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heart attack risk factors

What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

The heart is an essential organ within the human body that is responsible for moving blood throughout the circulatory system. The heart’s primary function is to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs while simultaneously eliminating waste products. Heart health is vital for the body to operate properly, but when heart issues arise critical health complications can occur, such as a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

Many people associate CPR with heart attacks. However, because heart attacks usually don’t cause the heart to stop beating, CPR is not often needed following a heart attack. In contrast, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, without warning, and stops the heart from pumping blood. This is when CPR is needed to save the patient’s life, and to preserve brain and organ function.

What are other differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest? We turned to the American Heart Association for more information.

6 CPR Facts You May Not Know

What is a Heart Attack?

When a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart, that part of the heart begins to die. If the blocked artery is not reopened, damage can be severe.

Because of the gradual nature of a heart attack, symptoms often begin and build slowly, over the course of several hours, days, or even weeks. And symptoms vary, especially between men and women. It’s important to know and be able to recognize symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Top Ten Tips for Choosing Heart-Healthy Snacks

sudden cardiac arrest
photo credit: @averey accessed 12/2/20 via CC0

What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Unlike the slow build of a heart attack, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs with little warning. The effects are immediate. Cardiac arrest is triggered by an irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia). This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Without CPR performed by a bystander or medical professional, the patient will lose consciousness and die in a matter of minutes. Even if the patient survives, the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain and organs could cause permanent damage.

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There are some significant differences between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. Both are serious heart complications that can have fatal consequences. Knowing the signs and how to address each situation is crucial for life-saving emergency response. This is why it’s vitally important for bystanders to know CPR – and be ready and willing to perform it when necessary.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2020.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Women: Do you Know These Silent Heart Attack Symptoms?

Woman holding heart
Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

Heart attacks are a serious health concern, and they can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Unfortunately, many women may not realize that they’re having a heart attack because the symptoms can be different from those typically associated with heart attacks in men. Here are four silent heart attack symptoms that women should be aware of:

Chest Pain

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. However, women may experience chest pain differently, such as a tightness or pressure in the chest instead of a crushing pain. This can make it more difficult to recognize the symptom as a sign of a heart attack.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another common symptom of a heart attack in women. This can feel like you can’t catch your breath, or it may feel like you’re out of breath for no reason.

Fatigue

Women who experience a heart attack may feel fatigued, especially if they’re not getting enough sleep. Fatigue can make it difficult to carry out daily activities and can be a sign of an underlying health problem.

Nausea or Indigestion

Nausea or indigestion can be symptoms of a heart attack in women. This can feel like an upset stomach, and it may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or bloating.

Learn More

Fast action can save lives. It’s a good idea to know what to do if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest. HeartCert offers CPR and First Aid classes for all skill sets and levels of experience. Whether you are an experienced Healthcare Professional or a new parent just wanting to learn ‘the basics’, we have a class for you! We can teach a convenient one-on-one CPR or first aid training session, or we can certify a large group on-site depending on your needs. Visit our Homepage to get started.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

How to Lower Your Salt Intake

Looking to improve your cardiovascular health in the new year? There are many easy changes you can make for better health: eat more whole foods, get more physical activity, focus on high-quality sleep, reduce stress, and learn CPR, among others. One way to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke is to lower your salt intake.

Sodium and Heart Disease

Excess salt intake is a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. High sodium levels increase blood pressure and cause plaque to accumulate in the blood vessels. Because an estimated 90 percent of Americans consume more sodium than is recommended, it’s something that we should all be aware of.

a woman sprinkling salt on her food
photo credit: @fmdevice accessed 1/4/23 via CC0

4 Tips to Lower Salt Intake

  1. Start Gradually: For long-term success, make the switch gradually. Mix low-sodium and regular foods, and add just a little less salt every time you cook. This will help you adjust more easily and sustainably.
  2. Buy Fresh or Frozen: Canned vegetables and beans are often high in sodium. Choose frozen, dried, or fresh whenever possible.
  3. Eat More Potassium: Potassium counters the effects of sodium in the body. Foods such as bananas, tomatoes, cantaloupe, oranges, and beans are good sources of this vital nutrient. (Learn more about the power of potassium: Potassium Can Lower Heart Disease Risk)
  4. Get Creative with Flavor: Instead of adding salt, season food with other spices, herbs, vinegar, garlic, oils or citrus. Always taste food before adding salt!

