AS AN INTERVENTIONAL cardiologist, I see many patients with heart disease. It’s unfortunate, but true, that this disease is one of the leading causes of death in America, which is why it is so vital to take measures to prevent it. By the same token, if you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make that will lessen your risk for a life-threatening event, such as a heart attack. Here are a few prevention steps I like to discuss with my patients that help make a difference:
KICK THE SMOKING HABIT
Whether you have heart disease or not, discontinuing the use of tobacco can significantly decrease the risks associated with the illness.
EXERCISE AND EAT RIGHT
These two seemingly simple things can have a vast effect on your overall health — not to mention decrease your risk for heart disease. At our office, we work closely with our patients to guide them through this commitment, because that’s what daily exercise and eating right is. I recommend to aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise (at moderate intensity) most days of the week. Even a daily brisk walk is better than nothing. Remember to ask your physician about what activity level and frequency of exercise is right for you.
HEALTH SCREENINGS AND SYMPTOMS
Finally, at our office my staff and I work very closely with our patients to educate them about warning signs and symptoms. We also encourage them to stay on top of their recommended health screenings and take their prescribed medications. These are little steps that can make a life-altering — or life-saving — difference when it comes to heart disease or a heart attack.
If you or a loved one are experiencing high blood pressure, dizziness, leg cramps, passing out, swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain, please see your doctor or contact us today.
This column is sponsored by Heart & Vascular Institute of Florida.
CREDIT
column by DR. IRFAN SIDDIQUI
BIO: Dr. Siddiqui is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and a practicing physician at the Heart & Vascular Institute of Florida. Dr. Siddiqui is also an associate professor with UCF College of Medicine. He takes pride in taking an integrated approach for his patients to provide comprehensive, consistent care. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (863) 42-HEART and ask to meet with Dr. Siddiqui.