Heart Disease: Still the Nation’s Number One Killer 

By: Chun Wang Tan, M.D., Cardiologist 
South Texas Heart Clinic 

            Americans are more educated about heart disease than ever before. They’ve heard about the signs of a heart attack, and know how to prevent the condition. However, being educated about the disease and actively managing it are different, leading many people to be overconfident in their ability to prevent and treat the number one killer of Americans. 
            Increased awareness has, in fact, led to a decrease in deaths caused by heart disease in the ten years between 1994 and 2004. Death rates from cardiovascular disease declined 25 percent and coronary heart disease declined 33 percent. 
            However, nearly one million Americans still die every year from some form of the disease, which includes heart attacks, high blood pressure (hypertension), congenital heart defects, chest pain or cardiovascular disease. While deaths related to those conditions decreased, the rates of diabetes and obesity continue to rise. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes, which greatly increase a person’s chance of developing cardiovascular disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke. 
            While people may know more about how to recognize and treat a heart attack than ever before, there are other steps they should take to prevent heart disease before it happens. Incorporate the following heart-healthy habits into your daily routine: 

 • Eat a balanced diet -- Seek out food choices that include lean meats, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.  Avoid too many calories from sugar and fats that contain few nutrients. Look for food with the American Heart Association logo on it to make good choices. Seek out new recipes and restaurants that offer healthy options. Visit www.mypyramid.gov for personalized diet guidelines.

• Get plenty of exercise -- Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days of the week. Exercise should include a combination of aerobic activity, weight-bearing activities and stretching. Exercise does not have to be in a gym or a structured class setting. Incorporate exercise into everyday activities by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during lunch. Find an accountability partner for motivational support.

• Watch your cholesterol levels -- A high cholesterol level is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke. About 17% of adult American adults have high total cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for developing heart disease. Get cholesterol levels under control by eating foods low in cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fats, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular physical activity. A doctor may prescribe medication to lower cholesterol levels if needed.

• Stop smoking -- The surgeon general described smoking as "the leading preventable cause of disease and deaths in the United States." Smoking cigarettes is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, which can result in heart attacks. See your doctor to develop a smoking cessation program even if you’ve tried quitting before. It can take several tries to successfully quit, but each time you learn what will and won’t work for you. 
            Friends, family and other resources can be invaluable in learning about heart disease prevention and treatment, but only your doctor can design the best plan to manage your risk factors. Taking a proactive approach could add years to your life. 
            For more information about cardiac care, please contact the office of Dr. Tan by calling (830) 769-3271. Dr. Tan’s office is located at the South Texas Regional Medical Center, within the Steinle Medical Office Building, Suite 110. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sources:
American Heart Association, http://www.americanheart.org
National Center for Health Statistics, http://www.cdc.gov
USDA Food Pyramid, www.mypyramid.gov CDC, www.cdc.gov
Surgeon General, http://www.surgeongeneral.gov