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Sign up for a CPR training course! HeartCert offers a variety of CPR certification classes across the country and online. Find your CPR class today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

How Alcohol Impacts Heart Health

Are you considering cutting back on your alcohol consumption? You’re not alone. Many people across the country are drinking less, or even cutting booze out entirely. The reasons for this shift vary. Mental health, weight control, financial constraints, or simply the increased availability of non-alcoholic options are common reasons given. For others, the main motivator is the effect of alcohol on physical health.

woman drinking alcohol
photo credit: @wildlittlethingsphoto accessed 11/30/22 via CC0

The Impact of Alcohol on Heart Health

Drinking too much alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, depression and anxiety, stroke, high cholesterol, and more. Heavy drinking has been shown to prematurely age the arteries, and can lead to poor sleep and food choices.

Binge drinking – defined as four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks in two hours for men – is even more harmful. The risks of binge drinking include irregular heartbeats, stroke, blood clots and even heart failure.

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How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?

The American Heart Association recommends “moderate” alcohol consumption. This means an average of one drink per day for women, and one to two drinks per day for men. The amount in each drink matters, too: one drink is defined as 5 ounces of wine, one 12-ounce regular beer, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits.

What About Red Wine?

There has long been a common belief that drinking a glass of red wine each day is good for the heart. It’s true that there are some components in red wine (such as flavonoids, resveratrol, and antioxidants) that can benefit heart health. However, those nutrients are easily found in other foods, such as blueberries and red grapes.

If you’re looking to improve heart health, it’s best to focus on lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.

Read: How to Stay Healthy This Winter

The Bottom Line: Moderation is Key

If you drink, talk to your doctor about your risk factors. They can help you determine whether and how much is safe for you to drink. In general, focus on moderation – one drink per day or less – to minimize the risk to your heart, health and happiness.

What’s one of the best ways to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! Because most cardiac arrests occur in the home, keep your loved ones safe with HeartCert CPR training.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

The Impact of Stress on Heart Health

We all know that chronic stress can significantly impact mental health. But did you know that stress can also harm your physical health? It’s true – researchers have long known of a link between chronic stress and heart disease, among other ailments. What, exactly, is the impact of stress on heart health? And how can you manage stress in order to minimize that impact?

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Heart Disease and Stress

Stress causes inflammation, high blood pressure, and other negative reactions in the body. These, in turn, raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, stress often causes us to adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as binge drinking, smoking, eating unhealthy foods, overeating, and more.

the impact of stress on heart health
photo credit: @bkotynski accessed 10/5/22 via CC0

How to Minimize the Impact of Stress on Heart Health

The best way to lower the potential negative impact of stress on heart and overall health is to find healthy ways to manage stress. Try to eat well, drink enough water, and get more physical activity. Focus on high-quality sleep. Spend time with family and friends. Try yoga, meditation or journaling. If feelings of stress continue to affect your daily life and routine, talk to your doctor. It’s never a bad idea to ask for help!

Five Ways to Become More Resilient

Protect the hearts of those you love! Register for a CPR training course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2020.

Can Watching Sports Increase Heart Attack Risk?

Fall is the season of changing leaves, apple picking, back to school, and football. If you spend every Sunday (and Monday, and Thursday) watching football, it’s important to be mindful of your health. Don’t eat too much fried food, stand up at commercial breaks, and manage your stress. Here are a few ways that watching sports can affect your heart – and tips on how to mitigate those effects.

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How Watching Sports Affects the Heart

Researchers have found an increase in heart attacks and arrhythmias and heart attacks during major sporting events like the Superbowl and World Cup. This is due to the stress and emotion we experience when watching a game.

When a game gets suspenseful or takes a disappointing turn, fans often feel stress. These feelings of stress and anger essentially trigger a fight-or-flight response, which causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase. All of these factors can trigger a cardiovascular event.

fans watching sports
photo credit: @koff accessed 9/6/22 via CC0

How to Manage Stress During a Big Game

If you experience high levels of stress while watching sports, take steps to manage and reduce those intense feelings. Take deep breaths, do a few stretches, and step away for a few minutes if needed. Also, try to eat healthy before and during the game, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume.

