Heart disease and stroke cause 870,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, and result in millions of hospitalizations and disabilities. But it doesn’t have to be this way. “You can often avoid heart disease – or at least minimize its impact – by controlling risks and practicing a healthy lifestyle,” says Rufino Festin, MD, a cardiologist at Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center.

Know your risks
It is also important to be aware of the risks you cannot control, such as age, gender, family history and race. For men, the risk of heart disease increases at about age 45; for women, it increases at about age 55. “It’s believed that women’s natural hormones, which decrease after menopause, provide this earlier protection,” Dr. Festin explains.

Controllable risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco abuse. “It’s important to receive regular screenings for these conditions, and do all you can to avoid them or their progression, by taking any prescribed medications and practicing a heart-healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Festin says.

High cholesterol can lead to coronary artery disease, angina (chest pain) and heart attack. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced in the liver and found in animal food products. When the body has too much cholesterol, some is deposited in the arteries, causing them to narrow and restrict blood flow.

“Because high cholesterol does not have symptoms, you should be screened for it regularly beginning at age 30 – or earlier if you have other risks, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or strong family history of high cholesterol,” Dr. Festin says.

The body has two types of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is referred to as “good” cholesterol, and LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. Recommended LDL levels vary according to how many heart disease risks a person has. If lifestyle changes alone cannot reduce cholesterol levels, doctors may prescribe statins, which help lower cholesterol and stabilize cholesterol deposits in blood vessels.

High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload and may cause the heart muscle to become thick and stiff, increasing the risk for heart failure, heart attack and stroke.

Certain ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics and American Indians are more prone to having high blood pressure. People with this condition should watch their intake of salt and sodium and practice a healthy lifestyle. In some cases, doctors recommend medications.

Diabetes significantly increases the risk for heart and blood vessel disease. People who have diabetes should work closely with their doctors to manage blood glucose levels and any other risk factors they may have. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent and control this condition.

Your choices play an important role
“Besides getting risk-factor screenings, it’s very important to not smoke, get regular exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight,” Dr. Festin adds. “We are always encouraging people to take a more active role in maintaining their health. But, unfortunately, it sometimes takes a crisis before people respond.”

To learn more about heart disease, go to parknicollet.com/heart. To schedule an appointment with a Park Nicollet cardiologist, call 952-993-3246.