A Message from our Vice President of Medical Services

February isn’t just about heart-shaped candies, it is also American Heart Month. This month, give a lot more love to your heart.

You may know someone who has suffered with heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure. Nearly one in every three deaths occurs because of heart disease and stroke, making it the leading cause of death in the United State. When most people think of heart disease, they think of a heart attack. A precursor to a heart attack occurs when sticky plaque builds up inside the heart arteries making it hard for blood to flow. Many people don't know they have this until they have a heart attack. But there are warning signs, like recurring chest pain, called angina, which is caused by the restricted blood flow to the heart.

A heart attack is only one type of heart disease. Heart disease includes many conditions affecting the function of your heart. These can include:

- Heart valve disease

- Heart muscle disease

- Heart vessel disease

- Heart rhythm disease

Because heart disease is so common, it is very important to talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about it. They can help you find ways to prevent heart disease or they can direct you to a Specialist if needed. Having high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for heart disease. Being overweight, obese, or physically inactive can all increase your risk. Discuss your risks with your doctor to develop a strategy for managing them. When it comes to your heart health, there are many steps you can take to protect your heart and there are some things you can’t control, such as family history or aging.

Keep in mind that there are numerous things you can do to lower your chances of risk. Below is a list of things you can do today to have a better heart tomorrow.

1) If you are a smoker, quit. Smoking is the number one preventable cause of premature death in the U.S. Quitting is hard, but when you toss your cigarettes, you will begin to improve your heart health in just within a few days. There are many community resources to help you do just that. Check out the Colorado QuitLine program at www.coquitline.org or call 1-800 QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Remember to stay away from secondhand smoke too.

2) Don’t ignore your chest pain, even if it’s mild. When your chest hurts and you don’t know why, call your PCP to make an appointment. Heart pain tends to feel more like pressure or heaviness than actual pain. Some people may feel that pressure in front of their chest, with a sensation going up to their shoulders, into their jaw or down their arm. If you feel as though something heavy is sitting on your chest and you’re sweating, nauseated or short of breath, call 911.

3) Never skip your checkups. If you are unable to attend your regular doctor appointment, call in advance to reschedule. There are many silent heart-risk factors that are found only through screening tests at your doctor’s office.

4) Don’t be a couch potato. When you exercise, so does your heart. Exercising helps to lower blood pressure, it improves cholesterol levels, helps with weight loss and cuts down on stress. So be active and give your heart a chance to do what it’s supposed to do.

5) Eat for your heart. Your heart depends on you to be healthy. If you are overweight, there is good news. When you lose moderate weight, you can still improve your heart health. When you are at the grocery store, pick up more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and olive oil.

Making these necessary lifestyle changes may not be easy. It takes dedication and discipline to stay on top of your health. Regardless of what changes you are making to your lifestyle, remember to create realistic goals for yourself and to focus on one change at a time. Give yourself at least three weeks to get used to these changes. Prepare yourself for lapses and relapses. That’s okay, don’t be hard on yourself and focus on getting back on track. Make sure you have a good amount of support from your friends, family and primary care doctor also.

Take care of yourself. Then spread what you know and become an inspiration to others and remember, love your heart!