Heart health especially important in winter

BUTTE, Mont. — February is known for its designation of American Heart Month. A cardiologist with Intermountain Health St. James Hospital tells NBC Montana that with many people being less active in the winter, now is an especially important time to ensure your heart is in good condition.

It is critical for folks to be aware of blood pressure, body mass index and blood sugar and cholesterol levels, especially if you have a family history of heart issues.

“Your siblings are very important, because they carry your same genes. So if your siblings have coronary disease, heart disease, before the age of 55, 60, this is your genetic markup, and you should look deeper into that. And you should know which kind of heart disease — is it valvular, is it (atrial fibrillation), is it coronary disease? Your first-degree relatives and siblings are most important in that group,” Dr. Carlos Albrecht said.

And when it comes to measuring blood pressure, it is vital to get an accurate reading.

“Your blood pressure should consistently be less than 130/85 at rest. And having the proper technique to get your blood pressure controlled is extremely important. If you don’t know how to check your blood pressure, often you use the wrong cuff and you overestimate or underestimate. Use the right device. You have to have a precise number,” said Albrecht, adding that you should be at rest and not rush when getting readings.

When it comes to cholesterol readings, you should know your good (LDL) and bad (HDL) cholesterol numbers, and they should be checked at least once a year.

Along with getting exercise and eating healthy, another way to improve heart health quickly is to quit tobacco.

“You vape or smoke, it’s the same thing. Or you chew, a lot of people chew tobacco thinking they are doing themselves a benefit. You are not. You are just increasing your risk of oral cancers,” said Albrecht.

Data shows six months after quitting smoking, improvements can be seen in the reactivity of your coronary arteries, but increased cancer risks from previous smoking never go away.

One disease that results in an elevated risk of heart problems is diabetes, and Albrecht says avoiding Type II diabetes is the best defense when it comes to staying heart healthy.

“It’s a direct offender to the vasculature,” said Albrecht.