Surgeon General Aims to Beat Heart Disease
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 09:50
- Written by Jackie Jones, BlackAmericaWeb.com
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No one really likes going to the doctor. There is always that fear your physician will find something wrong and if you are feeling some aches or pains, you hope you can ignore it and whatever it is will go away on its own, nothing more than a minor, passing inconvenience.
But ignorance is no excuse – especially when it comes to heart disease and African Americans.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. For African Americans, nearly 45 percent of men and 47 percent of women have cardiovascular disease.
There are several risk factors that can lead to heart disease; a major one is high blood pressure. African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure and develop it earlier in life compared to whites and left unmanaged, it increases the likelihood of developing heart disease.
People with type 2 diabetes, often caused by poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise, also are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. African Americans are 1.4 times more likely to develop diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. In the 65-74 age group, the risk is two-fold, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The National Stroke Association reports stroke is the fourth cause of death in the country, with more than 750,000 people experiencing a stroke annually. African Americans are two times more likely to die from stroke than any other racial group. Women of all races are more susceptible, with 55,000 more women suffering a fatal stroke each year than men. Statistics from the National Stroke Association show that 80 percent of strokes are preventable, with proper health care and a healthy lifestyle.
Diet, exercise, regular checkups are routinely recommended. But in case you missed the message the first dozen times, U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin is calling on the public and health care professionals to join an effort to help African Americans stave off heart disease and related issues.
Million Hearts is a national initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017, by educating the public and health care professionals and bringing together diverse partners from across the country to fight heart disease and stroke.
Benjamin says the good news is heart disease can be controlled – and even prevented – just by making gradual changes.
A healthy diet, with foods low in sodium and trans-fat like fruits and vegetables, is a big first step. Reducing sodium is critical because about 90 percent of Americans eat more sodium than they should. Generally speaking, black Americans should limit their intake of sodium to no more than 1,500 mg per day.
One way to gauge what you are ingesting is to eat less processed food and read the nutrition labels to see how much sodium is in a serving.
Other preventive measures generally recommended by health professionals include not smoking; limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks a day for men; managing diabetes and monitoring blood sugar levels; keeping cholesterol levels in the healthy range; monitoring blood pressure and taking calcium and magnesium supplements, minerals shown to be helpful in controlling high blood pressure, one of the strongest risk factors for stroke.
If you already have high blood pressure, follow doctor’s orders, whether it is making dietary changes and getting more exercise or taking prescribed medication regularly and as directed.
The Affordable Care Act makes preventive services such as blood pressure and cholesterol screening, smoking cessation, and obesity counseling more accessible than ever and at no out-of-pocket cost to millions of Americans with private health insurance or on Medicare.
For updates on what benefits the ACA provides, visit www.HealthCare.gov.
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If I have relatives with heart disease-doesn’t that mean I’ll probably have it too?
Heart disease can run in the family. Genetic factors likely play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other vascular conditions. However, it is also likely that people with a family history of heart disease share common environments and other factors that increase their risk. The risk for heart disease can increase even more when heredity is combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes and eating a poor diet.
What can you do to reduce your risk?
Persons can take steps to lower their risk of developing heart disease by preventing or treating and controlling high blood pressure, preventing or treating and controlling high blood cholesterol, by not using tobacco, by preventing or controlling diabetes, and by maintaining adequate physical activity, weight, and a healthy diet. Persons being treated for conditions or risk factors should follow the guidance of their health care providers.
I’ve heard a lot about eating less sodium, how much should I consume each day?
First, it’s important to remember that more than 75% of the sodium in our diet comes from processed foods and restaurant foods—not the salt shaker. Current dietary guidelines for Americans recommend adults should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. However, if you are:
a. 51 years of age or older
b. African American
c. Have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease
You should consume 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
What can you do to consume less sodium?
You can read nutrition labels when shopping at the grocery store and compare the sodium content then choose foods with the lowest amount of sodium. You can also choose packaged foods labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added” when possible. And select fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables with no salt or sauce added. When eating out, request no salt be added to foods during cooking.
What’s the most important thing for me to do to have better heart health?
The good news is you can prevent heart disease. If you have it already you can still reduce your risk of heart attack. Make gradual changes like moving more, eating lower sodium foods, and checking your blood pressure regularly. If you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, never start.Find more tips at: http://www.cdc.gov/salt/healthy_heart_tips.htm
How can I check my risk for heart disease and stroke?
Try the new Heart Health Mobile application. The app asks you about your height, weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure, diabetes, and whether you smoke and ranks your risk. It also tells you where in your community you can go to get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked. When you get your results, talk to your doctor or other health professional about what to do next.
I’m an African American woman. Where can I find information about how to improve my heart health? The federal government has several programs, including Million Hearts, that are designed especially for women. The Heart Truth and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiatives provide adults and children with resources and tips to make heart healthy changes in their lives.
https://www.facebook.com/millionhearts (find daily tips for better heart health for everyone)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/
There’s information for everyone through the American Heart Association and the Y’s Healthy Family Home program.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp
http://ymca.net/healthy-family-home/
Will the new health care law include services that will help me prevent heart disease or improve my heart health?
