Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Can I prevent Coronary Artery Disease?
"Coronary artery disease is preventable," agreed Johnny Lee, M.D., "Good nutrition, getting to a healthy BMI, and getting plenty of physical activity can play a big role in avoiding CAD."
Do I need to see a cardiologist for a cardiovascular screening test if I am undiagnosed with a condition?
"Even if you have not been diagnosed with a condition, your healthcare provider will perform more stringent screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease."
What impacts your lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease?
-Family history of heart disease -Blood pressure level -Cholesterol -If you have an overweight BMI -Diet high in fat -If you have diabetes -If you're a smoker
What is considered ELEVATED blood pressure according to American Heart Association?
120 - 129 and LESS THAN 80
What is considered HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 according to American Heart Association?
130 - 139 OR 80 - 89
What is considered HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 according to American Heart Association?
140 or HIGHER OR 90 or HIGHER
What is the best weapon to preventing cardiovascular disease?
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease.
True or False: "Heart disease runs in my family, so there's nothing I can do to prevent it."
Although people with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, you can take steps to dramatically reduce your risk. Create an action plan to keep your heart healthy by tackling these to-dos: get active; control cholesterol; eat better; manage blood pressure; maintain a healthy weight; control blood sugar; and stop smoking.
When do cardiovascular screening tests by a doctor begin?
At 20. The frequency of follow up will depend on your level of risk.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries which limits the blood flow to the heart's muscle that can lead to a heart attack and can cause formation of a blood clot from the sudden rupture of the plaque.
How does stress harm the heart?
Causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that may damage the artery walls.
How do I eat a healthy diet?
Center your eating plan around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins and fish. Make smart choices like limiting refined carbohydrates, processed meats and sweetened drinks.
Why does the development of Coronary Artery Disease begin in childhood?
Coronary artery disease begins in childhood, so that by the teenage years, there is evidence that plaques that will stay with us for life are formed in most people," said Fisher, who is former editor of the American Heart Association journal, ATVB.
What is Life's Simple 7?
Designed by the American Heart Association with the goal of improved health by educating the public on how best to live. 1) Manage Blood Pressure 2) Control Cholesterol 3) Reduce Blood Sugar 4) Get Active 5) Eat Better 6) Lose Weight 7) Stop Smoking
Should I worry about snoring, according to the American Heart Association?
Don't brush off snoring. Listen to your sleeping partner's complaints about your snoring. One in five adults has at least mild sleep apnea, a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. If not properly treated, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
How do I avoid trans fats?
Doughnuts, cookies, crackers, muffins, pies and cakes are examples of foods high in trans fat. Don't eat them often. Limit commercially fried foods and baked goods made with shortening or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. These foods are very high in fat, and it's likely to be trans fat. Avoid fried fast food. Commercial shortening and deep-frying fats are still made by hydrogenation and contain saturated and trans fats. Consider using a food diary to keep track of what you eat. It's a handy way to evaluate the healthy, not-so-healthy and unhealthy foods you're making a part of your everyday diet.
What is another genetic concern besides my family history in the development of cardiovascular disease?
Even if your family has a clean bill of health, you should be aware of other genetic factors that can increase your family's risk. For example, statistics show that African-Americans (PDF) face higher risks for high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/african-americans-and-heart-disease-stroke Statistics also indicate that about 1 in 3 Hispanics will have high blood pressure, and nearly half will battle high blood cholesterol. https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_483968.pdf
What is a healthy eating plan, according to the American Heart Association?
Foods low in saturated fat, low trans fat, and low sodium. Plenty of fruits and vegetables, Fiber-rich whole grains At least oily fish- twice per week Nuts, legumes, and seeds Try eating some meals without meat. Select LOWER FAT dairy products and poultry (skinless). If you choose to eat meat, select the leanest cuts available. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat.
How do I lower my risk of Coronary Artery Disease?
