Take steps now to improve your heart health
By Katherine Jett, MD
In the five minutes it takes you to read this article, 15 people in the United States will have a heart attack and another five people will die from a heart attack. Heart attacks are the leading killer of men and women in the United States and in Kentucky. In fact, Kentucky has the eighth highest death rate from heart disease in the United States. More than one in four deaths in our state are caused by heart disease. Locally, Henry and Oldham Counties have very high rates of death, Trimble is higher, and Carroll County has the highest death rate. It is clear that the healthcare providers of Kentucky must continue to work diligently to provide education about heart disease and heart attack prevention for the citizens of our state.
A heart attack is caused by a blockage in one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart. Without blood supply the heart cannot receive nutrients and cells quickly begin to die. Blockages in the heart are caused by plaques that build up and harden blood vessels. These plaques are known as atherosclerosis and in the more severe form are called coronary artery disease (CAD). Depending on the size and location of the blockage, small or large portions of the heart may be permanently damaged. If treated early, some patients can have the blockages opened, therefore recognizing the initial symptoms of a heart attack is crucial.
While some people experience a heart attack suddenly without warning, others have many warning signs along the way. Chest pain is the most common symptom of CAD. The pain may be in the center or left of the chest and may radiate to the jaw, shoulder, or arm. Sometimes patients report sweating, nausea, dizziness, erratic pulse, or shortness of breath along with the pain. CAD can sometimes be tricky to diagnose because there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Certain individuals, especially women and diabetics, may have few if any symptoms at all. If you experience these symptoms, no matter how subtle they may seem, call your physician or go to your local emergency room immediately.
There are many things that you can do to reduce your chances of having a heart attack. Examining your lifestyle and risk factors is the key to prevention. Some risk factors cannot be changed such as being male, family history, and advancing age. Risk factors that you can modify include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, diabetes, obesity, smoking and stress. As temperatures cool down in August and September, it is the perfect time to take advantage of the nice weather and increase your exercise. Walking three times a week for 30 minutes is a great way to start improving your heart health. Fresh vegetables from the garden are another way to lower fat intake which can help you lose weight and lower cholesterol. Kicking your smoking habit is one change that can have the most positive impact on your overall health.
If you are at high risk, take charge of your health before it is too late. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your heart health. It may just be the call that saves your life.
Katherine Jett, MD, is an internal medicine and pediatrics specialist with Baptist Medical Associates Campbellsburg. She can be reached at 502-532-7341. For more information on Dr. Jett, office hours or a map, visit baptistmedicalassociates.com. Articles from Dr. Jett will be appearing monthly. If you have a suggestion for an article topic or question, please email her at bmasuggestiontopics@bhsi.com.