Welcome to another insightful post from the Cross County Cardiology Education Team. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your heart health. Today, we’re tackling a topic that often leads to confusion—how genetics and lifestyle play a role in heart disease. Let’s bust some myths together!
Here at Cross County Cardiology, we’ve been fortunate to witness some of the most groundbreaking developments in the field of heart health. One of the most revolutionary advancements in the past decade is the introduction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). This innovative, less invasive procedure has redefined how we treat heart valve conditions, particularly for patients who might not be suitable for traditional open-heart surgery.
Hello from the Cross County Cardiology Education team! 😊
At Cross County Cardiology, we’re committed to keeping you informed about your heart health. Today, we’re diving into an important topic: atherosclerosis. Often referred to as the "hardening of the arteries," this condition can sneak up on you, but with the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can manage it and reduce your risks.
Atherosclerosis is a gradual process where plaque—a mix of cholesterol, fatty substances, and cellular waste—builds up inside your arteries. Over time, this plaque can narrow or block your arteries, limiting blood flow to your heart and other parts of your body. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
The process of atherosclerosis involves your body’s immune system. Here’s how it works:
The statistics around atherosclerosis are a wake-up call.
You don’t have to wait for symptoms to take action. Here’s how to stay on top of your heart health:
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to see a doctor:
There are several ways your doctor can confirm whether you have atherosclerosis:
Fighting atherosclerosis is about being proactive. Here’s what you can do:
At Cross County Cardiology, we’re here to support you in managing atherosclerosis and other heart conditions. Prevention is always better than cure, and it starts with staying educated.
Ready to take control of your heart health? We’re here to help every step of the way.
As winter approaches, a recent study from Sweden brings new insights on how cold weather can influence heart health, specifically by increasing the risk of heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions (MIs). Presented at the ESC Congress 2024 in London and published in JACC, this study highlights the need for increased awareness and preventative care as climate changes contribute to colder, more unpredictable weather patterns.
The Swedish study analyzed 120,380 heart attack cases occurring between October and March, observing how temperature drops and cold spells — defined as two or more consecutive days with below-average temperatures — significantly increased MI risks. Notably, there’s a delayed effect, with heart attack risks peaking two to six days after exposure to extreme cold. These findings align with other research from Finland, Germany, China, and Vietnam, further solidifying the connection between cold temperatures and cardiovascular strain.
When temperatures drop, our bodies naturally respond by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat, increasing blood pressure and potentially straining the heart. Cold also raises levels of inflammation and certain clotting factors, which can raise MI risks. According to the study’s authors, protections against cold-induced cardiac risks, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions, may become increasingly crucial in regions facing colder winters due to shifting climate patterns.
The study emphasizes the importance of protective measures for vulnerable individuals, such as elderly people and those with heart disease. Cardiologists recommend staying warm, maintaining regular exercise indoors, and scheduling check-ups to monitor heart health throughout the colder months.
At Cross County Cardiology, we believe in proactive, preventive care, and encourage patients to discuss any concerns about winter health risks with their healthcare provider. Early interventions can help mitigate cold-related cardiovascular risks and support long-term wellness.
When we talk about heart health, one condition that often causes confusion is heart failure. Don’t let the term alarm you—heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped working! Instead, it means that the heart isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should. With over 26 million people affected worldwide, heart failure is a common condition, but one that’s often misunderstood. Let’s clear up some of those myths and bring some clarity.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that affects around 2.7 million Americans. It’s a type of irregular heartbeat, often too fast, that can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations. Left untreated, AFib can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and even dementia. Medications don’t always work for this condition, so doctors may recommend a procedure called catheter ablation to help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Greetings from the Cross County Cardiology Education Team!
A recent study published by HealthDay sheds new light on the relationship between cholesterol levels, menopause, and heart disease. As women enter menopause, they experience significant hormonal changes that may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. One of the key factors identified in this study is a rise in cholesterol levels, which is now believed to play a major role in linking menopause to cardiovascular health concerns.