For patients with coronary heart disease that are at high risk, treatment focuses on reducing cholesterol. To lower your cholesterol, you need to change your eating habits and lose weight. Speak with your doctor to see if you should be taking a cholesterol medicine along with making these lifestyle changes
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is called congestive heart failure when fluid builds up in various parts of the body. So if you don't yet have it but are at risk for it, you should make lifestyle changes now to prevent it! Heart failure symptoms usually develop over time as your heart becomes weaker and less able to pump the blood that your body needs. Heart failure usually results in an enlarged heart (left ventricle).
What are the major risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease?
High Blood Pressure Family History Overweight Physical Inactivity Smoking
What causes Coronary Artery Disease?
High LDL cholesterol "Lousy" Low "Healthy" HDL cholesterol High blood pressure Family history Overweight Diabetes Smoking
True or False: "I'd know if I had high blood pressure because there would be warning signs."
High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because you don't usually know you have it. You may never experience symptoms, so don't wait for your body to alert you that there's a problem. The way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check your numbers with a simple blood pressure test. Early treatment of high blood pressure is critical because, if left untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and other serious health problems. Learn how high blood pressure is diagnosed.
What is "the silent killer"?
High blood pressure. It produces no symptoms before it causes permanent, irreversible damage to the heart.
True or False: "I'm too young to worry about heart disease."
How you live now affects your risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life. As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries. One in three Americans has cardiovascular disease, but not all of them are senior citizens. Even young and middle-aged people can develop heart problems - especially now that obesity, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors are becoming more common at a younger age.
What are the key screening tests for cardiovascular health and how often do I need to get them?
If you are at risk and have family history, you will be screened more frequently than a normal risk adult: Blood Pressure- Once per year if blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, however, regularly if over. Cholesterol ("fasting lipoprotein profile" to measure total, HDL and LDL cholesterol) Every year if you have elevated risk for heart disease and stroke. Weight / Body Mass Index (BMI) During your regular healthcare visit and at home. Waist circumference As needed to help evaluate cardiovascular risk. Blood glucose test At least once per year, more frequently if at risk Discuss smoking, physical activity, diet Each regular healthcare visit Your doctor may use the National Institutes of Health's Estimate of 10-Year Risk for Coronary Heart Disease Framingham Point Score to assess your risk of a coronary event in the next 10 years
How do I find out my Family History?
If you don't know the full history, start with your immediate family. Find out if your brothers, sisters, parents or grandparents had heart disease or stroke and how old they were when they developed these diseases. Fill out the My Family Tree by the American Heart Association to take to your physician https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/general/my-family-health-tree---worksheet-ucm_312386.pdf
Do I need to take medication if I have high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, staying on your medicines is critical to prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and heart failure.
How can I include whole grains?
Increase fiber and whole grains Consider these heart-smart choices: Eat oatmeal and uncooked oatmeal Serve whole fruit at breakfast Use brown rice instead of white rice and try whole grain pasta Add lots of colorful veggies to your salad - carrots, broccoli and cauliflower are high in fiber and give your salad a delicious crunch
What is wrong with having high cholesterol?
It causes plaque, which clogs arteries and leads to heart disease, heart blockages, heart attacks, and stroke. To lower your cholesterol, you may need to change your eating habits and lose weight. Speak with your doctor to see if you should be taking a cholesterol medicine along with making these lifestyle changes
What does untreated high blood pressure do to the body?
It greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. It strains your heart, arteries, and kidneys because it makes the heart work harder. It can cause permanent damage to the heart BEFORE you even notice any symptoms. Changes in health habits such as losing weight, eating less sodium (salt) and enjoying regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, staying on your medicines is critical to prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and heart failure.
What is wrong with being overweight?
It puts a large burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels, joints, and skeleton. It puts you at a higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and more.
How does regular exercise lower the risk of cardiovascular disease?
It strengthens cardiovascular system.
Low fat dairy products
It's important to choose low-fat dairy products when you have a risk of cardiovascular disease because dairy has a high amount of saturated fats.
