POTSDAM, NY – Heart disease does not care what your race, sexuality, religious beliefs, or annual income are; it is the leading cause of death for people in the United States.
Canton-Potsdam Hospital Cardiologist Amit Shanker, MD, FACC, FHRS, noted February is National Heart Month, and adults should take notice that an estimated $200 billion in healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity are spent annually on heart disease.
“Although there has been substantial improvement in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in recent decades, it remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality on a global basis,” Dr. Shanker said.
CVD in many people is attributed to the non-favorable implementations of prevention strategies and uncontrolled risk factors. Most Americans who have had a heart attack had unfavorable levels of at least one cardiovascular risk factor before their CVD event.
“Moving individuals toward ideal cardiovascular health is critically important for the prevention of many important health conditions,” Dr. Shanker said. “The most important way to prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm of the heart that can cause stroke) is to promote a healthy lifestyle throughout life.”
Adults are encouraged to eat a healthy diet that focuses of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean vegetable or animal protein, and fish. They should eat minimal amounts of trans fats, such as red meat and processed red meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages.
Counseling and caloric restrictive diets are recommended for overweight and obese adults so they may achieve and maintain weight loss. Adults with diabetes mellitus, lifestyle changes, such as improving dietary habits and achieving exercise recommendations, are crucial.
Adults are reminded about the importance of physical activity. Dr. Shanker recommended adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of accumulated moderate-intensity physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise.
“Smokers should be assessed at every healthcare visit regarding their tobacco use, and be assisted and strongly advised to quit. Adults who are 40 to 75 years of age should be evaluated for cardiovascular disease prevention and undergo a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk estimation, then have a risk discussion with their provider. If cardiac risk is found to be a factor for concern, preventative strategies would then be discussed.”
Patients may be referred to St. Lawrence Health’s outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation services at Massena Hospital if they had a heart attack in the past 12 months, or if they have had: stents, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplant, stable angina, or congestive heart failure.
Learn about all Cardiac services offered throughout St. Lawrence Health.
