February is American Heart Month

Published on February 01, 2024

February is Heart Month Artwork

February is American Heart Month

What You Should Know About Heart Health

By Pranay Pandrangi, MD

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). About 695,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021, or 1 in every 5 deaths that year.

The American Heart Association shared that in any given year, over 800,000 people in the United States have a heart attack – over 600,000 experience their first heart attack and the other 200,000 are those who have already had a heart attack. About 1 in every 5 heart attacks is silent. The damage has already occurred, but the person is not aware of it.

That’s why we take time every February to shine a light on heart health and what we can do to be heart healthy and aware. It is an opportunity for people of all ages to evaluate their cardiovascular health and learn how to take care of their hearts year round.

Know Your Risks for Heart Disease

Heart failure occurs when the heart isn’t pumping blood to the rest of the body the way it should. This means that cells don’t get the oxygen and nutrient-rich blood they need to function properly. Heart failure typically develops slowly and is a chronic, long-term condition.

Although this form of heart disease is common, it may be “silent” and can go undiagnosed until significant symptoms arise.

People over the age of 35 with any of the following risk factors should seek out a heart screening:

  • Family history of heart disease
  • High blood pressure or cholesterol
  • Diabetes (over the age of 30)
  • History of smoking
  • Previous heart attack

Know the Warning Signs of Heart Disease

  • Difficulty breathing
    • Shortness of breath when doing simple activities such as walking stairs
    • Trouble breathing when lying down or resting
    • Waking up breathless
  • Coughing
    • Frequent coughing
    • Coughing that produces mucus or blood
    • Dry cough when lying flat
  • Fatigue
    • Tired easily
    • Swelling of feet/ankles/legs

It is important to be aware and honest with a primary care provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Having a conversation with your doctor about your family history of heart disease can also be valuable.

Know How a Doctor Diagnoses Heart Disease

If you or a loved one is concerned about your heart health, contact your primary care provider for a diagnostic test. To determine if you have heart disease, a doctor may perform some of these diagnostic tests and procedures:

  • Physical exam: At this exam, the doctor will ask about your medical history, check your weight and blood pressure, and listen to your heart and lungs.
  • Blood test: This test includes a blood sample, typically taken from the arm, then analyzed in a lab.
  • Chest X-ray: This exam can be taken while you stand up or lie down on a table. Results reveal if your heart is enlarged or if your lungs are congested.
  • Exercise Stress Test: During this exam, you are hooked up to heart monitoring equipment, typically while walking on a treadmill. You will exercise for as long as possible, while the incline or pace increases and becomes more difficult. The results show the heart’s response to the stress of exercise.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG): This is a painless test where small electrodes (small plastic discs) are placed on your chest. A wire running from the electrodes to an EKG machine shows irregular heart rhythms.
  • Echocardiography (“echo”): This ultrasound test uses sound waves to examine the heart.
  • Computer Tomography (CT) Heart Scan: A CT scan creates detailed pictures of the inside of your body that enables a heart specialist to detect evidence of heart disease, even before you may have any noticeable symptoms.

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of heart disease, call your doctor right away. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, heaviness or tightness in your chest, or trouble thinking clearly, call 911 right away. You may be experiencing a heart attack.

Know Your Healthy Numbers

  • Your Cholesterol Level. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is normal.
  • Your Blood Pressure. A normal blood pressure level is below 120/80 mmHg.
  • Your Blood Sugar Level. A fasting blood glucose between 70-100mg/dL is considered normal.
  • Your A1C Level. An A1C level below 5.7% is normal. A level between 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes.
  • Your Triglyceride Level. Below 150 mg/dL for adults, 150-199 mg/dL is borderline, 200-499 mg/dL is high.

Why the focus on blood sugar, A1C and triglyceride levels? Individuals who have diabetes already have an increased risk for heart disease due to higher blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Along with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, these are the major risk factors for heart disease. Factors that over time damage blood vessels, causing them to harden and become blocked.

Pranay Pandrangi MDPranay Pandrangi, MD, is a cardiologist at Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare, seeing patients in both Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Dr. Pandrangi can be reached at (269) 373-1222. You can learn more about Bronson’s heart and vascular program by visiting bronsonhealth.com/heart. If you or someone you know has risk factors for heart disease and would like to schedule a heart scan, please call (269) 341-8700 or visit bronsonhealth.com/heartscan