Credit…Illustration by Matt Chase; Photographs by Shutterstock

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Heart disease remains on the rise in the United States. Most people are aware of common risk factors like high blood pressure and bad cholesterol, but there’s one lesser-known, inherited heart disease risk factor that affects millions and is passed down through families. It’s called lipoprotein(a), (lip-o-pro-teen-a) or Lp(a), (L-P-little A) and experts say having a high level can independently increase the risk of having a heart event such as a heart attack or stroke.

Joining us now is Dr. Icilma (EYE-SIL-MA) Fergus, (Fur-GUS) Professor of Medicine, Director of Cardiovascular Disparities and Clinical Lipidology at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, and Lynn, who is living with high L-p(a), to talk about this hidden heart risk and what you should know.

GUEST BIO

Icilma V. Fergus, MD, FACC, FASPC
Professor of Medicine
Director of Cardiovascular Disparities and Clinical Lipidology
Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Fergus is a board-certified professional in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, currently serving as the Director of Clinical Lipidology and Cardiovascular Disparities for the Fuster Heart Hospital at Mount Sinai. Her expertise lies in Preventative Cardiology, specifically focusing on Lipids and Hypertension, Women’s Heart Disease, and Cardiovascular Health Advocacy. She is Professor of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
With an active engagement in professional organizations, Dr. Fergus holds significant roles such as the past President of the Westchester board of the American College of Cardiology and past president of the Association of Black Cardiologists. She is also a past President of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Fergus passionately advocates for health equity and cardiac disease prevention. Her impactful contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Luminary Award from the American Heart Association, the Community Service Award from the Heart Valve Society of America, Young Black & Gifted, and Community award from Delta Sigma Theta in 2023. In addition, she has been featured on numerous publications and broadcasts, including “Here and Now” with Sandra Bookman on ABC

#HeartDisease #LPa #HeartAttack #Stroke #DrIcilmaFergus

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ASCVD is a type of heart disease caused by consistent high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood that leads to the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries. The plaque buildup results in problems such as heart attack and stroke. For people with ASCVD, also referred to as “known heart disease,” it’s important to lower bad cholesterol.
At the same time, many ASCVD patients struggle to lower their bad cholesterol, no matter how hard they try. For people with high cholesterol, it can be challenging to follow a strict diet, exercise and medication routine, when faced with the realities of day-to-day life.
And even when taking statins, the most commonly prescribed treatment for lowering cholesterol, up to 80% of patients with ASCVD aren’t meeting their cholesterol target. Furthermore, up to two-thirds of patients stop taking statins within one year of starting treatment.
There have been recent options available in treating the millions of patients with ASCVD who are not getting their cholesterol low enough and keeping it low. Seth J. Baum, MD, cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer of Excel Medical Clinical Trials, will be available to discuss ways to keep your heart healthy and a new available treatment option.
Interview courtesy: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

#heart #month #healthy #habits #cholesterol #seth #baum #cardiologist #medical #novartis #pharmaceuticals #corporation #leqvio #disease #atherosclerotic #cardiovascular #ascvd #ldl #stroke #attack

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The high number of U.S. adults that have delayed or avoided medical care during the pandemic has led to adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for heart disease and stroke, and the latest data shows that cardiovascular disease is trending in the wrong direction. After the first year of the pandemic, there was a rise in heart disease and stroke-related deaths and declines in physical activity.
As the end of the year quicky approaches, many Americans may be thinking about how they can get their health back on track – such as getting back to the doctor and making new year’s resolutions.
Based on age and health status, there are many factors that Americans should be considering when talking to their doctor, especially when it comes to heart disease and stroke. It’s important for people to ask their doctor the right questions, including what healthy blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are, and how they can check those levels at home. It’s also a good time to check with a doctor on small steps they can take, like activity and diet, to live a heart healthy lifestyle.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for Black adults in the US. As with too many other issues, Black adults are disproportionately impacted – rates of premature heart disease are 87% higher for Black adults than white adults. CDC Foundation has launched a new national campaign to encourage adults to make heart health a priority—reminding them they can get to it in small steps. The “Start Small. Live Big,” effort focuses specifically on older adults (51% of adults with cardiovascular disease are age 60 or over, according to the American Heart Association).
The campaign encourages adults to get back on track with the small steps—like scheduling their medical appointments, getting active and eating healthy—so that they can get back to living big.
The CDC Foundation collaborated with CDC’s Million Hearts® Initiative to develop the campaign, designed to support CDC’s goal of preventing one million heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular events.
Dr. Larry Sperling, cardiologist and executive director of the CDC Million Hearts initiative, Americans should ask their doctors at end-of-year visits to help get their health back on track.

