Better Health - February 2024

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| SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

The impact of heart disease on

eart health is vital. Despite widespread recognition of the the importance of a healthy heart, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death around the world. CVD includes coronary artery disease and other issues affecting the heart or blood vessels.

Even though heart disease affects both men and women, it’s often mistakenly seen as a condition that mostly affects men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that heart disease, namely coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death for women and those assigned female at birth. It occurs when plaque develops in the walls of the arteries and

slows down the flow of blood supply to the heart and other parts of the body. Women are particularly at risk because, after menopause, hormone changes like a reduction in the production of estrogen can cause higher risk of coronary heart disease, especially in smaller blood vessels.

In addition to hormonal changes after menopause, the risk factors for heart disease in women include: Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than men with diabetes. There’s also an increased risk of silent heart attack since diabetes can change the way women perceive pain.

Mental health: Emotional stress and depression can affect women’s hearts more than men’s, as depression may compromise a woman’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Smoking: Smoking is another risk factor for heart disease.

Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases heart disease risk.

Inflammatory diseases: Individuals with arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory conditions may be at an elevated risk for heart disease.

Learning about the warning signs of heart attack and stroke can help women stay on top of their health.

Here’s what to look for, courtesy of GoRedForWomen.org.

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TEA have

Does

medicinal properties?

T

he common cold can strike at any time of year, but most people likely associate colds with winter. Colds tend to spread more easily in winter, when people typically spend more time indoors with windows closed, thus making it easier for colds and other viruses to spread.

Many people have their own remedies when it comes to treating colds, and those strategies may include a daily glass of tea. Tea has been a beloved beverage for quite some time. According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association, tea can be traced all the way back to 2737 B.C. in China. As the legend has it, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a tree when some leaves blew into some boiled drinking water his servant had been preparing for him. The emperor tried the concoction and the rest is history.

Since tea was first (accidentally) consumed, it has become an integral part of many people’s daily lives.

That’s even more so when people feel a little under the weather, which might prompt some to wonder if tea actually boasts any medicinal properties or if it’s all just legend.

According to Penn Medicine, various types of tea do, in

fact, provide some notable health benefits.

stress and lower blood pressure, among others.

White tea

Green tea

A comparative study published in the Journal of Food Science found that white tea might be the most effective cancer-fighting tea thanks to its robust antioxidant content. Penn Medicine also notes white tea is a source of fluoride, catechins and tannins, which means it could help to strengthen teeth and fight plaque.

Herbal tea

Harvard Medical School notes the curious distinction that herbal teas are not technically tea, as they typically lack the leaves or leaf buds of tea plants. Herbal teas are in fact made from tisanes, which are blends or infusions of dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs. Harvard Medical School advises speaking with a physician prior to drinking herbal teas, as they can cause problems among individuals with certain medical conditions. If a doctor gives the green light for herbal teas, people may be happy to learn that they’ve been linked to a host of health benefits including improved sleep, reduced

Penn Medicine notes that green tea is high in flavonoids, which are a type of metabolite found in plants.

Flavonoids have been linked to improved heart health because they can help to lower levels of bad cholesterol and reduce blood clotting.

In addition, a 2014 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition concluded that green tea and its catechins can help to improve blood pressure.

Should certain teas be avoided?

Though white tea, herbal tea, green tea, and other forms of the popular beverage have been linked to various health benefits, Penn Medicine notes other types of tea are best avoided. For example, detox teas, which Penn Medicine notes are often laced with laxatives, can be harmful to overall health.

Bubble teas also tend to be high in sugar and calories. In general, it’s best to discuss tea with a physician before making it a part of your daily routine.

Tea can provide a host of health benefits, and individuals are urged to discuss those properties with a physician as they look to turn over a healthier leaf.

The link between a healthy

Diet a healthy

and

Heart

healthy diet, ed cholesterol that have long Heart disease Aweight been used to determine an and individual’s risk for heart disis a leading heart health ease. So by using a nutritious The Centers for Disease to maintain or achieve a cause of death Control and Prevention note diet healthy weight, individuals that a healthy diet is balanced are thus lowering their risk for heart disease, even if they and includes a variety of across the do not presently have any nutritious foods. In fact, one of the established markers easy way to determine if a globe. indicating that risk has been plate is healthy is to see how

According to the World Health Organization, ischaemic heart disease is responsible for 16 percent of the world’s total deaths. The WHO also points out that, between 2000 and 2019, deaths due to ischaemic heart disease rose by more than two million.

