HEART Health - Gannettcdn.gatehousemedia.com/.../ghm_pubs/2015_Heart_Health.pdfhas slowed down to enjoy life. He attributes his successful outcome to a 10-minute, non-invasive, painless,

© FOTOLIA

HEART Health

Available at Central Cardiology Medical ClinicFor more information call 661-323-8384

Dedicated to managing the causes of heart failure Dedicated to managing the causes of heart failure and preventing recurring hospitalization.and preventing recurring hospitalization.

Heart Failure & Valve Clinic

2901 Sillect Ave. (Adjacent to Bakersfield Heart Hospital) Bakersfield, CA 93308

DEDICATED VALVE CLINICDEDICATED VALVE CLINIC

INFUSION THERAPYINFUSION THERAPY

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING BY A REGISTERED DIETICIANNUTRITIONAL COUNSELING BY A REGISTERED DIETICIAN

MULTIPLE SPECIALISTS AVAILABLE WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDSMULTIPLE SPECIALISTS AVAILABLE WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS

HEART HEALTH | PREVENTION

Stress & Your Heart Health How do you react to a stressful situation? Do you

shut down or lash out? Take to unhealthy habits to deal with the pressure building up inside of you?

How you handle life chal-lenges can have a major impact on factors that have been prov-en to negatively impact your heart health.

Stress may affect behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk, including high blood pressure, cholesterol lev-els, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating. So step back and take a deep breath — for your heart’s sake.

OVERALL BODY IMPACT

Bodies react to stress in dif-ferent ways. You may experi-ence a headache, back strain or even stomach pains if you’re stressed out. Your energy level can be greatly reduced and your sleeping patterns dis-turbed.

All of these factors can set off a chain of events that leads to a potentially compromised car-diovascular system.

When you’re stressed, your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise. Depending upon how long you’re stressed, your body may experience this set of circum-stances off and on for days at a time.

And although the link between stress and heart dis-

ease isn’t clearly defined by organizations like the American Heart Association, chronic stress may cause some people to depend on unhealthy lifestyle habits, like drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure

and may damage artery walls.

DEALING WITH STRESS

Managing stress is a chal-lenge, but a necessity if you hope to be a picture of good

health. A few studies cited by the American Heart Association have examined how well treatment or thera-pies work in reducing the effects of stress on cardiovascu-lar disease, and the results have shown positive links.

The best place to start when dealing with your stress is a qualified professional. Speak to your physician about how you’re feeling. They will be able to refer you to a specialist who can offer effective treatment or preventive strategies.

© FOTOLIA

The Daily Independent 2015 Heart Health ~ 3

disease isn’t clearly defined by

4 ~ 2015 Heart Health The Daily Independent

oe Martinezwas an outwardlyhealthy 68

year old grandfather. He and his wife Rose walked in theevenings and they both watchedwhat they ate, though both agreedthey had room for improvement.Each year at Joe’s annual physicalexams with his primary carephysician, he received a clean bill ofhealth and was told to “keep up thegood work.”

In November 2014, Rose insistedJoe go to Bakersfield HeartHospital’s Women’s Heart Centerfor a heart health check-up. Rosehad scheduled an appointment forherself and was told that men werealso welcome. Joe agreed to goexpecting the results from his hearthealth screening to be the same ashis annual physical exam.While Joe’s initial screening resultswere satisfactory, Nurse Cynthia Burt

recommended acoronary calciumscore because of

his age and family history. Cynthiawas shocked when Joe’s score cameback at 3,000 (the optimal score is0). Soon after, Joe underwent anangiogram which showed significantartery blockages and quadruplebypass surgery quickly followed. Today, Joe is happy to be alive andhas slowed down to enjoy life. Heattributes his successful outcome toa 10-minute, non-invasive, painless,$50 coronary calcium scan.

