Prioritize Cardiovascular Health Today for Longer, Healthier Future

By Desiree M. Younes, MD

Did you know that nearly half of all people in the United States have some type of cardiovascular disease?

That’s according to the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer and lower respiratory disease combined.

Yet many people who are at risk for or are developing cardiovascular disease may not even realize it. Recognizing the risk factors and symptoms can help prevent and manage the condition before it becomes life threatening.

Recognizing Risk Factors

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term that refers to various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and heart arrhythmias.

There are several factors that can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, including:

• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol use

Genetics can also play a role in cardiovascular disease. And while family history increases the likelihood of developing a cardiovascular condition, lifestyle choices can also have a major impact on heart health.

Recognizing Symptoms

Cardiovascular disease typically develops over many years and becomes increasingly common as people age. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to better management and prevent more serious complications.

• Chest pain. Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom associated with cardiovascular disease. This pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest and typically occurs with exertion.
• Pain in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach, which is especially common among women.
• Shortness of breath. When the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should, blood backs up in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart, causing fluid to leak into the lungs. This leads to shortness of breath that can occur during activity or rest.
• Swelling in the legs. People with cardiovascular disease may notice swelling (edema) in their legs as the heart struggles to pump blood and other fluid back up.
• Fatigue. Unusual tiredness is a symptom of cardiovascular disease. While heart-related fatigue occurs in both men and women, it is more common in women. 
• Nausea or lightheadedness. Some people experience nausea or lightheadedness, or they may break out in a cold sweat. Nausea or lightheadedness particularly affects women.

Cardiovascular disease also includes reduced blood flow to the brain, also known as stroke. Stroke symptoms include face drooping, arm weakness and difficulty speaking or slurring of words.

If you are experiencing symptoms of cardiovascular disease, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. If you think you may be having a heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Leading a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Key to preventing cardiovascular disease is living a healthy lifestyle that promotes heart health. Heart-healthy lifestyle habits include: 

• Healthy eating. Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and unsaturated fats. It is important to limit sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy and coconut, palm kernel and palm oils.
• Regular physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling and swimming can help maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure.
• Getting enough sleep. Sleep is an important factor in cardiovascular health as poor sleep can contribute to risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night to stay healthy.
• Avoiding tobacco use. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as well.
• Limiting alcohol consumption. Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women should consume no more than one drink per day and men no more than two. Excessive alcohol intake can increase blood pressure and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
• Managing stress. Chronic stress may contribute to heart disease. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, breathing techniques or hobbies you enjoy.
• Regular health screenings. Regularly visit your doctor for a physical exam and blood tests to determine your heart health numbers including, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Early detection of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes can lead to timely management and reduce the risk of heart disease.

By recognizing risk factors and symptoms early and committing to a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can take proactive steps to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. Prioritizing cardiovascular health today can lead to a longer, healthier future.

To find a physician affiliated with Penn Medicine Princeton Health call (888) 742-7496 or visit www.princetonhcs.org

Desiree M. Younes, MD, is board certified in cardiovascular disease and is a member of the medical staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.