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FEBRUARY 2016
Know Your Heart
Despite the significant progress that has been made in
reducing the impact of cardiovascular (or heart) disease,
heart problems remain the leading cause of death among
Americans. As February is American Heart Month, the
cardiologists here at CareMount Medical encourage you
to know about the heart conditions that we can help you
manage and simple strategies to avoid heart trouble.
Heart Disease: An Overview
The heart and blood vessels provide oxygen-rich blood to all tissues in the body.
Without a strong pump to help the blood go where it is needed, organs will
not function properly. For this reason, a healthy heart can be considered the
foundation of good health.
Heart disease can occur from several sources. In the U.S., coronary artery
blockage and heart attacks remain the most common form of heart problems;
however, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congestive heart failure,
arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease and stroke are also important contributors
to our patients’ troubles. These are all serious problems; they rarely can be
cured. Fortunately, scientists and clinicians have made tremendous strides in
improving outcomes related to these illnesses. These advances have translated
into improved quality of life for our heart patients.
often notice swelling (usually of the lower extremities – the hip, leg, ankle or
foot) and shortness of breath. The most common causes of heart failure are:
heart attack, valve disease, the toxic effects of some medications, uncontrolled
hypertension (high blood pressure) and genetic conditions. In general, a low salt
diet and diuretic medications are very helpful to reduce symptoms.
Arrhythmia is a general term used to describe disorders of the heart’s
electrical system, which is responsible for coordinating the contraction and
relaxation of the heart muscle. Types of arrhythmias include fast arrhythmias,
slow arrhythmias and combined fast/slow arrhythmias. Symptoms of these
conditions include palpitations (rapid heart beat), fainting, lethargy or breathing
troubles. Diagnosing arrhythmias can be difficult because arrhythmias can come
and go and may not be apparent unless you are being evaluated while you are
experiencing an arrhythmia.
Types of Heart Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and stroke occur when plaque
obstructs the arteries that lead from the heart to other organs in the body.
The symptoms of PAD can vary widely and depend on which arteries become
blocked. Common places include the arteries to the legs, manifesting as
claudication (muscle cramps with activity) or ulceration of the skin. Stroke
specifically refers to blocked blood flow to the brain. Strokes result in neurologic
changes, speech difficulty, sensory problems, visual changes or movement
disorders. Treatments can include medications to lower cholesterol and to
prevent platelet aggregation (clumping).
Heart valve disease occurs if one or more of your heart valves do not
function well. The heart muscle has four chambers that are separated by flaps of
connective tissue called valves, which serve to ensure that blood flow occurs in
only one direction when traveling through the heart. Tight or leaky valves can
reduce the heart’s efficiency and result in symptoms that are similar to angina.
Valve disease can also result in syncope (unexplained fainting).
Heart Disease Prevention
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque (fatty substances) is deposited
along the walls of the arteries, blocking blood flow to the heart. Coronary
plaques are very common and can be seen in the majority of “healthy” young
adults. When plaque blocks more than 70% of the artery, the heart fails to
get enough oxygen and can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of
breath, or nausea/abdominal discomfort. This condition, known as angina, is
serious and requires immediate medical attention. Some people have a genetic
predisposition to premature (early) coronary artery disease.
Congestive heart failure occurs when there is inadequate blood flow
to the heart due to either a weak heart pump or hardening of the arteries that
hinders normal blood flow throughout the body. Patients with this condition
February is American Heart Month
Prevention of heart disease begins with maintaining a healthy body and
lifestyle. Careful monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure are key.
Early evaluation with a cardiologist can also be invaluable. CareMount Medical
has 11 cardiologists spread out throughout our patient service area.
Richard Keating, MD FACC
Director of Cardiology
Mount Sinai Health System at CareMount Medical
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.
Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.
Heart Tips
February is American Heart Month! Good habits lead to good health, so we
invite you to take advantage of this month to form some good habits to get you
and your heart in shape. Keep in mind, when February ends, your steps toward
a healthier lifestyle don’t have to. Below, are some tips on how to start taking
better care of your heart, and how to maintain a healthier lifestyle in 2016:
Smoking is the most preventable cause of
Healthy Eating: Your best
several chronic disorders, coronary heart
weapon against cardiovascular
disease and premature death. We know it
disease is a good diet. Start
may not be easy to quit these bad habits
by learning how many calories
but start by setting a “quit-day” and slowly
you should be eating daily and aim for a
work towards that goal. Once you knock
well-balanced diet by eating a variety of
those bad habits, you will find yourself
nutritious food from all of the food groups.
Limit your intake of nutrition-poor foods that feeling a lot healthier. Get up and take a
walk! It is your first step to a healthier life.
contain high levels of saturated fat, trans
fat and sodium. Instead, choose fiber rich
Get checked out: Make time
foods and of course choose fruits and
each year to get your heart
vegetables over high calorie foods.
checked. Even if you do not have
a pre-existing heart condition,
Get active: Physical activity can
it is important to regularly monitor the
be anything that gets you
condition of you heart. When you do visit
moving and burning calories.
the doctor be sure to ask questions and
From walking to dancing to
keep a record of your vitals for the future.
running, any aerobic exercise can
decrease your risk of cardiovascular
Although these symptoms
disease or a heart attack. Thirty minutes,
can be caused from other health
five days a week of moderate-intensity
conditions it is important to keep
aerobic activity is recommended to improve
in mind the following symptoms
cardiovascular health. The key is to start
of
a
heart
attack:
Shortness of breath, back
at your own pace and keep in mind even
pain,
jaw
pain,
and
nausea. If at any time
the simplest of changes can bring you
you’re
not
feeling
normal
or experience
better health.
these symptoms, head to the emergency
room to get checked out to prevent any
Take control of your stress:
damage to your heart.
Life can often be stressful, but
don’t let stress get in the way of
So, are you ready to
your health. Combat your stress
take on American Heart Month
by forming healthy habits such as talking
with friends and family, making sure you get
and form some good new habits?
enough sleep, embrace the things you are
CareMount Medical can connect you
unable to change and remember to laugh.
with a cardiologist or a nutritionist
Practicing these few simple habits can help
if you are looking for more
you live a less stressful, healthier life.
information about your heart,
Kick those bad habits: Just as
for annual check-ups or more
good habits lead to good health,
tips on how to stay
bad habits can lead to poor
heart healthy.
health. These bad habits can
include things from smoking to sitting and
watching too much TV to excessive drinking.
CareMount Medical is
Proud to Welcome the
Following Health Care
Professionals To Our Group
Angela Coultman, MD
Pediatrics
Carmel, Somers, Yorktown
Reginald Elpenord, RPAC
Urgent Care
Fishkill, Kingston, Poughkeepsie,
Rhinebeck
Todd Menia, MD
Urgent Care
Kingston & Rhinebeck
Aubre Weber, DO
Internal Medicine (Hospitalist)
Northern Westchester Hospital
The Pediatric Practice of CareMount
Medical is here for you and your
family. From precious newborns
to teenagers, and every stage in
between, your child is always our
number one concern.
urgent care tip of the month
Stay Active!
Have a daily fitness routine. Exercise will boost your energy and mood. Try to plan family activities that
require moving around, such as sledding or skating. That’s good for your heart, too!
If you need urgent care, call 844-484-6564 or visit caremountmedical.com/urgentcare FOR LOCATIONS
Healthcare That Revolves Around You.
caremountmedical.com