Style Magazine February 2019

TIPS to Improve
& Maintain
Heart Health
February is
NATIONAL HEART MONTH
Your heart is arguably the most important organ in your body.
It pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and
nutrients to every cell, ensuring that everything is running smoothly.
Marshall Medical Center has some tips and information to help you
keep your heart healthy and to know the signs when it’s not.
SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK DIFFER
BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN
Heart disease is commonly considered “a man’s
disease.” However, it is also the leading cause of
death for women in the United States, causing
approximately one in every four deaths.
But heart attacks don’t feel the same for women
as they do for men. The symptoms in women can
be quite subtle, according to Lena Avedissian,
MD, a board-certified cardiologist with Marshall Medical Center.
Common and well-known symptoms of coronary artery disease
in both men and women include chest pain, tightness or pressure
with exertion. In women, symptoms can present as a burning
sensation that can occur with rest or mental stress. Other common
symptoms in women are weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath.
Dr. Avedissian notes, “symptoms of acute heart attacks in women are
not dramatic, but can be subtle signs such as abdominal or back pain,
nausea and vomiting.” These symptoms can be mistaken for less lifethreatening
conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.
It’s important to pay attention to signs that the body gives you and
request medical care.
For an appointment with a
Marshall Cardiologist, call 530-626-9488
LOWER your salt intake.
Blood pressure levels increase
due to high sodium levels in your
diet, so reducing the amount of
salt you eat will lower your risk
of cardiovascular disease. And
remember, just because you aren’t
adding salt to your food with a salt
shaker, many foods are still high in
sodium, so be sure to read the label.
Foods like frozen shrimp, many
soups and broths, instant pudding,
cottage cheese, vegetable juice,
salad dressings, pizza, sandwiches,
canned vegetables, tortillas and
bread are high in sodium
MAINTAIN a healthy weight.
While many people want to lose
weight for appearances sake, there
are many health benefits as well.
Not only will you feel increased
energy, but you’ll also reduce your
risk of heart disease, stroke, and
some forms of cancer. It will also
help control blood sugar, relieve
back and joint tension, and optimize
your immune system.
EXERCISE is good for
the health in a number
of ways.
It reduces the chance of major
cardiac events( heart attack and
sudden cardiac death). It lowers
blood pressure and cholesterol.
It improves insomnia, depression
and diabetes control. It reduces
osteoporosis and risk of fractures.
It helps in weight loss and in
maintaining a healthier weight.
MARSHALL CARDIOLOGY
3102 Ponte Morino Drive, Suite 100 | Cameron Park
1004 Fowler Way, Suite 4 | Placerville | 530.626.9488
www.marshallmedical.org/cardiology