Rutherford County, TN – In Tennessee, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Outside of genetics, some of the key risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity. In other words, many of the unhealthy choices we make regarding our food, combined with detrimental habits, can significantly impact our longevity and overall health.
Some common things to look out for when it comes to heart troubles and avoiding a heart attack include... Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Nurse Practitioner Hallie McNew emphasizes that these can be significant indicators of heart issues.
Additional tell-tale signs that a heart attack could be looming include...McNew advises that it’s crucial to be seen by a medical provider sooner rather than later if you experience any of these signs or symptoms... Early intervention is vital for improving outcomes and ensuring your heart health.
According to CDC, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. About 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older have CAD (about 5%). One study in 2022 showed that about 1 out of every 5 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults.
Heart attacks are a very real problem, accompanied by sobering statistics. The American Heart Association reported in 2023 that someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. Equally alarming is the fact that about 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent; the damage occurs without the person being aware of it.
When it comes to heart health, some issues may run in your family; however, taking preventative measures can make a significant difference for those with a family history of heart disease, as well as for those who simply want to avoid heart problems. Engaging in daily walks, drinking more water, and maintaining a balanced diet with breakfast, lunch, and dinner can benefit not only your heart but also your entire body. It's also a good idea to decrease your sugar intake...
Overall, one of the most important steps an individual can take to prevent heart problems is to avoid smoking. If you do smoke, it’s essential to work hard to quit as soon as possible. Additionally, reducing stress can contribute to a healthier heart and a healthier version of you.
Several Symptoms of Heart Problems:
- Shortness of breath with chest discomfort or without it
- Chest pain
- Extreme fatigue and sudden fatigue
- Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations)
- Cold sweats
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins, hands, feet, toes
- Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in the legs or arm
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Highlight Heart Disease Facts (Click Here)
About our Guest: Hallie K. McNew, NP-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in cardiovascular surgery with Ascension Saint Thomas in Murfreesboro, TN. Hallie provides acute and chronic management of heart disease, as well as outpatient and inpatient care of patients recovering from cardiac surgery.
Hallie has a special interest in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) to improve the patient's outcome, reduce surgical stress and recover more quickly. Hallie strives to listen to her patients with the aim of providing high-quality surgical care. She likes to work as a team with her patients and their families, helping them to understand the disease process and what to expect before, during and after cardiac surgery.
Listen to the entire interview above this article, or right click and download the podcast to save on your computer or smart device and listen to it later.
- Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford (Click Here)
- Address: 1700 Medical Center Pkwy Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Phone: 615-396-4100
