Heart attacks and strokes are the No. 1 killer of Americans in both men and women. These account for 23% of all total deaths annually. (Cancer deaths are noted to be less at 21% based on a 2017 study). Preventing a cardiovascular event is very important and you likely already know the basics. For most Americans, our lives have changed from working/playing outside and eating home cooked meals to video games, other sedentary conveniences and eating out.
According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking is the No. 1 leading cause of preventable death, and obesity is the second. The obesity epidemic is growing and has been shown to reduce the average life span. Approximately 300,000 deaths per year are due to obesity. Obese people suffer from high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and sleep apnea.
As a cardiologist and heart failure expert, most of my patients have cardiovascular disease. Most of my time is spent encouraging lifestyle changes. I recommend to get back to the basics in the kitchen with homemade cooking and avoid eating out on a regular basis! I recommend to cook more with herbs, flavorful vegetables and to put away the salt shaker. Fried and fatty foods should also be avoided.
Which fats are good for you? It’s easy: If the fat is liquid at room temperature it is a better fat (i.e. olive oil compared to butter). I talk to my patients about getting outside and exercising as much as one is able and weather permitting. When asked: “What kind of exercise is better?”, my reply is: “Whatever you like to do, but get your heart rate up while doing it.” Some people have to start slow, but I encourage to keep pushing yourself so that you sweat and feel like you did some exercise.
Every day is a blessing, and I encourage everyone to make the most of it by eating healthy, stopping smoking, having fun with exercise and laughing every day! Working with your doctor to control your blood pressure, cholesterol and possible sleep apnea is also very important and should not be ignored.
If you do witness a heart attack or stroke, it is important to respond quickly. The signs of a heart attack include sudden chest pain or pressure, jaw pain or neck pain, sweating, nausea and maybe shortness of breath. Be aware that not everyone has the “classic symptoms.” For women, the signs of a stroke include numbness or weakness, difficulty speaking or moving, and/or confusion.
First step: Call 911. Do not delay!
Second, if the person is unresponsive, start CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation). You don’t need to be certified to push on someone’s chest. Try to find an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). Don’t be afraid to use an AED! It is available to public for the public to use! Just open the box, get the AED. It will have pads to stick on the person’s bare chest. Next look for a big obvious button to turn it on and follow the prompts. It is very easy. Anyone can do this, at any age. AED’s save lives!
In Idaho Falls, the Idaho Heart Foundation (IHF) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to spreading the awareness of CPR and AED use in the community. The IHF also supports efforts to make AEDs available in public places. To learn more visit: www.idahoheartfoundation.org.