Solano Coalition for Better Health – Nancy Hopkins  864-9311

Protecting Yourself From Heart Disease

By Edward Yoon, MD

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. You can limit your  risk by living a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to potential symptoms of heart trouble.

“It’s unfortunate that more than 400,000 people in our country will die suddenly this year, many of them  from cardiovascular issues,” says Edward Yoon, M.D., a board certified cardiologist at Sutter Regional Medical Foundation and on staff at Sutter Solano Medical Center. “Some of those people may have been able to prevent or reverse their conditions with healthy habits.”

Common Conditions
Heart failure, stroke and heart attack are conditions that fall under the umbrella of heart disease.

A heart attack occurs after muscle cells die or are injured when blood flow to the heart is suddenly
reduced. If a large area of muscle is damaged, it can lead to heart failure..

Heart failure occurs when the heart is damaged and can no longer pump effectively—often after a heart attack. The primary symptoms of this condition are fatigue and shortness of breath.

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly and severely reduced. This is often caused when plaque buildup in a blood vessel breaks off and blocks the flow of blood. Signs of stroke include vision loss, weakness in a leg or arm, and slurred speech.

Risk Factors and Prevention
“Not everyone who experiences heart disease will have classic risk factors—such as being overweight or having high blood pressure,” says Dr. Yoon. “That makes it even more important to be aware of heart disease symptoms and to be aggressive when you suspect something may be wrong.” Keep alert for signs of heart disease if any immediately family members have suffered heart problems, especially at a young age. This includes men under age 55 and women under age 65.

When suggesting preventative measures, Dr. Yoon recommends routine blood pressure and cholesterol checks and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the amount of stress on your heart. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help with your weight. “Following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and good fats from nuts, olives and fish is one of the best things you can do for your heart,” he says. “You should also exercise continuously for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Talk with your doctor about activities that can safely get your cardiovascular system going.”

Help Reduce Your Risk
Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the United States. That’s why Sutter Regional MedicalFoundation is holding a free community lecture in February―featuring health information and special giveaways. To reserve a seat or request a free Healthy Hearts brochure, call 707-428-2747 or email: longorj2@sutterhealth.org.

Edward Yoon, M.D., a board certified cardiologist with Sutter Regional Medical Foundation and on
staff at Sutter Solano Medical Center, which is a member of the Solano Coalition for Better Health.