Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012 - (Page 12)

HEART SMART In Control TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEART HEALTH WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS FROM LOCAL CARDIOLOGISTS Extra weight means extra strain on your heart. “Losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds can reduce your heart risk,” says cardiologist Mahesh Patel, MD. “You don’t have to do it fast, just be sure to lose an appropriate amount of weight as recommended by your physician.” Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25. You can calculate your BMI at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s website: www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi. 1 Lose Weight You’ve heard it a hundred times: Get off the couch and put on your sneakers. “You need to exercise each day for a total of 30 minutes,” says cardiologist Luke Jantac, MD. “It doesn’t have to be all at once, but you need to make an effort to exercise and get your body moving on a regular basis. Exercise does the body so much good. Not only will it improve your heart health, but it will improve your overall mental health as well.” 2 Exercise Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and fish—especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to limit red meat, sweets and added sugars in beverages. Also, be mindful of your sodium intake. The daily-recommended amount is no more than 2,300 milligrams, or about 1 teaspoon per day. If you focus on an eating plan that incorporates proper nutrition and limit your salt intake, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease. 3 Eat Healthier Blood pressure is measured when the heart pumps and when the heart rests. The systolic, or top number, measures when the heart pumps. This number should be below 120. The diastolic, or bottom number, measures when the heart rests. This number should be below 80. Anything above 120/80 may be a sign of prehypertension. “If you can’t control your blood pressure through diet and exercise, we may need to put you on a medication or combination of drugs,” says cardiologist Mahmoud Atieh, MD. “High blood pressure affects one out of three American adults, so it’s important to keep it under control. If you’re on blood pressure medication, be sure you follow your physician’s recommendations and take as directed.” 4 Control your Blood Pressure 12 | S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 Mahesh Patel, MD Luke Jantac, MD Mahmoud Atieh, MD http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012

Central Carolina Health - Spring 2012
From the CEO
Health Beat
Bouncing Back
Welcome to the Network
No Stone Unturned
Heart Smart
Make the Right Call

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012