As February is American Heart Month, CHRISTUS Health emphasizes the importance of heart health in Southeast Texas.
American Heart Month was established to bring awareness to the body's most vital organ and educate people on how to keep it healthy. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the U.S., killing about 630,000 Americans each year.
“Heart disease is often preventable, and early action can make a significant difference,” said Dr. Jonathan Esclovon, interventional cardiologist with CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “Understanding your risk factors and taking steps early to protect your heart can help prevent serious complications later in life.”
Heart disease is a broad term including several conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, endocarditis and congenital heart disease.
“Prevention doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Esclovon said. “Routine blood pressure screenings should begin at age 18, and cholesterol checks around age 30 help identify issues early, when they’re most manageable.”
He said regular physical activity and eating healthy foods are two of the most effective ways to protect your heart.
“Moderate exercise for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week can significantly reduce your risk,” he said. “I often recommend the Mediterranean and DASH diet to my patients. These eating plans emphasize fruits, vegetables and whole grains and are especially important for people with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.”
Esclovon said heart disease can present differently in men and women and symptoms may include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sudden fatigue or swelling in the feet, ankles or legs
“Having a trusted primary care physician is key,” he said. “They understand your medical history and can help guide care, whether that’s preventive screenings, minimally invasive procedures or more advanced treatments when necessary.”
To learn more about heart disease or to check your heart health, visit https://www.christushealth.org/get-care/health-risk-assessments/heart-aware.