Chicago, IL – September 13, 2023 – In preparation for World Heart Day on September 29, Near North Health, a leading healthcare provider in Chicago, offers valuable insights into maintaining a healthy heart.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for men and women in nearly all ethnic groups in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one person dies of cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds in the U.S., resulting in approximately 695,000 deaths in 2021. Additionally:
- About 1 in 20 adults over the age of 20 have coronary artery disease.
- In 2021, 20% of coronary artery disease-related deaths occurred in patients under 65 years old.
- Approximately 805,000 people suffer heart attacks each year, with 605,000 being first-time events and 200,000 being repeat episodes.
- 20% of all heart attacks are silent.
Dr. Dan Vicencio, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Near North Health, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in creating a heart-healthy lifestyle.
“Patients should educate themselves on realistic and culturally appropriate activities they can undertake to improve their heart health and minimize heart-damaging activities and conditions,” Dr. Vicencio advises.
Heart health is intricately linked to lifestyle and environmental factors
The key to a healthy heart lies in understanding and addressing various risk factors for cardiac diseases. Near North Health suggests a comprehensive approach, which includes knowing your family’s history of heart disease to gain valuable insights into your own risk. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol while engaging in regular exercise can significantly contribute to heart health. And managing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, plus avoiding tobacco use, are crucial steps to reducing cardiovascular risk.
Near North Health identifies the top six actions individuals can take to ensure heart health:
- Stop Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Achieve and maintain an appropriate Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
- Control Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure is essential.
- Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Keep blood sugar within a healthy range.
- Identify Cardiac Disease Risk: Understand your individual risk factors through consultation with healthcare providers.
“Decreasing exposure to harmful activities like poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, as well as environmental stressors like tobacco use and pollution, can have a significant impact on cardiovascular function,” said Dr. Vicencio.
Near North Health is committed to helping individuals maintain a healthy heart through a range of services, including primary care, dietary consultation, and the Diabetic Prevention Program. The organization also provides support in accessing medications to control blood pressure and blood sugar.
“Near North Health strives to assist our patients in making wise lifestyle choices within the context of acceptable social and cultural realities,” said Dr. Vicencio.
Near North Health is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and one of the oldest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago. We provide medical services, social services, and nutrition education to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. Our philosophy reflects a commitment to providing access to innovative healthcare no matter where one comes from, what they look like or how long it’s been since they last saw a doctor. Additional information about our mission and services is available at www.nearnorthhealth.org.
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