Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
>> Good morning, and on this national Go Red wear red day we
welcome you to Advocate Live where we answer your questions
from some of the world's leading health experts who happen
to be a part of Advocate Health Care's family.
Today's topic, knowing your heart health.
I'm your host Kelly Jo Golson.
If you're watching us
on Facebook right now you can post a question
by clicking the share button.
And if you're checking us
out on Advocate's Webpage simply click submit a question.
We're excited to have with us today three great guests.
Let me tell you a little bit about them.
We have Dr. Peter Stecy,
a cardiologist with Advocate Medical Group.
We have Anne Miller; she's the Senior Director
of the American Heart Association's Go Red
for Women campaign.
And we have Dan Cavanaugh,
a 33 year old who recently survived a heart attack.
But good news, he's on his --
his recovery and -- and is doing well.
So thank you everyone for joining us.
Before we dive into your questions
that we'll be answering live want to take a little bit
of time to get to know some of our guests.
So let's start with Dr. Stecy.
So 30 years, I believe, as a cardiologist,
primarily at Advocate Illinois Masonic?
>> Well, the last 25 years, yes.
And I practice general cardiology and also interventional
and invasive cardiology.
And that's how I met Dan.
>> Right, so tell us a little bit about what are --
what are some of the trend you're seeing?
What's going on within our culture right now?
I mean, heart disease continues to be the number one killer
in this nation, so what do you attribute that to?
>> Well, it is number one, but it's the only profession
where we're fighting to become number two
or lower, and it's working.
The -- the mortality from cardiovascular disease has gone
way down, really ever since World War II.
It has to do with smoking being less,
the great medications that are out there
to control blood pressure and cholesterol,
cardiac surgeries, cardiac stints like Dan had
with his heart attack.
So there's a lot of things pushing it
in a very favorable direction.
There are some things, however, that are opposing it,
and that's the obesity epidemic that we have going on
and the -- and the increase in diabetes.
>> Right, well, and you know I think one of the things
that we really aspire to do with Advocate Live is
to make a difference in just one life.
If anyone out there watching us hears any of your messages
which are really powerful, they go and they check their risk
for heart disease; they take a step;
that's really what all -- that's what today's all about.
And I think there's really perhaps no more powerful way
to do that than to hear from you, Dan,
and to hear a little bit about your -- your story.
Share with us.
At 33 years old I'm assuming
that heart disease is something you did not think
that you would -- would be a part
of your life at this point?
>> No, not at -- not at 33.
I do have a -- a family history of heart disease, so I --
I assumed that eventually down the road I might have
to address it, but not at 33.
I definitely didn't think that was going to happen.
>> Well, tell us -- take us back.
>> Yeah.
>> Take us back that day.
Tell us a little bit about what happened, your symptoms.
>> Well, it starts a couple days actually prior to that.
I -- I started feeling kind of sluggish,
and I would have these bouts of --
I wanted to say heartburn or indigestion,
and I would complain about it semi-regularly a couple days
before that I was getting this indigestion
that wouldn't go away.
Well, then I was getting ready for work on December 18th,
and I got one of these bouts of indigestion as I called it,
and it -- it wouldn't go away.
It just got you know stronger and stronger.
And then I felt the shooting pain down the arm
that they talk about.
And it kind of radiated from my chest outward.
It -- it -- my chest felt heavy.
I felt the sharp pain.
I was sweating, and so I called 9-1-1.
>> Well, you know -- and Dr. Stecy,
Dan mentions feeling that it was perhaps indigestion.
I know we were talking earlier that --
that a lot of times some of the symptoms go unrecognized
because it's not the sharp pain that some would expect.
Tell us -- tell us a little about...
>> Well, yeah, they sure do.
It's oftentimes not even considered a pain at the time,
but a heaviness or pressure as Dan was describing.
So I think to -- to help
with heart disease it really focuses
on the prevention side --
and we'll have a chance to talk about that some --
and also the recognition of the symptoms.
And that's a -- a campaign now with Advocate with some
of their commercials that are airing for patients
in the public to understand that.
It not necessarily are the classic things you may think you
-- are common on TV or the movies,
but it can be this heaviness or pressure,
and just something that's not feeling right.
So it can be subtle, but anything sort
of from the belly button up to the jaw is fair game as far
as the heart and should be checked out.
