February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on the most important organ in your body. Taking care of your heart is an important year-round pursuit but knowing which tests and treatments are best for optimal heart health can be confusing.
To help get you prepared for Heart Health Month, Senior Helpers Naperville has put together this comprehensive FAQ addressing common questions about heart health.
What are the Best Ways to Take Care of Your Heart?
The best way to take care of your heart is through a combination of healthy habits such as eating right, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Eating foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats, whole grains, lean meats and plenty of vegetables will help keep your heart functioning optimally for years to come. In addition, try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. This includes fast food and snacks with a lot of sugar or salt.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is also important as exercise helps improve circulation and lower blood pressure levels. You don't have to embark on a rigorous exercise program in order to start reaping the benefits of healthy living. In fact, just walking around the block for a few minutes every day can be extremely beneficial.
What are Some Common Heart Health Tests?
Some common tests used to assess a person's heart health include:
- Stress tests measure how well your blood vessels respond to varying amounts of work.
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) show if there are any irregularities with the electrical pathways within the heart.
- Echocardiograms (Echo) use sound waves created with an ultrasound machine to check for things like blockages or other structural issues.
- CT scans provide detailed images that can reveal information about coronary arteries or plaque buildup on artery walls.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider on how often you should be getting these tests.
What are the Signs of a Heart Attack?
The signs of a heart attack include discomfort or pressure in the chest, and tightness in the arms, throat, and jaw. Other common symptoms include feeling faint, dizziness, nausea as well as breaking out into a cold sweat. If you believe you are experiencing any of these symptoms it's important to seek medical help immediately. Time is critical when dealing with suspected heart complications.
Senior Helpers Encourages Heart Health
Taking care of your heart is essential as it helps to keep you healthy and active. Remember to practice good nutrition, maintain an active lifestyle, avoid smoking, and take note of common signs that could point towards a potential heart complication not just during February, but all year round.
If you're looking for additional help in caring for yourself or loved ones, Senior Helpers Naperville is eager to help! We serve senior adults in and around the Naperville, Aurora, Oak Park, Berwyn, DuPage County, Cook County, and Willowbrook areas. Contact us to learn how we can help you.