Knowing Your Coronary Calcium Score May Save Your Life

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HEARTH HEALTH | CALCIUM

About the Coronary Calcium ScanThe Bakersfield Heart Hospital and Central Cardiology Medical Clinichave a new heart attack prevention program to help detect heart diseasein its early stages. Coronary Calcium Scoring is a CT scan that takespictures of the heart, takes less than 10 minutes and can identifyblockages in the coronary arteries.By detecting heart disease early, it allows people time to modify their riskfactors and receive early treatment, which could prevent heart attacksand save lives.The benefits of calcium scoring include:• Earlier treatment of heart disease that can prevent the disease fromgetting worse• Allows doctors to better manage their patients’ health and prevent lifethreatening events

HEART HEALTH | HEART BASICS

Understanding Blood Pressure

Typically recorded as two num-bers written in a ratio, such as 117/76 mm Hg, your blood pressure measurement is a vital one that can alert physicians of an issue going on with your body, specifically your heart.

The American Heart Association recommends a blood pressure screen-ing at your regular healthcare visit or once every two years if your blood pressure is less than 120/80.

THE NUMBERS Systolic: The top number of your

blood pressure reading represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, or when the heart muscle contracts. This is the higher of the two numbers.

Diastolic: The lower of the two numbers, this bottom measurement records the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, which is when the heart muscle relaxes and refills with blood.

Typically more attention is given to the top number as the major risk fac-tor for heart disease, especially for people over 50 years old.

This systolic figure generally rises steadily with age because of many factors, including plaque buildup and increasing stiffness of larger arteries.

HEALTHY MEASUREMENTS

A normal blood pressure reading, defined by the American Heart Association, is less than 120/80. Numbers that may signal a warning sign for a heart issue are measured and

defined as the following: Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89Hypertension Stage 1: 140-159/90-99Hypertension Stage 2: 160 or high-

er/100 or higherHypertensive Crisis (Emergency

Care Needed): Higher than 180/Higher than 110

HIGH READINGSA single high reading does not neces-

sarily mean that you have high blood pressure. However, if readings stay at 140/90 or above over time, your doctor will likely recommend a treatment pro-gram that may include lifestyle changes and prescription medication.

© FOTOLIA

Y ou may know your blood

pressure numbers, but do you truly understand them?


HEART HEALTH | HEALTHY EATING

Diet Spotlight: The Nut A lmost everyone has a favorite nut.

Almonds, cashews, peanuts and every nut in between each has its own distinct flavor.

While enjoyed by many people, new research shows that nut consumption is not nearly high enough when considering the positive impact nuts can have on the heart.

Nutrition experts recom-mend the inclusion of nuts in a heart-healthy diet, but a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 60 percent of Americans don’t consume these foods on a daily basis.

The study, released in December 2014 and conduct-ed in 2009 through 2010, highlights a major gap in the American diet that could be doing more harm than we realize.

The ideal level of consump-tion is about an ounce-and-a-half of nuts – equal to about 240 calories – according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines on reducing heart disease.

The CDC study reveals that only about 14 percent of men and 12 percent of women reached that level of con-sumption.

THE POWER OF NUTS

Because nuts are high in protein, small portions can be eaten as a replacement

for other protein foods. Adequate consumption of nuts has been linked, the CDC reports, to decreased obesity, cardiovascular dis-ease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

For the purpose of the study, the CDC definition of nuts included everything from peanuts, peanut butter and cashews to pumpkin seeds and sesame paste, among many others.

VERSATILITYAdding nuts to your regular

diet is easy and convenient. From cashews to almonds, nuts are easy to pack and require no cooking. Throw some nuts into smoothies or

salads, and watch the flavors come alive.

Nuts also are great for on-the-go snacking. Fill up a sandwich bag with your favor-ite nuts and dried fruit for a nutritious, heart-healthy boost.

© FOTOLIA



y name isMargaret Patteson.