>> Well, so let's finish off your story a little bit
because obviously you're --
you're sitting here today with us which we're thankful for.
>> Yea!
>> So tell us a little bit about your --
tell us a little bit about your treatment and --
and your journey since.
>> Sure, well, I called 9-1-1,
and I was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic
where they diagnosed and determined I was having a
heart attack.
I was shocked obviously because I was 33.
I knew what the symptoms were,
but until they said the words I --
you know I just assumed -- you know you --
you try to convince yourself that it's something else.
So I received treatment with Dr. Stecy who --
who put in a stint because I had a 99% blockage.
>> Wow. And that was -- how long ago was that, Dan?
>> It was December 2012.
>> Okay, all right.
>> Yeah, so a little over a year.
>> Right, well, I 'm glad to see you doing so well.
We'll talk a little bit more about your journey
and some of the changes you've made...
>> Awesome.
>> ...in your lifestyle.
Let's -- let's go to Anne.
So Go Red for Women, I know this is a --
a cause that's close to your heart.
Tell us a little bit about what Go Red for Women is
and what your role is with -- with the activity.
>> Absolutely, well, I'm so glad to be here today
and to share a little bit about Go Red for Women.
So we started in 2004,
really to address our number one killer as women
which is heart disease.
And so it's a campaign that is really working
to raise women's awareness
that this is our number one health threat,
and to make their heart health a priority,
and that of their family.
So it's close to my heart,
and it's close to all of our hearts here today,
and we're excited to be talking about heart health today
on National Wear Red Day.
>> So tell us a little -- you-- it's Go Red for Women.
>> Yes.
>> And I know that the warning signs
and the symptoms can be quite different for women,
so tell us a little bit about that.
Dr. Stecy, you might want to jump in on -- on that as well.
But Anne, tell us a little bit
about why you specifically are doing a campaign for women.
>> Absolutely, well historically men have been
at the focal point of research studies,
and so that's often dictated treatment, protocols,
and guidelines for women
which may have inaccurately you know led to our awareness
of heart disease which is why only five in 10 women know
that it's their number one killer.
So Go Red for Women is really working to address that.
We have a number of initiatives here in Chicago
which I'm happy to talk a little bit about,
but this is just such an exciting opportunity during the
month of February and throughout the year to really talk
about heart disease awareness.
>> And -- and Dr. Stecy, can you --
can you get very specific with us on what are some
of the warning signs for women
that they should be watching for?
>> Well, sure.
It's somewhat controversial of how much
of a difference there is between heart symptoms in men
and women, but I'd say in general, and this is --
any residents or medical students
that may be watching are familiar with this,
but [chuckle] I think the most commonly -- the symptom of --
of heart disease, the type that's the buildup of cholesterol
in the arteries, that's choking the blood supply
to the heart, is a heaviness, tightness, squeezing,
or a pressure sensation in the chest, neck, or jaw,
particularly with rest --
I'm sorry, with exertion or stress.
>> Okay.
>> And it'll go away with rest.
So that's classic, but there can be a lot
of atypical presentations.
You can have it just in the shoulders,
between the shoulder blades, just in the left arm,
so it makes it difficult.
But I'd say most people in their heart of hearts
when they get something
like this know it's not the indigestion,
know this isn't really something that's benign.
And denial, like you said Dan, everybody naturally wants it
to be something easy.
>> Sure, sure, well you know,
and Dan had mentioned a little bit about family history.
So although you didn't expect it at...
>> Right.
>> ...age 33...
>> Yeah.
>> ...you did think it might be a part of your life.
And we actually have a question from Courtney that wants
to know a little bit more --
how does family history come into play with heart disease?
>> Well, it's -- it's very strong in --
in a lot of ways that we don't understand
yet because genetics of it are very complicated.
But obviously there's going to be an increased risk
of obesity if it runs in your family,
increased risk with diabetes, hypertension,
and high cholesterol.
So influence all those factors.
We -- even though we see patients that don't have any
of those class risk factors that I just mentioned,
but just the genetics,
and they'll still be at a very high risk.
So all the details aren't known at this time,
but it's very powerful.
And warrants -- just that history alone
in making sure you're doing what you can
to control the other factors which can be done through diet,
and medication, and -- and exercise.
>> So speaking of controlling the other factors,
I'd love to hear from all of you,
tell us a little bit more -- and these --
we've continued to have questions come in.
