How to Choose Healthy Food During the Holidays

Kate Rahimzadeh Cardiogram, Healthy Habits, Heart Health, Heart IQ

Food and entertainment take center stage during the holidays. In fact, Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption is one of the most indulgent times of the year for Americans, ranking just behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday. A single Christmas meal can easily clock in at 3,000 calories—and that’s without counting the tempting snacks and treats consumed throughout the …

Can I Prevent Heart Disease?

cardiogram Blood Pressure, Cardiogram, Coronary Artery Disease, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Healthy Habits, Heart Attack, Heart Conditions 101, Heart Failure, Heart Health, Heart IQ, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Recipes

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist within a person and are interrelated. Examples include: About 1 in 3 Americans has at least one type of CVD. Prevention is the best treatment because CVD kills more people than cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. CVD risk factors are a mix …

Scare Off Unhealthy Habits

cardiogram Cardiogram, Healthy Habits, Heart Health, Heart IQ

Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky decorations and sweet treats, but for those watching their heart health, it can feel like a haunted house of unhealthy choices. With sugar overload and calorie-packed snacks, your cardiovascular system can take a hit. But fear not! With a little planning (and perhaps a dash of willpower), you can enjoy the festivities while …

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Blood Pressure

Kate Rahimzadeh Blood Pressure, Cardiogram, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Hypertension, Sleep, sleep apnea

Did you know that sleep apnea and high blood pressure often go hand in hand? Many people are unaware that poor sleep could be a key reason behind elevated blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart and body. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or think you might have sleep apnea, this is something you’ll want to pay …

Keep a Current Medication List

Kate Rahimzadeh Cardiogram, Healthy Habits, Heart IQ

Maintaining an up-to-date medication list is crucial for managing your health effectively. Whether you take medications for chronic conditions, temporary ailments, or preventive care, having an accurate record of all your medications can significantly enhance your healthcare experience. This simple practice can prevent medication errors, improve communication with healthcare providers, and ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatments. …

It’s National Cholesterol Education Month

Kate Rahimzadeh Cardiogram, Dyslipidemia, Healthy Habits, Heart Conditions 101, Heart IQ, High Cholesterol

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a substance that is both made by the body and found in certain foods. Cholesterol is part of a structure called a lipoprotein which is made up of varying amounts of both lipids and protein. Cholesterol has a waxy consistency and is used by the body in hormone and cell production and the digestion of …

How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Kate Rahimzadeh Cardiogram, Flu, Healthy Habits, Heart Health, Heart IQ

Flu season strikes every year, usually starting in the fall and lasting through spring. While some people treat it as an inevitable part of life, the flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications, especially for older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect yourself and stay healthy …

September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

Kate Rahimzadeh Arrhythmia, Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiogram, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Medical Conditions

Like the chaos of a hailstorm on a tin roof comes the electrical storm of atrial fibrillation (AF). During AF, the atria are quivering (fibrillating) and firing hundreds of impulses at the same time. It’s as if the electrical circuits have gone haywire. If this rhythm problem is not diagnosed or isn’t managed properly, it can lead to strokes, heart …

Why a Blood Pressure of 120/80 is No Longer Textbook Perfect

Kate Rahimzadeh Blood Pressure, Cardiogram, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Hypertension, Medical Conditions

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released updated guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of high blood pressure in adults. These guidelines marked a significant shift in how healthcare professionals approach hypertension, with new thresholds, definitions, and treatment recommendations.  Let’s delve into the key aspects of these guidelines and their impact …