I am married, have two greatkids, a career as apharmaceutical rep and I haveheart disease, the number onekiller of women. Anotherthing you should know aboutme is that I am a marathonrunner, cyclist and president ofthe Bakersfield Track Club.Being fit and active has been ahuge part of my life. I do nothave high blood pressure ordiabetes and I am thin. Myheart journey began on a sunnymorning in March, 2014. Onthat morning, as I wasclimbing the back side ofRound Mountain Road on mybike with my husband, Stuart,and 8 other friends, Iexperienced chest pains.A lot of things happened in thenext few hours that wouldchange my life. First, ScottPark, a retired firefighter, gotme off of my bike andimmediately initiated a 911call. Another friend, JimCowles, just happened to havean aspirin in his bike bag. Ichewed and swallowed it. Myother friends stood over me,protecting me from the sun, asI sat against a chain link fence.My thoughts were repetitive,“this is so strange” I keptsaying to myself. I had chestpain, shoulder pain, jaw pain,

and nausea. It seemed likeforever for the ambulance toarrive, and in fact it took 45long minutes. As soon as helparrived, I was swooped up andplaced in the back of theambulance. An EKG wasadministered and the readingwas normal. Once I arrived atThe Bakersfield HeartHospital, I had another normalEKG. Blood tests revealedthat my cardiac enzymes were

highly elevated. Dr. BrijBhambi took me straight to theCath Lab where he discovereda blood clot in my left anteriordescending artery (the widowmaker). He also discovered anarrowing in my right coronaryartery. He placed stents in botharteries which restored bloodflow to my heart. Who would have ever thoughtthat I would have a heartattack? I had a difficult time

digesting all that had happenedto me that day. I learned frommy doctors that my familyhistory and genetics played akey role in my life. I have theinherited form of highcholesterol. I knew thisalready and had been on a lowdose of a statin for severalyears. In fact, I had just had acheckup in January. Mycholesterol numbers were allwithin acceptable “normal”limits. Since the heart attack, Ihave had specialized bloodtests that look at geneticmarkers. One test looked atLipoprotein (a). My number is178….very high. I had noidea. This is a number thatcannot be reduced by statinsalone. My siblings have all had theirLipoprotein (a) tested since myheart attack. I have threebrothers and one sister. Mybrother, Philip, firstexperienced chest pains whenhe was 40 (13 years ago). He,luckily, never suffered a heartattack but has two stents in hisheart as the result of blockedarteries due to highcholesterol. He was also along distance runner andcyclist! Now my kids aregoing through the samegenetic testing. It is my beliefthat by knowing their riskfactors, and taking theappropriate steps to managetheir cholesterol and lifestyles,they will never have to gothrough what my family and Ihave gone through this year.

Does Heart Disease Run in Your Family? A Patient’s Perspective

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HEARTH HEALTH | HEREDITY

HEART HEALTH | HEART CONDITIONS

About Arrhythmia The term arrhythmia refers to any change from the normal heartbeat

and can be a confusing condition. Some arrhythmias may be completely harmless while others can be life-threatening.

Before delving deeper into the different types of arrhyth-mia, it’s important to under-stand the heart.

• The normal heart is a strong, muscular organ that pumps blood continuously through the circulatory system.

• Each day the average heart beats (expands and contracts) 100,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood.

• In a 70-year lifetime, an average human heart beats more than 2.5 billion times.

TYPES OF ARRHYTHMIA

Some arrhythmias are so brief that the overall heart rate is only slightly altered. When arrhythmias last lon-ger, they may cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast or the heart rhythm to be erratic. These factors are dangerous because they cause the heart to pump blood less effectively.

These are the most com-mon types of rhythm disor-ders, as defined by the American Heart Association:

• Atrial fibrillation: Upper heart chambers contract irregularly

• Bradycardia: Slow heart rate

• Conduction disorders: Heart does not beat normally

• Premature contraction:

Early heart beat• Tachycardia: Very fast

heart rate• Ventricular fibrillation:

Disorganized contraction of lower chambers of the heart

CAUSES OF ARRHYTHMIA

A variety of factors can

cause an arrhythmia to take place, according to the American Heart Association, including:

• The heart’s natural pace-maker develops an abnormal rate or rhythm;

• The normal conduction pathway is interrupted; and

• Another part of the heart takes over as pacemaker

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

Once your doctor has docu-mented that you have an arrhythmia, he or she will determine if it requires treat-ment. He or she will also decide whether your arrhyth-mia causes symptoms or puts you at risk for more serious

arrhythmias or complications of arrhythmias in the future.