We actually had -- had asked for those of you
who had questions over the last previous weeks,
and I encourage you to continue to send them in.
But a lot of folks are wanting to know a little bit more --
tell us specifically what we can do.
What actions can we take to alleviate our risks?
So can you talk a little bit more about that?
>> Sure, well, Advocate has a --
has an online risk factor calculator
which I think's a good place to start.
And it asks you things obviously about your family history,
your age, your sex because even though it affects both sexes
equally the age in which that happens tends to be different.
And then things like cholesterol level,
blood pressure if you know them, exercise habits, etcetera,
and it gives you an idea of what your risk status is.
The higher the risk status the more you should be seeing
medical attention and seeing if you can address some
of these factors because most of them are completely silent.
You can have a cholesterol of 300, feel perfectly fine.
You can have a blood pressure of 200,
which probably all of ours are right now on live TV,
but [chuckle] -- and feel perfectly fine also.
So without blood tests, without an exam you won't know.
>> Okay.
>> And if I could jump in here, too.
>> Please.
>> Heart disease is 80% preventable,
so it's a largely preventable disease,
and if we can take those small steps every day,
you know putting less salt on our food or no salt
on our food, just to take a few extra steps during your
daily routine.
I mean, that will help take drastic measures toward heart
health, and so encouraging your families
to also take similar actions.
So we really preach that you know heart disease is largely
preventable, although you should know your family history.
>> Great, great advice, and Dan, I know we --
we actually had a question from Elizabeth who wants
to know what -- what changes in lifestyle have you made
since you underwent this 14 months ago?
>> Well, I would say it's a complete 180 in change
of lifestyle for me.
And I -- I started it in cardiac rehab which --
it would be the advice I'd give anybody who goes
through this is join --
if you have the opportunity to join a cardiac rehab program.
Diet was obviously a huge life change.
I now -- I follow the DASH diet.
I do a lot of lean proteins, lots of veggies, no salt.
I wasn't a -- I didn't grow up in a family where --
we didn't really have salt on the table;
we weren't a table-salt family, but it's the hidden salt,
too, that you really have to look for,
especially a lot of times you see these meals that are --
that quote, unquote, healthy frozen meals.
If it's frozen it's not healthy, in the meal-wise.
If you can microwave a dinner it's not going
to be healthy even if it says it is.
So it was a lot of changing that.
Cooking was a -- a big thing for me.
I was never a big cook.
When I got home from the hospital there was only a bottle
of ketchup and I think a six-pack
of beer [chuckle] in my refrigerator.
So it was -- you know it was changing that aspect of it,
learning to cook for myself.
That was one of the big --
exercise obviously, you know running.
I enjoy biking.
Just staying active, keeping...
>> Okay, you're going to --
we're going to have to ask you --
tell us a little bit more about that,
because I think running has actually become a big part
of your life.
>> Yeah, it's become a huge part of my life.
I've actually -- I began training in cardiac rehab.
Actually right after the heart attack I decided I wanted
to run -- be -- you know go back into running,
and my ultimate goal is to run a marathon.
So I started training for that;
actually as soon as Dr. Stecy gave me the okay
that became my number one goal.
So I began training.
I've completed a half marathon to-date.
I'm hoping either this year or next year
to complete a full marathon.
>> That's great, that's great, congratulations.
>> Thank you.
>> And what are the risks for exercise if you know
that you're either at --
you're redisposed to be at risk for heart disease
or you've suffered some type of --
of heart condition, what is the risk of strenuous exercise
such as running a marathon?
>> Well, it -- it depends on the individual.
And -- and with Dan we knew a lot about his heart.
The arteries, they were all fine except for the one
that caused the heart attack, and then that one was fixed.
So we knew a lot of the details that ensured us that --
that he would do well.
I think in general if you're embarking upon a brand-new
exercise program it's recommended to see a physician
to get an exercise test, to see if any occult heart disease
or coronary disease is present, and also great time then
to assess risk factors, make sure the blood pressure
and the other factors are well controlled.
The actual risk of exercise precipitating a heart attack
is low.
Most heart attacks occur just at rest, but it can happen.
And -- and I think probably above the age of 35
or so not a bad idea to see your physician first.
>> Great, great, well, Anne, I --
Anne, I know Dan talked a little bit about diet,
and I know that is something the American Heart Association
has been very involved in, making recommendations,
putting out healthy recipes.
