Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1444917
Health Matters: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center | 5 Recommended screenings Blood pressure Cholesterol ("fasting lipoprotein profile" to measure total HDL and LDL cholesterol) Weight/body mass index (BMI) Waist circumference Blood glucose test How often? Each regular healthcare visit or at least once per year, more often if blood pressure is elevated Every 4–6 years for normal-risk adults; more often if elevated risk for heart disease and stroke During your regular health care visit As needed to help evaluate cardiovascular risk if BMI is greater than or equal to 25 kg/m 2 At least every 3 years starting at 45 To request an appointment with our expert heart care team, call 844-438-7768. EXERCISE MATTERS According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins University, exercise can be as effective as medication for controlling or reversing some heart conditions. When starting an exercise regime, however, it's important to get advice from your physician first. Here's how exercise benefits the heart: • Exercise lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate (when exercising and at rest). • It helps you achieve a healthy weight. When combined with a balanced diet, it significantly reduces risk of obesity-related conditions. • Exercise strengthens muscles, balance, circulation and stamina. Experts say a combination of aerobic and strength- training workouts are best for heart health. • It can help you to stop smoking. • Exercise lowers stress and feelings of pain and depression. Whether you run, walk, do yoga or lift weights, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins interact with receptors in the brain and trigger positive feelings in the body. says Adel K. El-Bialy, MD, a cardiologist with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center who has been in practice for more than 20 years. "It's important to follow a nutritionally balanced diet, drink in moderation and not smoke. But it is also critical to lower stress levels to better protect the heart and cardiovascular system," Dr. El-Bialy explains. Ways to lower stress include yoga, meditation, nature walks, regular workouts, massage and lightening your workload and schedule when possible. TRENDS IN HEART HEALTH When trying to follow heart-healthy dietary advice, it is common to hear conflicting information. For instance, recent studies report that daily baby aspirin supplementation, once considered the gold standard of heart disease prevention, is not recommended for everyone. Another study found that fish oil, when supplemented at daily doses of more than one gram, could lead to atrial fibrillation (afib), an irregular, often rapid heart rate, which can cause poor blood flow. Dr. El-Bialy clarifies these recent findings: "Aspirin is not recommended for everyone. The risk of bleeding is four in 100,000 patients. Aspirin supplementation is highly recommended, however, for patients with heart disease and stents," he says. As for fish oil supplementation being linked to afib, Dr. El-Bialy concludes that the data is weak when compared with the copious amounts of research showing that fish oil containing omega-3 is a heart-healthy food. DETECTION MATTERS Yearly screens are critical for detecting, treating and preventing CVD. The American Heart Association recommends the following: Dr. Adel K. El-Bialy