Healthy Habits, - Healthy Life

Healthy Habits,

Brought to you by the Clark County Health Department.

Your source for trusted information on various health, wellness, and safety topics!

By Katie Cook, BSN, RN The Clark County Health Department is happy to promote health and wellness to our county residents. In this twice-monthly column, we hope to provide readers with reliable health information. This series will be on heart health, including what it is, signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and habits to keep us happy and healthy.

Did you know that the number-one leading cause of death in Clark County is heart disease? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, people aged 45 and over, and most race and Hispanic-origin groups.

Heart disease is a group of several diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the most common form of heart disease. This is caused by buildup of cholesterol or fat in our blood vessels, leading to narrowing and potential occlusion (heart attack).

High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease.

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including diabetes, being overweight or obese, an unhealthy diet, a lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol use.

Since the blood flow to the heart is restricted, this means less oxygen can move through the body as it should. Therefore, respiratory problems like dizziness and shortness of breath (while at rest and during activity) can occur. Heart flutters or irregular, rapid heart beat, fatigue, and swelling of the legs and ankles are also common.

As this disease progresses, the likelihood of having a heart attack increases. It is crucial that you know what the symptoms of a heart attack are so you know what to do when you or someone you love experiences them.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack These can differ based on your gender. Women may experience other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attacks and are more likely to ignore their symptoms.

Men ❤ Chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

❤ Cold sweat or nausea.

❤ Shortness of breath or dizziness. Shortness of breath often occurs with chest discomfort, but it can also happen before chest discomfort.

❤ Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders.

Women

❤ Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint. You may also break into a cold sweat.

❤ Upper back pressure that may feel tight or achy.

❤ Chest discomfort.

❤ Shortness of breath or dizziness. Feelings of indigestion or acid reflux.

❤ Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or teeth.

❤ Extreme fatigue. If you or someone you know is having these symptoms for more than five minutes, call 911 immediately! Treatment is best if it can be provided within an hour, and with many of us living rurally and farther from hospitals, time is of the essence.

While this is all scary and not a very cheerful topic, it is essential to know that if you take steps to have a healthier lifestyle, the benefits can be immediate.

Some things to do:

❤ Know your numbers: Know your blood pressure – 120/80 is normal. Many local stores and pharmacies have blood pressure machines available for use free of charge.

❤ Make an annual preventative care appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). Many PCPs will draw blood to ensure your cholesterol and glucose levels are within normal ranges. At this appointment, advice can also be given on your weight or eating habits, which can also impact your heart health,

❤ If you smoke, it is never too late to stop! Quitting smoking is one of the top things you can do to improve the health of your heart, and the benefits are instantaneous!

In future series, we will discuss how various habit changes can improve our overall health and wellness. We all know there is a provider shortage in central Wisconsin and a long distance to and from our providers. It is more important now than ever before to keep our hearts healthy.