The Heritage HealthCare Center for Cardiovascular, Risk Reduction and Diabetes understands that patients with diabetes are two, three or even four times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke.  For some people, the risk is even higher, especially if someone smokes or has an inflammatory disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

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That’s why we work hard to help our patients lower their risk for developing heart disease and stroke.  And, the good news is that lifestyle changes and the right medications can help put people back on track.

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What to Expect

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The first step in reducing the risk of heart disease is to reflect on your life, and, decide on what you want your future to look like.  Many of our patients can greatly reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes simply by changing their diet and starting a regular exercise program. To help, we partner with physicians and other clinicians to encourage realistic changes. We understand that changing your life is a huge project, but we’ll recommend an approach that’s doable and sets patients up for success.

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Can you prevent a heart attack and stroke?

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The answer is “Yes”, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk. In medicine, we call this cardiovascular risk reduction.

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Where do you begin?

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1. If you smoke, stop. Easier said than done. There are medications that can help you stop such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges, nicotine gum, Wellbutrin and Chantix. One of our providers can prescribe these medications for you. Sometimes, talk therapy with one of our social workers can help you cope with your cravings.  It is not easy but you can do it.
    

2. If you have high blood pressure, take your medications. Your blood pressure goal should be 130/70. Ask your Heritage provider for a prescription for a home blood pressure monitor so that you can track your pressures at home.
    

3. Know your cholesterol level. There is not just one cholesterol. Like so many other things in our body, it is complicated. There is “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and “good cholesterol” (HDL) and everything in-between. If your LDL is high, there are medications that bring it down. These medications, called statins, have been shown in many studies to decrease your cardiovascular risk. In other words, statins decrease your risk for a future heart and stroke.
    

4. If you have diabetes, control your sugars. Your Heritage provider has probably prescribed a home glucose monitor. Check your sugars, and eat a healthy diet. Avoid sodas, candy, cookies, and cake. Eat starches in moderation. Starches include plantains, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and so on. When in doubt or for a little motivation come see one of our Heritage providers. They will point you in the right direction.
    

5. Walk! Exercise is good for your heart. There is no need to run a marathon.  If you are overweight or obese, lose weight.  Many of you have an eating disorder.
   
   The American Heart Association recommends that we walk one hour, 5 days a week. That might be too ambitious for most of us. If one hour is too much for you, aim for 30 minutes, 10 minutes, or whatever you can do. If you are just starting out, simply walk around the block a couple of times at your own pace. Work your way up from there: the first week you walk one block, then 2 blocks, then 10 blocks. 
   
   Walk with a friend so that you can motivate each other, and improve your health together.
   
   If you are just starting out on a walking regimen, don’t overdo it! If you have trouble breathing or have chest pain when you walk, STOP! This is not a good sign. Please come see one of our Heritage providers ASAP for an evaluation.
    

6. Have your teeth cleaned. You might think it very odd that seeing the dentist to clean your teeth on a regular basis could be good for your heart! Cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease.  Any inflammation in your body, including inflamed gums, increases you risk of heart attacks and strokes. Our Heritage dentists and dental hygienists are excellent. Make an appointment ASAP to keep your gums, teeth and heart healthy.
    

7. If you are overweight or obese, lose weight!  Easier said than done.  Food is a complicated situation.  We need to eat, but why do we eat so much?  Sometimes obesity is a family affair and everyone in the family needs to change their lifestyle together.  Some people have emotional eating, that is, people eat because they are nervous or depressed. Talk therapy can help.  Ask your Heritage provider to refer you to one of our social workers for therapy.
    

     Our combination of education and emotional support helps our patients avoid long-term complications from diabetes.  With the proper education and support, you can take control of your situation so that you, can a lead full, healthy and productive life.

 

We are passionate about keeping your heart healthy.

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