Sentara RMH - Heart Disese

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February 26, 2019
 
Sentara RMH Cardiologists Respond to Recent Report
that Almost Half of U.S. Adults Have Heart Disease
 		  
HARRISONBURG, VA –. According to a report by the American Heart Association (AHA), nearly 48 percent of all U.S. adults have some form of heart disease or blood vessel disease. The report was published in late January in the AHA journal Circulation.
            The report also revealed that deaths from heart disease, after several years of decline, rose from 2015 to 2016, from just over 836,000 to more than 840,000.
            “This is sobering news, that in spite of huge advances in treatment, heart disease remains a serious threat to the health of so many,” said Sentara RMH interventional cardiologist Stewart Pollock, MD. “We must continue to do all we can to prevent and treat heart disease and related conditions.”
            Stricter guidelines for defining high blood pressure, or hypertension, are thought to be a major factor in the increased prevalence of heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease, according to experts at the AHA. The newer guidelines were set in place in 2017 by the AHA and the American College of Cardiology. Researchers applied the new guidelines to 2016 data to reach their conclusion.
            High blood pressure—now defined as readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher, versus the older limit of 140/90 mmHG—is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. 
            “The best treatment continues to be prevention,” said Dr. Pollock. “We’ve known for years the basic components of preventing heart disease—exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week; eat a healthy diet focused mostly on vegetables and fruits and avoiding saturated fats, trans fats and sugar; and staying away from all tobacco use.”
 
            You should see your physician or a cardiologist if your blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg or higher, or if you experience any of the signs of heart disease:  chest pain, especially if it radiates into the arm or if you notice chest pain upon exertion; pressure or tightness in the chest; shortness of breath; nausea, indigestion or heart burn; and heavy sweating.
            In women, heart disease symptoms may be more subtle and can include general feelings of discomfort or malaise (“something isn’t right”), fatigue or other symptoms unrelated to chest pain or tightness, such as severe sweating, nausea or indigestion, and shortness of breath.
 
 
Contact:
Neil Mowbray
nwmowbra@sentara.com, 540-564-7205