Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults. Every 33 seconds, an American dies of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare organizations and physicians scratch their heads, wondering what is to be done. Physicians prescribe statins and blood pressure medicines, promoting circulation and preventing heart attacks. Yet, these interventions often function as band-aids on gaping wounds. What do your patients need you to know about heart health?
Maintaining heart health requires a diverse approach. Pharmaceuticals and lifestyle changes are equally important. Patients should focus on improving their health while using medication if necessary.
Unfortunately, many patients depend solely on medical interventions, dismissing lifestyle modifications. People often underestimate their ability to change. Remind your patients that small, consistent efforts over time significantly improve cardiovascular health.
Many factors contribute to heart disease. With lifestyle modifications, your patients can avoid many of the following risk factors:
Lifestyle is not the only factor determining heart disease. Having a close family member with heart disease increases your patient’s risk. Ask your patients if they have close family ties to someone with heart disease.
If the family member was in their 40s or 50s when diagnosed, your patient is at a greater risk of developing heart disease. Ensure they know what signs to report and how to promote and monitor heart health.
The CDC recommends adults eat about two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables daily. Unfortunately, only 10% of Americans eat these recommended amounts. Consuming adequate fruits and vegetables promotes overall health by:
Many assume they cannot afford a diet high in fruits and vegetables. However, eating healthy, high-fiber foods generally decreases empty calorie consumption. Soft drinks, pastries and chips are pricey and offer little satiation. So, people often eat more food and spend more money by omitting healthy foods from their diet.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 75 minutes of high-intensity and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities per week. Your sedentary patients may feel overwhelmed by AHA’s physical activity guidelines.
In these situations, it is essential to encourage any increase in activity. Even a slight improvement in low-intensity activity has significant health benefits.
Remember, your patients value your input. By helping establish activity goals, providers support their patients. Your recommendations may be the push they need to get moving and start improving heart health.
Most people understand that smoking is harmful. Yet, many do not realize that smoking cessation can quickly improve health. The AHA claims that people typically observe health benefits within a year of stopping smoking.
Likewise, it does not take much smoking to produce damaging results. Even a few cigarettes a day cause injury to many body systems. Patients need to know that quitting smoking can significantly benefit heart health.
Smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke harms the body in the following ways:
All these factors combine to make the blood sluggish and prone to clotting. Additionally, smoking decreases the oxygen supply to the body. Let your patients know you can help establish a plan for stopping. They will likely need support and someone to guide them.
Patients need to maintain a blood pressure of 140/90 or less 80% of the time. Occasional blood pressure readings within normal range are not enough. Consistency is key.
Physicians wish their patients understood that an elevated BP — even half of the day — still places them at risk of cardiovascular injury. Lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and pharmaceutical interventions help your patients maintain blood pressures conducive to heart health.
Elevated cholesterol can cause plaque build-up in the vascular system, leading to many health problems. Fiber-rich and low-fat diets, as well as exercise, can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Some people, especially those with a family history of hyperlipidemia, may need medication to lower cholesterol and improve circulation. Your patients may be hesitant to take statins, but these medications decrease cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 40%.
One thing your patient needs to know about heart health is how important sleep is to wellness.
Your patients are busy. They often squeeze every second out of a day. Many think an extra hour or two of work is what they need. This mindset is a short-term gain but a long-term loss. A consistent sleep deficit (less than six hours) increases obesity, diabetes and hypertension risks.
Some people report that their bodies do not need much sleep. Before claiming superhero status, patients need to practice good sleep hygiene:
Adequate sleep is vital to overall health. During rest periods, our bodies perform cellular repair, promote neuron connections, eliminate waste, and much more. Without sufficient sleep, all body systems suffer.
In the United States, heart disease causes one in three deaths annually. With lifestyle modifications and pharmaceutical interventions, we can help improve patient’s lives.
We understand the devastating impact that cardiovascular disease has on your patients. There are many things your patients need to know about heart health. We are here to support you and promote heart health for your patients. Click the “Refer” button to get started.
“What doctors wish patients knew about heart-disease prevention.” American Medical Association, 2023, What doctors wish patients knew about heart-disease prevention | American Medical Association.
“Heart Disease and Stroke.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022, Heart Disease and Stroke | CDC.
“Life’s Simple 7.” American Heart Association, 2020, Life’s Simple 7 – American Heart Association – Workplace Health Playbook.
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