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healthline caremountmedical.com 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