Heart Health for Heart Month – How to Maintain a Healthy Heart!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - As we wrap up Heart Month in February, it is important to maintain a healthy heart throughout the entire year. Dr. Rohit Bhandari, a cardiologist with Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, emphasizes the importance of heart health and how small lifestyle changes can lead to a longer, healthier life.

The Impact of Heart Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. However, many of these cases are preventable through proactive lifestyle choices like regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms such as:

Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Back or jaw pain

Other possible heart attack symptoms include:

Tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck, or jaw
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat
Unusual tiredness
Heartburn-like feeling
Sudden dizziness or fainting

If you experience one or more of these symptoms and suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Who is at Risk for Heart Disease?

Certain factors increase the risk of heart disease, including:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of heart disease
Unhealthy diet
Excessive alcohol consumption

By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

How Can You Maintain a Healthy Heart?

Exercise regularly – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
Eat a heart-healthy diet (see below!)
Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Maintain a healthy weight
Get regular check-ups with your doctor

What Does a Heart-Healthy Diet Look Like?

A diet that supports heart health includes:

Fruits and vegetables – Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Whole grains – Such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice
Lean proteins – Fish, poultry, beans, and legumes
Healthy fats – Found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil
Limiting processed foods, sugar, and sodium

Heart and Vascular Services at Piedmont Medical Center

Piedmont Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Center provides comprehensive cardiovascular care, including:

Advanced diagnostic testing
Minimally invasive procedures
Emergency cardiac care
Rehabilitation programs to help patients recover and maintain heart health

Learn More & Stay Connected

To learn more about Piedmont Medical Center’s heart and vascular services, visit: Piedmont Heart & Vascular Center

Follow Piedmont Medical Center on Social Media:

Facebook: Piedmont Medical Center
Instagram: @piedmontmedicalcntr

By making heart health a priority year-round, we can all take steps toward a stronger and healthier future!