February '09 - American Hearth Month

At Mercy Health Partners, you’ll find the clinical experience and technology you’d expect from a leading-edge healthcare provider. But you’ll also experience something else: compassionate and individualized attention. We call it the Mercy Circle of Caring and you’ll experience it at every point of interaction from registration to rehabilitation.

More on the Mercy Circle of Caring

Watch the videos to the right to hear from local cardiologist Sai Hanumanthu, MD, FACC, and listen to Judi Smith's personal story about surviving a heart attack.

Mercy provides the highest level of heart care with comprehensive services such as routine testing, open heart surgery and cardiac rehabilitation. We are affiliated with many of the leading cardiologists in Greater Cincinnati and provide cutting-edge technology for diagnostics and treatment. Our team of compassionate and experienced nurses and caregivers deliver individual attention that focuses on your specific needs, safety and comfort. It’s all part of the Mercy Circle of Caring.

Go Red Girlfriends is a support group for women and is part of American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women. Go Red Girlfriends provides an opportunity for you to get together with the women in your lives including the women at work, civic organizations, sororities, social clubs and churches. For more information on the organization, parties and events contact Judi Smith at GoRedGirlfriends@yahoo.com.

How do I know if I’m at risk for heart disease?
You’re at risk if you have:

• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure 
• Higher levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides
• High Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Diabetes
• Or if you smoke

What are signs I might have heart disease?
You don’t have to have symptoms or a heart attack. However, some signals that you should see your doctor include:

• Chest pressure, pain, burning (may not be heartburn)
• Pain or burning that extends into jaw or arm
• Shortness of breath
• Increased fatigue, less ability to have physical activity
• Swelling in your legs
• Just “not feeling right”

IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, DO NOT WAIT TO GET TO THE DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL.  THE LONGER YOU WAIT, THE MORE DAMAGE CAN BE DONE.

Are men and women equally at risk?

• Men and women are equally at risk after a women reaches menopause. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. One in two women are likely to develop heart disease over the course of their lifetime, while only one in twenty-five will develop breast cancer.

I don’t smoke, I’m not overweight, I exercise and try to eat healthy.  I’m ok, right?

• You’re on the right track, but it doesn’t mean you’re safe from the disease. Be aware of your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose levels and family history. Get tested annually and discuss the results with your doctor.

What should I do to help prevent heart disease?

• Move. Take any opportunity to get more movement into your day—take the steps instead of the elevator, park further from the door, get up from your desk, walk to another part of the building, or just go outside.
• Get moderate exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week (moderate means that you’re sweating, but can easily have a conversation)
• Get vigorous exercise 10 minutes a day, 3 days a week (vigorous means that you’re sweating, and not talking except words or short sentences)
• Keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) under 30 (calculation of height/weight ratio)
• Know what your normal blood pressure is, and discuss with your doctor (120/60 is typically a normal range).
• Know what your cholesterol levels are and discuss this with your doctor.  It’s not just the total number that’s important but also the HDL/LDL (the “good” and “bad” cholesterol)
• Eat more vegetables and fruits, soy protein, fish, and less salt and saturated fat.  Start looking at labels if you aren’t already. Blueberries and spinach are especially full of good heart healthy nutrition.
• Don’t smoke. You are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease.
• Manage stress. Everyone has some amount of stress in their lives but if you aren’t managing the level you have it could be very dangerous.

Go online to learn more about Mercy’s comprehensive heart care program and rehabilitation services, and the exceptional care you’ll find at the Heart Hospital at Mercy Fairfield and with the Anderson Heart Program.

 

Healthy Ideas: August '08 - National Immunization Month
Healthy Ideas: September '08 - Breathe Easy This Fall
Healthy Ideas: October '08 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Healthy Ideas: November '08 - Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Healthy Ideas: December '08 - Wellness & Fitness For You
Healthy Ideas: January '09 - Healthy Weight Solutions
Healthy Ideas: February '09 - American Heart Month
Healthy Ideas: March '09 - Living with Diabetes
Healthy Ideas: April '09 - Total Joint Replacement
Healthy Ideas: May '09 - Digital Mammography
Healthy Ideas: June '09 - Chronic Wound Care
Healthy Ideas: July '09 - Sleep Disorders