February is Heart Month Heart Month provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible capabilities of the human heart, which beats around 115,000 times a day and pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood daily. If you were to stretch out your blood vessels, they would cover a distance of over 60,000 miles! Despite the heart’s marvels, cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death in America, claiming 1 in 3 lives annually. Recognizing the warning signs of a cardiac emergency, be it a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest, is vital. Know the signs A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. Symptoms include discomfort in the chest, arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, accompanied by shortness of breath and other signs, like cold sweats, nausea or light-headedness. In the case of a stroke, where blood supply to the brain is interrupted, remember F.A.S.T.: • Face drooping: Check for one-sided facial drooping or numbness by asking the person to smile. • Arm weakness: Assess arm strength by having the person raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? • Speech difficulty: Look for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. • Time to call 911: Even if symptoms seem to subside, if any signs of stroke are present, call 911 immediately. Sudden cardiac arrest, characterized by the abrupt cessation of heart function, demands swift medical intervention. Recognizing the absence of responsiveness and normal breathing, along with a call for emergency assistance, is crucial in this situation. Ronnie Garcia, MD, has been providing heart care in our region since 2009. Currently, Dr. Garcia practices alongside other Mission Cardiology colleagues, including Umang Shah, MD, cardiac interventionist. Dr. Garcia notes that as we age, the heart muscle begins to wear out. Obesity also affects the heart’s function, as extra weight is directly associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea. A heart that is weakened by age and obesity is more likely to have an irregular, rapid rhythm called atrial fibrillation, which in turn can cause blood clots and stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight and having regular checkups with your primary care physician will help minimize your risk of heart disease and stroke. If cardiac disease is detected, a referral to a cardiologist is the next step in monitoring and treating the symptoms. Ronnie Garcia, MD grmedcenter.com | 4 Julie Remo, MD Did you know? Cardiac disease: Know your risk Julie Remo, MD, is one of over a dozen cardiologists with Lone Star Heart & Vascular. She notes that certain populations, such as Hispanic and African American, have a higher risk of heart disease due to genetic and social factors. It is particularly important for high-risk individuals not to compound their likelihood of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. Women should be aware of the impact of menopause on heart health. Early menopause increases cardiovascular risk, and the likelihood of cardiovascular disease rises after the age of 65 in both women and men. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for heart health. This involves keeping blood pressure below 130 systolic and 80 diastolic, adopting a mostly plant-based diet, choosing lean protein sources, staying hydrated with water, avoiding sugary drinks, engaging in regular physical activity, and nurturing social connections. Practicing these healthy habits will significantly promote heart health.
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