Get more exercise and focus on healthy eating. That’s the message cardiologists from Mount Sinai Heart are promoting to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke during American Heart Month in February. This is especially important among high-risk groups.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, doctors continue to see increased sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating habits, and weight gain among patients—putting them at higher risk for heart conditions, including some that are potentially serious.
“It is so important for all, but especially the high-risk groups, to watch their diet and exercise more for heart disease prevention. We need to focus on how the pandemic is contributing to worsening habits,” says Icilma Fergus, MD, Director of Cardiovascular Disparities for The Mount Sinai Hospital. “There are simple ways to get moving, not just going to the gym, but simply walking or doing housework to avoid being sedentary.”
Nearly half of adults in the United States—more than 121 million people—have some type of cardiovascular disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States; nearly 650,000 die from it every year and, heart disease is preventable 80 percent of the time.
Certain minority groups, including Blacks and Latinos/Latinas, are also at higher risk due to genetic predisposition, diet, lifestyle factors, and socioeconomic factors. However, illness in any population can be prevented by taking simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Tips for Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease
- Know your family history
- Manage your blood pressure
- Control your cholesterol
- Maintain a healthy diet, eating nutrient-rich food and eliminating sweets
- Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
- Quit using tobacco or other inhaled substances, including both smoking and electronic cigarettes or vapes
- Watch your weight and exercise regularly
- Learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, including chest discomfort; shortness of breath; pain in your arms, back, neck, or jaw; breaking out in a cold sweat; and lightheadedness
COVID-19, Heart Disease, and Vaccinations
Adults with heart disease are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. According to the American Heart Association, COVID-19 patients with underlying conditions including cardiovascular disease are six times more likely to be hospitalized and 12 times more likely to die than patients without any chronic health problems. About one in three people with COVID-19 has cardiovascular disease, making it the most common underlying health condition.
Mount Sinai cardiologists encourage people in these high-risk groups to get their full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including the booster.
“People with heart disease and with risk factors including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are at higher risk of contracting a severe COVID-19 infection and having complications due to COVID-19 infection. Thus, we strongly recommend these patients get vaccinated. I know some patients have been reluctant; however, vaccines have been proven to be safe and to prevent severe infections and for the most part, are well tolerated,” says Johanna Contreras, MD, Director of the Ambulatory Heart Failure Network for the Mount Sinai Health System.
It is also important that you not put off getting regular medical care.
“The current pandemic environment has added stress in everyone’s life, and led to added work for many. However, it’s critical for patients to check in with their doctors and continue to schedule and keep their doctor appointments, along with following up on medications and taking them as prescribed,” says Dr. Contreras. “If you have any issues do not be afraid to call your doctor. It is important to see medical attention.”