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February is American Heart
Month Focus on the Heart!
During the month of February Irvine Regional Hospital wants to raise awareness so everyone takes the steps necessary to keep their hearts strong and vital. We’ve developed a special campaign – “Focus on the Heart” – that promotes heart health and encourages community residents to undergo regular testing and screening so they can keep themselves…and their hearts…physically fit. Our heart logo with an EKG pulse running through it helps reinforce that message – especially during American Heart Month. We hope you’ll join us in spreading the word about the steps we all can take to help defeat heart disease in the South Orange County community. We want all our friends and neighbors to continue to “Focus on the Heart.”
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CONTACT US
ACTIVITIES/EVENTS
ABOUT HEART DISEASE
- Heart Attack? Dial 9-1-1
- Warning Signs
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Know Your Calcium Score
- Build a Healthier Heart
CARDIAC FACTS
TOP 10 WAYS TO “Focus on the Heart”
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CONTACT US
To RSVP for an event or for questions please call, Laura Garcia at 949.753.2386
Irvine Regional invites women to a personal Cardiovascular Screening for only $40.
The Screening Includes:
• Cardiac Assessment
• Blood Pressure, Temperature and Pulse
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Body Analysis
• Lipid/Glucose Screening
• EKG
• Metabolic Syndrome Screening
• Individual Nutrition Plan
For More Information or to schedule an appointment, please call, 877.725.1222
Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center is located at:
16200 Sand Canyon Avenue
Irvine, CA 92618
All events in the auditorium can be attended by using this address, enter through main entrance of the hospital and the front desk will instruct you to the location of the auditorium.
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ACTIVITIES/EVENTS
In support of the Focus on the Heart campaign, throughout the month of February Irvine Regional Hospital will focus on heightening awareness about testing and other preventive measures that can help decrease the risk of heart disease and show how we all can live healthier lives. The hospital also will spotlight medical technology and uplifting programs that are sources of support for those at risk of heart disease.
• Friday, February 1, 2008, Irvine Regional Hospital encourages all staff and local community to Wear Red in support of American Heart Association movement to raise awareness of heart disease and empowers women to reduce their risk.
• Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at Noon in the Auditorium, Irvine Regional Hospital along local Red Hat Society chapters will host a luncheon, lecture and screening. Dr. Leila Rasouli, will discuss “Women and Heart Disease,” to help raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and the resources available to prevent, detect and fight against heart disease amongst women in the South Orange County community.
• Wednesday, February 19, 2008, at Noon in the Auditorium, Irvine Regional Hospital accompanied by Dr. Suzanne Feigofsky, will host a lecture on Sex, Love and Palpitations, this event is for all persons who are interested in attending.
• Throughout the entire month of February, Irvine Regional Hospital invites women to a low cost personal cardiac screening.
Knowing how to build a stronger, healthier heart is important, as is taking advantage of tests and screenings that can alert one to potential health risks. Join us in spreading that message throughout our community. Be part of the team; ask everyone you meet – “Are you doing all you can to Focus on the Heart?” Then, tell them about Irvine Regional Hospital and our campaign to promote better heart health!
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ABOUT HEART DISEASE
Heart disease encompasses a number of conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels in the heart. The most common heart conditions include coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to angina or heart attack, heart failure, heart arrhythmias and stroke. Overall, heart disease is America's No. 1 killer. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.1
Heart disease is a serious condition that has no cure, but patients can live a full and enjoyable life with the right treatment and active attention to their lifestyle. For those afflicted with some form of heart condition, the most important thing to remember is that they’re not alone. Nearly 5 million Americans are living with heart disease and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. But, the condition can be managed. Regardless of their treatment regimen, patients need to follow all of their doctor’s recommendations and make the necessary changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle to give them the highest possible quality of life.2
Heart Attack? Dial 9-1-1 Fast
Heart attacks are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If any of these symptoms occur, get help fast!1
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where it’s clear what's happening. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Those affected often aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:1
• Chest discomfort – Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath – With or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs – May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.1
Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.
