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People should love their heart year-round

Tips offered for good health

Posted 2/19/20

Hearts are front and center during February. It’s national Heart Month and people celebrate Valentine’s Day.

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People should love their heart year-round

Tips offered for good health

Posted

Hearts are front and center during February. It’s national Heart Month and people celebrate Valentine’s Day.

With all the talk of hearts, it’s a good time to remember that while heart disease is still the number one killer of men and women, it can be managed, and in some cases, prevented altogether.

The heart is a muscular organ that is vital in pumping oxygen-rich blood and nutrients throughout the body. When the heart cannot perform this function properly people can begin experiencing a variety of symptoms.

The most common forms of heart disease are heart failure, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease and Arrhythmias.

Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. People may experience shortness of breath with activity, swelling in the legs, rapid weight gain and increased fatigue. These are often dismissed as being age-related or out of shape.

Heart valve disease is when one of the valves in the heart is not working correctly. The symptoms are similar to heart failure and can include shortness of breath with activity, fatigue, swelling in the legs/feet, dizziness or chest pain.  There have been many advancements in treatment options for valvular disease. An example of this is the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. This is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery where the aortic valve is able to be replaced through the arteries in the leg instead of open heart surgery, which means decreased hospital stays and a much faster recovery time.

Coronary artery disease is build-up of plaque in the arteries that can decrease the blood supply to the heart and can lead to a heart attack. The most common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain/pressure, or pain that occurs in the shoulders, arms, back, jaw, or it may also present like indigestion. The pain may get worse with activity and decrease at rest. Often times women do not experience the classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which is why annual health screenings are so important. 

Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, occur when the electrical impulses in the heart are not working correctly. Common symptoms can include fluttering in the chest, sweating, fatigue and dizziness.

The traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity, affect women and men equally. It’s an equal opportunity condition.

Making healthy lifestyle choices can make a world of difference. Stay active and keep the body moving, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days per week. Follow a healthy diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid fast or processed food, maintain a healthy weight, try to manage stress, quit smoking and get regular health screening and physicals.

The good news is there are many new treatment options for heart disease that not only allow patients to live longer but also improve their quality of life.

Abrazo Health offers the AngioScreen heart attack and stroke risk assessment program in Maricopa County. This portable screening is available for employer and community health fairs, and screening events are scheduled monthly in Abrazo hospitals across the Valley. The low-cost screening can help identify potential circulatory problems, such as peripheral artery disease, a narrowing of arteries that can lead to coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke. A nurse provides a brief consultation to explain the results, which participants are encouraged to share with their personal physician for followup.

Having even one of the risk factors for heart disease can be dangerous. But having multiple risks is even more serious because risk factors tend to intensify the effects of others and increase the chances of developing a heart condition.

People should not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if they experience symptoms that seem to be life-threatening. Regular check-ups with their doctor can help identify risks and treatment for heart disease. Being proactive about health can help people enjoy time with their Valentine year after year.

Visit AbrazoHealth.com.

Editor’s Note: Ms. Ostwald is a structural heart nurse navigator at Abrazo Arrowhead campus, 18701 N. 67th Ave., Glendale.