www.hearthealthysteps.org

LAURENCE S. SPERLING, M.D., FACC, FAHA, FACP, FASPC-BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Laurence S. Sperling, M.D., FACC, FAHA, FACP, FASPC is the current Executive Director of the Million Hearts Initiative for the Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He is the Founder and was the Director of The Heart Disease Prevention Center at Emory since 1997. He is currently the Katz Professor in Preventive Cardiology at the Emory University School of Medicine, and Professor of Global Health in the Rollins School of Public Health. He served as the President of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology from 2014-2016, served on the writing committee of 2018 the ACC/ AHA Guideline on the Management on Blood Cholesterol, and served as Chair of the World Heart Federation writing group on the Roadmap for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention among People Living with Diabetes. Dr. Sperling was the recipient of the 2017 Award of Honor from the Alumni Association of Emory University School of Medicine. He has received awards for excellence in teaching (including 4 Golden Apple Awards and The Dean’s Teaching Award), mentorship (Emory SOM 2018 Mentorship Award), and the R. Wayne Alexander Research mentor award. He has authored over 350 manuscripts/ abstracts/ books, and has been an invited speaker on every continent except Antarctica.

Interview courtesy: CDC Foundation

#larry #sperling #heart #doctor #pandemic #health #steps #medical #care #disease #stress #attack #stroke #cdc #americans #blood #pressure #cholesterol #sugar #death

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#peripheral #artery #disease #heart #attack #stroke #acute #limb #ischemia #lower #amputation #american #heart #association #geoffrey #barnes #healthcare #cardiovascular #janssen #pharmaceuticals

The post A PREVALENT CONDITION THAT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS OUTCOMES MAY OFTEN GO UNDERDIAGNOSED & UNDERTREATED PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE appeared first on Good News!.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s estimated that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s in 2021. That means that nearly 6 million Americans are battling the daily effects of Alzheimer’s in these hot summer months.

Lisa Skinner, behavioral expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, highlights the unique effects that hot summertime weather can have on a person battling Alzheimer’s:

“Elderly adults are more prone to heat illnesses than their younger counterparts because when we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperatures. Seniors over 65 don’t sweat as much as younger adults which is an important heat-regulation mechanism. Also, seniors store fat differently, which complicates heat-regulation in the body further. Heat is even more dangerous for those with cognitive decline because they lack the sense of reasoning to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, especially from dehydration and heat stroke,” says Lisa.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and what does it look like in people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

“Depression is a very common risk factor for those living with dementia, and the more symptoms of depression that a person with dementia experiences, the more rapid a decline they tend to suffer in thinking and memory skills. Seniors who have dementia are also more prone to suffer from a health condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) due to the symptoms and nature of dementia. This disorder is a form of depression that coincides with the seasonal changes that take place to the fall and winter months. The causes are unknown; however, some of the factors that seem to influence seasonal affect disorder include a change in the circadian rhythm as the days grow shorter, a decrease in melatonin levels, a decrease in serotonin levels, and pre-existing health conditions such as dementia.”

“SAD can greatly impact the quality of a person’s life with dementia. Effects include depression, lethargy, fatigue, anxiety, loneliness, difficulty concentrating, moodiness, restlessness and insomnia. Conversely, some people experience overeating, weight gain, as well as oversleeping. All these symptoms are also common to dementia itself, so if you are a caregiver to someone with dementia, it is imperative that you act as a second set of eyes and ears to watch for any concerning changes in behavior that may alert you to a more serious situation arising,” says Lisa.

