The Greater Scranton YMCA Provides Tips and Programs During Heart Month February is American Heart Month, and with recently published research indicating blood pressure control has worsened in both men an woman since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Scranton YMCA urges our community members to make their health a priority by getting a blood pressure screening. Blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association indicate that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms. While high blood pressure and heart disease are serious conditions, the good news is a healthy heart is an achievable goal through lifestyle changes such as regularly monitoring your own blood pressure, lowering sodium intake, eating healthier, and getting more physical activity. Getting help can be as easy as contacting the Y and taking part in The Greater Scranton YMCA is continuing its increased availability of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – which is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles to help reduce their chances of developing the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and people with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke as those who do not have it. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about eating healthier, increasing their physical activity and making other behavior changes with the goal of reducing body weight by 7 percent in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. A trained Lifestyle Coach leads the program over a 12-month period. Increased physical activity and moderate weight loss not only reduce diabetes risk, but also have an impact on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition to monitoring your blood pressure, reducing sodium intake is a great way to keep your heart healthy. Per the American Heart Association (AHA), too much sodium in your system puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. In some people, this may lead to or raise high blood pressure. Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Having less sodium in your diet may help you lower or avoid high blood pressure. “While there are many ways to keep your heart healthy, making a conscious effort to tackle your blood pressure and decrease sodium intake are two quick, effective ways to prevent heart disease,” said Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “No matter what your heart health goal is this year, the Y has a variety of resources to help you get started and achieve them.” The Greater Scranton YMCA offers a community of diverse individuals who can support all people in meeting their health and well-being goals. Learn more by visiting https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stopping into the Y.
Geisinger Publishes Series for Heart Month—Signs of Heart Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore Signs of heart disease may show up unexpectedly. But these clues should lead you to your doctor’s office. By: Gregory Yost, D.O., interventional cardiology, Geisinger Bleeding gums may not seem like a serious issue. But if it becomes chronic, you might be surprised to hear that it can be a clear warning your heart isn’t working as it should. While pressure or tightness in the chest and a rapid, irregular heartbeat are primary signs of heart disease, there are other symptoms that can be less obvious — yet just as dangerous. And ignoring these subtle signs of heart disease can lead to serious heart trouble, like a heart attack or stroke. Identifying all signs of heart trouble and then responding to them is key to help prevent heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Even if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to get a symptom checked out — especially if you have risk factors for heart disease. Preventing heart disease is an important step in living a long, healthy life. 6 subtle signs of heart disease Chest pain that may radiate to the neck, jar or arms, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and numbness set off alarm bells that will send most of us straight to the doctor’s office. But not all heart problems come with clear warning signs. If you have some of these lesser-known signs of heart disease, don’t wait to contact your provider. Waiting puts you at higher risk for a serious heart event to occur. Exhaustion and weakness While exhaustion alone isn’t a sign of heart disease, chronic exhaustion and weakness can be, especially if you’re getting sufficient rest. Your energy levels are directly related to blood flow and oxygen levels. A healthy heart constantly pumps oxygen-carrying blood through your body. But if there are underlying problems with your heart, it might not work as efficiently. As a result, you may begin to feel tired after routine activities — or even confused. Because oxygen isn’t reaching your muscles and brain as it normally does, weakness and fatigue become obvious. If you’re often feeling exhausted and weak, even with sufficient rest, consult with your healthcare provider to find a cause. Swollen feet Swollen feet are a more subtle sign of potential heart concerns. In fact, your socks and shoes can make it difficult to notice your feet are swollen in the first place. But why would your feet swell if you have heart problems? Because your heart regulates blood flow, and slow blood flow can cause pressure to build up in your legs, leading to edema. Edema is the buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues. Typically, edema related to heart problems can be seen in the legs and feet. Any sign of heart failure or reduced function is serious, so talk to your doctor if you notice swelling in your feet. Dizziness, light-headedness, and shortness of breath Slow blood flow and low oxygen levels in the brain and lungs can lead to feeling dizzy, light-headed and short of breath. And it’s especially important to notice if you have these symptoms without rigorous activity. If activities, like going up the stairs or going about your daily life, consistently make you dizzy or out of breath, don’t ignore them. Dizziness and being out of breath are both examples of your body telling you that you need more oxygen. Migraines Migraines are intense headaches that are bad enough on their own. Some research suggests migraines with auras may be linked to heart problems, but more studies are needed on the connection between these health issues. If you have migraines with auras, take note of any new changes in symptoms of your headache. Newly developed weakness in your arms during a migraine could be a sign of heart disease. Swollen and bleeding gums Swollen or bleeding gums may not be the biggest indicator of heart health, but studies show a possible correlation. Recent research has revealed that your mouth can show your heart health. In fact, some of the same bacteria found in your mouth can be found in your heart. So, if you have high levels of bacteria and swelling in your mouth, it’s wise to get your heart checked, too. While the relationship between heart health and oral health isn’t clearly understood, consistent swollen and bleeding gums could be a sign of heart issues. Sweating Sweating while exercising is normal. Breaking out in a sweat while watching TV is not. We sweat to keep our body temperature at a regular level. So, why would you sweat when you aren’t active or it’s not hot outside? Heart failure makes pumping blood more difficult, so your heart must work harder. When your heart struggles to pump blood consistently, it generates heat. To compensate, your body starts sweating to keep your body temperature normal. If you’re having serious episodes of sweating when you shouldn’t be, talk to your doctor. Many of these symptoms alone aren’t signs of heart disease, but chronic issues can be or at least a sign of an underlying condition. It’s a good idea to get regular checkups — and live a heart-healthy lifestyle — to take the pressure off. Heart disease risk factors All these subtle signs are even more important to report if they’re combined with other heart disease risk factors, such as if you: Are overweight or obese Smoke, use drugs and alcohol Have a high level of stress Eat a diet high in sodium and saturated fat Don’t exercise regularly Have a family history of heart disease Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol Have diabetes If any of these heart disease risk factors apply to you, talk to your doctor to create a heart health plan. Awareness is the first step in managing your heart health. While genetics do play a role in heart disease, there are risk factors that can be reversed by taking the proper steps and precautions. Left untreated, heart disease can cause a heart attack — when blood flow is severely reduced to the heart. Watch for the subtler symptoms that can indicate a possible heart condition. If you have them, be sure to tell your healthcare provider. When you bring these issues to their attention earlier, they can screen you for heart disease — and plan to keep your ticker going strong for the long haul. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