After a treatment program is built by your doctor, it is important that you stick to the plan and take things one day at a time. Help others to understand by educating them about your condition and by asking for support with your treatment plan.

© FOTOLIA


3001 SILLECT AVE. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308 - 852-6200 - BAKERSFIELDHEARTHOSPITAL.COM3001 SILLECT AVE. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308 - 852-6200 - BAKERSFIELDHEARTHOSPITAL.COM

I’m one of those people you hear say, “I’ve never been sick a day in my life.” But when a friend told me about the Heart I’m one of those people you hear say, “I’ve never been sick a day in my life.” But when a friend told me about the Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center, I gave it a try. Am I glad I did! I learned a lot Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center, I gave it a try. Am I glad I did! I learned a lot about my risk factors for heart disease and how simple changes in my lifestyle could help me avoid a heart attack.about my risk factors for heart disease and how simple changes in my lifestyle could help me avoid a heart attack.

Don’t wait like I did, get a Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center today.Don’t wait like I did, get a Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center today.

I CAN’T BELIEVE I WAITED SO LONG.

Not covered by most insurance plans.Not covered by most insurance plans.

$25only Includes:Includes:Heart Health

Checkup- Screenings- Evaluation- Personalized Report


ostwomendon’t realize

that heart disease,not cancer is theleading cause ofdeath. Despite being the leadingkiller among women in theU.S., heart disease ismistakenly considered bymany to be a “man’sdisease.” However, womenhave the same risk as men,

and their risk and theincidence of heart diseaseincreases exponentially afterage 40.The Bakersfield HeartHospital created theWomen’s Heart Center toprovide early detectionthrough education,information and preventivescreening services to helpwomen understand their riskfor heart disease and takesteps to improve their hearthealth. Our program is thefirst of its kind in KernCounty, and one of less than50 nationwide.

The Women's Heart Centerat the Bakersfield HeartHospital recognizes thatwomen experiencesymptoms and risk factorsthat are different from thoseof men, and understand thespecial concerns and needsof women.

The Center strives tocontinually provide andupdate the community oninformation concerningcardiovascular risk factorsand the treatments thatoptimize the care for bothmen and women. In 2015,Bakersfield Heart Hospitaland Central Cardiologybecame SHAPE accredited

facilities working to promoteearly detection ofindividuals with plaquebuild-up in their arteries thatare at risk of heart attacksand stroke but have nosymptoms. Theseindividuals who are unawareof their risk are oftenmisclassified by traditionalmethods. Sadly every yearapproximately 600,000 ofthese individuals with nosymptoms in the US losetheir life to a sudden heartattack or stroke. UtilizingSHAPE guidelines,Bakersfield Heart Hospitaland Central Cardiology arecommitted to saving theselives by early detection.

The Women’s Heart Center at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital

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HEARTH HEALTH | HEART CENTER

Objectives1. Screen and educate women on their individual riskfactors for CV disease.2. Educate women through community programs.3. Educate physicians who care for females on thelatest research and guidelines concerning thecardiovascular care of their patients.4. Participate in clinical research in women and heartdisease5. Work with organizations with similar goals toprovide high quality programs and resources to ourcommunity.6. Keep primary care and specialty physiciansinformed of their patients’ results.7. Help patients find a primary care physician orcardiologist if they do not have one.8. Provide a support group for women survivors

HEART HEALTH | KNOW THE FACTS

Signs of Heart Failure W hile you’re not afforded the convenience of

crystal clear warning signs for heart failure, there are many symptoms that may appear.

From shortness of breath to fluid buildup, it is important to educate yourself on the most common indications. Any one sign of heart failure may not be cause for alarm, but according to the American Heart Association, if you have more than one of the symptoms out-lined below, you should report them to a healthcare profes-sional and ask for an evalua-tion of your heart.

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, it’s even more important for you to keep track of symptoms and report any sudden changes to your healthcare team.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

Are you running out of breath performing activities that you used to consider rou-tine? Maybe you’re waking up suddenly, struggling to breathe? These factors can be caused blood backing up in the pulmonary veins because the heart can’t keep up with the supply.

