4 things you need to know about coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and over time it can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure and arrhythmia. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help prevent or treat coronary heart disease. As with many illnesses, the more you know about heart disease, the more you can do to help yourself live a healthy life.

Take heart attack warning signs seriously

Did you know that cold weather and heavy snow can increase the risk of heart attacks - particularly in those with cardiovascular disease? American Heart Month just started (February 3rd is Go Red Day for Women Day) and it seems like the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the heart attack warning signs. Whether you're shoveling snow or not, knowing these signs can save a life. 

How do you know: if it's a stroke

A stroke is a sudden and serious injury to the brain. They can seemingly happen suddenly and with no warning - even to otherwise healthy individuals. Educating yourself on the signs of a stroke is an important way to keep yourself and those around you safe. Prompt medical attention is critical to successful stroke recovery. Learn more about stroke signs and how you can help.

What do blood pressure numbers mean to you?

Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries to your entire body. Blood pressure readings measure how hard your blood pushes against your arteries when your heart is pumping.

Everyone has blood pressure and you’ve probably had yours screened at a routine physical. Just what do those numbers mean? Let’s learn more about blood pressure readings and what they can tell you about your overall health.

How do you know when: you have heart failure?

Heart failure is a term often misunderstood. Many people think heart failure means the heart is no longer working and there is nothing that can be done to help a person with heart failure. In fact, heart failure means the heart is weak and not pumping as well as it should be. Heart failure is a serious condition but not necessarily a fatal one. In fact, many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with medications and healthy lifestyle changes.

How to follow a heart healthy diet

A  healthy lifestyle is one of the strongest weapons in the fight against heart disease. Following a heart healthy diet is a must if you have a personal or family history of heart disease. But even if you don’t have that background, starting a heart healthy diet is a great way to benefit your overall health. Let’s learn what foods are best along with some tips for making a heart healthy diet part of your normal routine.

What is a stress test?

Your doctor has ordered a stress test. This is a very common diagnostic test of heart function - a way for doctors to see just how hard your heart works when your body is working its hardest. A stress test might be done so the doctor can evaluate your overall health or if you are showing signs of coronary distress. If you’ve been told you need a stress test or treadmill test you might be wondering what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens next.

Heart disease in women: how to reduce your risk

Did you know that more women than men die from heart disease each year? In fact, the American Heart Association notes that heart disease is the number one killer of women each year. Unfortunately, too many women downplay their symptoms of potential heart disease or don't realize the problems they are feeling are related to their heart. Heart disease symptoms and risk factors for women are very different than for men. Many women think they don't need to worry about heart health until they are over 65 but this is simply not true - especially if there is a family history of heart disease. Women of all ages need to take their heart health seriously. Let's take some time to highlight common heart disease risk factors for women and learn how women can reduce their risk of heart disease.

Your lungs and heart: partners for life

Did you know shortness of breath is a sign of heart failure? Did you know fluid in the lungs can be caused by heart issues?

In a healthy body, the heart and the lung work together in harmony with each heartbeat and breath you take. When that harmony is broken, it can be a sign of serious health issues. Cardiopulmonary health - which means having to do with both your heart and lungs - should always be taken seriously. Let's learn more about how the heart and lungs work together, symptoms of cardiopulmonary problems and steps you can take to improve your cardiopulmonary health.

How do the heart and lungs work together?

Your heart and lungs aren't just located near each other - they are partners working to make sure your entire body gets the oxygen it needs. The right side of your heart receives blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. The lungs fill the blood with oxygen and then send it back to the heart. The left side of the heart receives this oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the body.

Want to learn more about how oxygen gets from your lungs into your blood and throughout your body? Read this article from the Joan Lamphier Memorial Research Foundation for Pulmonary Hypertension.

Symptoms of cardiopulmonary problems

A weak heart or lungs mean that your major organs and muscles aren't getting the oxygen you need. Common symptoms of cardiopulmonary health issues include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath - most often during activity but even when lying flat in bed 
• irregular heartbeat
• swollen lower legs or ankles
• dizziness
• fatigue and weakness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor to assess your cardiopulmonary health.

A weak heart causes fluid to back up in the lungs which makes the lungs less efficient. Lung congestion can also cause problems in delivering oxygen-poor blood to your heart. Basically, if either partner isn't holding up their end of the relationship - you will have health problems.

Keeping your heart and lungs healthy

Seemingly small changes can make a big difference in the health of your heart and lungs.

Since your heart and lungs are so important to your overall health, you'll reap many benefits from a healthier lifestyle. Here are a handful of things you can start doing today that will help your heart tomorrow:

1. Eat a healthy diet: a diet filled with veggies, fruit, whole grains, fish, and nuts and beans is a good step towards better health. Pay particular attention to foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids - these decrease inflammation in the arteries surrounding your heart which helps your heart work better. And don't forget to watch your salt, food high in salt increases your blood pressure which is hard on your heart and lungs.

2. Exercise regularly: Walking, biking and swimming are all examples of aerobic activity that improves the capacity of your entire cardiopulmonary system. Strength training with weights in particular is good for your heart as it reduces your body fat and increases muscle mass which helps you get more from aerobic exercise. New to exercising? Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

3. Reduce stress: the hormones that rise with stress are bad for your heart. Daily meditation; taking slow, deep breaths; seeking healthy friendships and other stress relieving techniques aren't just better for your emotional health - they help your heart too!

4. Stop smoking: Your heart and lungs will reap immediate benefits when you stop smoking. Read our recent article with three steps to quit smoking.

5. Get enough sleep: Research indicates that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to stay in good health. While each individual is different, one thing remains the same for all of us - sleep is an important part of overall health. Turn off electronics before bed, avoid caffeine after noon and stick to a sleep schedule to help your body get a good night's sleep.

Let us help you take care of your heart and lungs

Our services include diagnostics, cardiac rehab, respiratory therapy, sleep therapy and more. Take a few minutes to use our calculator to determine your risk of developing cardiac disease in the next ten years. If needed, make an appointment or call our heart care center with your questions. Learn more about cardiopulmonary health at Logansport Memorial.