Heart Health Guide

Comprehensive Patient Education Resource

Source: Based on information from WebMD and medical guidelines

Understanding Heart Health

Your heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every organ. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, but many heart conditions are preventable through lifestyle choices and early detection.

How Your Heart Works

Your heart has four chambers - two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood daily through a network of blood vessels that extends over 60,000 miles.

Common Heart Conditions

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The most common type of heart disease, occurring when the coronary arteries become narrow or blocked by plaque buildup.

• Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue
• Risk factors: High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes
• Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications, procedures like angioplasty

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms but significantly increases heart disease risk.

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: 120-129 (systolic) and less than 80 (diastolic)
• Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2: 140/90 mmHg or higher

Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors (You Can Control)

• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen in blood
• High cholesterol: Can cause plaque buildup in arteries
• High blood pressure: Forces heart to work harder
• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels
• Obesity: Increases strain on heart
• Physical inactivity: Weakens heart muscle
• Poor diet: High sodium, saturated fats increase risks
• Excessive alcohol: Can damage heart muscle
• Stress: Chronic stress may contribute to heart disease

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: Risk increases with age
• Gender: Men at higher risk earlier; women's risk increases after menopause
• Family history: Genetic predisposition to heart disease
• Race/ethnicity: Some groups have higher risk

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Nutrition for Heart Health

Foods to Limit

• Saturated and trans fats
• Excess sodium (limit to less than 2,300mg daily)
• Added sugars
• Processed foods
• Excessive alcohol

Physical Activity Guidelines

• Aerobic exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity weekly
• Strength training: 2 or more days per week
• Daily activity: Take stairs, park farther away, walk during breaks

Managing Stress

Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation and deep breathing
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
• Social support
• Professional counseling if needed
• Time management
• Hobbies and relaxation activities

Regular Health Screenings

Regular check-ups can help detect heart disease early:

Recommended Screenings

• Blood pressure: At least every 2 years (annually if elevated)
• Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years starting at age 20
• Blood sugar: Every 3 years starting at age 45
• BMI/weight: At every doctor visit
• ECG: As recommended by your doctor

Medications and Heart Health

If prescribed heart medications, it's important to:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Never stop medications without consulting your doctor
• Understand what each medication does
• Report side effects to your healthcare provider
• Keep a current list of all medications

When to Seek Medical Attention

Schedule Regular Appointments for:

• Routine blood pressure checks
• Cholesterol monitoring
• Medication adjustments
• Diabetes management
• Weight management support

Heart Health Action Plan