>> Absolutely.
>> Where -- do you have some resources for individuals maybe
that are looking for some hints for that healthy diet?
>> Absolutely, I would encourage all of our viewers today
to look at www.goredforwomen.org.
We have a plethora of materials available online including
heart-healthy recipes,
taking some favorites that you may traditionally make
at your home and perhaps trying something a little bit
healthier this time with less salt
or some more fresh ingredients.
So we definitely have a lot
of resources available online for you.
>> Great, thank you for that.
Let's go to some of our questions from some of our viewers.
We -- we have several folks --
again as a reminder you can submit questions either via
Facebook or directly from our Website.
Denise wants to know what if you're doing everything right
but your numbers just still aren't good?
What should you do?
>> Well, but numbers I --
I don't know if you're referring
to high blood pressure numbers or cholesterol numbers,
but I would say with the --
the medications and lifestyle changes
that are available it's --
it's rare that you can't get healthy numbers
for either of those.
Occasionally we have problems when patients are sensitive
to the most common cholesterol medicine collectively called
statins; that can be more difficult.
But cardiologists tend to see the --
the more difficult patients in this regard,
and I think 99% of the time you can get numbers we're all
comfortable with.
>> So I'm -- I'm going back to some of our questions.
From Ida we -- we have a question.
I've heard there are new guidelines
about blood pressure medicines.
Can you explain when blood pressure --
pressure medicine is actually necessary?
>> Well, this gets changes and --
and altered every few years
as the different committees meet.
I like to try to keep things simple,
so in general we try to keep the blood pressure,
the top number, the first number, less than 140,
the second one less than 90.
And there is six common different groups of medicines
that can do that, and it's a matter
of just finding one that works.
It's a lot of individual titration with the patient
to see what works and what has no side effects
or a minimum of side effects.
So I think in general that holds well.
I think kind of beyond that you wind up losing the message.
If you can get your blood pressure less than 140
over 90 I think you're doing fine.
>> Okay, great, you know we have a question from Sandy,
and I myself have -- have asked this many times.
We've all heard that there are some fats
that are actually good for you,
so weigh in a little bit about that.
Are there any kind of --
of foods that we eat, whether it's avocado, for example,
that it -- even though it is high
in fat it's actually good for you to eat?
>> Well, some of this might be, I guess,
best for a dietician, but I think that is true.
Diet's a tough thing to study because you're trying
to monitor someone over decades to see
if that makes a difference.
But there's actually a recent study showing
that the Mediterranean type of diet,
which is heavy on olive oils,
in a very well done randomized trial had a good outcome,
better than the traditional lower-your-fat type of diet.
So Mediterranean diet which is the fruits, and vegetables,
and fish, and olive oil, and nuts,
and whole grains right now looks like the best.
>> Great, I want to remind you
if you're just joining us we're answering your questions
live about heart health.
You can join the conversation right now on Facebook.
Simply submit a question and click the share button.
Or on the AdvocateHealth.com Website simply hit submit
a question.
We're happy to take your questions directly live
with our three guests.
Let me go to you, Dan, we did --
we had Sally who asked a question.
She actually had also suffered a heart attack,
and she found great support from an actual support group.
Did you join a support group, she wants to know,
and if not where did you seek to find that kind
of emotional support for your journey?
>> I didn't join a support group.
I thought about it, but my age played a role in that.
You know I'm obviously toward the baby end, if you will,
of heart -- of heart disease.
So because of that I didn't really join a support group.
What I did do is I'm lucky enough
to have a wonderful support system in the people who are
in my life and through the people I met at cardiac rehab.
They kind of became my support group in general,
but I have a wonderful group of friends
that kind of help me out.
And now I am actually acting as support for other people
who are going -- are going through it.
I've met a couple of younger people online who --
who have dealt with it,
and I've kind of given them some advice.
And you know we just talk back and forth
and share our stories, so.
>> That's great.
Thank you for sharing your story with us today.
Let me ask -- we have a question in from -- from Mark.
We talked a little bit about exercise.
He's wanting to know that there are
so many different reports out there
about how much should you be exercising?
Is it three days a week for 30 minutes?
Is it an hour five days a week?
And he's asking for a middle-aged male what are your
recommendations on the frequency and -- and duration?
