Just because Valentine’s Day is over doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about your heart — it keeps you alive, after all. This vital organ, which is about the size of a clenched fist, provides your body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Pro tip: Take this short heart risk assessment to see where you stand.
To help us gather your need-to-know questions, we recently asked our readers (aka you) to send us their heart health questions for this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call. Here’s what the local cardiology experts said:
Does anxiety actually cause heart issues?
Persistent stress can increase your chances of experiencing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. Studies have even linked stress to changes in blood clots, which increase the risk of heart attacks. Learn more.
Is chocolate good for your heart?
According to research, there are nutritional benefits that come from eating pure, unsweetened cacao (psst... look for chocolate that includes 60-70% cacao). It’s a good source of fiber and is high in magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and insulin. Bonus: It also helps improve your mood.
Does high cholesterol cause heart failure? What can I do to lower cholesterol?
High cholesterol can lead to heart disease (and we’re already at a higher risk here in the south), which can increase your risk for heart failure. To lower your cholesterol, avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fats such as butter, dairy, eggs, and meat. Plus, consider these three additional tips.
What dietary supplement is best for cardiovascular health?
It really depends on the person, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Familiarizing yourself with some of the more common supplements + when they might be helpful is also a good place to start.
Is sea salt OK to use for heart health?
One type of salt is not better than any other. All salt can raise the amount of sodium in your body and negatively affect your blood pressure. Here’s how to actually reduce your salt intake.
What is the best way to start exercising?
Exercise is a great way to improve your heart health, but be sure to do it safely. Check in with your primary care physician first, especially if you have a chronic condition such as heart disease or if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a doctor. These five tips can help you start an exercise routine.
When should you worry about heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations — which can feel like your heart is racing or fluttering — can be related to all kinds of causes, including anxiety, caffeine, alcohol intake, and medications. It can also be caused by arrhythmias or structural or electrical abnormalities within the heart. If you feel chest or throat tightness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath, these are signs you need to go to the nearest emergency department to get checked out. Here’s why.
What foods should I incorporate into my diet to keep my heart healthy?
The Mediterranean diet is often recommended because it focuses on minimally-processed foods that are low in refined carbohydrates and rich in heart-healthy fats and fiber. This includes lots of fruits and vegetables, non-fried fish and seafood, lean meat, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
I’m an 80-year-old male. Should I get a calcium score test?
The calcium score is a low radiation dose CT scan that looks for calcium buildup in the heart arteries. It can help determine if someone is at higher risk for a heart attack — but it’s not for everyone. Calcium score tests are appropriate for people who are considered at intermediate risk for heart disease, such as someone with a strong family history but no known diagnosis of coronary artery disease. It’s best to talk to your primary care physician to see if a calcium score test is right for you. Find a doctor.
Thank you to Barry Feldman, MD; Lisa Akly, RDN; Jennifer Lee, FNP; David Manly, MD; Matt Pollack, MD; Michael Armstrong, MD; and William Halligan, MD, for sharing your knowledge + expertise.
