Is it safe to exercise after a heart attack?

Ask any cardiologist, and they will tell you that exercise is a vital component of any cardiac rehabilitation and recovery plan.

When it comes to strengthening your ticker after a heart attack, adopting a regular exercise program just might help reduce your risk for additional problems and increase your chance for a better outcome.

Heart healthy fitness tips

The bad news? Almost one in three deaths in the US annually is caused by heart disease and stroke, according to the CDC.

The good news? A majority of those strokes and cases of heart disease are preventable.

No matter your shape, age, or size, you can take steps to reduce your chances with the adoption of healthy habits. The key to getting started is simple: something is better than nothing, and something you will do regularly is best of all.

Four lifestyle changes that can help lower your risks from high cholesterol

You've been diagnosed with high cholesterol... now what? The biggest problem from high cholesterol is that it joins with other risk factors to impact your overall risk of heart disease. People with high cholesterol are often more likely to experience a coronary event such as a heart attack. A few fairly simple lifestyle changes can both correct your cholesterol and positively impact your heart health.

Good exercises for your heart

Did you know that regular exercise helps prevent stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and more? Regular exercise also boosts your mental health, improves your ability to do daily activities and prevents falls - something important as you get older. Exercise increases your chance of living a longer, healthier life and it's never too late to start.

Early signs of heart disease

Heart disease comes in many different forms, ranging from heart failure (when the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should) to irregular heart beats, known as arrhythmia. In general heart disease falls into one of these four categories: heart valve problems, arrhythmia, heart attack, or stroke. There are some early warning signs for heart disease. Knowing them, along with some heart health tips, can help keep you or your loved one healthy.

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. 

Five tips for lowering cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Take steps to reduce that risk - lower your cholesterol and make healthy changes to your lifestyle. Your heart and your family will thank you for it.

You might still need cholesterol medicine - there are genetic factors that also impact your cholesterol levels - but following these tips might make it so you need a lower dose of that medicine and can reduce some of its side effects.

What do your cholesterol numbers mean?

Cholesterol plays a major role in a person's heart health. High blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. That's why it's important to know your cholesterol levels. But the terms used to describe cholesterol can be confusing. HDL, LDL, Triglycerides... "good cholesterol"... Let's learn what those terms and numbers mean and when you should be concerned about them.

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.

4 simple tips for taking care of your heart

Heart care probably doesn’t make your regular to-do list. If it did, you would see improvement in many areas of your health. Making a healthy diet and regular exercise part of your to-do list is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health. Wondering how to get started? We have four simple ways to take care of your heart health.

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.

What women need to know about high blood pressure

Many people think that heart disease and high blood pressure are health problems that primarily affect men. It's a common mistake and one that can unfortunately lead to women ignoring signs of health problems.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. In fact, starting at age 65, women are more likely to have high blood pressure than men. High blood pressure is a serious condition and one that needs to be monitored and treated.

Let's learn more about high blood pressure and how it relates to women of every age.

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.