CHRISTUS Health recognizes American Heart Month in February as a
time to bring awareness to the body’s most vital organ and educate people on how to keep it healthy.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the
U.S., killing about 630,000 Americans each year.
Heart disease is a variety of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels: coronary artery disease,
congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, endocarditis and congenital heart disease.
“To avoid heart disease, prevention is key,” said Dr. Theresa Rinderle, a primary care physician with
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “It’s the most important thing you can do for yourself.”
Rinderle said screenings for hypertension can start at age 18, and cholesterol screenings are recommended at age 30.
“Prevention can be as simple as doing some level of activity,” she said. “Exercise is important in keeping
your heart healthy. Doing some sort of exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week, like walking,
weightlifting, swimming, isometric exercises or even riding a bicycle can be a game-changer.”
Dr. John Evans, cardiovascular surgeon, said eating healthy foods and creating healthy habits can go a
long way.
“It’s especially important for those who have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure and
high cholesterol,” Evans said.
Dr. Timothy Danish, another cardiovascular surgeon, said heart disease can present differently in men and
women.
“For some women, symptoms of heart disease are heart attack, fluttering feelings in the chest, shortness
of breath, sudden fatigue or swelling in the lower extremities like feet, ankles or leg,” Danish said.
He expressed the importance of having a primary care physician to learn your habits and your family
history. Danish said they can use that information to make recommendations as needed to help keep your heart healthy until intervention is needed.
“Care can range from simple screenings and minimally invasive procedures to more complex invasive
treatments,” he said.
To learn more about heart disease or to check your heart health, visit chistushealth.org.