Heart Health & Disease Prevention

Understanding Heart Disease Risk

Heart disease develops when the blood vessels that supply your heart become narrowed or blocked, usually from a gradual buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. Over time, this reduces blood flow to your heart and can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure.

The good news is that many types of heart disease are preventable. Understanding your personal risk factors is the first step toward keeping your heart healthy.

Risk Factors You Cannot Change

Some things that affect your heart disease risk are beyond your control. These include your age (risk increases as you get older), your sex (heart disease can affect men and women differently), your race or ethnicity, and a family history of early heart disease. If a close relative developed heart disease before age 55 (for men) or 65 (for women), your own risk may be higher.

Even though you cannot change these factors, knowing about them helps you and your doctor make informed decisions about screening and prevention.

Risk Factors You Can Change

Many of the strongest risk factors for heart disease are things you can do something about. These modifiable risk factors include:

• High blood pressure. Often called “the silent killer,” high blood pressure strains your heart and blood vessels over time. A healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
• High cholesterol. Too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in your blood can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. A simple blood test can check your levels.
• Diabetes and prediabetes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. Managing diabetes is one of the most important steps you can take for your heart.
• Smoking and tobacco use. Smokers have more than twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to nonsmokers. Quitting smoking is the single most impactful change you can make for your heart health.
• Excess weight. Carrying extra weight puts added stress on your heart and is closely linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for heart disease and many of the conditions that contribute to it.
• Unhealthy diet. Diets high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain.
• Too much alcohol. Drinking more than moderate amounts can raise your blood pressure and contribute to heart problems.
• Poor sleep. Adults who consistently sleep less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours per night may have a higher risk of heart disease.
• Chronic stress. Ongoing stress can raise blood pressure and lead to unhealthy coping habits like overeating, smoking, or inactivity.

Eight Steps to a Healthier Heart

The American Heart Association identifies eight key measures for improving heart health, known as Life’s Essential 8. These are actions you can take today to protect your heart:

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil. Limit processed foods, saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. The DASH and Mediterranean eating patterns have both been shown to support heart health.
2. Stay physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging or swimming laps) each week. Even short walks throughout the day add up. Children and teens should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
3. Avoid tobacco and nicotine. If you smoke or vape, talk to your doctor about quitting. Secondhand smoke also raises heart disease risk for those around you.
4. Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. If you snore loudly, wake up gasping, or feel tired despite sleeping, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea, which can increase heart disease risk.
5. Maintain a healthy weight. Work with your doctor to set realistic goals. Even modest weight loss of 5 to 10% of your body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
6. Control your cholesterol. Know your numbers. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may recommend medication such as statins to lower your cholesterol to a safe range.
7. Manage blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year (more often if it is elevated). Reducing sodium, staying active, and taking prescribed medications can help keep it under control.
8. Manage blood sugar. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, work closely with your care team to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range through diet, exercise, and medication when needed.

Know the Warning Signs

Heart disease does not always have obvious symptoms in its early stages. That is why regular screenings matter. However, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you experience:

• Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to your shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness

Women may be more likely than men to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain. Heart attack symptoms can start slowly and come and go, so do not wait to see if they pass.

Heart Health Services at LMH Health

At LMH Health Heart Center, we offer a full range of services to help you prevent, detect, and manage heart disease, all in one place.

Heart Risk Assessments

Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence offers “Take Heart” screenings to help you understand your personal heart disease risk. These assessments include lab work, body measurements, and a one-on-one consultation with a health care provider. No referral is required. Results are shared with your primary care provider to guide your ongoing care.

Cholesterol and Health Screenings

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, which is why routine screening is important. Call your primary care provider to schedule your cholesterol screening.

Diabetes Education Center

Managing diabetes is essential for reducing your heart disease risk. Our Diabetes Education Center offers classes, resources, and support to help you take charge of your blood sugar and overall health.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

If you have been diagnosed with heart disease or have had a heart procedure, our nationally certified cardiac rehabilitation program can help you build strength and confidence. The LMH Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is nationally certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). After completing cardiac rehab, you can continue with our cardiopulmonary wellness program to maintain your progress.

Heart Failure Education

Living with heart failure requires ongoing attention to your health. Download our Heart Failure Education Booklet [pdf] for practical information about managing your condition and feeling your best.

Why Choose LMH Health Heart Center

LMH Health Heart Center provides comprehensive heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for the Lawrence community and surrounding areas. Here is what sets our program apart:

• Nationally recognized care. LMH Health Heart Center ranks in the top 5% nationally for heart attack treatment, according to the American College of Cardiology.
• Board-certified cardiologists. Our team at LMH Health Heart Center includes experienced cardiologists who provide expert care close to home.
• Comprehensive services. From prevention screenings and cardiac rehab to interventional cardiology and heart failure management, you will find what you need under one roof.
• Community commitment. As a community-owned hospital founded in 1921, LMH Health is here for our neighbors. Your heart health is personal to us.

Key Takeaways

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but up to 80% of heart disease may be preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
• The most important steps you can take are eating well, staying active, avoiding tobacco, managing your weight, and getting regular checkups.
• Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Regular screening helps detect problems before symptoms appear.
• If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about a personalized prevention plan.
• LMH Health Heart Center offers heart risk assessments, cholesterol screenings, cardiac rehabilitation, and diabetes education to support your heart health.