SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Each year, communities nationwide observe the importance of heart health and ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. In honor of American Heart Month, Steven Herrmann M.D., Ph.D., medical director of cardiology at Saint Mary’s Medical Group recommends the ABCDE’S method to maintain a healthy heart.
Aspirin
Taking a daily dose of aspirin between 81 and 162 mg reduces blood clot formation, decreases pain, and reduces ones chance of suffering from a first heart attack. In patients who have already had a heart attack, aspirin is a key part of therapy to reduce future events. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy with their primary care provider or a cardiologist prior to starting a daily regimen.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is oftentimes referred to as the “silent killer,” because there are few symptoms related to blood pressure alone. However, elevated blood pressure is an important risk factor for stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, vascular disease, and congestive heart failure. Optimal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg and levels greater than 140/90 mmHg is concerning and should always be discussed with your physician. It is important to monitor your levels at home and to practice common sense management, including diet, exercise, and weight loss. Discuss with your physician or cardiologist what lifestyle modifications or medications may be helpful in controlling your blood pressure and reducing your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol
It is important to know all of your cholesterol numbers and to address both the bad cholesterol (LDL forms blockages in your arteries) as well as the good cholesterol (HDL prevents heart attacks) with your physician. The key to managing cholesterol is a conscious effort of diet, exercise, and weight loss. It is important to reduce saturated or animal-based fats, as well as increasing your unsaturated or plant-based fats. Additionally, increase the fiber in your diet, through judicious intake of fruits and vegetables. Some patients, especially those with hypertension and diabetes, benefit from medications to reduce their bad cholesterol or raise their good cholesterol. Your physician can determine whether modifications in prescriptions will improve cholesterol levels.
Diet
Your diet is a key component to managing your blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, weight, and reducing your risk of heart disease. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will keep you healthy and feeling energized. It is recommended to eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber. Also, limit the amount of sodium in your diet to 2,300 mg per day in a healthy adult and 1,500 mg per day if you are over 51 or are at-risk for developing heart disease. For heart healthy recipes and ideas, visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org.
Exercise
Exercise reduces your blood pressure and cholesterol, improves your blood sugar levels, and in general makes you feel better. We recommend walking, swimming, bicycling or aerobics which are all great options for a healthy heart. Optimally, exercising at an aerobic heart rate for 35-45 minutes a day on most of the days of the week will dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease, help you lose weight, and improve your other risk factors. Setting a weight-loss goal getting your waist below 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men will dramatically reduce your chances of developing a chronic disease. Always discuss your risk and limitations with your doctor or cardiologist before starting an exercise program.
Smoking
Of all potential risk factors, nicotine abuse is one of the worst. Smoking increases the risk of heart attack six-fold for women and three-fold for men. Working with your physician to “kick your butts” is perhaps the best gift you can give yourself and family and has tremendous health benefits, including decreasing your chance of developing heart disease.
Following these simple tips will help you improve your overall health and reduce your risk for heart disease. So get started on a path to healthy living.
To learn more about Saint Mary’s Medical Group Cardiology, visit www.saintmarysreno.org.
About Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s Network is a fully-integrated, faith-based health system in Reno, Nev. founded in 1908 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. The network is comprised of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, an acute-care hospital, providing inpatient, outpatient and wellness services; Saint Mary’s Health Plans, a statewide insurance provider with more than 40,000 members; and Saint Mary’s Medical Group, a network of physicians and other health professionals offering primary and urgent care, retail clinics and specialty healthcare. A member of Catholic Healthcare West, Saint Mary’s is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of our community. For more information, visit our website at www.saintmarysreno.org.
