FCMG joins health care providers nationwide in recognizing February as American Heart Month. Below, we’ve provided some information and resources we hope you’ll find useful!
Preventing Heart Disease:
- Move it or lose it: Regular physical activity strengthens your heart, boosts circulation, and helps manage weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
- Fuel your body wisely: Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Mind your blood pressure and cholesterol: Get regular checkups and manage these key risk factors with medication or lifestyle changes if needed.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking significantly damages your heart and blood vessels. Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your cardiovascular health.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Warning Signs of a Heart Condition:
- Chest pain or discomfort: This can be a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a squeezing sensation. It can extend to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during activity or while lying down, could be a sign of heart problems.
- Fatigue and weakness: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy without clear explanation can be a warning sign.
- Palpitations: Irregular or racing heartbeats can be an indicator of an underlying heart issue.
- Swelling in legs or ankles: Fluid buildup in the lower extremities can be a symptom of heart failure.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
- Sudden and intense chest pain: This can feel like a crushing pressure, burning, or tightness. It may come and go or be constant.
- Pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach: The pain can spread beyond the chest.
- Shortness of breath: You may feel difficulty breathing even at rest.
- Cold sweat: Profuse sweating for no apparent reason could be a warning sign.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint or like you might pass out can indicate a heart attack.
- Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can accompany a heart attack, especially in women.
Heart Health Resources
Want even more information? Below are additional resources to help you keep your heart healthy!
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – Heart awareness resources and tips for heart-healthy living
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American Heart Association (AHA) – The leading nonprofit focused on cardiovascular health, offering extensive information on prevention, CPR, heart-healthy habits, and research.
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AHA – Life’s Essential 8™ – Eight science-based habits to help improve and maintain heart health (eating better, activity, quitting tobacco, controlling sleep and more).
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AHA – Heart-Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Recommendations – Dietary guidance and lifestyle tips for long-term heart disease prevention.
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Million Hearts® Initiative – A national program aimed at preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes through public education and health interventions.
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NHLBI Heart Healthy Living – Tools to help you understand your personal risk factors, how you can modify them, and effective heart-healthy habits.
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MedlinePlus – How to Prevent Heart Disease – An overview of lifestyle changes that can lower your risk and improve overall cardiovascular health.
To be sure you’re following a healthy heart regimen, be sure to check with your FCMG clinician.