MONROE — Over the last 11 months, the nation’s healthcare focus has been on protection from the Corona virus and COVID-19.
“And rightly so,” said Dr. Arif Ahmad, a cardiologist at Monroe Clinic. “In addition to staying vigilant in all ways of protecting ourselves from COVID-19, I would like to use the occasion of Heart Month to remind everyone how critical heart health is, especially during a pandemic.”
Dr. Ahmad says patients with already-existing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, face greater risks if they contract the Corona virus or COVID-19.
“These patients may be reluctant to leave home for cardiology visits in an effort to avoid the virus,” said Dr. Ahmad “However, maintaining your regular healthcare visits has become more important than ever so you can remain healthy. And our clinic has instituted numerous safety precautions to keep everyone, patients and staff, safe.”
Dr. Ahmad said it’s crucial for cardiology patients to stick to their cardiac care plan and maintain their relationships with their cardiology team.
In addition, Dr. Sunil Penesetti, also a Monroe Clinic cardiologist, said Hearth Month is a great time for everyone to become familiar with the risk factors for heart disease and how to lower or eliminate them, even those with no previous cardiac issues.
“The most recognized risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking,” said Dr. Penesetti. “Other risk factors include diabetes and obesity. Many patients discover they are living with one or more of these risk factors during a routine physical, so again, it is important to keep those appointments.”
To keep potential risk factors at bay, Dr. Penesetti recommends getting about 150 minutes of exercise per week, make healthy food choices that include lots of fruits and vegetables and lean meats and limit alcohol and caffeine.
If you know you are living with one or more of the risk factors for heart disease, talk with your doctor about how you can lower or eliminate them to improve your health, such as increasing physical activity and improving diet choices.
“The pandemic is not the time to let healthy choices slide,” said Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Sam Cook. “In fact, this time in our lives, more than any, is the time to stay vigilant with our healthy choices.”