Do you know what kind of shape your heart is in? Knowing the risk factors for heart disease and your level of risk can help you act to reduce your heart disease risk level by as much as 80%.
Watch this Fox 5 Interview with Emory Heart & Vascular Center cardiologist, Dr. Laurence Sperling as he gives you tips on how to make sure you keep your heart in top shape.
For those of us who frequent the local coffee shop for our morning pick-me-up, the answer to the question, “Too much coffee?” is always a resounding “Never!” But the lasting, jittery feeling really should make you wonder.
While caffeine energizes and rejuvenates, too much of anything is usually not healthy. Each day, about 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine in one form or another. Chances are, if a person consumes more then 400 mg of caffeine per day, they’re likely missing out on other more nutritional beverages and/or skipping meals.
The American Heart Association states that “Many studies have been done to see if there’s a direct link between caffeine, coffee drinking and coronary heart disease. The results are conflicting. This may be due to the way the studies were done and confounding dietary factors. However, moderate coffee drinking (1–2 cups per day) doesn’t seem to be harmful.”
While the caffeine content of coffee is not in and of itself harmful to a person, additives such as the cream, sugar and artificial sweeteners definitely have an impact on the body, especially the heart. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which also speeds up the heart rate. Heavy caffeine consumption has been linked to certain heart problems such as, mild arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat.
“Abnormal heart rhythms, such as Lone Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib), considered to be the most common, can be trigged by caffeine”, says Dr. Mikhale El-Chami, Cardiologist at Emory University Hospital.
The consumption of caffeine has also been reported to increase the release of fatty acids, decrease sensitivity to insulin, and transiently increase blood pressure. These effects are unfriendly to cardiac health.
If you’re a patient with a heart condition, or if you’re at risk for heart disease, your doctor can help you decide whether or not limiting your caffeine consumption is advisable.
An alarming percentage of people who suffer heart attacks or other acute coronary events, one in eight, experience clinically significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical or personal harm occurred or was threatened to occur. Post-traumatic stress disorder, usually, associated with military personal after war or sexual assault victims, is now being referenced for heart failure patients.
Each year, about 1.4 million people in the United States experience an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a condition brought about by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart. The most common symptom prompting diagnosis of ACS is chest pain, often radiating of the left arm or angle of the jaw, pressure-like in character, and associated with nausea and sweating. Numerous small studies have suggested that ACS-induced PTSD is common and can have serious health consequences, but its prevalence is not known.
To understand the severity of the problem, the first combined review, or meta-analysis, of clinical studies of ACS-induced PTSD was recently conducted. The 24 studies in the meta-analysis included a total of 2,383 ACS patients from around the globe.
The research conducted suggests that clinically significant PTSD symptoms induced by ACS are moderately prevalent and are associated with increased risk for recurrent cardiac events and mortality. Although, further tests of the association of ACS-induced PTSD and clinical outcomes are needed, the numbers are significant; overall 12 percent (one in eight) of the patients in the study developed clinically significant PTSD symptoms and four percent of study participants met full diagnostic criteria for the ACS-induced PTSD.
Dr. Donald Edmondson, leader of the study, stated, “Given that some 1.4 million ACS patients are discharged from the U.S. hospitals each year, our results suggest that 168,000 patients will develop clinically significant PTSD symptoms. That is quite substantial. However, there is abundant evidence that psychological disorders in heart patients are under recognized and undertreated. In fact, under diagnosis may be even more pronounced in cardiac practices than in other types of medical practices.” Edmondson also states that “Fortunately, there are good treatments for people with PTSD, but first, physicians and patients have to be aware that this is a problem. Family members can also help. We know that social support is a good protective factor against PTSD due to any type of traumatic event.”
For more information on the ACS induced PTSD analysis, you can review the paper titled “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Induced by Acute Coronary Syndrome: A meta analytic review of prevalence and associated clinical outcomes.” or check out the video below with Emory’s, Dr. Laurence Sperling, Director for the Center of Heart Disease prevention at the Emory Clinic.