1,2 Courtesy: American Heart Association
1 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053
2 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1486
High Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, kidney failure and death.1 Nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, but more than a third of them (39 percent) are not receiving treatment to reduce the risk that poses.1 Although 50 percent of patients who take medication for high blood pressure achieve goal blood pressure, no matter what medication they’re on, combination therapy (combinations or two or three drugs) have been shown to achieve goal blood pressure in 80 to 90 percent of patients.2
1 American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics— 2007 Update. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association; 2007
2 Kanavos P, Ostergren J, Weber M. High blood pressure and health policy: where we are and where we need to go next. Ruder Finn, Inc. 2007
Diabetes
At least 65 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes die from some form of heart disease or stroke.1 An estimated 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, but approximately 30 percent of them are unaware of their condition. Diabetes disproportionately afflicts Hispanics, non-Hispanic blacks, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.1 Physical activity, healthy eating habits and medication, if needed, can help control blood sugar levels and decrease the threat from heart disease.2
1 American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics— 2007 Update. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association; 2007
2 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. About type 2 diabetes. State of Diabetes Complications in America. Available at: http://www.stateofdiabetes.com/about_type_2.html. Accessed July 2, 2007
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol, which can be an important part of a healthy body because it's used for producing cell membranes and some hormones, and serves other needed bodily functions. But too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack). Hypercholesterolemia is the medical term for high levels of blood cholesterol.3
High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease and heart attack. As blood cholesterol rises, so does the risk of coronary heart disease. For those who have other risk factors (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) as well as high cholesterol, this risk increases even more.4
Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test.5
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol
When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood (more than 160 mg/dL), it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result.5
HDL (Good) Cholesterol
About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of heart disease. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, thus slowing its buildup.5
Triglycerides
Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) level and a low HDL (good) level. Many people with heart disease and/or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels.5
Lp(a) Cholesterol
Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A high level of Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for the premature development of fatty deposits in arteries. Lp(a) isn’t fully understood, but it may interact with substances found in artery walls and contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits.5
To help control cholesterol, you should:
Include more heart-healthy foods in your diet:
• Control total fat. Limit all fats to no more than 35 percent of your total daily calories. You should limit saturated fats to less than 7 percent and trans fats to less than 1 percent of your total calories.
• Limit dietary cholesterol. Limit or avoid organ meats, egg yolks and whole-milk products. Shop for the leanest cuts of meat available. Roast or bake your chicken or turkey with the skin removed. Avoid fried and greasy foods.
• Add foods that are high in soluble fiber such as oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apples.
• Eat more fish. Look for cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3s may lower your triglyceride levels. Pregnant women or those who plan to become pregnant should limit their intake of cold water fish due to the possibility of mercury contamination.
• Consider soy products. Soy contains a compound called “isoflavones” that help regulate cholesterol levels. Eating soy proteins can reduce your total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising your HDL cholesterol.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Reduce sugar intake.
Exercise
Losing weight may improve your cholesterol levels. Doctors recommend adding aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, bicycling or swimming to your life to help maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol. Start gradually and build up to exercising 30 to 45 minutes at least three times per week. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
3,4,5 Courtesy: American Heart Association
3 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3046103
4 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1502
5 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180
Do You Know Your Cardiac Calcium Score?
Based on a scale of 0 to over 400, your cardiac calcium score can help predict if you are at a higher risk of a heart attack or other problems before you have any symptoms.
Cardiac calcium scans use noninvasive techniques to obtain information about the location and extent of calcium buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Healthy coronary arteries do not have plaque, a buildup of fat and other substances including calcium. A higher cardiac calcium score means more plaque in the arteries of your heart, putting you at greater risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).
Cardiac calcium scans most often are recommended for men age 45 and older, women age 55 and older or who are postmenopausal, and those who have risk factors for CAD but show no symptoms. In addition to age, risk factors for CAD include unusually high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and family history of heart disease. You probably would not have this test if you have had a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty with or without stent placement, or if you are or might be pregnant.
A cardiac calcium scan requires no needles, cutting or sedation. During the approximately 30-minute procedure, patients lie on a table connected to a computed tomography (CT) scanner. The table slides into the round opening of the CT scanner which moves around the patient, taking about 200 pictures of the heart in thin sections.
Calcium deposits show up as bright white spots on the scan. A cardiac calcium score is then determined based on the presence of calcium detected during the procedure. A score of 0 means there is no plaque present; one to 10 means a small amount of plaque; 11 to 100, plaque is present; 101 to 400, there is a moderate amount of plaque; over 400, there is an extensive amount of plaque.
Unlike standard cardiac tests, a cardiac calcium scan can detect the presence of CAD even when arteries leading to the heart are less than 50 percent narrowed. More than half of all heart attacks occur when coronary arteries are blocked by less 50 percent. However, not all calcium deposits mean there is a blockage in coronary arteries and not all blocked arteries contain calcium. In addition, cardiac calcium scans cannot detect soft plaque, the earliest form of CAD.
If your cardiac calcium score shows that you are at higher risk for developing coronary artery disease, you can take some steps to improve your health. Talk to your doctor about your health concerns, stop smoking, reduce your cholesterol, eat a healthier diet and get more exercise. Just like your golf game, the lower your cardiac calcium score, the better.
Can I Build a Healthier Heart?
Yes, you can. When you build a house, its strength depends on what you put into it – a solid foundation, good strong supporting walls and roofing. When it comes to your heart health, you need those same elements.
Healthy eating, regular exercise, reducing stress, watching your weight and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol triglycerides, blood glucose, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference under control are some of the ways you can build a healthy heart.
A good building inspection can tell you if your house is healthy. For your heart, you need to have a heart inspection. Talk to your doctor about checking your blood pressure and cholesterol. You need to tell your doctor about any family history of heart conditions.
Irvine Regional Hospital wants to help you build a healthy heart. We have several easy online tools to help you learn more about heart disease and your risk factors. We also can help you find a physician for you or your family.