If I have a family history of heart disease, will I develop it too?
Just because your family has a history of cardiovascular disease, does not mean that you will certainly have the same diseases, it just means that you are more likely to have them. Disease is not imminent, and your health can be managed by making lifestyle changes like those included in Life's Simple 7™. My Life Check was designed by the American Heart Association with the goal of improved health by educating the public on how best to live. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life. Take the My Life Check assessment now! It only takes about seven minutes! Learn more: Fill out the My Family Health Tree (PDF)(link opens in new window) to find out which cardiovascular conditions are in your family. African-Americans and Heart Disease, Stroke Hispanics and Heart Disease, Stroke (PDF)(link opens in new window) Cooking for Lower Cholesterol Managing Blood Pressure with a Heart-Healthy Diet https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/family-history-and-heart-disease-stroke
Why is Family History important?
Knowing your family's health history can help you avoid both heart disease and stroke - the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in America. "Both the risk of heart disease and risk factors for heart disease are strongly linked to family history," said William Kraus, M.D., a preventive cardiologist and research scientist at Duke University "If you have a stroke or heart disease in your family, you are more likely to have one."
True or False: "This pain in my legs must be a sign of aging. I'm sure it has nothing to do with my heart."
Leg pain felt in the muscles could be a sign of a condition called peripheral artery disease. PAD results from blocked arteries in the legs caused by plaque buildup. The risk for heart attack or stroke increases for people with PAD.
How can I avoid saturated fats?
Limiting saturated and trans fats Here are some ways to lower your intake of saturated and trans fats: Maintain a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish and nuts. Opt for naturally occurring unhydrogenated vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower or olive oil. Look for processed foods made with unhydrogenated oil rather than saturated fat or hydrogenated (or partially hydrogenated) vegetable oils. Use soft margarine as a substitute for butter and choose soft margarines (liquid or tub varieties) over harder stick forms. Look for "0 g trans fat" on the Nutrition Facts label.
Can I prevent heart disease?
Many can be prevented by eating better, getting active, losing weight, and being aware of genetic risks
Should I drink whole milk, according to the American Heart Association?
No. Lower dairy fats Low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk can be used in many recipes in place of whole milk or half-and-half. (Some dishes, like puddings, may result in a softer set.)
Does Heart Failure mean the heart stops beating?
No. When you have heart failure, it doesn't mean that your heart has stopped beating. It means that your heart isn't pumping blood as it should. The heart keeps working, but the body's need for blood and oxygen isn't being met.
How does secondhand smoke impact my risk of heart disease or lung cancer?
Nonsmokers are up to 30 percent more likely to develop heart disease or lung cancer from secondhand smoke exposure at home or work, according to a U.S. Surgeon General report.
True or False: "I'll know when I'm having a heart attack because I'll have chest pain."
Not necessarily. Although it's common to have chest pain or discomfort, a heart attack may cause subtle symptoms. These include shortness of breath, nausea, feeling lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck or back. Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn you risk of heart attack today!
What is an example of a whole grain high in fiber?
Oatmeal
What is wrong with having high blood sugar?
Over time, it damages your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves
How do I cook for lower cholesterol to reduce cardiovascular disease and plaque buildup in arteries?
Reduce saturated fat in meat and poultry Avoid Processed Meats such as salami, deli meat, and hot dogs. Even those with "reduced fat" labels - are high in calories and saturated fat. Such foods are often high in sodium, too. Choose White Meat when eating Poultry Eat more fish Fish can be fatty or lean, but it's still low in saturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Including seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids as part of a heart-healthy diet can help reduce the risk of heart failure, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrest and the most common type of stroke (ischemic). Eat less meat Try meatless meals and low-sodium beans. Treat meat as a sparingly used ingredient. Lower dairy fats Low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk can be used in many recipes in place of whole milk or half-and-half. (Some dishes, like puddings, may result in a softer set.) When it comes to cheeses used in recipes, you can substitute low-fat, low-sodium cottage cheese, part-skim milk mozzarella (or ricotta) cheese, and other low-fat, low-sodium cheeses with little or no change in consistency. Increase fiber and whole grains
How do I cook poultry to be heart healthy?
