As we end the month of February, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of the heart. I recently asked a group of women what the word ‘heart’ meant to them. I received many answers, such as being at the core of a thought or issue, being kind to ourselves and others, and heart health. Working with patients with immune-mediated conditions, we think about heart health regularly since increased inflammation in the body can lead to increased inflammation in blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. People with inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis) and those with psoriasis have greater cardiovascular risk when their immune-mediated condition is not well controlled, and inflammation is high. With that in mind, being on treatments that keep your condition in a low disease state is very important. Ensuring blood pressure and cholesterol are well controlled is also important in reducing this risk. Of course, healthy eating and exercising for a minimum of 150 minutes a week is a guideline for all of us – whether we live with immune-mediated conditions or not. Similarly, lowering stress is a part of reducing risk to the heart. Remember, being kind to yourself and doing what you can to support your well-being should be a priority, as we all need to take time to do the things that provide the greatest fulfillment.
Be kind to yourself and be kind to your heart!
Carolyn Whiskin is the Pharmacy Manager for Charlton Health. Carolyn specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, pharmaceutical compounding, women’s health, pain, and smoking cessation. Carolyn has won provincial and national awards for her commitment to patient care and public service.