As we begin the month of February, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of the heart. Many groups focus on heart health in February, and just this week, I spoke at the women’s PROBUS club meeting. One of the questions asked about the difference between men and women regarding signs of a heart attack or stroke. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada provides great guidance on this. Learn more here.
At Charlton Health, we work with patients with immune-mediated conditions and think about heart health regularly. Increased inflammation in the body can lead to increased inflammation in the 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 a 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 and having a healthy sleep routine are both parts of reducing the risk to your 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.