Prevention

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Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women, claiming a life every 33 seconds. Saint Agnes joins American Heart Association to celebrate American Heart Month and bring awareness to the dangers of heart disease and stroke. 

Even if you're not personally at risk for heart disease, someone you love likely is. Risk factors include age, weight, high blood pressure, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. It's time to get to the heart of heart disease by knowing your risks.

Heart Signs

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack look different in men and women. Learn what's unique to you.

Signs and symptoms

MitraClip – an innovate, minimally-invasive heart procedure – treating mitral regurgitation is safer and easier than ever before. And there’s no need for open-heart surgery.

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High Blood Pressure

"Blood pressure is something modifiable, but left untreated, it can cause what's called 'microvascular damage,' where over time, little rises in pressure put more and more strain on the cardiovascular system. That's why blood pressure is called the 'silent killer," Rachel Yankey, MD, SAMF Quality Medical Director says. "There's a lot of evidence that lifestyle modifications have a greater benefit in lowering blood pressure than medications if you're correctly following the recommendations of your doctor. With diet and exercise, it's not just about what you need to stop, but what you can start. Think positively."

When your blood pressure is elevated, your heart is forced to work harder. If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries and to your heart itself.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels greatly increase a person’s risk of heart disease. When it comes to understanding cholesterol, it’s important to know your total, LDL and HDL cholesterol numbers. Don’t distress if you find your cholesterol to be on the high side. Talk to your physician to help get your cholesterol back on track. There are many options to bring your cholesterol back to a "healthy" level so talk to your physician to figure out what positive steps are both doable and agreeable for you.

LDL Cholesterol  
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol) contributes to plaque buildup and clogging of the arteries.

  • Below 130 – Desirable
  • 130-159 – Borderline
  • Above 160 – High

HDL Cholesterol 
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol) protects the heart by helping to remove LDL deposits from your arteries.

  • Above 60 – Desirable
  • 50-59 – Borderline
  • Below 50 – High

Diabetes

Diabetes significantly increases your risk of heart disease. It is an especially important risk factor for women because they are three times more likely to die of heart disease than men with diabetes.

Reduce your risk 
If you have diabetes, it is important to get regular checkups and to work with your doctor to keep it in check through meal planning, exercise, weight loss and, if applicable, medication and self-monitoring. 

Sedentary Lifestyle

Physical inactivity can lead to obesity, diabetes, high choles-terol and high blood pressure – all of which greatly increase the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association advises at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, five times a week. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine to determine what level of physical activity is right for you.

Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for many serious conditions, including heart disease. A smoker’s risk of heart disease is twice that of a nonsmoker. Secondhand smoke even raises your risk. 

Obesity

Excess weight puts significant strain on your heart and worsens several other heart disease risk factors, such as diabetes. 

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI) 
Body Mass Index (BMI) is one method used to assess weight status and obesity. It allows you to compare your body weight, relative to your height, with the general population.