Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States? The CDC has reported heart disease is responsible for the deaths of 347,879 men in 2017—equalling approximately 1 in every 4 male deaths. The most difficult aspect of the condition is that sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and remain diagnosed until signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia become evident. Some of the more common symptoms are as follows:
- Heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath
- Arrhythmia: Heart palpitations or fluttering
- Heart failure: Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins
The Integrative Hormone Center and Pharmacy is dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging all men to take preventative measures to avoid heart disease. Through the use of functional medicine and nutraceuticals, we help men of all ages and backgrounds live happy, healthy lives. Fighting heart disease is a multifaceted approach that requires dedication, but the results can save your life!
Who is at an Increased Risk of Heart Disease?
There are many factors that can determine your likelihood of developing heart disease, including family history, genetic predisposition, age, and lifestyle choices. Several other medical conditions can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol abuse
How can I Reduce my Risk of Heart Disease?
The best thing you can do for your heart health is to participate in routine checkups and testing. Early detection can make an incredible difference in treating and preventing heart disease! The team of professionals at the Integrative Hormone Center and Pharmacy utilizes functional medicine to help men achieve more than just healthy hearts, but a much improved overall health. By focusing on you as an individual, your needs, and your unique condition, our team is able to manage your condition with multifaceted treatment techniques! Below are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of heart disease:
Have Your Blood Pressure Checked
High blood pressure is another risk factor that gives you a greater chance of developing heart disease. Ensure that you are getting your blood pressure checked on a routine basis to catch any irregularities and implement preventative measures as soon as possible. IHC Pharmacy has an excellent selection of heart health nutraceuticals like magnesium glycinate, perfect for blood pressure regulation, and maintaining a regular heart rhythm.
Medical Screening For Chronic Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes are known to contribute to the development of heart disease. Regular medical checkups can catch these conditions early and hopefully negate some of the associated symptoms!
Cholesterol Management
There is such a thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol. Obviously, too much bad cholesterol is… bad, as it can clog arteries and put increased strain on your heart. You can have your cholesterol levels checked routinely as well and receive feedback from your medical professional on how to reduce or limit them.
Dietary Changes
Your health is very often a reflection of the actions you take and the food you eat. Adjusting your diet to include healthier items and reduce junk food can have a profound effect on your health and your heart! We have included some delicious examples that should be easy to occasionally integrate into your diet:
- Whole Oats, 3 servings per day have shown to decrease the risk of heart disease by 22% (NIH)
- Fatty fish like salmon is loaded with omega-3’s which are renowned for improving heart health
- Berries are a rich source of antioxidants, great for their anti-inflammatory properties and preventing oxidation stress
- Nuts like walnuts and almonds are packed with essential nutrients like magnesium and copper and are proven to reduce cholesterol.
Stop Smoking and Limit Drinking
It has been known for decades how dangerous and unhealthy smoking can be. If you only had to make one change, quitting smoking would be the greatest improvement to your health. It affects so many of your internal systems that it overburdens many of your vital organs, especially the lungs and heart. Alcohol has a similar degenerative effect, so it is critically important to reduce or remove them from your daily life. Your heart will thank you!
Reduce Stress
Stress can be the silent killer, of course you know when you feel stressed, but you don’t feel the damage that is being done to vital organs like the heart. Stress is a useful survival tool that encourages focus and action, but prolonged periods of stress can overload your system with cortisol, which compromises the health of your heart! The IHC pharmacy has outstanding adrenal recovery nutraceuticals that can help your body rebuild about extended bouts of stress.
Heart Attack Symptoms
If you ever find yourself or another person experiencing the following symptoms, you need to call 911 immediately:
- Shortness of breath
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Pain, radiating through your arm
We hope you never have to experience or witness a heart attack. The team at IHC pharmacy wants to help keep men healthy and safe at all costs!
Looking for Functional Medicine for Heart Disease in Centerville, Ohio?
If you are concerned about your heart health, or the health of a loved one, reach out to the specialists at the Integrative Hormone Center and Pharmacy for a consultation! Functional medicine aims to improve your overall health, keeping you happy, healthy, and able to enjoy a long prosperous life! Call or book a consultation online today!