Other related warning signs include waking up feeling tired, anxious or restless, or having to prop up your body while rest-ing because of difficulty breathing. Take these signs seriously and consult your phy-sician for their expert medical opinion.

FATIGUE Often related to breath-

lessness, a perpetual tired feeling and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking may be a warning sign.

These instances can occur when the heart can’t pump

enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues. The body diverts blood away from less vital organs, par-ticularly muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain. This makes it harder to exert physical energy to perform daily tasks.

FLUID BUILDUP Symptoms of fluid buildup

include swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. One telltale sign may be an inability to fit on your shoe because of signifi-cant swelling.

As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to

the heart through the veins backs up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. Additionally, the kidneys are less able to dis-pose of sodium and water, also causing fluid retention in the tissues. These factors show up as swelling in your body and should be checked by a medi-cal professional.

© FOTOLIA


HEART HEALTH | HEART BASICS

Bad vs. Good Cholesterol I n the fight

between LDL and HDL cho-

lesterol, which type is winning within your body?

Cholesterol is transported through your bloodstream by carriers called lipoproteins, which are characterized in two ways: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

These are what make up the total cho-lesterol count you receive from your doctor, as well as one-fifth of your tri-glyceride level.

LDL (BAD CHOLESTEROL)

Considered bad cholesterol because it contributes to plaque, LDL choles-terol can clog arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

A heart attack or stroke can occur if a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery. Another condition, peripheral artery disease, can develop when

plaque buildup narrows an artery supplying blood to the legs.

HDL (GOOD CHOLESTEROL)

HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, carrying it back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body.

The American Heart Association states that one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may protect against heart attack and stroke, while low levels have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.

TRIGLYCERIDES Another type of fat, triglycerides work

to store excess energy from your diet. High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with atherosclerosis, and many people with heart disease or dia-betes also have high triglyceride levels.

High triglycerides can be caused by obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a diet high in carbohydrates.

Underlying diseases or genetic disor-ders are sometimes the cause of high triglycerides. People with high tri-glycerides often have a high total cho-lesterol level, including a high LDL cho-lesterol level and low HDL cholesterol.

© FOTOLIA


For 15 years we’ve been committed to providing premier cardiac care.We bring that same commitment to the rest of your body.

Cath Lab

Center for Wound Healing

3001 SILLECT AVE. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308

BakersfieldHeartHospital.Com

There’s more to good health than just having a healthy heart. At Bakersfield Heart Hospital we’ve been busy adding even more health care services to our already award-winning cardiac care. Things like our Joint Replacement Center, our Spine Center, our Center for Wound Healing and, just in case, our Full-Service Emergency Department.

Of course you’ll still be able to get the best cardiac care possible in our Women’s Heart Center, our Cath Lab, and soon our Cardiac Rehab Center. Only now you’ll be able to get that same excellent care for all your other parts, too.

Anthem Blue Cross • Beech Street • Bakersfield Family Medical • Coventry/First Health • County of Kern Health Care

Network Health Net • Medicare Advantage • PacifiCare/United Health Group • Choice Physicians Network/QualCare

Health Net Commercial • Foundation for Medical Care (County POS Members) • Kern Medical Center • Multiplan/PHCS THE HOSPITAL IS PARTIALLY OWNED BY PHYSICIANS

CCCeCe ttntnterer fffforor Wound Healing g

Cath LabSpine Center

Women’s Heart Center

Joint Replacement Center

Full-Service ER

Now Accepting the Following Insurance Plans:


etabolic Syndromeis aname for

a group of riskfactors that occur together and increase the riskof heart disease,stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidneydisease and poorblood supply tothe legs. These risk factors include:• Hypertension• High blood sugar• High triglycerides• Low HDL or “good” cholesterol• An enlarged waistline-- greaterthan 40 inches for men and 35inches for women

