LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — American Heart Month is putting a spotlight on cardiovascular health, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly one in four deaths.
As part of that awareness push, UAMS offers a Healthy Heart Screening designed to provide a fast, noninvasive way to detect heart disease early.
Dr. Srikanth Vallurupalli said screenings are generally intended for people who do not have symptoms, with the goal of preventing problems before they start. He said screening typically comes to mind for people about 40 years old and for those between ages 40 to 75 who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and are working with their doctors to control those risk factors.
“So screening is for people typically without any problems,” Vallurupalli said. “We’re being proactive.”
Vallurupalli said for people who already have heart disease, it is important to “know their numbers” and make sure they are treated well, working closely with their doctors. He said the Healthy Heart Screening is aimed at helping people get a clearer picture of their risk and an overall assessment of heart and vascular health.
He noted that heart and vascular health affects more than just the heart. “The blood vessels that supply the heart are often the same type of blood vessels that supply the kidneys, the legs and the brain,” Vallurupalli said, adding that screening can help people be more proactive in preventing future problems.
Vallurupalli also urged people to pay attention to possible warning signs of a heart attack, noting that symptoms can vary widely. While chest pain or pressure and pain radiating down the left arm are common textbook signs, he said many people do not experience those classic symptoms.
“A lot of patients have trouble breathing as their only sign, neck pain, jaw pain, upper back pain,” Vallurupalli said. He added that symptoms can be especially varied in women and may not match what is more commonly seen in men.
“I often tell people, if you’re worried about your heart, listen to your gut,” Vallurupalli said. “If you have any symptoms in the chest area that your gut tells you there is something wrong, don’t ignore it.”
To improve heart health, Vallurupalli recommended focusing on key risk factors by knowing blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels and making sure they are well controlled. He also emphasized overall well-being, pointing to stress, anxiety, pollution and lack of quality of life as additional risk factors.
“Leading a happy, healthy life, the old saying, live, laugh and love, I think, is really an important thing to improve your heart health, because it improves your overall well being,” Vallurupalli said. “And anything that improves overall well being is great for your heart.”
The discussion took place on Valentine’s Day, a date often associated with hearts and heart health.