By Swapna Mamidipally, MD
Heart disease is usually referred to a condition where there is a blockage to the blood supply of heart muscle. It is the No. 1 killer of women, killing approximately one woman every minute. More women die from heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. The good news is 80% of heart disease can be prevented or controlled.
The first step in preventing heart disease is to know your risk factors. These are the conditions that increase your chances of having heart disease.
- Smoking
- Family history
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy
- Inflammatory conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
The second step is taking actionto modify the risk factors. By doing 3 simple things you can prevent heart disease.
- A- Avoid tobacco: You can be one of the millions of people who successfully quit each year. Set a quit date and choose a method of quitting. Talk to your health care provider if you need additional help.
- B- Be physically active: At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day is recommended by American Heart Association. If you are trying to lose weight 60-90 minutes every day is recommended.
- C- Choose good nutrition: Eat at least 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose whole grain food, high fiber and nuts rich in good fats over sugars, sweetened beverages and fried foods.
The third step is to know the warning signs of heart disease. Identifying these symptoms and seeking immediate medical care by calling 911 can be lifesaving.
- Chest discomfort , Back pain or jaw pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Unusual fatigue
Make the call, don’t miss a beat!!
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Swapna Mamidipally, MD, is part of St. Francis Heart and Vascular Center. She graduated from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, India. She completed her residency in internal medicine and a three-year cardiovascular fellowship at SUNY-Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Computer Tomography.
She offers a variety of services including: noninvasive cardiology/Cardiac imaging, general cardiology, preventive cardiology, women’s heart clinic, heart failure management. She performs many procedures including: Echo, TEE, Cardiac CT, stress tests.
She enjoys healthy activities like walking and Pilates and loves spending time with her husband and two children.
“Being a physician and helping people lead a healthy life is very gratifying. As a cardiologist, I am passionate about this great opportunity to make a difference in quality of life for many people.” – Swapna Mamidipally, MD