If you’re still feeling frustrated and angry after the game ends, channel it into physical activity to help release the stress.

Protect Your Health with CPR

Take care of your fellow football fans by learning hands-only CPR. You could save a life!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

Tips for a Heart-Healthy Grill

As summer winds down, now is the time to check off the last boxes on your summer bucket list. Go to the beach or the pool, dine al fresco with family and friends, head out on a road trip, harvest the garden, go for a bike ride, or just enjoy the warm weather! If a backyard barbeque is in your end-of-summer plans, we have tips on how to grill the heart-healthy way.

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Heart-Healthy Grill Tips

According to the American Heart Association, there are a few easy steps you can take to make your grill more heart-healthy.

heart-healthy grill tips
photo credit: @hariprasad000 accessed 8/3/22 via CC0

Choose a Leaner Protein

In general, it’s a good idea to grill healthier meats like chicken and fish. If you’re grilling beef, try to choose a leaner cut. You can even marinate and grill tofu!

Reduce Grilling Time

The longer that fatty muscle meat, such as beef or pork, is cooked, the more harmful chemicals it accumulates. To reduce grilling time, cut meat into smaller pieces or pre-cook it ahead of time.

Add Veggies to the Grill

Corn is great on the grill, but it’s not the only vegetable that works well for grilling. Onions, zucchini, peppers, sweet potatoes, summer squash, carrots, beets, and even lettuce are great options. Grilling enhances the flavor and texture of vegetables, and makes them satisfying and delicious.

Choose Healthy Sides

Whatever you choose to cook on the grill, choose heart-healthy sides to make the meal healthier overall. Look for whole wheat buns and salads made with low-sodium ingredients.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! Find a HeartCert location near you, or register for a virtual CPR certification course.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

When actor Bob Odenkirk collapsed on the set of his television show “Better Caul Saul” in the summer of 2021, his co-stars immediately called for help. The show’s health officer rushed over and began performing CPR. In interviews a few months later, Odenkirk credited that quick response, the use of an AED, and his recent physical activity for saving his life.

actor saved by CPR
photo credit: @mikhail-nilov accessed 4/10/22 via CC0

Actor Credits CPR For Saving His Life

Odenkirk says he suffered a “heart-related incident” and collapsed on set in July 2021. The on-set health officer performed CPR for 12 minutes. She then asked another person to take over, while she retrieved and administered an AED, or automated external defibrillator.

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Odenkirk had to be shocked with the AED three times before his heart resumed its rhythm. His representatives later told the media that he was in stable condition.

In interviews, Odenkirk credits the quick action of his co-stars and the health officer in immediately starting CPR and using the AED when appropriate. He also says that he had recently increased his physical activity and stamina while training for a movie role. Not only did this improve the health of his cardiovascular system, but it made CPR more effective. He believes it also made recovery easier.

Read: What’s the Easiest Way to Prevent Heart Disease? Physical Activity

Odenkirk is fortunate that he had someone on set who was trained in CPR and AED use. The majority of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting don’t fare so well. This is why CPR training is so important. You could save a life! Register for a HeartCert CPR course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How to Stay Healthy This Winter

Many of us grew up believing that simply being outside in cold weather would cause us to get sick. No matter what your grandma says, that isn’t the case. Cold temperatures alone won’t make you sick. However, winter brings snow, ice, slippery roads, time indoors, less sunlight and greater isolation, all of which can make it tougher to stay healthy.

According to the American Heart Association, research shows an association between colder air temperatures and negative impacts on cardiovascular health. In addition, viruses have been found to survive and reproduce more easily in colder and dryer winter air.

photo credit: @ginny9119 accessed 12/29/21 via CC0

Here are a few ways to stay healthy throughout the winter months.

Be Heart Aware

If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease or have a history of heart issues, be especially cautious in cold weather. Don’t overexert yourself shoveling show or trying a new winter sport. Stay active, but take it easy and monitor your health.

Read: Is Heart Attack Risk Higher in Winter?

Continue with Pandemic Precautions

Many of the preventative measures we’ve been taking against COVID will help protect against the flu and colds. Continue to practice good hand hygiene, wear a mask, social distance, and stay home as much as possible.

