Know the ABCs of Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, an opportunity for all of us to stop and appreciate the beautiful beating organ in the middle of our chests. Your heart is the CEO of your circulatory system. Your blood vessels are the worker bees, delivering blood all over your body and reporting back to the heart 24/7. The simple truth is that if your heart is asleep on the job, your overall productivity suffers. A strong, healthy heart is essential to a good quality of life.

This month, the American Heart Association is using the alphabet to help us learn four important ways to help the heart do its job:

A is for aspirin
If heart disease or strokes run in your family, taking aspirin may reduce your risk. Ask your health care professional if a daily dose of aspirin is something you should consider.

B is for blood pressure
When blood pressure is consistently high, it puts you at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, take your medication as directed and take your blood pressure regularly. Most pharmacies offer free blood pressure readings. You can purchase a simple device to check your BP at home. And, of course, you’ll probably have your BP checked with every visit to a doctor’s office. It’s that important.

C is for cholesterol
High cholesterol, especially high levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol”) is linked to poor heart health. You can help manage your cholesterol levels by eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising.

S is for stop smoking
Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, reducing blood flow and putting a strain on your heart. In addition, smoking raises your blood pressure.

Anything that puts a strain on your heart and your blood vessels is also bad for your feet. For example, when plaque blocks the blood vessels that lead to your feet, it can lead to pain, numbness, and poor healing. Be good to your heart, and you’ll be good to your feet, too.

Visit Monmouth County’s Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center for more information about nutrition for your feet, how smoking affects your feet, and more tips for good heart health. And make an appointment at our Howell or Jackson offices when you need foot care delivered with heart from our caring, board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka. Call (732) 905-1110 or contact us online.