Here are Lisa’s top 5 tips for caretakers navigating the hot, summer weather while supporting someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia:

TIP #1: Keep elders with dementia out of the direct sun and extremely hot environments
As temperatures rise, their internal body temperatures do too, which is the main reason seniors suffer from heat stroke more than younger people do throughout the summer.

TIP #2: Keep seniors well-hydrated
This is critical to their well-being during hot summer months. Dehydration diminishes one’s ability to regulate temperature; so, the risk of developing a heat illness rises dramatically. For seniors who already struggle to manage internal heat, dehydration can deter the body’s natural cooling process even further. During heat waves, especially, make sure you provide water and juices regularly at every meal, as well as have them sipping fluids throughout the day rather than drinking them quickly. Providing ice chips and drinks containing electrolytes are popular choices for people with dementia. Also, avoid alcohol.
TIP #3: Be mindful of these lifestyle and health factors that increase the risk of developing heat-related illnesses
Some common heat-related illnesses among the elderly may include 1) Dehydration; 2) Chronic illnesses such as heart and kidney diseases, and blood circulation conditions; 3) Prescription medications that reduce sweating; 4) Salt-restricted diets; 5) Overdressing. People with dementia have a tendency to layer their clothing… So make sure their clothing is appropriate for the current temperature in their environment; and lastly 6) Lack of airflow or access to air-conditioning.
TIP #4: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, which may precede the more serious heat stroke
Heat exhaustion symptoms include excessive sweating, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache and muscle cramps. As exhaustion progresses, symptoms may progress to nausea, vomiting, and fainting. Heat stroke can set in quickly, within 10-15 minutes. The symptoms of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, the absence of sweating, confusion, seizure and coma. It is especially important to look for signs of distress or noticeable changes in people with dementia, since they most likely will not be able to communicate many of these symptoms to you.
Here are a few things you can do to help someone who is suffering from heat stroke symptoms:

Have the person lie down in a cool place, and if you can, put a fan directly on that person.

Take steps to lower their body temperature; air-conditioning, cool fluids, and/or providing access to a cool bath or sponge bath will also help.

Always seek proper medical attention.

If you are interested in learning more about how to practice an Alzheimer’s safe summer, I would be happy to connect you with Lisa directly for a phone, zoom or email interview. I’d also be happy to send you a copy of her upcoming book Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s for review.

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#alzheimers #tips #caretakers #help #navigate #hot #summer #weather #dementia #lisa #skinner #disease #cool #fluids #learn #medical #heat #stroke #struggle #mindful

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Nearly 62 million adult Americans have high cholesterol[i], and that number is growing. Of these, up to 34 million people are on standard treatment, which typically includes statins, on top of diet and exercise. However, 1 in 4 still aren’t able to control their cholesterol and continue to have elevated LDL-C levels[ii], putting them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease – the #1 cause of death in the U.S.[iii] In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects deaths from cardiovascular disease to increase by approximately 25% by 2030.[iv]

Additionally, up to 2 million people have genetically high cholesterol, also known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which is harder to manage and puts them at up to 20-times higher risk for developing early heart disease in their 30s, 40s and 50s.[v],[vi]

People who require additional LDL-C lowering on top of statin therapy represent a high-risk population, who may need to consider other options when their cholesterol remains high despite standard treatment. Fortunately, there are non-statin treatment options that may help people reach their LDL-C goals.

As we approach February, American Heart Month, it’s important for people to think about their long-term health and how they can take care of their heart. Working with a healthcare provider to keep your cholesterol in check and finding a treatment option that helps you reach and maintain your goals are important ways people can take care of their health.

Katherine Wilemon from the FH Foundation, who had a heart attack at age 39 due to undiagnosed and unmanaged FH, and Dr. Pamela Taub, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of California San Diego, will be available to discuss the risks associated with poorly managed cholesterol, risk factors for FH and treatment approaches that can make a difference for people who struggle to reach their cholesterol goals.