The Affordable Care Act is making preventive services such as blood pressure and cholesterol screening, smoking cessation, and obesity counseling more accessible than ever and at no out-of-pocket cost to Americans with private health insurance or Medicare. Having good, affordable health insurance is vital in the fight against heart disease. So we’re working with states to create Health Insurance Marketplaces. There you can see and compare affordable health plans and choose the one that best suits your needs. Enrollment begins Oct. 1, 2013, but you can sign up now to receive the latest updates at www.HealthCare.gov.
What is the Million Hearts Initiative?
Million Hearts is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. We’ll reach the goal by bringing together people like you and your health care team—doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and others—to fight heart disease and stroke through healthier choices and coordinated health care.
Why do black people get it more ? Do you have it ?
We have higher rates of high blood pressure, higher rates of diabetes, and higher rates of obesity, and therefore we’re at higher risk of heart disease. So far I don’t have heart disease, but because of my family history, I have to closely monitor my risk factors more. You can use my free website to create a portrait of your family’s health to share with your doctor: https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action
What were those 4 c's?
The ABCs are:
A — Appropriate Aspirin Therapy
B — Blood Pressure Control
C — Cholesterol Management
S — Smoking Cessation
It’s also important to decrease salt in your diet. It is important to read nutrition labels. Processed foods account for most of the sodium in our diet, not the salt shaker at home. When shopping at the grocery store, look for the lowest sodium options of your favorite foods. You’ll be surprised to see how the amount of sodium can vary in the same foods depending on the brand.
Is an Aspirin regimen good for everyone to just start taking?
It is important that you FIRST discuss whether aspirin is right for you with your doctor or other health professional, especially if you are currently taking any medications, vitamin supplements, or herbal products, or have certain health conditions that could result in harm from taking aspirin.
Is shortness of breath a sign?
Yes, it can be. The five major symptoms of a heart attack are:
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath.
You can learn more about the symptoms of a heart attack here: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/signs_symptoms.htm
If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 9–1–1 immediately.
What about the link between the Z pack and heart attack that was announced yesterday?
Learn more about yesterday’s FDA Drug Safety Communication here.
Aspirin is a blood thinner is that a good thing? Can you elaborate this for us?
Aspirin helps prevents your blood from clotting, and therefore helps prevent heart attacks. It is important that you FIRST discuss whether aspirin is right for you with your doctor or other health professional, especially if you are currently taking any medications, vitamin supplements, or herbal products, or have certain health conditions that could result in harm from taking aspirin.
I have been having chest pain going into my arms. I went to the hospital they said everything was fine but I'm still having pain headaches for a month.
Check with your clinician.
How important is sleep when working 12hr days, exercising and making time for family? Is 6hrs enough?
Sleep is important for heart health and overall health. So is exercise and making time for family. The CDC uses guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation, which recommends 7-9 hours. Do the best you can.
How can you tell the difference from gas and a heart attack?
If the pain persists, seek immediate medical attention. Doctors have blood tests and medical tests that we can do to determine the cause of your symptoms.
My father had a heart attack at 41 and since has had 3 heart surgeries. I had a physical and my abcs is great but lately I've been having pain on the right side of my chest. Do I need to get checked?
Congratulations on taking care of yourself and managing your ABCS. It’s always important to check with your clinician about chest pain.
I was just recently diagnosed with high cholesterol, the medicine made me sick could an herbal approach work? Ask your physician if a different type of cholesterol medication could be substituted. You can also try to control your cholesterol with diet and physical activity. For more information, visit CDC’s website, which has information for individuals about controlling cholesterol: www.cdc.gov/cholesterol
Regarding my BP, my bottom number is a bigger concern to my doctor. What can I do, if anything, to keep it under 80?
Increase exercise.Get enough sleep. If you’re overweight, losing just a few pounds can help with blood pressure control. Decrease sodium in your diet by reading nutrition labels and choosing lower sodium options. Your doctor may also want you to take one or more medications. You can work with your doctor to find the right combination of lifestyle change and medication to get your blood pressure under control.
My husband just turned 51 has been diagnosed with diabetes , heart failure and has had a pacemaker implanted. Do you think he can live a normal life?
By working with their health care team, people with a diagnosis like your husband’s can often live an active life.
What do you do if you can't take the cholestoral medication?
Ask your physician if a different type of cholesterol medication could be substituted. You can also try to control your cholesterol with diet and physical activity. For more information, visit CDC’s website, which has information for individuals about controlling cholesterol: www.cdc.gov/cholesterol
If I lose weight will it help lower my blood pressure?
If you’re overweight, losing just a few pounds can often improve your blood pressure. You may also need to take blood pressure medication to keep it under control. It’s worth it to work with your doctor on the right combination of lifestyle changes and medication to get control and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
I have type 2 Diabetes, afib and emphysema, I am changing my diet and exercising. Am I on the right track and if I walk am I doing too much?
