Preventing a heart attack requires action now

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

While it might take more than an apple, there’s truth to the notion that positive actions now can prevent health problems later.

Nowhere is that truer than in preventative cardiology, says Pegah Zare, M.D., with Meritus Hagerstown Heart. Acting early can stave off things like coronary artery disease and prevent heart attacks or strokes.

“In this day and age, the approach we take is we sit down with patients and learn about their family history and what other factors might impact their health to get a good, detailed history,” Dr. Zare said.

That usually includes giving the patient a CT scan that looks for calcium buildup in the arteries that supply the heart. This coronary calcium scan is very important in figuring out a plan to keep your heart healthy, Dr. Zare said. Also factored in are blood tests that check cholesterol, as well as diet and exercise.

To lower or maintain healthy cholesterol levels, Dr. Zare recommends a diet and exercise regimen.

Extensive research has been done on the Mediterranean diet, and it has been found to have cardiovascular benefits.

“Things like olive oil, nuts, less red meat and less dairy,” she said of the menu. “Fish and chicken are always good.”

When it comes to exercise, Dr. Zare recommends starting off simply with walking outdoors 20 to 30 minutes, five days a week. You could also be a “weekend warrior” and walk for two hours on Saturday and Sunday.

The pace can start slowly, then increase as you are able to tolerate it. But it should be enough to get your heart rate up.

“If you can keep up a full conversation while walking, then you’re not exerting yourself enough,” she said.

Sometimes, diet and exercise aren't enough to lower or maintain cholesterol, especially if there are genetics involved.

In that case, Dr. Zare said medication would come into play.

There are statin drugs, such as Lipitor or Crestor, that are effective at combating high cholesterol and preventing heart disease.

There are other medications, including aspirin, that could be added to those drugs to get to the optimum levels, she said.

Probably the most important thing to remember when it comes to heart disease is to not ignore it. Speak to your primary care provider about getting your cholesterol checked and reviewing your family history. You might need to see a specialist, like Dr. Zare, to help get things under control and have a good health outcome.

To learn more about Meritus Hagerstown Heart, visit www.MeritusHealth.com/Heart.