to the heart are narrow or blocked. This happens when cholesterol and fatty material, called plaque, build up inside the arteries.

Several things can lead to plaque building up inside your arteries, including:

• Too much cholesterol in the blood
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Too much sugar in the blood because of diabetes
• When plaque blocks an artery, it’s hard for blood to flow to the heart. A blocked artery can cause chest pain or a heart attack.

Anyone can get heart disease, but you’re at higher risk if you:

• Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
• Smoke
• Are overweight or have obesity
• Don't get enough physical activity
• Don't eat a healthy diet

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease. Your risk is higher if:

• You’re a woman over age 55
• You’re a man over age 45
• Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55
• Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65
• But the good news is there's a lot you can do to prevent heart disease.

The American Heart Association shares simple ways we can improve our health. Amy shared, “Try to eat healthier a little each day and move more throughout the day, stand or stretch when you can. Dr. Roger Galindo, Chief Medical Officer for MHHC, expressed, “A positive outlook and finding a purpose for each day can boost your mental health, especially on the cold days of winter. There are many great activities and recipes available which promote a healthy heart. Try gathering with loved ones or friends to go for a walk or cook a new meal; it will bring added joy to the experience. The most important component is to see your doctor and share when something feels not quite right; be an advocate for your health.”

Tips and strategies for a heart-healthy diet

• Eat more vegetables and fruits for vitamins, minerals, and heart health.
• Select whole grains for fiber and nutrients.
• Choose healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated options.
• Select low-fat proteins, including lean meat, poultry, fish, and legumes.
• Reduce salt intake to lower blood pressure.
• Control portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
• Plan daily menus emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats.
• Enjoy occasional treats in moderation without derailing your healthy eating plan.

If you think you or a loved one might be experiencing a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Remember, the chances of surviving a heart attack are better the sooner emergency treatment begins.

The major symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. You may also break out into a cold sweat.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders.
• Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort, but shortness of breath also can happen before chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms of a heart attack could include unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. Women are more likely to have these other symptoms.

Research shows children and youth are increasingly at risk for CAD, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).  Dr. Galindo noted, “Healthy habits created early in life can have greater life benefits and delay the progression of CAD. Dr. Galindo calls for everyone to take action for your heart this February. Protect your heart for your family, loved ones, and friends. We all know nothing hurts like a broken heart.”   

To learn more about the MHHC Cardiac Rehab Support Group services available, call (830) 997-1358 or visit the cardiology page, and additional education can be found at CDC, Heart.org, or Health.gov.