A healthy heart, one free of disease, is just a part of the whole picture when it comes to cardiovascular health.
“Cardiovascular disease extends beyond the heart itself,” says Dr. Thomas Conley of Baptist Health Heart Institute/Arkansas Cardiology Clinic in North Little Rock.
“Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels that includes coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease. These can be prevented or mitigated by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and addressing cardiovascular risk factors.”
We chatted with Conley, who is also president of the central Arkansas chapter of the American Heart Association’s board of directors, about risk factors that cannot be modified (i.e. genetics) and lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, healthy diet and routine exercise) for a heart-healthy life.
What are the most important things to know about a heart-healthy lifestyle?
TC: Know that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women, more than breast cancer and even more than all cancers combined. In fact, deaths from heart disease account for about the same number of deaths from all cancers, chronic lower respiratory disease and diabetes together.
Half of all coronary heart disease deaths in the U.S. are in women. Knowing this information should lead to a heightened sense of urgency to identify and treat heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors.
In addition to “traditional” cardiovascular risk factors, there is emerging evidence that “non-traditional” risk factors may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and include preterm delivery, hypertensive pregnancy disorders, gestational diabetes, breast cancer treatments, autoimmune diseases and depression.
Educating oneself about heart health and implementing change where appropriate is key. The American Heart Association has an initiative called Check, Change and Control, a program to address those cardiovascular risk factors that are modifiable. Visit ccccalculator.ccctracker.com for your assessment.
Also, simply search on the internet for “heart healthy diet” and adhere to trusted sources. As an example, I did that for a patient recently and the first site that popped up (that wasn’t an ad) was from the Mayo Clinic. There, they listed eight steps to prevent heart disease that included very specific examples of foods to avoid and foods to adopt.
What warning signs should women watch for?
TC: Common cardiac symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the feet and ankles, palpitations or racing of the heart, dizziness or passing out.
The chest pain associated with heart disease, particularly blocked heart arteries, is called angina pectoris. Classically this is a heavy, pressure or tightness (as if an elephant was sitting on one’s chest), often associated with shortness of breath and sometimes profuse sweating or nausea. The pain may radiate to the jaws or down the arms (generally left, but occasionally right) and sometimes into the back.
It is generally provoked by physical activity and relieved with rest. However, it is well documented that women may have unusual or subtle symptoms. Chest pain may occur at rest or be provoked by stress and may be described differently than the pressure or tightness seen with classic angina. Profound fatigue is common, but obviously can be due to many other things.
It’s easy to want to assume chest pain is something less serious than a heart attack. Where should one go if she is experiencing chest pain? The ER or a general practitioner?
TC: Chest pain can be due to many things, some life-threatening, some not. If you have a pattern of pains on and off for some time, but generally feel OK, you may consult your primary care provider.
But if you develop symptoms suggestive of a heart attack (abrupt onset, unrelenting chest pain) then go to the nearest emergency room. Most primary care providers will direct patients to do so when contacted.
Three-fourths of all heart attacks are a “first” heart attack and are many patients’ first indication they have heart disease. Even mild symptoms can be associated with a severe heart attack, and 20% of heart attacks may be silent, meaning the patient has no symptoms. Armed with the knowledge that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, seek emergency care. If your symptoms prove to be non-cardiac be grateful, not embarrassed.
As an aside, during the COVID-19 pandemic many patients have avoided seeking medical care — emergency or elective — due to concerns over exposure in health care facilities, and this includes heart disease. Patients have shown up hours or days into their heart attack when, sadly, it is often too late to do much good. So, don’t delay or defer medical care despite the pandemic. Instead, get vaccinated, get a booster and, if you’re having symptoms, seek medical care.
How can Soirée readers help encourage our families and friends to take care of themselves?
TC: By example. Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. Encourage others to do the same. Share the information above with them. Discuss cardiovascular risk factors. Cook (and eat) heart-healthy recipes together. Exercise together.
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