Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death in the United States, making cardiovascular health screenings a critical part of maintaining long-term wellness. Heart disease can develop slowly over time without obvious symptoms, so regular screenings are essential for early detection and prevention. By identifying risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, cardiovascular screenings can help you and your healthcare provider take action before more serious issues arise. Whether you have a family history of heart disease or just want to be proactive about your health, screenings can save lives by catching potential problems early.
What Health Center Providers Screen For
At Sunshine Community Health Center, we prioritize cardiovascular health and offer a comprehensive screening that includes checking the following key indicators:
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Monitoring it regularly helps catch problems early.
Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol can build up in your arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Blood Sugar Levels: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Body Mass Index (BMI): A higher BMI can be an indicator of excess weight, which can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart disease.
Heart Rate: An abnormal heart rate may signal arrhythmias or other heart-related issues.
Risk Assessment for Heart Disease: A thorough evaluation of your personal and family history to determine your risk for developing heart disease.
By evaluating these factors, healthcare providers can give you a clear picture of your heart health and offer guidance on how to manage or reduce risks.
Why These Screenings Are Important
Cardiovascular disease often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are crucial. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes, medication, or other interventions that can prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. When left unchecked, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart failure, aneurysms, and stroke. Routine screenings help catch problems in the early stages, often before you even notice any symptoms, making them a key part of proactive health management.
The Importance of Immunizations for Cardiovascular Health
While cardiovascular screenings are essential, certain immunizations can also play a role in protecting your heart. Infections can place stress on the cardiovascular system, especially in individuals with preexisting heart conditions. For example:
Influenza Vaccine (Flu shot): The flu can worsen existing cardiovascular conditions and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is especially important for people with heart disease to get the flu vaccine annually.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Pneumonia and other respiratory infections can strain the heart, particularly in older adults or those with heart disease. This vaccine can help reduce the risk of infections that may impact heart health.
Shingles Vaccine: For individuals over 50, shingles can cause complications that impact heart health, so the shingles vaccine can help protect against this virus.
Immunizations, alongside regular screenings, create a strong defense against infections that could exacerbate cardiovascular issues, ultimately supporting overall heart health.
What You Can Do at Home to Maintain Heart Health
Taking control of your cardiovascular health doesn’t end with screenings and immunizations. There are several lifestyle changes you can make at home to improve your heart health:
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and fish. Reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fats is key to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity strengthens the heart, reduces stress, and helps manage weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases your risk for heart disease. Quitting is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your heart health.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect heart health by raising blood pressure and promoting unhealthy habits. Practicing stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or spending time outdoors can benefit your heart.
Monitor Your Health: Regularly track your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and keep up with any medications your healthcare provider prescribes.
By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall well-being.
Heart Health Resources in Alaska
Alaska offers several resources to help you maintain a healthy heart:
Alaska Heart Institute: Offering comprehensive heart care services, from screenings to specialized treatments, the Alaska Heart Institute is dedicated to cardiovascular health.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services: Providing information on heart health, prevention programs, and resources for managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
State of Alaska Fresh Start Programs: Providing FREE programs to lose weight, lower blood sugar, manage diabetes, lower blood pressue, stop smoking, vaping, or chewing, and being active with your children.
National Heart Health Resources
If you are looking for resources beyond Alaska, here are several national organizations that offer valuable heart health information and support:
American Heart Association (AHA): A leading nonprofit organization dedicated to heart health, the AHA offers tools, resources, and guidance on heart disease prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides data, tips, and recommendations for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): A part of the National Institutes of Health, the NHLBI offers in-depth resources on cardiovascular conditions and research, including prevention tips and lifestyle recommendations.
Heart disease is a major concern, but by staying proactive with screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle changes, you can take steps to reduce your risk and live a longer, healthier life. Make sure to schedule your cardiovascular health screening and take advantage of the resources available to you!
National Wear Red Day – Show Your Support for Heart Health!
February also marks National Wear Red Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. On Friday, February 2nd, we encourage everyone to wear red to help spread the message of heart health and show support for the fight against heart disease. Wearing red is a simple yet powerful way to raise awareness about the importance of heart disease prevention and education. Join us on this important day to honor those affected by heart disease and to promote heart health for all. Be sure to wear your red on National Wear Red Day and come visit us during our health incentive event to take a proactive step in caring for your heart!
Join Us for Sunshine CHC's February Heart Health Month Health Incentive Event!
This February, as part of our commitment to your cardiovascular health, Sunshine Community Health Center is excited to offer a special Health Incentive Event focused on Heart Health Month. During this event, we are offering free cardiovascular health screenings to help you monitor and understand your heart health. Early detection of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help prevent more serious heart conditions down the road.
Call and Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t wait—this event is a great opportunity to stay on top of your heart health and take home some free swag! Call us at 1-907-376-2273 to schedule your appointment for a cardiovascular health screening. Spots are limited, so be sure to call soon!
We look forward to seeing you this February and helping you take the first step toward better heart health. Let’s work together to keep your heart strong and healthy for years to come!
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (CARE)
*This article was written with the support of AI*