More Information on ‘Cardiac Risk Factors’ in Honor of February ‘Heart Month.’

#1- STOP Smoking if you smoke. There are resources to help! (Contact us privately for confidential information on how to stop.)

This winter as people were out in the cold shoveling, I have overheard a number of them say as they were huffing and puffing, –  “I wish I had never smoked!” Stopping smoking at any age can help improve your overall health! (www.lung.org)

#2- Control Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (HBP) has  sometimes been called “the silent killer.” People typically do not have symptoms when they have HBP and may not be aware that it is damaging arteries, heart and other organs.

Have your physician check your blood pressure. Follow their advice for treatment. If they prescribe medication to treat HBP, take as directed. Do not stop taking your medication unless you discuss with your physician first. If you experience symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness while on the medication, have your blood pressure re-checked and any medication adjustments under the guidance of your physician.

 High blood pressure if left untreated can result in:

• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Aortic Dissection and Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Stroke
• Peripheral Artery Disease
• Vision Loss
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Angina
• Kidney Damage

Contact Your Physician if you have further questions about high blood pressure, other cardiac risk factors and how to stop smoking. (For more information about cardiac risk factors – www.aha.org)

Take Good Care of Your Heart All Year Round!    ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

At Dreamtime Wellness™, we offer education and tools for self-care, relaxation and stress management that are helpful for ‘heart health.’ Contact us with any questions – info@dreamtimewellness.com. or www.dreamtimewellness.com.

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.