Check out these resources on our Web site under “Health Resources” and then “Interactive Tools:”
Calculators for:
• Body Mass Index
• Calorie Burn Rate
• Cost of Smoking
• Target Heart Rate
Health Risk Assessments including:
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Stress Triggers
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CARDIAC FACTS
According to the American Stroke Association, nearly 2,400 people die each day in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease, an average of one death every 36 seconds. Cardiovascular disease, our nation’s No. 1 killer of men and women alike, claims more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, accidents and diabetes mellitus combined. An estimated 79.4 million American adults, one in every three people, suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease; coronary heart disease and stroke are the most common. And approximately 870,000 of these Americans are expected to succumb to diseases of the heart and blood vessels this year.1
Know the Facts about Cardiovascular Disease
• People age 50 and older can potentially add eight to 11 years to their lives by addressing these six key risk factors: smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.2
• Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than non-smokers, but it has been proven that quitting smoking substantially reduces that risk after one or two years.2
• Obese individuals have approximately twice the risk of heart failure as individuals at a healthy weight.2
• The relative risk of coronary heart disease associated with an inactive lifestyle is comparable to the effects observed for high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure or cigarette smoking.2
• Nearly one in three American adults have high blood pressure, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.2
• A 10 percent decrease in total cholesterol levels may result in an estimated 30 percent reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease.2
• At least 65 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes die of some form of heart disease.2
• The older you get, the greater your risk for cardiovascular disease. 37.5 million American adults who have one or more types of cardiovascular disease are estimated to be age 65 or older.1
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives, blacks, Hispanics and whites. For Asians and Pacific Islanders, heart disease is the second leading cause of death.3
• More than 450,000 Americans will die this year alone from coronary heart disease, the principal type of cardiovascular disease.2
• Stroke, one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and the nation’s No. 3 cause of death, kills more than 150,000 people a year, about one of every 16 deaths nationwide.4
• The total cost for medical care and disability related to cardiovascular disease is expected to reach $431.8 billion for 2007.2
1Source: American Stroke Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2007 Update
2Source: American Heart Association
3Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4Source: American Stroke Association, Impact of Stroke
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TOP 10 WAYS TO “Focus on the Heart”
• Don’t smoke tobacco and stay away from tobacco smoke
Smoking is one of the main factors leading to heart disease. The earlier you quit, the better your health will be in the long run. The health benefits from quitting smoking begin almost immediately. Within a few years, your overall risk of stroke and coronary artery disease will be similar to that of non-smokers.
• Eat nutritious food from all the food groups
Many people believe they are eating the right types of foods, when in reality their bodies may not be getting the nutrients needed to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods provide vitamins, minerals and fiber, but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients needed for a healthy body, opt for foods such as fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, whole-grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
• Work on your fitness
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Many Americans are not physically active enough to gain health benefits from exercise. Activities such as swimming, jogging, biking, skiing, aerobics, walking and more can help your heart, whether included in a structured exercise regime or as part of your daily routine.
• Manage your stress
Stress plays a vital factor in the development of heart disease. Eliminating or decreasing the amount of stress in your life can do wonders for your cardiovascular health.
• Control your blood pressure
Your heart has to work overtime to push blood through your body when blood pressure is high. This can lead to an enlarged heart and can speed up atherosclerosis. By reducing your diastolic blood pressure by only 2mm Hg (millimeters per mercury), you can decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The average healthy blood pressure generally falls under 120/80 mm Hg.
• Maintain a healthy weight
A healthy weight status in adults is achieved by proper diet and regular physical activity. You can determine what’s healthy by using weight and height to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI indicates the amount of body fat you have at the time of measurement. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Normal weight is a BMI of 18 to 24.9.
• Improve your cholesterol levels
Studies show that a 10 percent decrease in your total cholesterol levels may result in an estimated 30 percent reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease.
• Get regular screenings
Be proactive with your heart health and submit to regular screenings. This will not only give you piece of mind, but will also alert you to any health issues you may be experiencing that can detour your healthy heart status. The earlier you begin testings and screenings, the more disease you can prevent.
• Prevent and control diabetes
People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease. This risk can be reduced, however, by implementing a healthy lifestyle. People can take steps to reduce the risk for diabetes to begin with through weight loss and regular physical activity.
• Chart your calcium
Based on a scale of 0 to more than 400, your cardiac calcium score can help predict if you are at a higher risk of a heart attack. Cardiac calcium scans use noninvasive techniques to obtain information about the location and extent of calcium buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Healthy coronary arteries do not have plaque, a buildup of fat and other substances including calcium. A higher cardiac calcium score means more plaque in the arteries of your heart, putting you at greater risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The lower your cardiac calcium score, the better.
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Irvine Regional Hospital reminds you February is American Heart Month and encourages you to “Focus on the Heart.” Irvine Regional Hospital is hosting personal cardiovascular screenings throughout the month of February to make sure you – and your heart – are physically fit. space is limited. to make an appointment, call 1.877.725.1222. increase your chances of preventing heart disease…or catch it before it’s too late. Call 1.877.725.1222 to “Focus on the Heart” with Irvine Regional Hospital.
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