OSWEGO – January 31, 2024) February is American Heart Month and Oswego Health’s Center for Cardiology is raising awareness and encouraging the community to take action to protect against heart disease.
“A healthy heart is central to overall good health, explains Cardiologist, Thomas Grady, MD, FACC. “Embracing a healthy lifestyle at any age can prevent heart disease and lower the risk for a heart attack or stroke. Individuals are never too old or too young to begin taking care of their hearts.”
Diagnosing heart disease isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The choice of which tests to use—and how many—depends on a person’s risk factors, history of heart problems, current symptoms, and the doctor’s interpretation of these factors, according to the American Heart Association.
Common noninvasive tests:
- Chest x-rays can show whether the heart is enlarged or if fluid is building up in the lungs because of a heart attack.
- Echocardiography offers information about the size and shape of the heart and how well its chambers and valves are working.
- Electrocardiography can show abnormal heartbeats, heart muscle damage, blood flow problems, and heart enlargement.
- Holter monitors help understand rhythm problems and how the heart responds to normal activity.
- Stress tests can help diagnose coronary artery disease and the cause of a person’s chest pain. They also help determine a safe level of exercise.
Common invasive tests:
- Blood tests can measure levels of fats, cholesterol, sugar, and proteins in the blood. Abnormal levels may show risk factors for heart disease. n Coronary angiography can reveal blockages or show areas where the heart is weakened or damaged from lack of blood.
- Thallium stress test shows blood supply and heart damage, and how well the heart’s chambers are working.
- Transesophageal echocardiography gathers information about abnormal heart rhythms, heart function, and heart structure.
Results from these tests can help patients decide what course of treatment is best—lifestyle changes, medicines, surgeries, implanted devices, or some combination of the four.
Cardiologist, David Bass, DO, FACC shares, “With cardiovascular disease a top health concern, we understand that access to care is a top priority for Oswego County residents.”
One test that can be ordered in advance of a referral to The Center for Cardiology at Oswego Health that could improve access to care would be a diagnostic test. This is a simple test that a primary care provider can order and have completed to assess the immediate need for their patients.
It’s well-documented that being overweight can have a negative impact on your heart health. If you’re overweight, your heart must work extra hard to pump blood through your body. The harder your heart pumps, the higher your blood pressure, which can cause vision problems, stroke, kidney damage, and heart disease. Losing weight can lower your blood pressure, your cholesterol, or reduce your risk of diabetes.
However, losing weight too rapidly can be dangerous. If you’re not accustomed to a difficult routine and you try to do too much too soon, it may disrupt the way your heart pumps blood and oxygen through your system.
Crash diets can cause an irregular heartbeat. Poor nutrition can lead to many health conditions, including arrhythmia, and ultimately heart damage. These negative effects of weight loss can be prevented with a sensible diet and appropriate exercise routine. Our experts at The Center for Weight Loss & Surgery now offer Nutritional Counseling to assist patients in adopting healthy eating habits that can strengthen their heart and overall health. Simply call 315-349-5822 to make an appointment.
Due to the chronic nature of wounds related to heart health, patients may experience complications leading to infection, further tissue loss, and even amputation. The American Heart Association aims to reduce heart related amputations by 20% by 2030. You can help prevent complications, including hospitalization and amputation, by checking for wounds on the lower legs, feet, ankles, and toes at home every day. For your chronic wound patients, a referral to the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine can be the most important step toward healing. Simply call 315-326-3780.
Questions about your cardiovascular health? The Center for Cardiology at Oswego Health offers comprehensive cardiac care that includes office visits provided by board-certified cardiologists and physician assistants with specialized cardiac training. Services include a range of cardiac testing along with programs for those recovering from a cardiac event. Simply call 315-349-5752 for more information.
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