Heart Smart

Take this to heart. In Missouri last year, 15,000 people died of heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the state. You can take a proactive role in helping prevent heart disease from affecting you or those you love. By taking just a few simple steps you can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. They are: avoid tobacco or, if you use tobacco, quit; be active; eat a heart-healthy diet; maintain a healthy weight; Keep your blood pressure, total cholesterol and blood sugar healthy; and manage stress.

Screenings

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening (FREE Screening)

A serious circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to limbs, usually the legs. This causes symptoms such as leg pain when walking.

PAD is also a potential sign of a more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries called atherosclerosis. This condition may reduce blood flow to the heart and brain, as well as legs. PAD affects more than 18 million people, most over the age of 50. While serious, this disease is treatable.

The screening test is done on bare hands and feet, looking for pulses in each extremity. It will take approximately 30 minutes and you will leave with the test results and recommendation for follow-up, if needed, in your hands. Check out all upcoming dates for PAD Screenings.

*Note: this test method does not apply to people with atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat.

Vascular Screening

Tests available:

Stroke / Carotid Artery Test - Ultrasound of the carotid arteries visualizing the build-up of fatty plaque, the number one cause of stroke
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Test - Ultrasound testing for enlargement of the abdominal aorta
Peripheral Arterial Disease Test - Testing for blockages in the legs

The cost for all three screenings is $110 or $50 for an individual screening. Osteoporosis screening is available for an additional $30. Limited number of vascular screenings available. Please call 1-800-800-5123 to register.

Facts

Heart Attack Symptoms can vary between women and men.

Research has proven that participants in cardiac rehab programs have 25% reduction in risk of recurrent heart attack and have a 20-30% reduction in all-cause mortality rates. Find out more about Southeast Cardiac Rehab.

In 2017, an estimated 14% (34.3 million) U.S. adults were considered cigarette smokers

Find out what your risk for Heart Disease is by completing a HealthRisk Assessment

Heart Disease is the No. 1 leading cause of death in our region.

FactsIcon1 If you’re a one-pack-a-day smoker in Missouri, you inhaled a whopping $1,598 last year.

FactsIcon1 Did you know your heart beats more than 36 million times a year?

TipsIcon Take care of your gums…brush and floss to help reduce your risk of heart disease

GraphIcon Smoking is the No. 1 preventable cause of heart disease

FactsIcon1 Dance, dance, dance! Dancing raises your heart rate and gets your lungs pumping.

GraphIcon Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women?

GraphIcon Find out what happens when you’ve put out your last cigarette!

TipsIcon Nuts! Almonds, walnuts, pecans and other tree nuts are loaded with heart healthy fats, protein and fiber and can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Just don’t go nuts…enjoy in moderation.

FactsIcon1 Southeast Hospital introduced open heart surgery to downstate Missouri in 1984.

FactsIcon1 LOL! And not just on Facebook posts. Research suggests laughing out loud lowers stress hormones and raises levels of HDL, your “good” cholesterol.

TipsIcon Dark chocolate in moderation is sweetness for you and your heart and can help lower blood pressure.

TipsIcon Busy hands, happy hands…engaging in activities like knitting, working jigsaw puzzles or scrapbooking can help take the bite out of stressful days.

FactsIcon1 Spouses and partners of smokers have a high risk of heart disease. Call 573-331-6369 or email dleoni@sehealth.org to set up a time to talk with a tobacco cessation coach about creating a plan to help you quit.