heart attack risk factors

Sugary Drinks Could Harm Heart Health

If you’re working to lower the amount of sugar in your diet, don’t overlook your beverages. Nearly half of all added sugars consumed in the average American diet come in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages. The link between sugary drinks and heart disease has long been known, but new research is showing just how close that link is.

How Sugary Drinks Raise Heart Disease Risk

In an observational study of 106,000 women with an average age of 52, researchers found a 20% greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease in those who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened drinks per day. Interestingly, fruit drinks with added sugar correlated to a 42% greater likelihood of disease.

There are several ways in which sugary drinks may increase heart disease risk. Elevated levels of sugar and insulin in the blood can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, diabetes and high cholesterol. High blood sugar can also cause an increased appetite, weight gain and obesity. All of these are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

What’s the best way to reduce the risk of heart disease from sugar-sweetened beverages? Drink less of them! Start with replacing just one per day with water or a drink with no added sugar (staying away from artificial sweeteners, if possible). Consider infusing fruit in water for added flavor and health benefits.

Want to do more to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! Sign up for a CPR training course with HeartCert CPR. We offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person courses to fit your busy schedule.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever sat in a doctor’s office and had a routine blood pressure reading – and not fully understood the results – this blog post is for you. Especially if you have a family or personal history of high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is more than just a number. It’s an important indicator of your overall cardiovascular health, and a potential sign of health issues to come. High blood pressure, or hypertension, impacts all of your internal organs – not just the heart.

Here are four important facts about high blood pressure from the American Heart Association.

Four Things You Should Know About High Blood Pressure

Don’t Wait Until It’s a Problem

High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of 130 or below, or a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 or above. These numbers must stay elevated over a period of time for a diagnosis of hypertension. Understanding and monitoring your blood pressure will allow you to notice changes and take proactive action – before it becomes a problem.

Sodium Matters – and So Does Potassium

We know to monitor the amount of sodium in our diets. But the balance between sodium and potassium also matters to blood pressure. Many processed foods are high in sodium and low in potassium.

Blood Pressure Affects the Brain

Hypertension affects the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. But researchers now believe that high blood pressure can also affect cognitive function and lead to dementia.

For Better Blood Pressure, Start with Small Changes

You don’t have to lose weight, quit smoking, lower sodium intake, and exercise more all at the same time. Focus on one risk factor, and start with small changes. Once you have a habit under control, move on to the next. You’ll be healthier before you know it.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! HeartCert CPR is offering virtual and safe in-person CPR training courses. Find a class today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Is Coffee Good for Heart Health?

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Coffee drinkers rejoice: a new study has found an association between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of heart failure. But don’t start chugging more joe just yet. Experts aren’t declaratively stating that coffee is good for heart health, simply that there’s a correlation. More information is needed on the link between coffee and heart failure risk.

In the study, which analyzed more than 21,000 adults over 10 years, researchers found that people who drank more coffee had a lower long-term risk of heart failure. The risk of heart failure dropped by between five and 12 percent per day for each cup of coffee that was consumed. This was in comparison to people who drank no coffee.

Interestingly, people who drank decaf had a higher heart failure risk.

Enjoy Coffee for Heart Health – In Moderation

Like most other foods and beverages, coffee is best enjoyed in moderation. Federal guidelines recommend up to five 8-ounce cups of black coffee per day. Popular drinks that are high in fat and sugar can be harmful, as can large amounts of caffeine consumption. And it’s important to understand the effects caffeine can have on other health behaviors, such as sleep and stress.

Ultimately, researchers say, the best way to lower heart failure risk is to focus on the risk factors and behaviors that have long been known to improve heart health. These include quitting smoking, exercising, eating a healthy diet, sleeping well and minimizing stress.

What’s one easy way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! We also offer safe, in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

The Link Between Heart Health and Mental Health

4 years ago by Larry Seth Leave a Comment

The connection between the heart and the brain has long been explored, explained, and romanticized. Now, researchers say that the brain and heart are connected in a very real way, with new evidence of the link between heart health and mental health.

How Does Mental Health Affect The Heart?

According to the American Heart Association, research shows that good mental health can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall heart health. On the flip side, poor mental well-being can increase the risk of heart disease.

This could be explained by the results of a certain mental state. For example, people with a more optimistic outlook on life tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as exercise and sleep. However, researchers also point out the link between stress and heart health, which has been well-documented.

Regardless of the cause of the mental and heart health link, experts urge primary care doctors and cardiologists to be aware of the risks and treat patients accordingly.

Doctors Should Include Mental Health Screening in Routine Visits

To identify at-risk patients, researchers are advocating for mental health screenings to be made part of regular check-ups. This should be prioritized for patients with heart disease or risk factors. Doctors should also be well-versed in possible interventions, such as medications or talk therapy, for patients who are struggling.

How to Boost Mental Health for the Good of the Heart

The good news? Many of the tactics recommended to improve heart health will also benefit mental well-being. These include healthy eating, quality sleep, exercise, minimizing alcohol, and maintaining social connections.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those around you? Take a virtual CPR training course!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Include Heart Attack Prevention in Game Day Planning

4 years ago by Larry Seth Leave a Comment

With the Superbowl fast approaching, football fans are deciding which team to root for, choosing a jersey, and – most importantly – planning snacks. One additional task you should take on before game day? Becoming aware of common heart attack symptoms and brushing up on CPR.

Why should heart attack prevention be part of game day planning? Research has found a link between major sporting events, like the Superbowl and World Cup, and an increase in heart attacks and arrhythmias. Even if you don’t have any elevated risk factors for heart disease, here are a few things you can do to protect your heart on game day.

Manage Stress

When you have an attachment to a team or an outcome and the game isn’t going the way you’d hoped, stress can ramp way up. This causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially triggering a cardiovascular event.

Know Your Risks

If you have any preexisting risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, or high blood pressure, you may be more susceptible to a heart attack on game day. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your heart health and minimize risk.

Focus on the Positive

Instead of focusing just on the game play and outcome of the game, try to enjoy the whole day for what it is – a fun get-together with family and friends. Laugh at the commercials, take in the halftime show, and have a memorable and low-stress day.

Whether you’re a football fan or not, hands-only CPR is a good skill to have. Check out our full offering of virtual and in-person CPR and first aid courses.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in October 2018.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

4 years ago by Larry Seth Leave a Comment

If someone asked you to name common heart attack symptoms, what would you say? The first to come to mind would probably be sudden chest pressure, left arm pain and a loss of consciousness. And that’s not wrong – if you’re talking about common symptoms in men. When it comes to women, heart attack symptoms are different, and they’re often much less obvious.

Different Causes Result in Different Symptoms

When men suffer a heart attack, it’s often caused by significant plaque build up and a resulting blood clot. Therefore, symptoms are more likely to be sudden and severe, like those discussed above.

What’s the difference between heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest? Click here to learn more.

In women, however, heart attacks are more often caused by plaque erosion – when smaller pieces of plaque partially block arteries. Because this is a more subtle stop of blood flow, symptoms are less severe and recognizable.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Half of women don’t experience any chest pain, and many of the common symptoms mimic other ailments. This is why it’s important for women to understand their risk factors, watch for symptoms, and always advocate for their health.

Common symptoms include:

Sudden, extreme fatigue
Shortness of breath
Indigestion and heartburn
Dizziness
Back and neck pain
Arm and jaw pain
Chest pain, discomfort and pressure

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in November 2018.

Sugary Drinks Could Harm Heart Health

How Sugary Drinks Raise Heart Disease Risk

Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure