Time for a Heart-to-Heart

North Kansas City Hospital

One in every four deaths in Kansas City is related to heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in our city. But, it doesn’t have to be. “Heart disease is not a natural progression of aging,” says John T. Miller, MD, a cardiologist with Meritas Health Cardiology. “It’s a disease that can be treated, and we can reduce our risk of developing it.”

Start by assessing your risk. Look at which factors you cannot control and which ones you can. “For example, you can’t change your gender, age or family history,” he explains. You can control your diet, lifestyle and stress level.
Men age 45 or older, women age 55 or older, and people with a family history of heart attacks have an increased risk for heart disease. “People with inherited risk factors can still reduce their chances of developing the disease,” Dr. Miller notes. “The key is to identify what’s controllable and take action.”

Know Your Numbers
A quick blood sugar level test and blood pressure screening can help determine your risk for diabetes or high blood pressure – two conditions that can lead to heart disease.

Control Diabetes
If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to get — and keep — your A1C blood sugar level in a healthy range, usually below 7. Follow your doctor’s guidelines for blood sugar testing and take medicine as instructed.

Manage High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is very treatable. There are some great medications available, and several options. Work with your doctor to find what is most effective for you.

Eat Healthy
The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats while limiting sodium, sugar and processed foods. Eat real food, the kind without a label, whenever possible. The fresh foods located around a grocery store’s perimeter are usually a safe bet and healthier.

Exercise
Exercise helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. “You don’t have to run a marathon,” Dr. Miller explains. “Moderate activity like walking or aerobic exercise can make a difference.” He suggests finding an activity you enjoy doing for 20-30 minutes a day. “If it’s enjoyable, you’ll stick with it.”

Stop Using Tobacco
“Probably the most important thing you can do is stop smoking,” he says. “Smoking causes heart attacks. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ you’ll experience a heart attack, it’s a matter of when.”
Attend one of North Kansas City Hospital’s free Test Your Ticker health fairs in February to assess your risk. Medical professionals screen for diabetes and high blood pressure and answer your health-related questions. Visit nkch.org/HeartMonth for dates, times and locations.

“…you can’t change your gender, age or family history….[but] you can control your diet, lifestyle and stress level.”
John T. Miller, MD,
Meritas Health Cardiology