By Dr. Alix Dufresne, Cardiologist

February is Heart Health Awareness month, a time to encourage everyone to focus on their cardiovascular health. This is an essential time for us at One Brooklyn Health, as we take part in educating our community about prevention and highlighting resources and support available for those diagnosed with heart conditions.

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have some cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels. Examples of heart disease include high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all U.S. adults, and stroke is the No. 5 killer and a leading cause of disability. However, the risks of getting those diseases are even higher for Black people. Historical and systemic factors play a significant role in these statistics. The good news is we can improve these odds by understanding the risks and taking simple steps to address them.

Early detection and treatment through cardiovascular screening can help prevent serious complications and improve overall heart health.

Recommended screenings will vary depending on age, family history, and gender. However, blood pressure screening and cardiovascular evaluations are key to minimizing complications.

Blood pressure screening can help determine your risk for hypertension, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, or heart failure, to name a few. 

Hypertension is known as the silent killer and can go unnoticed for a very long time. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and thyroid illness can also lead to hypertension, so screenings such as blood glucose, Body Mass Index, and thyroid function testing are also essential. Nearly half of adults (47%) in the United States suffer from hypertension. However, African Americans have the highest rates of severe hypertension compared to other racial groups and often develop the condition earlier in life.

Uncontrolled hypertension is also a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. The risk of certain cardiovascular diseases may increase by smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.

While early detection plays a pivotal role in heart health, knowing the warning signs is also very important. Here are some symptoms you should be aware of:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea

If you or someone you love experiences symptoms of heart disease, please seek emergency medical attention right away. 

The Division of Cardiology at One Brooklyn Health serves patients across three campuses and ambulatory sites. The complement of services encompasses preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services. Our Board-Certified cardiovascular specialists provide comprehensive cardiovascular care, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and the management of pulmonary embolism. For more information about our Cardiology services, visit us at onebrooklynhealth.org.

-Dr. Alix Dufresne is a Cardiologist @OBH Kingsbrook Medical Village.