By Lynn Hutley, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Around 785,000 Americans had a first-time heart attack last year, and most of them never saw it coming. Heart disease is the leading killer in McLean County, accounting for one in every four deaths annually. Talk with your doctor, and review your risk factors for heart disease.
As part of your annual physical, your doctor should check your cholesterol levels, as well as your triglycerides and blood glucose. High values in these areas can indicate an increased risk for heart disease. Your blood pressure, smoking status, diet, level of exercise, and family history will also be discussed, as they, too, are risk indicators.
A Simple Test With Big Benefits
If you have risk factors for heart disease, you may want to consider a CT scan of your heart. This low-cost (usually $100 or less) scan, also called Coronary Calcium Scoring, is a non-invasive, painless test designed to show the build-up of calcium in the arteries around your heart. The more calcium deposits you have, the more plaque — and too much plaque can reduce or cut off the flow of blood and oxygen.
According to the American Heart Association, almost half of all heart-related deaths occur in people with no previous history of heart disease symptoms. That’s where coronary calcium scoring can lead to early detection of heart disease, and identify those who need treatment.
During the procedure, you lie on a motorized bed while x-ray equipment moves around you. Special computer software accelerates the imaging, providing an excellent view of your heart. Through this imagery, doctors are able to determine where, and how much, calcium deposits are in the arteries. That information is scored, ranging from zero, which is normal, to several hundred.
The test does not require a physician referral, and can be scheduled by simply making an appointment.
Steps for Prevention
No matter what your risk level, there are lifestyle changes you can make to maintain or increase your heart health.
- Eating a healthier diet — One way to do this is to scrutinize labels. Reading food labels is important so that you can compute your total intake of salt, fat, cholesterol, and fiber for the day. Be sure to take note of the serving size when determining the amounts, says Karen Dodd, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. Unhealthy fats and cholesterol can clog arteries. Salt can raise blood pressure. Sugar can pack on pounds. To avoid these risks for heart disease, look for foods with unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and low percentages of sodium and sugar.
- Exercising — Like all muscles, your heart needs exercise. Speak with your physician before you get started on an exercise plan; but then aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Dr. Dory Jarzabkowski, a cardiologist with Advocate Heart Institute at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, recommends brisk walking. “There are several ways to sneak walking into your routine without it feeling like exercise,” she says. “Any way you can add steps to your day will pay off in better health.”
Strength training, such as lifting hand weights, weighted balls, or elastic band use, is a great addition to staying physically active. Strength training has been proven to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, while improving heart health.
- Achieving a healthier weight — Obesity is another top health concern in our community. Generally, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Quitting smoking — Talk with your physician about which cessation method may be right for you.
- Reducing stress —This could mean anything from a simple exercise class to changing jobs. Regardless, there are health professionals who can assist you in finding the best ways to cut back on stress.
Take the time to learn more about your risk factors. If you are unsure of your risk, talk with your doctor.
The Advocate Heart Institute at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center offers comprehensive cardiovascular care services. A low-cost heart scan is available at BroMenn Medical Center. Call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE to schedule an appointment.
If you do not have a primary care physician, you can also call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE for a referral, or search the online physician directory at amgdoctors.com.
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