Heart Matters: Understanding Diseases, Screening Techniques and Boosting Cardiovascular Health

Your heart, a remarkable organ the size of a closed fist, pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood daily through a 60,000-mile network of blood vessels—enough to circle the Earth more than twice. Beating over 100,000 times a day, this vital organ deserves our attention and care. Here’s what you need to know about heart rate, symptoms of heart disease, palpitations, new screening methods, and how to keep your heart healthy.

Understanding Heart Rate

Clinically, heart rate is measured as beats per minute, with a normal resting range of 60 to 100 beats. During exercise, the target heart rate is calculated as 70-80% of your maximum heart rate, determined by the formula 220 minus your age. For example, a 40-year-old’s maximum heart rate is 180 (220 – 40), so their exercise heart rate should not exceed 144 beats per minute to stay within a safe range.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease can manifest through several warning signs, including:

• Chest pain
• Swelling in the legs
• Difficulty lying flat to sleep
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations

Early recognition of these symptoms is critical for timely intervention and treatment.

What Are Palpitations?

Palpitations are sensations of rapid, pounding, or fluttering heartbeats. They can stem from cardiac causes, such as structural heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, or congestive heart failure, or non-cardiac causes like hyperthyroidism, anemia, stress, caffeine, or medications such as decongestants, diet pills, and amphetamines.

Arrhythmias: A Common Culprit

One frequent cause of palpitations is arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm. Two common types include:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular contractions in the heart’s upper chambers, which may lead to clot formation and increase the risk of stroke.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A sudden racing heart with rates of 150-200 beats per minute, often accompanied by dizziness and shortness of breath.

These conditions can often be diagnosed with a simple electrocardiogram (EKG), a standard test for patients over 40 during routine physicals.

New Screening Techniques: Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score

Advancements in heart disease screening include the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score, a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan that measures calcified atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. This quantitative assessment helps determine whether patients need preventive measures like statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Healthy Habits for a Strong Heart

Maintaining heart health requires adopting simple yet effective habits:

• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, green vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: These habits significantly reduce heart disease risk.
• Monitor health metrics: Regularly check blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
• Prioritize sleep and stress management: Healthy sleep and stress reduction are key to heart health.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can make a significant difference in your heart’s well-being.

A Heart-Healthy Future

Your heart works tirelessly to keep you going. With awareness of symptoms, regular screenings like the CAC score, and a commitment to healthy habits, you can protect this vital organ and enjoy a healthier, happier life. For more information on heart health, consult your healthcare provider and take the first step toward a stronger heart today.