Metabolic syndrome is primarilycaused by obesity and inactivityand is linked to a condition calledinsulin resistance. Normally, yourdigestive system breaks down thefoods you eat into sugar(glucose). Insulin is a hormonemade by your pancreas that helpssugar enter your cells to be usedas fuel.In people with insulin resistance,cells don't respond normally toinsulin, and glucose can't enterthe cells as easily. As a result,

glucose levels in yourblood rise despiteyour body's attemptto control the glucoseby churning out moreand more insulin.This can eventuallylead to diabetes whenyour body is unableto make enoughinsulin to keep theblood glucose withinthe normal range.The following factorsincrease your chancesof having metabolicsyndrome:• Age. Your risk ofmetabolic syndromeincreases with age,affecting 40 percentof people over theage of 60.• Race. Hispanics andAsians seem to be atgreater risk ofmetabolic syndromethan are people ofother races.• Obesity. Carryingtoo much weight increases yourrisk of metabolic syndrome —particularly if you have an appleshape rather than a pear shape.• Diabetes. You're more likely tohave metabolic syndrome if youhad diabetes during pregnancy(gestational diabetes) or if youhave a family history of type 2diabetes.• Other diseases. Your risk ofmetabolic syndrome is higher ifyou've ever had cardiovasculardisease, nonalcoholic fatty liverdisease or polycystic ovarysyndrome.Although metabolic syndrome isa serious condition, you canreduce your risks significantlywith lifestyle changes. Reduce

your weight; increase yourphysical activity; and eat a heart-healthy diet that's rich in wholegrains, fruits, vegetables and fish.

• Lose 7 to 10% of body weight• Moderate intensity exercisesuch as walking, 5-7 days a week• Lower cholesterol with lifestylechanges or medication• Lower blood pressure withlifestyle changes or medication• Stop smoking

Work with your doctor to monitoryour weight and your bloodglucose, cholesterol and bloodpressure levels to ensure thatlifestyle modifications areworking. If you're not able to

reach your goals with lifestylechanges, your doctor may alsoprescribe medications to lowerblood pressure, controlcholesterol or help you loseweight. Also, smoking cigarettesincreases insulin resistance andworsens the health consequencesof metabolic syndrome. Talk toyour doctor if you need help withsmoking cessation.

Metabolic Syndrome is becomingmore and more common in theUnited States. Almost 35% ofAmerican adults are affected. Soit is important that you consultyour physician if you have any ofthe risk factors.

Metabolic SyndromeHEARTH HEALTH | INSULIN

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HEART HEALTH | THE WHOLE BODY

Mental Health & Heart Health The connection between mental and physical

well-being is being researched at great lengths by the medical community.

Researchers are busy trying to find tangible connections between mental health and heart health.

Research shows there could be physiological links, the American Heart Association reports, between a person feeling down and their efforts in seeking relief from smok-ing, drinking or eating fatty foods.

The same biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues and could also influence heart dis-ease.

DEPRESSION While the American Heart

Association states that there is no firm research linking stress to heart disease, there are signs pointing to it as an additional risk factor. Being stressed or unhappy can increase hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can both impact your blood pressure and heart rate.

You should monitor your-self and your loved ones closely, especially those dealing with rehabilitation and recovery from heart dis-ease or stroke. The American Heart Association reports that having heart disease or a stroke can cause anxiety or depression, which can get in the way of rehab or other

aspects needed to regain physical health.

An estimated 1 in 10 of Americans ages 18 and older report depression. The American Heart Association cites studies that show that up to 33 percent of heart

attack patients end up devel-oping some degree of depression.

WHAT TO DO Start by discussing how

you are feeling, both physi-

cally and mentally, with your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to help, or refer you to the most appro-priate care or provide the best place to start.

It may take a combination of counseling and medica-

tion to help deal with depression. Patients may be taught methods of dealing with relaxing and relieving stress, including breathing exercises, meditation or a focus on healthier lifestyle changes.

© FOTOLIA


Documents

HEART Health - Gannettcdn.gatehousemedia.com/.../ghm_pubs/2015_Heart_Health.pdfhas slowed down to enjoy life. He attributes his successful outcome to a 10-minute, non-invasive, painless,