Boost Your Immune System

All of the actions that keep you healthy throughout the year will also help protect your health during flu season. These include physical activity, healthy eating, quality sleep, reducing sodium, minimizing stress, and quitting smoking.

Take a CPR Training Course

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States every year, the majority of which take place in the home. When CPR is administered immediately after cardiac arrest, the chance of survival is doubled or even tripled.

Register For a CPR Class

Help those you love stay healthy by taking a virtual or in-person CPR training course with HeartCert! Visit our locations page to find a class near you.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How to Minimize Holiday Stress

The holiday season is special, memorable, and fun – but it can also be busy, demanding, and tense. The impact of stress on heart health has been well documented, so it’s important to do what you can to minimize holiday stress. Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to maintain perspective and stay calm through the chaos. We have a few tips, which we’ll share below.

holiday stress
photo credit: @julia-volk accessed 11/29/21 via CC0

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice of noticing when you get distracted – by to-dos, past or future events, news or other events – and bringing your attention to the present. It’s been shown to decrease stress and increase calm, and it can make your holidays more enjoyable.

Read More: The Link Between Heart Health and Mental Health

Use Mindfulness to Minimize Holiday Stress

Here are four tips from Johns Hopkins on staying mindful this holiday season

  1. Recognize What Really Matters: As you’re shopping, wrapping, baking or cooking, try to stay present and connected to the season. Waiting in line or stuck in traffic? Use those moments to take a deep breath and reflect.
  2. Let Good be Good Enough: We want everything to be perfect at the holidays, but that’s an unrealistic expectation. Acknowledge that imperfection is normal and inevitable.
  3. Respond to Stressors with Kindness: Understand that most people are stressed during the holidays, and extend kindness whenever possible.

One of the best ways to ensure that those you love stay healthy all season long is to learn CPR. HeartCert offers a wide variety of CPR and first aid training courses, both virtually and in person. Find a training center near you at https://heartcertcpr.com/locations/.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Sugary Drinks Could Harm Heart Health

If you’re working to lower the amount of sugar in your diet, don’t overlook your beverages. Nearly half of all added sugars consumed in the average American diet come in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages. The link between sugary drinks and heart disease has long been known, but new research is showing just how close that link is.

How Sugary Drinks Raise Heart Disease Risk

sugary drinks
photo credit: @breakingpic accessed 11/5/21 via CC0

In an observational study of 106,000 women with an average age of 52, researchers found a 20% greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease in those who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened drinks per day. Interestingly, fruit drinks with added sugar correlated to a 42% greater likelihood of disease.

There are several ways in which sugary drinks may increase heart disease risk. Elevated levels of sugar and insulin in the blood can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, diabetes and high cholesterol. High blood sugar can also cause an increased appetite, weight gain and obesity. All of these are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

What’s the best way to reduce the risk of heart disease from sugar-sweetened beverages? Drink less of them! Start with replacing just one per day with water or a drink with no added sugar (staying away from artificial sweeteners, if possible). Consider infusing fruit in water for added flavor and health benefits.

Want to do more to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! Sign up for a CPR training course with HeartCert CPR. We offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person courses to fit your busy schedule.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure

If you’ve ever sat in a doctor’s office and had a routine blood pressure reading – and not fully understood the results – this blog post is for you. Especially if you have a family or personal history of high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is more than just a number. It’s an important indicator of your overall cardiovascular health, and a potential sign of health issues to come. High blood pressure, or hypertension, impacts all of your internal organs – not just the heart.

high blood pressure
photo credit: @pavel-danilyuk accessed 9/2/21 via CC0

Here are four important facts about high blood pressure from the American Heart Association.

Four Things You Should Know About High Blood Pressure

Don’t Wait Until It’s a Problem

High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of 130 or below, or a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 or above. These numbers must stay elevated over a period of time for a diagnosis of hypertension. Understanding and monitoring your blood pressure will allow you to notice changes and take proactive action – before it becomes a problem.

Sodium Matters – and So Does Potassium

We know to monitor the amount of sodium in our diets. But the balance between sodium and potassium also matters to blood pressure. Many processed foods are high in sodium and low in potassium.

Blood Pressure Affects the Brain

Hypertension affects the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. But researchers now believe that high blood pressure can also affect cognitive function and lead to dementia.

