Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - (Page 12)

heart smart The Heart: A User’s Manual A how-to on operAtion, cAre And mAintenAnce so you cAn keep your ticker running smoothly for life You are the proud owner of a miraculous creation called the heart. This user’s manual contains important information about protecting it and helping it maintain peak performance for years to come. Please read these instructions carefully for optimal results. Even if yo can to u’re doing ev care fo erythin r yo g yo may ha ve pro ur heart, you u blems still that n doct Call (8 or ’s attentio eed a n. 00) free ph 483-6385 f or ysician referra a l. Be Heart Smart Congratulations! Before Getting Started To keep your heart working properly, you need to learn everything you can about your health history and possible risk factors for disease. “Be prepared for your doctor’s appointment by bringing along your family history,” says Bimal Shah, MD, board-certified cardiologist on staff at Central Carolina Hospital. “It’s important for both you and your physician to understand what risk factors you have for heart attack and stroke.” Having a parent or sibling with heart disease increases your risk of developing the condition. Shah says that sharing as much information as possible with your doctor, such as the age when your family member first experienced symptoms and his or her lifestyle, are key in helping your physician determine the best course of treatment for you. People who are apple-shaped are at higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.” To determine if your belly is bigger than it should be, check your waist circumference with a tape measure. A woman’s waist should measure less than 35 inches and a man’s should be less than 40 inches. If your waist is larger than that, it’s time to take action, Shah advises. Bimal Shah, MD, Cardiology, board certified Care Guidelines The right menu can make all the difference, both in weight loss and good heart health. Shah says to avoid using the word diet and focus on changing your eating habits instead. One important step toward healthy eating is eliminating processed and prepackaged foods, which tend to have a high sodium content. High sodium can lead to hypertension, Shah explains. In addition, Shah recommends passing up foods made with white flour, and selecting whole grains and fruits instead. Also include healthy protein such as skinless chicken, low-fat dairy products and fish in your weekly menus. Recommended Maintenance At least once a year, or as often as your doctor advises, get screened for other risk factors of heart disease, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Shah recommends that men in their 40s and women in their 50s should start having these screenings done annually. Your doctor may want to begin these simple tests even sooner if you have certain risk factors or are experiencing symptoms. Much of what’s required to keep your heart in good condition is up to you. “You have to take an active role in improving your heart health,” Shah explains. “Look in the mirror. Do you have a round shape with belly fat?” Operating Instructions Then, of course, there’s exercise, which is essential to good heart health. Shah says that people who do at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every day lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. “You need more than that to lose weight, but 30 minutes of exercise most days is good for your heart,” he says. He also recommends weight training, which decreases your percentage of body fat and, according to some recent studies, may have the added benefit of increasing your HDL, or “good,” cholesterol. And here’s a suggestion that may seem tough to fit into your schedule: Get plenty of sleep. People who sleep less than seven hours a night have a higher level of stress hormones, which can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Consider sleep like shutting down your computer at the end of the day. As everyone knows, sometimes a reboot is the easiest fix there is. 12 | Fa L L 2 0 1 0 80 million The estimated number of American adults—one in three—who have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010
Contents
Health Beat
Journey of Hope
Treats Not Tricks
Surgery Snapshot
Heart Smart
Q+A

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010