You Can't Know Too Much About Your Heart: Learn and Live

Did You Know? Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S., claiming over 695,000 lives annually. That’s one in every five deaths. Even with advances in medicine, many Americans are still unaware of the risk, warning signs, or the strategies to prevent this life-threatening condition.  

Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. According to the CDC, approximately 20.1 million U.S. adults aged 20 and older are living with coronary artery disease (CAD), and many are diagnosed only after a heart attack or stroke. Here’s what you need to know about heart disease, from its staggering frequency to actionable prevention tips. 

Understanding the risks. CAD is the most common form of heart disease. Most often, it is the result of a combination of your genetics, behavior, and your environment. Some risks you can control or modify, including age, gender, family history of heart disease, familial hypercholesterolemia. Elevated Lp(a) is also a risk factor. You can’t control or modify Lp(a) because it’s a genetic independent risk factor for heart disease. 

The good news is you can change your risk with proper care and attention. These are called modifiable risk factors and include:   

• Having high blood pressure. It is a silent driver of heart disease. It is also called the silent killer. Over 47% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. 

• Having high cholesterol and elevated levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol. This leads to a sticky plaque buildup in your arteries causing heart attacks and strokes. 

• Having diabetes. If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without. Three out of four people with diabetes will die from a heart attack or stroke, not diabetes. Too much sugar in the blood is like floating broken pieces of glass that tear away at the walls of your arteries, making the lining rough where substances that cause inflammation can settle in. 

• Using nicotine or smoking. These products damage your blood vessels and reduce oxygen supply to the heart. 

• Being obese and/or physically inactive. Excess weight is a strain on your heart and increases your blood pressure. A sedentary lifestyle weakens your heart. 

• Having a poor diet. Diets that are high in processed and ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, sodium, added sugars, as well as diets low in plant-based fiber and healthy fats, increase the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation. 

• Living with chronic stress and untreated or unsupported mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety can negatively impact your heart health. Anxiety has been linked to long term stroke risk by up to 33%. 

Signs and symptoms. Heart disease can present differently in men and women. Many heart attacks occur without clear warning signs, making regular check-ups and screening critical.  

Knowing the common symptoms can save your life or the life of someone you care about. 

• Chest Pain or discomfort 

• Shortness of Breath 

• Sweating  

• Fatigue or weakness 

• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw or back 

Women may experience more subtle symptoms such as: 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Unexplained fatigue 

• Lightheadedness or dizziness 

• Indigestion 

Testing. A standard screening for lipids (cholesterol) may not be enough to determine your risk or tell the entire story of your heart health. It is estimated that 50% of people have “normal” lipids at the time of their first heart event. This is likely due to other factors that contribute to the risk of heart disease including inflammation, uncontrolled blood sugar or other metabolic processes, as well as genetics. More advanced blood testing may be helpful. Testing should be personalized to your individual needs. 

Prevention is the key. You can prevent heart disease through lifestyle changes. Incorporating these strategies into your daily life can significantly reduce your risk. 

• Eat healthy. Follow a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

• Get regular exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly, like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. 

• Manage your weight. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress and strain on your heart. 

• If you smoke or use nicotine, STOP. This improves heart health almost immediately. 

• Manage your stress. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing to support lowering stress levels. 

• Get adequate sleep. Poor sleep quality is linked to high blood pressure and obesity. Get screening for obstructive sleep apnea if you snore or have risk factors. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of restful/restorative sleep per night. 

Medical therapies. When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medical interventions can help manage risk factors and improve your outcomes. 

Medications that lower cholesterol and blood pressure, blood thinners, as well as surgical procedures may offer added support. It is essential to follow a personalized treatment plan under the guidance of your health care provider. If left untreated, heart disease can lead to severe complications: 

• Heart attack. A sudden blockage of blood to your heart muscle. 

• Stroke. A blockage or rupture in blood vessels supplying your brain. 

• Heart failure. Your heart loses its ability to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. 

• Arrythmias. An Irregular heart rhythm, and some may be life threatening. 

• Peripheral Artery Disease. A narrowing of the arteries in your limbs that reduces blood flow and increases the risk of infection and need for amputation. 

• Kidney disease. A reduction in blood flow to your kidneys which compromises their function. 

The economic impact of heart disease. The financial burden of heart disease is astonishing. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease costs the U.S. about $239 billion annually in direct medical costs and lost productivity. Hospitalization, medication, and ongoing care bring significant financial strain, especially for those without adequate health insurance. 

Act now to protect your heart. Get Red-y! February is American Heart Month. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of heart health. Heart disease is a silent epidemic affecting millions of Americans. By understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms, and committing to a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can take control of your heart health. Regular screenings for early detection and intervention are crucial, as are efforts to address social determinants of health such as access to nutritious food, safe exercise environments and quality healthcare. 

The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. Since 2004, the initiative has addressed the awareness as well as clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat and #1 killer, cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Go Red annual campaign is celebrated on the first Friday in February. Join us for National Wear Red Day this year on Friday, Feb. 7 to show your support for this important cause. 

Stacie Hoffmann, PA-C, IFMCP, MSCP 

ViaroCare 

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com 

Sources: CDC, AHA and NIH