Dr. Friday

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart attacks and strokes together account for approximately 40 percent of all deaths. Heart disease, which commonly refers to conditions resulting from cardiovascular disease, can be prevented or postponed by lowering risk factors and taking charge of your health.


Controlling Risk Factors

“When taking measures to prevent or delay the onset of heart disease you cannot change your heredity, age, race, or gender, but many other contributing factors can be controlled,” Michele Friday, M.D., OLBH cardiologist, said. “Basically, by working together with a physician, people can prevent the majority of heart disease by lifestyle changes and/or the use of medications.”


Lifestyle Changes

• Cigarette smoking: Friday noted that quitting cigarettes is the most important thing a person can do to prevent heart disease. “If a person who smokes stops now, their risk of heart disease will begin to decline to the level of a non-smoker within a few years,” Friday said. Cigarettes increase the risk of heart disease in a number of ways. “Smoking causes thickening of the blood, which can lead to clots,” Friday explained. “It raises the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, taking needed oxygen from the heart and other tissues. The nicotine in tobacco also restricts the coronary arteries, raising blood pressure, and causing the heart to work harder.”
• Elevated cholesterol levels: Most people are familiar with the “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Good cholesterol is HDL, which is associated with a cleansing effect in the blood. Bad cholesterol is LDL, which leaves deposits on the walls of the arteries, slowing the flow of blood and leading to atherosclerosis. “Patients can do a great deal to achieve healthier cholesterol levels by controlling their diet,” Friday said. “However, cholesterol levels also can be affected by heredity, smoking, and hormones.”
• Exercise and weight: Regular aerobic exercise tones the heart muscle and helps prevent heart disease. Moderate exercises such as stair climbing or brisk walking also are sufficient to benefit the heart. “Exercise lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and is usually associated with weight loss,” Friday said.
• High blood pressure: “Hypertension can be lowered by exercise, stopping smoking, losing weight, and limiting the use of salt,” Friday stated.

If lifestyle changes are not effective in controlling your risk for heart disease, it may be necessary to add certain medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Speak to your physician before adjusting lifestyle habits. If you do not have a family doctor, the OLBH CareLine can refer you to one who meets your needs; simply call (606) 833-CARE (2273).