Always check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen. Walking is a great form of exercise. Start out slow and do what you can.
How serious is mitral valve prolapse?
Many people have no symptoms at all, however depending on the degree, it can be very serious. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
I am a 42-year-old healthy black woman. Is it okay if I take one baby aspirin a day?
It is important that you FIRST discuss whether aspirin is right for you with your doctor or other health professional, especially if you are currently taking any medications, vitamin supplements, or herbal products, or have certain health conditions that could result in harm from taking aspirin.
Doctor, I’ve been having pressure in my chest early in the mornings. I’m a 42-year-old black man. I am nervous. Help!
I recommend seeking medical attention right away.
Dr. Benjamin, I am 38 yr. old Male. I have high blood pressure and a family history of it. I work out 4-5 days a week. Been to 3 different doctors and none of them can get it under control. What can I do?
Make sure you tell your doctor about your family history. Then work with your doctor closely and take medications as prescribed. You may need to try different combinations of blood pressure lowering medications before you find one that works for you. In addition to keeping your physical activity, it is important to follow a healthy eating plan, e.g., eat more fruits and vegetables—fresh or frozen—and choose foods lower in sodium (salt). Drink alcohol only in moderation, and maintain a healthy weight.
Good morning, I have this constant tingeling in my left arm.
Seek medical care.
Since turning 50 in Jan, my body goes into itching fits; it's like 100s of hot needles pushing from the inside out; but only for a few mins then goes away?
Check with your doctor. This could be due to a number of things.
Dr. Benjamin, if you have a history of breast cancer and diabetes what tests should you request your doctor run for heart disease??
Discuss your health history with your primary care physician so that they can determine the best treatment plan for you.
Dr. Benjamin how do triglycerides factor into African American women's heart health?
Triglycerides are a form of cholesterol that needs to be monitored and kept under control.
I have a pinch in my chest regularly since childhood. Should I push my doctor about it?
I recommend a conversation with your doctor.
I am a 47-year-old female. MY pressure was running 140\100. Im on low dose lisinoprol with HCTZ? How often should I go to the doctor for monitoring?
See your doctor frequently until you get your blood pressure under control. Your doctor may also be able to help you set up a self-monitoring plan at your home or in the community.
Are heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats an early sign of a possible heart attack? It can be. You can learn more about the symptoms of a heart attack here: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/signs_symptoms.htm
What is best way to test. I had an EKG in doctor's office and it was normal. Should I have MRI since my father had heart disease? I suggest you discuss this with your physician, who can design a personalized plan of action for you. Make sure your physician knows your family health history. Learn more here: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/initiatives/family-health-history/index.html
Are headaches a symptom? You can learn more about the symptoms of a heart attack here: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/signs_symptoms.htm
I am 52-years-old and was given heart surgery,at 6 or 8 years old. Now, eight months ago I had congestive heart failure and a collapsed lung. How do I keep my other siblings, my offspring and my grandchildren healthy? Make sure you record your family health history and share it with your family members. You can use my family health history tool available here: https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action
There are lots of things you can do to get exercise in your home during the winter months. As I mentioned on the show, you can dance. You can also visit this CDC video page to learn more about strength exercises you can do in your home: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/videos/index.html
A healthy diet is also important. Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, you can choose frozen (no sauce) or canned fruits and vegetables with no salt added. Add whole grain foods—cereals, breads (but watch the sodium levels)—to help you feel full longer.
MyPlate provides great resources about healthy eating on a budget:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-on-budget.html
And CDC provides tips on stretching your fruit and vegetable budget: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/downloads/Stretch_FV_Budget.pdf
I had a heart attack last June. As a manager at a fast food restaurant, it’s been hard to watch what I eat. I lost my job ten days ago, now it’s just pain to my joints? I'm new to Virginia and I don't have health insurance. It’s a good idea to find a primary care physician. Community health centers will provide care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You can find a community health center in your area: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
Also, be sure to visit healthcare.gov to sign up for the new Health Insurance Marketplace which will be available October 1st. The Health Insurance Marketplace will give Americans who are uninsured or who buy their own coverage a whole new way to shop for insurance. The Marketplace is also designed to help all Americans find health insurance that fits within their budget. Every health insurance plan in the new Marketplace will offer comprehensive coverage, from doctors to medications to hospital visits. You can compare all your insurance options based on price, benefits, quality, and other features that may be important to you, in plain language that makes sense.
My mom died from a heart attack in her early 40's, I am overweight, have arthritis in both knees and I am allergic to aspirin, is there anything else that I can take to try to avoid having a heart attack? Even if you can’t take aspirin, the other parts of the ABCS can reduce your risk of heart disease, so make sure to control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and don’t smoke. Physical activity and weight loss can help, too. You can learn more about types of physical activity for people with arthritis here: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/pa_factsheet.htm
- Dr. Day 2010 MLK Center Dallas