One of your most vital vital-organs is your heart. Without it, the oxygen brought in by your lungs would not be carried to other organs, like your brain. Your body would have a challenging time fighting off infections and viruses because your blood is also responsible for delivering white blood cells where they are needed. Under the compassionate and thorough care of Dr. Arthur Pinkhasov at Genuine Care Physician PC in Forest Hills, New York, you can rest easy knowing we take every step we can to help you stay as healthy as possible. If you would like to improve your cardiovascular health, call the office at (516) 262-3612 (Forest Hills) or book an appointment online.
What Is Cardiovascular Health?
Cardiovascular health is the health of your heart and blood vessels. The prefix, cardio-, refers to the heart, while -vascular refers to the blood vessels. Together, these two make up your circulatory system, which is responsible for pumping and moving blood and oxygen throughout your entire body. Cardiovascular health can be compromised by a number of diseases and conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease (also known as heart disease)
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Heart valve problems
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pericardial disease
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Heart attack
Since the cardiovascular system encompasses so much, problems and diseases that affect cardiovascular health can stem from several reasons. Some conditions are genetic or congenital, meaning they’ve been present from birth; other diseases are the result of lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, smoking, and birth control; additional conditions emerge from injury, infection, or other diseases in the body, such as diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and many others.
The Importance of Cardiovascular Health
The importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health cannot be overstated. Without the heart and blood vessels, we could not survive. Keeping them in healthy and working order is vital to longevity and remaining active as we age. Simply put, we cannot survive without blood, and we need our hearts to circulate it. Diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels are the leading causes of death in the United States, with coronary artery disease being number 1. It is vital to diagnose and correct cardiovascular problems as early as possible for the best outcome. Managing conditions like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes are all crucial aspects of keeping your heart healthy. The following can be symptoms of cardiovascular diseases:
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, throat, jaw, upper abdomen, or back
- Irregular heartbeat that feels racing, slow, or fluttering
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting or near fainting
- Cyanosis (pale gray or blue skin color)
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or around the eyes
- Dry or persistent cough
If you experience any of the above symptoms, call our office for an appointment. If you feel that you are having a stroke or a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or go directly to your nearest emergency room.
How to Maintain Cardiovascular Health
There are many ways to keep your heart healthy, including:
- Quitting smoking
- Being physically active
- Managing health conditions like cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a varied and nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber, and healthy fats
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Looking after your mental health
It can feel overwhelming to make lifestyle changes like those listed above, but Dr. Pinkhasov is glad to help you reach your goals and maintain excellent cardiovascular health. Our office can assist you with smoking cessation, lab work to determine your cholesterol or risk for diabetes, monitoring your blood pressure, developing a healthy diet and exercise plan, diagnostic tests for cardiovascular conditions, and much more. Call today for an appointment at Genuine Care Physician, PC!