Dr. Georges Chahoud, cardiologist at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis and board president of the Metro St. Louis chapter of the American Heart Association, believes that maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for overall well-being.
" ‘Life’s Essential 8’ are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association,” he said. “Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.”
Dr. Chahoud's expertise includes advanced heart failure, cardiogenic shock, structural and valvular heart disease, and cardiac hemodynamics. His practice offers a range of services, including various stress tests, echocardiograms, and invasive procedures like cardiac catheterizations.
“Maintaining heart health through a holistic approach and small, consistent changes lowers your risk of heart disease,” he added.
For people interested in improving their heart health, Dr. Chahoud recommends following these critical tips from cardiologists backed by the heart association:
1. Eat Better
Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and use oils like olive and canola for cooking.
2. Be More Active
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Children need about 60 minutes of physical activity daily, which can include both play and structured exercises.
3. Quit Tobacco
Avoid all forms of inhaled nicotine products, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices. These are major contributors to preventable deaths in the U.S., including a significant portion of heart disease fatalities. Secondhand smoke exposure also affects about 40% of children aged three-11.
4. Get Healthy Sleep
Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Children require more: 10 to 16 hours for those under 5 (including naps), nine to 12 hours for ages 6 to 12, and eight to 10 hours for teenagers. Proper sleep aids in healing, brain function, and reducing chronic disease risks.
5. Manage Weight
High levels of non-HDL (bad) cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Monitoring non-HDL cholesterol is preferred over total cholesterol as it doesn't require fasting and is reliable for all individuals.
6. Control Cholesterol
High levels of non-HDL (bad) cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Monitoring non-HDL cholesterol is preferred over total cholesterol as it doesn't require fasting and is reliable for all individuals.
7. Manage Blood Sugar
The food we consume is converted into glucose, which our bodies use for energy. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Monitoring hemoglobin A1c levels can provide a better long-term view of blood sugar control, especially for those with diabetes or prediabetes.
8. Manage Blood Pressure
Keeping blood pressure within the optimal range (less than 120/80 mm Hg) is essential for long-term health. High blood pressure is defined as 130-139 mm Hg systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic.
By following these guidelines and seeking expert care from professionals like Dr. Chahoud, you can take significant steps towards maintaining a healthy heart. To learn more or find expert care from professionals like Dr. Chahoud, consult SSM Health Heart & Vascular providers.
