With the ability to pump out two ounces of blood each time it beats — about 60 to 100 times per minute — the heart is undoubtedly one of the hardest working muscles in your body. That’s why it’s so crucial to prioritize the health of your heart, the organ responsible for carrying blood, oxygen and nutrients to all of your tissues and organs. In our latest free webinar, Susan Eichorst, PA-C, MMSc, discusses heart health and how to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Let’s get started:
What the heart does
Your heart sits between your lungs in the middle of your chest, surrounded by a protective double-layered membrane called the pericardium. In addition to maintaining blood pressure, your heart is responsible for moving blood through the body. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to your cells and carries away carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products so organs can maintain proper function.
Heart disease
The most common heart disease in the United States, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain, whereas a complete blockage can cause a heart attack. If blood flow to the brain is disrupted, a lack of oxygen can cause a stroke. The accumulation of cholesterol calcium deposits, known as plaque, often causes these blockages within arteries. A piece of plaque can also break off and become an embolus, traveling through the bloodstream and potentially blocking another artery. There are two kinds of plaque — soft and calcified. Soft plaque is newer and more fragile, meaning it can break off into an embolus. Calcified plaque is older and more stable but can still block blood flow in arteries.
What to avoid
Implementing heart-healthy lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of heart disease by minimizing inflammation in the body and maintaining your overall health. Be sure to avoid:
- Smoking and vaping. Chemicals present in tobacco products can damage the heart and blood vessels, making you more susceptible to plaque buildup and blood clots.
- Excess alcohol. Long-term alcohol consumption can weaken the heart muscle and compromise its ability to retract, increasing your risk for heart failure.
- Highly processed foods. Opt for high-quality, organic whole foods free from added sugar, sodium and saturated fats.
- Sedentary lifestyle. Being inactive for long periods of time can cause blood flow to slow down, making plaque buildup more likely.
- Artificial sweeteners and fragrances. These chemical-based products can contribute to inflammation in the body and may affect the lining of the heart or its valves.
- Hydrogenated seed oils. The trans fats present in these oils have been shown to harm heart health and worsen several chronic conditions.
To learn more about healthy living with your heart in mind, call 303.327.7300 or request a consultation online today.