Interview is courtesy: Esperion Therapeutics

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JOINING US NOW DURING HEART HEALTH MONTH IS INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST AND MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BLACK CARDIOLOGISTS DR. WAYNE BATCHELOR TO TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE, AND TO SHARE SOME TIPS FOR LIVING A HEART HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

BIO: Dr. Wayne Batchelor received his B.A. and Doctorate of Medicine degrees summa cum laude at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in Canada. He then completed a Comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship in Adult Cardiology at the University of Toronto and a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology with a Master’s of Health Science Degree in Clinical Research at Duke University.
He is the incoming Director of Interventional Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology Research at the Inova Heart and vascular Institute in Fairfax, Virginia. He has served on the Medical Faculty as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and as Associate Professor of Medicine at the Florida State University College of Medicine and has practiced as an interventional cardiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario Canada and at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Florida.
Dr. Batchelor has given numerous invited lectures, published over 75 peer-reviewed original abstracts/manuscripts, and contributed multiple book chapters. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions, and was selected to serve on the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) D2B (Door to Balloon) Task Force, a national committee charged with improving the rapidity of care for heart attack victims across the U.S. He currently serves on the ACC’s Interventional Cardiology Sectional Leadership Council.
His primary expertise is in structural/valvular heart disease, coronary and peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease and clinical research in interventional cardiology. He was instrumental in starting the first structural/valvular heart program at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and served as Chair of its Interventional Cardiology Council. He has a keen interest in radial artery access percutaneous coronary interventions and has performed more than 4,000 radial access coronary stent procedures.
During his career, he has been recognized as the recipient of a number of awards, including the Dr. and Mrs. Sydney P. Schiff Medal in Surgery, Nathan E. Berry Prize in Urology, Sopman Award for Clinical Excellence and Human Compassion, National Research Fellowship from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the Capital Medical Society’s Outstanding Physician of the Year Award in 2017.
He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease with added qualifications in Interventional Cardiology.

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A successful business man and entrepreneur, loving husband and father, and avid basketball-lover, Mark Moore had it all. But in May 2007, at the age of 46, his entire life changed when he suffered two strokes. After spending a month in a medically-induced coma, Mark underwent intensive rehabilitation, including speech therapy, physical therapy, and having to relearn basic life skills such as writing a check and tying his shoes. Now, 10 years later, he has made a near-full recovery due to extensive rehabilitation, the expertise of caregivers, and what he calls the three Fs: family, friends, and faith.

A Stroke of Faith tells of Mark’s journey from extremely successful businessman to unexpected stroke victim to survivor and educator. Since recovering, he has dedicated his life to teaching others about stroke prevention and recovery, giving back to his community through extensive philanthropy, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

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More than half of people with AFib don’t believe that they are at an increased risk of stroke. People with AFib also may not realize that their stroke risk can change over time. That’s why, West and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., are teaming up to help those living with AFib by offering a simple tool they can use to calculate their stroke risk at www.MyAFibRisk.com. It’s eight easy questions that can help those with AFib understand their risk and talk with their doctor about stroke risk management and treatment options.

For every person who goes to the website and calculates their risk, Janssen will make a contribution to Mended Hearts, a nonprofit peer-to-peer support network that inspires hope and helps to improve the quality of life for heart patients, their families and caregivers.

Dr. Mark J. Alberts will join Jerry West to address the risk of stroke associated with AFib and the importance of working with a doctor to determine an appropriate treatment plan that can help lower patient risk.

THE FACTS
• Jerry West is currently an executive board member of the Golden State Warriors, who recently won the 2015 NBA Championship
• West played for the Lakers from 1960 to 1974, and is believed to be the inspiration for the NBA logo
• West was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1997
• Up to 6 million Americans are diagnosed with AFib, the most common serious heart rhythm abnormality in people over the age of 65
• One in three people with AFib will have a stroke in their lifetime

The Sponsor is Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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