Cardiac arrest, once thought to be rare in young athletes, is becoming increasingly prevalent. According to some experts, a high school student dies of cardiac arrest as often as every three days. A young person’s cardiac arrest could stem from a structural defect in the heart, or a problem with its electrical circuitry. But the most frequent cause of cardiac arrest among young athletes—making up nearly 40 percent of all cases— is the Hypertrophic Cadriomyopathy (HCM) which is a thickening of the heart muscle.
Fortunately, there are warning signs of both hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrest. To ensure good health during healthy competition among young athletes, parents and guardians need to be aware of the symptoms of both.
Join Emory Heart & Vascular Center cardiologist and director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy clinic, B. Robinson Williams III, MD onThursday, August 9, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. for an interactive online Q & A web chat on the topic of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes. Dr. Williams will be available to answer questions and discuss various topics about cardiac arrest in young athletes including causes, symptoms, and how to quickly treat, if it occurs.
You can register online for the live chat today!
Emory’s Heart Disease Prevention Program, HeartWise℠ , helps patients reduce their risk for heart disease, the number one cause of death among men and women in the U.S. The HeartWise℠ program serves not only patients who currently suffer from heart disease, but also aims to identify those who could be candidates for problems down the road (smokers, people who do not exercise, a person with high blood pressure to help them make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease before it starts.
“I thought: If I was lucky enough to live, I’d change, myself-I realized I could have a new life-new energy, new endurance, and feel better about myself.” A well put statement by Larry King after his 1987 heart attack.
Emory’s HeartWise℠ Heart Disease Risk Reduction Program assists patients in taking steps towards living more heart healthy lives by providing them with leading heart disease prevention methods and technology.
With the help from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Emory’s HeartWise℠ program patients are now able to enhance their heart disease prevention program with a brand new, Nu-Step cardio machine.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles, “has provided support for medical centers across the country to build and provide research for medical conditions — raising millions of dollars every year to combat heart disease and cancer, help handicapped kids, uplift the aged and make life a little brighter for everyone.”
Emory Healthcare is extremely grateful for their service and contribution of the Nu-Step cardio machine to our Heart Disease Prevention Program. Thanks to this generous donation from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the patients of the Emory’s HeartWise℠ program are literally able to take new strides in their journeys to heart disease prevention and/or rehabilitation.
Mr. Merle Jensen, pictured below surrounded by staff and interns, is extremely pleased with the new, Nu-step cardio machine. “Patients are already requesting another machine, because of its continuous use since its arrival,” states Kathy Lee Bishop, MS, PT, CCS and Manager of the HeartWise℠ program, “I just smile”.
For more information on Emory’s HeartWise℠ Heart Disease Prevention and Risk Reduction Program, or The Fraternal Order of Eagles, check out our related resources.
Summer is finally here! Blossoming flowers, chirping birds and clear skies make the summer a sense captivator. With the abundance of renewed energy it brings us, we might take on new challenges of outdoor exploration, or seek outlets for community bonding with the help of festivals, cook outs and reunions. With so many new and exciting activities awaiting us in the summer months, we often forget that with the gorgeous summer days come hot and often humid temperatures.
Most people are familiar with the typical summer health prevention methods of sunscreen protection for the skin, hydration for the body and repellant for our pesky outdoor neighbors— bugs. But, what about the specific needs of our heart during summer months?
As the body tries to cope with changing temperatures, summer can put extra strain on the heart. Most healthy people can tolerate these changes without missing a beat, but these changes can be especially hard for people with heart failure (or those at risk for heart failure), in the hot and humid climate.
The American Heart Association provides some great tips that everyone can use to guide their heart health precaution in the heat:
• Get off on the right foot. You probably sweat the most in your shoes, so choose well-ventilated shoes and look for socks that repel perspiration. Foot powders and antiperspirants can also help with sweat.