For Better Blood Pressure, Start with Small Changes

You don’t have to lose weight, quit smoking, lower sodium intake, and exercise more all at the same time. Focus on one risk factor, and start with small changes. Once you have a habit under control, move on to the next. You’ll be healthier before you know it.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! HeartCert CPR is offering virtual and safe in-person CPR training courses. Find a class today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Is Coffee Good for Heart Health?

Coffee drinkers rejoice: a new study has found an association between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of heart failure. But don’t start chugging more joe just yet. Experts aren’t declaratively stating that coffee is good for heart health, simply that there’s a correlation. More information is needed on the link between coffee and heart failure risk.

coffee
photo credit: Decha Huayyai accessed 5/23/21 via CC0

In the study, which analyzed more than 21,000 adults over 10 years, researchers found that people who drank more coffee had a lower long-term risk of heart failure. The risk of heart failure dropped by between five and 12 percent per day for each cup of coffee that was consumed. This was in comparison to people who drank no coffee.

Interestingly, people who drank decaf had a higher heart failure risk.

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Enjoy Coffee for Heart Health – In Moderation

Like most other foods and beverages, coffee is best enjoyed in moderation. Federal guidelines recommend up to five 8-ounce cups of black coffee per day. Popular drinks that are high in fat and sugar can be harmful, as can large amounts of caffeine consumption. And it’s important to understand the effects caffeine can have on other health behaviors, such as sleep and stress.

Ultimately, researchers say, the best way to lower heart failure risk is to focus on the risk factors and behaviors that have long been known to improve heart health. These include quitting smoking, exercising, eating a healthy diet, sleeping well and minimizing stress.

What’s one easy way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! We also offer safe, in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

The Link Between Heart Health and Mental Health

The connection between the heart and the brain has long been explored, explained, and romanticized. Now, researchers say that the brain and heart are connected in a very real way, with new evidence of the link between heart health and mental health.

How Does Mental Health Affect The Heart?

According to the American Heart Association, research shows that good mental health can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall heart health. On the flip side, poor mental well-being can increase the risk of heart disease.

This could be explained by the results of a certain mental state. For example, people with a more optimistic outlook on life tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as exercise and sleep. However, researchers also point out the link between stress and heart health, which has been well-documented.

Regardless of the cause of the mental and heart health link, experts urge primary care doctors and cardiologists to be aware of the risks and treat patients accordingly.

Doctors Should Include Mental Health Screening in Routine Visits

To identify at-risk patients, researchers are advocating for mental health screenings to be made part of regular check-ups. This should be prioritized for patients with heart disease or risk factors. Doctors should also be well-versed in possible interventions, such as medications or talk therapy, for patients who are struggling.

How to Boost Mental Health for the Good of the Heart

mental health
photo credit: @mikhail-nilov accessed 4/2/21 via CC0

The good news? Many of the tactics recommended to improve heart health will also benefit mental well-being. These include healthy eating, quality sleep, exercise, minimizing alcohol, and maintaining social connections.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those around you? Take a virtual CPR training course!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Include Heart Attack Prevention in Game Day Planning

With the Superbowl fast approaching, football fans are deciding which team to root for, choosing a jersey, and – most importantly – planning snacks. One additional task you should take on before game day? Becoming aware of common heart attack symptoms and brushing up on CPR.

game day
photo credit: jeshoots accessed 2/3/21 via CC0

Why should heart attack prevention be part of game day planning? Research has found a link between major sporting events, like the Superbowl and World Cup, and an increase in heart attacks and arrhythmias. Even if you don’t have any elevated risk factors for heart disease, here are a few things you can do to protect your heart on game day.

Manage Stress

When you have an attachment to a team or an outcome and the game isn’t going the way you’d hoped, stress can ramp way up. This causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially triggering a cardiovascular event.

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Know Your Risks

If you have any preexisting risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, or high blood pressure, you may be more susceptible to a heart attack on game day. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your heart health and minimize risk.

Focus on the Positive

Instead of focusing just on the game play and outcome of the game, try to enjoy the whole day for what it is – a fun get-together with family and friends. Laugh at the commercials, take in the halftime show, and have a memorable and low-stress day.

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This is an updated blog post that was originally published in October 2018.