Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States—killing one in five people annually. Most middle-aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
February is American Heart Month—the perfect time to promote heart health in the Southwest region of New Mexico.
It can be tempting to dismiss health symptoms, mainly if they are minor or come and go. However, you should never delay care when you experience red flags that could indicate heart trouble.
“Even mild or occasional symptoms, like feeling lightheaded, constant fatigue, intermittent episodes of nausea, can sometimes be early signs of underlying heart issues,” said Dr. Khawaja Anwar, cardiologist and member of the medical staff at Mimbres Memorial Hospital. “Addressing these symptoms helps catch potential problems before they become life-threatening. It’s better to err on the side of caution regarding your heart health.”
Unfortunately, many people do not experience any symptoms associated with cardiac trouble. Even though many do not experience symptoms, some individuals experience the following, which could indicate heart problems. While crossover exists between mild and severe symptoms, the following signals should be taken seriously.
Mild or Early Warning Signs
- Fluttering in the chest
- Fatigue
- A fast heartbeat
- Swollen ankles, feet or legs
- Fainting or near-fainting spells
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath during activity and at rest
Severe Warning Signs
- Chest pain, pressure, squeezing or fullness
- Pain radiating to arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Chills, fever, sweating
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
Don’t hesitate to call 911
Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, get checked out. Call 911 if you have heart attack warning signs. An emergency medical services (EMS) team can begin treatment when they arrive. EMS staff are also trained to ive resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. People with chest pain who arrive by ambulance may also get faster treatment at the hospital.
The good news is that there are many ways to improve heart health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), small lifestyle changes can help reduce risk and improve overall health. NHLBI’s The Heart Truth® program encourages these actions to support a heart-healthy lifestyle:
- Eliminate alcohol. Alcohol consumption can damage the heart’s structure and function and can increase blood pressure, which strains the heart.
- Quit smoking. Talk to a healthcare provider about resources that can help.
- Prioritize nutrition. Try whole fruits, dried fruits, unsalted rice cakes, fat-free and low-fat yogurt, or raw vegetables. Use herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Move more. Every little bit counts—from taking the stairs to marching in place, keeping the blood moving in your body can help heart health.
- Get quality sleep. Aim for at least 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
- Manage stress. Keep the mind and body calm with deep breathing and stretching.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Discuss with your healthcare provider if your weight is in a healthy range.
- Control cholesterol. Make healthy food choices, like limiting saturated fats.
- Manage blood sugar. Monitor your carbohydrate intake and choose complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and legumes.
- Control high blood pressure. Keep a log of your daily blood pressure readings at home and visit your doctor to discuss.
Take the first step toward better heart health this Heart Month by scheduling a visit with Dr. Khawaja Anwar, Board Certified Cardiologist at Mimbres Valley Medical Group, Rural Health Care. Bring along a family member or friend to support your journey—having someone who knows your goals can make it easier to stick to heart-healthy habits. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Anwar call 575-543-7202 or visit MimbresAnytime.com.
Khawaja Anwar, MD
Board-certified Cardiologist
Board-certified Internist
Mimbres Valley Medical Group, Rural Health Care
Mimbres Valley Medical Group/RHC provides Cardiology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology preventative outpatient care to southwestern New Mexico. Mimbres Valley Medical Group is located on campus at Mimbres Memorial Hospital at 905 South 8th Street Suite B. Patients can make appointments either through central scheduling by calling 575-543-7200 or online at MimbresAnytime.com.