CHRISTUS Health emphasizes importance of heart health, screenings and prevention
February is American Heart Month
Dr. Oscar Paniagua
(EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health recognizes American Heart Month in February to bring awareness to the body’s most vital organ and educate people about 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.
“There is a misconception that heart disease is a disease of older men and that is not true,” said Dr. Oscar Paniagua, interventional cardiologist with CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute. “It affects women. It affects young adults. Some people don’t even feel the symptoms and may have it. Cardiovascular disease can affect everyone.”
Heart disease is a broad term including several conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, endocarditis, and congenital heart disease.
Paniagua says knowing your numbers: cholesterol and blood pressure, and recognizing risk factors like diabetes, obesity and smoking can help assess your health.
“We have made a lot of advances in technology and treatment,” he said. “Understanding your risk factors and taking steps early to protect your heart can help prevent serious complications later in life.”
He said regular physical activity and eating healthy foods are two of the most effective ways to protect your heart.
Moderate exercise for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week can significantly reduce your risk. Diets that emphasize fruits, vegetables and whole grains are especially important for people with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, Paniagua said.
Heart disease can present differently in men and women and symptoms may include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sudden fatigue or swelling in the feet, ankles or legs. Regular screenings with your health care provider are a crucial step to understanding the symptoms.
“We have modern tools to treat people with heart disease, especially in the acute phase, but prevention is still the key,” Paniagua said. “Get engaged early, talk with your doctor and understand the changes you can make. You are never too early to start those changes.”
About CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org