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat. Add a hat and/or sunglasses.
• Drink up. Before you get started, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply it every two hours. Stay hydrated by drinking a few cups of water before, during and after your exercise. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Take regular breaks. Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the following symptoms, consult with your physician immediately.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
• warm, dry skin with no sweating
• strong and rapid pulse
• confusion and/or unconsciousness
• high fever
• throbbing headaches
• nausea, vomiting or both
For more information about how to protect your heart from the heat, visit the American Heart Association website, today.
Do you live in an Intown, walkable neighborhood? If so, you may be extending your life!
Dr. Susmita Parashar comments on a new study that indicates there is evidence that people who live in a neighborhood that is very walker friendly live a heart healthier life. Neighborhoods that have parks, restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance from the homes encourages people to get out and enjoy the outdoor and therefore this benefits the heart. Check out the CNN Health Minute on Healthy Neighborhoods.
About Susmita Parashar, MD, MS
Dr. Parashar is a cardiologist at the Emory Heart & Vascular Center. She specializes in preventive cardiology and has special interests in women’s heart disease. She is the newest member of the Emory team and looks forward to helping patients in Atlanta prevent heart disease. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, and Cardiology fellowship at Emory University. Prior to joining Emory faculty in the Division of Cardiology, Dr. Parashar was Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Medicine at Emory for eight years.
Use this yummy “Good for you Cornbread” recipe to add a heart healthy option to your spring picnic basket. It will not only taste great but also provides a heart healthy carbohydrate option.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 OF. Mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and egg. Beat lightly. Slowly add buttermilk and egg mixture to dry ingredients. Add margarine and mix by hand or with mixer for 1 minute. Bake for 20-25 minutes in an 8- by 8-inch, greased baking dish. Cool. Cut into 10 squares.
Yield: 10 servings
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 square)
Source: National Institutes of Health – www.nih.gov/ Keep the Beat: Heart Healthy Recipes
Enjoy this recipes and find other heart healthy recipes at Emory Healthcare’s Recipe’s for Wellness site.
Emory Healthcare is a proud partner of the American Heart Association in the My Heart. My Life campaign that helps consumers learn the 7 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle.
Do you find yourself exhausted after a long day of work or taking care of the kids, and then you don’t feel like exercising? Well, read up for some creative ways to work fitness into your schedule that can be a lot of fun!
Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008), the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine (2007) state that even short activities performed in 10 minute segments can improve your health. These organizations recommend getting about 2 and one-half hours of exercise over the course of a week!April 4 is National Start Walking Day. Grab a buddy and get your body in motion! Your heart will thank you for it! Emory University and Healthcare employees – get your walking shoes out and meet us for a 30-minute walk on Wednesday, April 4, at one of the following locations:
For more information, please contact Melissa Morgan, melissa.morgan@emory.edu or 404-727-4328.
If you are not an Emory employee and want to get your organization involved in National Start Walking Day, contact the American Heart Association by visiting www.startwalkingnow.org and request a toolkit.
The HeartWiseSM Risk Reduction Program Lecture Series aims to reduce people’s risk of heart disease through education and interaction. In addition to serving patients who currently suffer from heart disease, we also provide help to individuals who could be at risk for heart complications in the future including those who smoke, do not exercise or have high blood pressure.
Call 404-778-2850 to reserve your seat, or you can sign up for one of our March HeartWise lectures online!
♥ Diabetes Prevention
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Thursday, March 8, 2012
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
♥ Healthy Cooking Demo
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Monday, March 12, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
♥ Dancing For Health
Ashley Cole, Valdosta State University Exercise Specialist Intern
Friday, March 23, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
♥ High Blood Pressure & Nutrition
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Monday, March 26, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
♥ Why Sleep is So Important
Friday, March 26, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Admission to HeartWise events is free and everyone is welcome! Call 404-778-2850 to reserve your seat, or you can sign up for one of our March HeartWise lectures online!
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Heart & Vascular