Remove the skin of chicken or turkey before cooking it Select lean cuts of meat (not prime) with minimal visible fat. Buy select extra lean ground meat and not prime. Trim all visible fat from meat before cooking. Broil rather than pan-fry meats Use a rack to drain off fat when broiling, roasting or baking. Instead of basting with drippings, keep meat moist with wine, fruit juices or a heart-healthy oil-based marinade. Cook a day ahead of time. Stews, boiled meat, soup stock or other dishes in which fat cooks into the liquid can be refrigerated. Later, remove the hardened fat from the top. When a recipe calls for browning the meat first, try browning it under the broiler instead of in a pan.
What causes the bad LDL (Lousy) Cholesterol?
Saturated Fats and Trans Fats The American Heart Association recommends reducing saturated fat to no more than 5 to 6 percent of total daily calories. For someone eating 2,000 calories a day, that's about 11 to 13 grams of saturated fat.
What is bad for someone at risk of developing cardiovascular disease?
Saturated fats in meats and dairy products
What foods are high in saturated fat?
Saturated fats occur naturally in many foods - primarily meat and dairy products. Beef, lamb, pork on poultry (with the skin on) contain saturated fats Dairy Products: butter, cream and cheese made from whole or 2 percent milk. Plant-based foods that contain saturated fats include coconut, coconut oil and cocoa butter, as well as palm oil and palm kernel oil (often called tropical oils).
What are the causes of Congestive Heart Failure?
The most common cause of heart failure is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed by buildups of fatty deposits called plaque. Other common risk factors that lead to heart failure are: • Past heart attack has done some damage to the heart muscle • Family history • Heart defects present since birth • High blood pressure • Heart valve disease • Diseases of the heart muscle • Infection of the heart and/or heart valves • Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias) • Being overweight • Diabetes • Thyroid problems • Alcohol or drug abuse • Certain types of chemotherapy
What foods are have trans fats?
Trans fats are found in many fried foods. Baked goods, such as pastries, pizza dough, pie crust, cookies and crackers also can also contain trans fats. If you are eating out, make sure you are eating at a restaurant that does not use trans fats and are not ordering a fried food.
True or False: "Diabetes won't threaten my heart as long as I take my medication."
Treating diabetes can help reduce your risk for or delay the development of cardiovascular diseases. But even when blood sugar levels are under control, you're still at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. That's because the risk factors that contribute to diabetes onset also make you more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. These overlapping risk factors include high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity and smoking.
True or False: Cardiovascular Disease is another name for Coronary Artery Disease
True
True or False: I need to eat foods high in potassium to help lower my blood pressure
True
What is a NORMAL blood pressure level?
UNDER 120/ UNDER 80
What causes high cholesterol?
Unhealthy diet Lack of physical activity Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke Excess weight
What are the Salty Six
Watch out for the "Salty 6" — the top six common foods that add the most salt to your diet. Read food labels and chose the lowest level of sodium you can find for these items: • Breads and french fries• Cold cuts and cured meats • Pizza • Poultry • Soup • Sandwiches
What about eating out?
What about eating out? Controlling your sodium intake doesn't mean spoiling the pleasure of eating out. But order carefully. Consider these tips for meals away from home: • Select fresh greens and fruits when available. Ask for oil and vinegar to top your salad or ask for the dressing on the side. • Be specific about what you want and how you want your food prepared. Request that your dish be prepared without added salt. • Remember portion control. You can always bring home a to-go box!
Does heart failure need to be treated?
Yes. Heart failure can get worse if it's not treated. It's very important to do what your doctor tells you to do.
According to the American Heart Association, which foods should be the center and main portion of the meal?
Whole grains high in fiber and vegetables "Make vegetables the main part of the meal and fill up with those rather than other foods," Dr. Gandy said.
