Take Charge of Your Heart


 

Lower Your Stress and Energize Your Life!


For most, stress and anxiety are unavoidable. Finding a healthy way to deal with stress can put your mind at ease – not to mention your heart! Prolonged stress can strain your heart and lead to dangerous consequences.

When you lower your stress level, you actually can increase the amount of energy you have. For tips on handling stress, boosting energy and just feeling good... Get Energized!
 


Recognize Signs of a Heart Attack

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.  
  • Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness       
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
 
Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.
 
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.
 
If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to St. Francis right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.  (Article Source: American Heart Association)
 
 
 


What You Need to Know About Your Heart Health


When it comes to heart health, information is power. You need to know what puts you at risk for developing heart disease and what you can do to reduce that risk. The best way to find out this information is to schedule an appointment with your family physician, who can explain your lab results, the impact of genetic factors, and partner with you to chart a course for heart health.

If you’re like many Americans, you may not visit a physician as often as you should. We can help you find a physician that works with your lifestyle. Be sure to bring a list of questions to your appointment so you can get all the answers you need.




What’s Your Heart Score?


Coronary artery disease is caused by the buildup of plaque – a dangerous blend of excess cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that float in blood. Over time, plaque can build up inside arteries, causing them to narrow and rob the heart of the oxygen-rich blood that it needs to work properly. When plaque builds up so much that it has completely blocked an artery, a heart attack can occur.

Until recently, many people who had not been diagnosed with heart disease had no idea if they were at risk. But now, Cardiac Calcium Scoring can allow physicians to see plaque buildup in the heart, helping them assign a heart health "score." The results can bring peace of mind to some, and give others the push they need to start leading a more heart-healthy lifestyle.

This painless test has been featured nationally on Oprah and the Today Show, and St. Francis was the first to bring this advanced technology to the Upstate. Only your physician can order this test, so ask your doctor if it’s right for you.




Small Steps to a Healthier You!


It’s no secret that most Americans are overweight. Lack of exercise combined with a less-than-nutritious diet can lead to excess pounds that put a strain on joints, the lungs, and the heart. Like all muscles, the heart needs exercise to stay in top form. When it rarely gets a workout, it can weaken. When a weakened heart has to contend with high-fat, cholesterol-filled foods, it can lead to serious health complications.

Losing excess weight is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health as well as your heart health. The first is to determine your goal weight. Check your body mass index (BMI) and find out the healthy weight range for your height. Next, consult your doctor to develop a weight-loss plan that’s right for you.




 


 
 

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