By Shannin Prather
January 2019 | 2019 Winter Newsletter
Valentine’s Day is near and stores will soon be overflowing with heart-shaped decorations and gifts. These items are a reminder that February is American Heart Health Month—a time to think about what you can do to keep your heart healthy.
“Cardiovascular disease is a term for diseases of the heart as well as of the arteries and veins that supply the organs with blood,” says Dr. Valentin Fuster, Director of Mount Sinai Heart. “Overall, cardiovascular disease is an acquired disease that results from factors like high blood pressure and cigarette smoking—which means that it’s also largely preventable.”
While heart issues can be affected by genetics, the majority of cases are due to risk factors which can be controlled through lifestyle changes. “There are six main risk factors: high blood pressure and obesity, cholesterol and diabetes, and being a smoker and being idle,” says Dr. Fuster.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for heart health.
“Every patient is different, and the patient has to know that his or her case is individual,” says Dr. Fuster. “When it comes to making lifestyle modifications, it’s a personal decision and it’s not easy. It takes commitment to make these changes.”
Be smart about your heart with these heart-healthy tips:
- Find time to be active. Aim for at least two and a half hours of physical activity per week or 21 minutes each day
- Make healthy eating a habit. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference. Try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes by looking for ways to lower sodium and trans fat, and by adding more fruits and vegetables
- Quit tobacco—for good. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products affects nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Quitting can be tough, but it can be easier when you can talk to an expert about quitting and finding the support you might need. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for help.
- Know your numbers. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease. Ask your health care team to check your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels regularly and help you take steps to control your levels.
- Stick to the script. Taking your medications on a regular basis can be tough, especially if you feel fine. Sticking with your medication routine is important for managing and controlling conditions that could put your heart at risk.
Valentine’s Day is near and stores will soon be overflowing with heart-shaped decorations and gifts. These items are a reminder that February is American Heart Health Month—a time to think about what you can do to keep your heart healthy.
“Cardiovascular disease is a term for diseases of the heart as well as of the arteries and veins that supply the organs with blood,” says Dr. Valentin Fuster, Director of Mount Sinai Heart. “Overall, cardiovascular disease is an acquired disease that results from factors like high blood pressure and cigarette smoking—which means that it’s also largely preventable.”
While heart issues can be affected by genetics, the majority of cases are due to risk factors which can be controlled through lifestyle changes. “There are six main risk factors: high blood pressure and obesity, cholesterol and diabetes, and being a smoker and being idle,” says Dr. Fuster.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for heart health.
“Every patient is different, and the patient has to know that his or her case is individual,” says Dr. Fuster. “When it comes to making lifestyle modifications, it’s a personal decision and it’s not easy. It takes commitment to make these changes.”
Be smart about your heart with these heart-healthy tips:
- Find time to be active. Aim for at least two and a half hours of physical activity per week or 21 minutes each day
- Make healthy eating a habit. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference. Try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes by looking for ways to lower sodium and trans fat, and by adding more fruits and vegetables
- Quit tobacco—for good. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products affects nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Quitting can be tough, but it can be easier when you can talk to an expert about quitting and finding the support you might need. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for help.
- Know your numbers. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease. Ask your health care team to check your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels regularly and help you take steps to control your levels.
- Stick to the script. Taking your medications on a regular basis can be tough, especially if you feel fine. Sticking with your medication routine is important for managing and controlling conditions that could put your heart at risk.