Though not all deaths due to heart disease are preventable, many are, and researchers have discovered various ways individuals can reduce their risk for heart disease. One way individuals can protect their heart health is to eat a healthy diet. The link between diet and heart health is significant. Recognition of that link can help people concerned about heart disease develop a dietary plan that reduces their risk for this all-too-common killer.

colorful it is. The CDC notes that “eating the rainbow” means a plate is filled with an array of colors, which typically means an individual is eating healthy foods. Such a plate may include dark, leafy greens; bright red tomatoes; colorful fruits like oranges; and even fresh herbs. Such foods tend to be loaded with vitamins, fibers and minerals and low in added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. That makes it easier for individuals to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces their risk for heart disease. A recent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins found that obesity itself can lead to heart failure, even in the absence of markers for heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and elevat-

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elevated.

A healthy diet, cholesterol and heart health

Of course, many people already have learned that they are at an elevated risk for heart disease due to certain lifestyle choices, including poor diet. A poor diet can cause a host of health problems, including elevating cholesterol levels. According to the Heart & Vascular Center at Valley View Hospital in western Colorado, a diet high in saturated fat can lead to heart disease because it can increase cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic notes that, when a person has high cholesterol, fatty deposits can develop in the blood vessels. Those deposits eventually grow, making it difficult for sufficient blood to flow through the arteries.

The deposits also can break and form clots that can cause heart attack or stroke.

Though Harvard Health notes that some people are genetically predisposed to high blood cholesterol, a diet that limits intake of saturated fat can help most people maintain healthy cholesterol levels, thus reducing their risk for heart disease. Foods high in saturated fat include pork, beef, lamb, cream, butter, and cheese.

Heart disease claims the lives of millions of people across the globe every year.

Diet is an undeniable ally in the fight against heart disease, and individuals who commit to eating right can greatly reduce their risk for heart disease.

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Activities to strengthen the heart

T

he heart is a vital component of the human body. Without a functional heart, life is simply not possible. As with other muscles in the body, it is important to give the heart a workout to improve its strength and vitality. Intermountain Health says an individual who does not exercise is more than twice as likely to get heart disease as someone who does.

UCI Health says heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide.

Exercise is an ideal way

can help those with diabetes to control blood glucose more readily. Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, and other activities Aerobic exercise that get the heart pumping.

Aerobic exercise raises heart Aim for 30 minutes each day, rate and gets the blood pump- for at least five days a week. ing throughout the body.

Resistance/ Aerobic activity improves weight training circulation, and over time it ensures the heart does not Building muscle can help have to work as hard to pump the body burn fat and boost blood, thus potentially lower- metabolism. This type of ing blood pressure. Also, aer- training can use weights or obic exercise can reduce the the body’s own resistance. risk for type 2 diabetes and Improving muscle mass while to strengthen the heart and reduce your risk for heart disease and other conditions.

Certain activities are prime for boosting heart health.

reducing body fat and excess weight are heart-healthy steps to take. Strength training can be incorporated into a routine two to three days a week.

Balance and flexibility exercises

A person may wonder what flexibility and balance has to do with heart health. While there isn’t a direct correlation to how the heart works, these types of activities will help reduce the risk of falls or injuries to muscles and joints while working out. Inactivity is dangerous for the heart, so

ensuring that physical activity can continue is important.

Flexibility and balance exercises keep the body limber, and can be incorporated into daily workouts. Stretching, tai chi, yoga, and pilates can be included two or three times a week.

Healthy eating

full of fiber, which can help a person feel fuller longer. Fiber also is essential for preventing atherosclerosis, a condition that causes hardening of the arteries.

Meditation Slowing down, performing deep-breathing exercises and meditation can reduce stress.

That, in turn, can help prevent damage to the heart.

The foods people eat can affect heart health. Opt for lean protein sources and foods that include healthy fats. Salmon, Strengthening the heart and avocados and olives are some maintaining its health involves options. Balance these foods various activities that can be inwith whole grains that are corporated into daily routines.

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IN WESTERN MASS Mercy Medical Center is proud to announce that we’ve been awarded the Leapfrog “A” Hospital Safety Grade— our second consecutive “A” safety grade from Leapfrog and the hospital’s sixth “A” in the last seven “marking periods.” This is a national distinction recognizing Mercy’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing high-quality, safe health care.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospitals’ prevention of medical errors and other harms to patients in their care.

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