Does Peripheral Artery Disease increase my risk for having a heart attack or stroke?
Yes.
True or False: Should I eliminate pre-packaged foods?
Yes. The best way to reduce sodium is to avoid prepackaged, processed and prepared foods, which tend to be high in sodium.
Do I need to monitor how much olive oil I use to cook with?
Yes. Try cooking vegetables in a tiny bit of vegetable oil and add a little water during cooking, if needed. Just one or two teaspoons of oil is enough for a package of plain frozen vegetables that serves four.
If I have a family history, what can I do about it?
Your family history provides a picture of the environment and genetics in place when these diseases occurred. "You can't counteract your genetics," Dr. Kraus said, and so if you have a history you must do what you can to change your environment. That means lowering your risk by changing behaviors that can increase your chances of getting heart disease or stroke. "It's good, healthy living - the more that can be ingrained in your family, the more impact it has," Dr. Kraus said. "A patient should eat a healthy diet, engage in physical activity and stop smoking." "You can't do anything about your family history, but you can control your blood pressure through lifestyle adjustments, diet, and medication," Dr. Gandy said.
How Can I Live with Heart Failure? PDF
https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/abh-how-can-i-live-with-heart-failure-ucm_300316.pdf
What are Heart Disease and Stroke? PDF
https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/pe-abh-what-are-heart-disease-and-stroke-ucm_300313.pdf
High Blood Pressure 101 PDF
https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/pe-abh-what-is-high-blood-pressure-ucm_300310.pdf
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease? PDF
https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/pe-abh-what-is-peripheral-vascular-disease-ucm_300323.pdf
High Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides 101 PDF
https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/ls_chol_highbloodcholtri_112018.pdf?la=en&hash=8B7DFB594E82D6E336BA7747463AA2C4D88F08F7
Where is the Hispanic Heart Disease Fact Sheet?
https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_483968.pdf
What foods have hidden sodium?
• Cheeses and buttermilk • Salted snacks, nuts and seeds • Frozen dinners and snack foods • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise) • Pickles and olives • Seasoned salts, such as onion, garlic and celery salts • Sauces, such as barbeque, soy, steak, and Worcestershire Use fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat, rather than canned, smoked, or processed types. • Choose unsalted nuts and low-sodium canned foods. Cook dried peas and beans. • Use products made without added salt. Try lowsodium bouillon and soups and unsalted broth. • Rinse canned vegetables and beans to reduce sodium.
What can I do to manage my heart failure?
• Follow your doctor's advice. • Quit smoking, if you smoke. • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. • Weigh daily to check for weight gain caused by increased fluid. • Track your daily fluid intake. • Monitor your blood pressure daily. • Lose or maintain your weight based on your doctor's recommendations. • Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine. • Eat a heart-healthy diet that's low in sodium, saturated fat and trans fat. • Be physically active. • Get adequate rest. Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721), or visit heart.org to learn more about heart disease and stroke. Sign up to get Heart Insight, a free magazine for heart patients and their families, at heartinsight.org. Connect with others sharing similar journeys with heart disease and stroke by joining our Support Network at heart.org/ supportnetwork.
What are the signs of Heart Failure?
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down • Tired, run-down feeling • Coughing or wheezing, especially when you exercise or lie down • Swelling in feet, ankles and legs • Weight gain from fluid buildup • Confusion or can't think clearly
How is Congestive Heart Failure treated?
• Your doctor will give you medicine to strengthen your heart and water pills (diuretics) to help your body get rid of excess fluids. • Your doctor will recommend a low-sodium (salt) diet. • You may be provided oxygen for use at home. • Your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes. • Surgery or cardiac devices may be needed, in some cases.
What can happen with Congestive Heart Failure?
• Your heart does not pump enough blood. • Blood backs up in your veins. • Fluid builds up in your body, causing swelling in your feet, ankles and legs. This is called "edema." • Fluid builds up in your lungs. This is called "pulmonary edema." • Your body does not get enough blood, food and oxygen
