Issue 2 - Summer - Providence Washington - Providence Health ...

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{cardiac report} The Heart: A User’s Manual A how-to on operation, care and maintenance so you can keep your ticker running smoothly for life Congratulations! 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. 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. “People should know about heart problems in their first-degree relatives—that is, their parents and siblings,” says Douglas Waggoner, MD, a cardiologist with Heart Clinics Northwest. “Also, find out the time in their lives when they had their problems.” Having a parent or sibling with heart disease increases your risk of developing the condition. Janice Christensen, MD, a cardiologist with Providence Spokane Cardiology, notes that a family history of diabetes is also a strong risk factor. In addition, she asks patients about a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, which is of particular note for men’s heart disease risk. Dr. Waggoner recommends sharing your family health history with your doctor, because this might affect how aggressively your own heart condition is treated. “I might recommend starting medication therapies earlier,” he 12 ● Summer 2012 Heart Beat
says. “I also counsel patients on their risk factors.” While you can’t change your family history, other risk factors are within your control, Dr. Christensen adds. Smoking, she says, is the top risk factor. In addition, people with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease. Controlling diabetes involves eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight— which all affect heart health, too. Other risk factors include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. “I always attack a patient’s biggest modifiable risk factor first,” she says. Recommended Maintenance At least once a year, or as often as your doctor advises, get screened for those risk factors of heart disease, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Your doctor may want to begin electrocardiograms as well, particularly if you have certain risk factors or are experiencing symptoms. And be sure you know the results of your tests, Dr. Christensen says. “There’s power in knowing your numbers,” she says. “Those numbers are predictive and help you understand your risk.” Care Guidelines Much of what’s required to keep your heart in good condition is up to you. People with a round shape and excess belly fat are at higher risk of 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. The right menu can make all the difference, both in weight loss and good heart health. Avoid foods that are high in fat, salt and cholesterol, Dr. Waggoner advises. Focus on fruits and vegetables, lean meats, low-fat and nonfat dairy, and whole grains, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier heart. Dr. Christensen recommends a Mediterranean diet—a lifestyle that emphasizes lean meat and fish, vegetables and healthy fats. In studies, she notes, this diet not only improves heart health even if people don’t lose weight, but it’s been shown that people more commonly stick to it. “There are several excellent Mediterranean cookbooks on the market,” Dr. Christensen says. “I tell patients to go buy one and to focus on finding things they enjoy.” Operating Instructions Then, of course, there’s exercise, which is essential to good heart health. Studies show that people who do at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity daily lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. Dr. Waggoner echoes the need for 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise—the kind that gets your heart pumping fast and your breathing heavy—five days a week or more. In addition, he recommends strength training, which decreases your percentage of body fat at the same time that it increases lean muscle. It’s also important—for plenty of reasons—to get enough 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. Warning! Misuse can damage your heart and lead to costly repairs, and there’s no manufacturer’s warranty. Protect your heart from these hazards: Smoking. Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to a healthier heart, says Janice Christensen, MD, a cardiologist with Spokane Cardiology. High-calorie liquids. Sports drinks and soda are loaded with sugar, so avoiding them is an easy way to cut calories. Alcohol has many calories, too. Women should limit themselves to one drink per day, and men to two per day. Stress. Too much stress can lead to increased rates of high blood pressure. To reduce your stress level, set aside time for rejuvenating pursuits such as meditation. FREE Personal Medication Record Whether you are taking medicine for a heart condition or not, it’s important to keep a list of your meds. Carry it in your purse or wallet, and be sure to fill in each medicine’s name, dose instructions and condition treated. This will help prevent drug interactions. Get yours free by emailing heartbeat@providence.org or calling 509-474-3081. Summer 2012 Heart Beat ● 13
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