>> That's a good question, and --
and topics such as exercise, and caffeine,
and diet and such you can --
you can really get overwhelmed by what you hear
in the popular media because they are interesting topics.
Every other week they seem to contradict each other,
or someone has different advice.
So I would think -- in my practice I would --
I would suggest a minimum of three up to five times a week
to do aerobic type of exercise, whatever they enjoy,
whatever fits their lifestyle for approximately 30 minutes.
And that seems to be I'd say the norm.
But it's a difficult thing, again, to study.
So to -- to -- more details I'm sure will emerge as --
as decades of research progress.
But I also -- in an elderly group don't neglect muscle
training because that also plays an important role
in overall health, so sometimes that's neglected,
but both are important.
>> All right, thank you for that.
We're going to stay with you, Dr. Stecy, for a second.
I have a question here from Debra [assumed spelling].
She wants to know what's the connection
between diabetes and heart disease?
>> Well, it's a very strong connection unfortunately.
They're -- they're at the highest risk, and in fact we --
nowadays the guidelines suggest
that if someone has diabetes we treat them in terms
of cholesterol levels and other aspects
as if they already have atherosclerosis.
It's that strong.
>> Okay, explain what that word is.
>> Sorry, atherosclerosis is --
is hardening of the arteries,
and that's a pretty good description for it.
It's a build-up of cholesterol plaque, and scar tissue,
and -- and other substances inside the arteries.
And not just the heart; it's --
it's from the head to the toe, and that winds up plugging
up the artery and decreasing blood flow
to the various organs of the body.
So diabetes, back to the original question,
is a very big factor.
Much of this is under -- under --
can be controlled with diet, and proper weight,
and then if needed medications, but it's --
it's hugely important.
>> Right, thank you.
And Anne, I -- I know that we've got the --
the Go Red for Women date coming up.
>> Yes.
>> And I -- I don't want to lose time.
Can you tell us a little bit about that event,
what's going on with it?
How can people get involved?
>> Absolutely.
So we have our Go Red for Women luncheon on Friday,
February the 21st, but what's really exciting, too,
is putting out mission to work in the community.
We have a large community expo in May
at Soldier Field on May 13th.
And we invite the entire Chicagoland community to come
out for free heart health screenings,
to take an exercise class,
participate in education seminars.
So it's a wonderful opportunity for us
at the Heart Association to engage communities
that are particularly at-risk.
Hispanic women tend to present heart disease 10 years
earlier than non-Hispanic women.
And African-American women over the age of 20,
49% have symptoms of heart disease.
So this is a -- a big concern for the heart association,
and a reason why Go Red
for Women is working tremendously hard
to raise the awareness level,
and the community expo's certainly a wonderful opportunity
for us to do that for Chicago.
>> That's great.
Thank you for your efforts to --
to spread an important message.
We appreciate that.
And -- and Dan, you know you --
as you described some pretty significant lifestyle changes,
right, with your -- your diet.
You had to learn how to cook it sounds like.
>> [Chuckle] Yeah.
>> With your exercise.
We have Sally -- I'm sorry, this is from Josh who wants
to know what's been the hardest lifestyle change you've had
to make?
>> I think it depends on the time.
Sometimes it's cooking.
Sometimes it's exercise.
Sometimes you know it's -- it's not --
not going out you know with friends when you know you've --
you shouldn't you know.
I think it just depends on -- you know because it's --
it's a whole life change.
You know you change a lot in your life, and it --
sometimes this part seems overwhelming,
or that part seems overwhelming.
But for me it's -- it was probably definitely cooking just
because I -- I burned salad [laughter].
Like I -- I don't cook very often, or well.
But you know it's something you just --
you just take it recipe by recipe, day by day.
And you know you do what you've got to do to be healthy, so.
>> Well, and you know one
of the questions we also had is have --
have you fallen off the wagon?
I mean, has there been a time in this 14 months
where you've -- you've kind of slipped back
into some bad habits?
>> Of course.
>> I mean, we all do at some point, right?
>> Of course, and I think it's important
that when you do fall off the wagon you don't
punish yourself.
You get back up, and you fix it.
And -- I mean, and that's the thing is like when you're --
I like to think of it as I'm allergic to salt.
But the problem is when I eat it I don't have the reaction
that other people have when they're allergic to something.
You know so it's easy to fall off the wagon when --
when you have heart disease.
So what you have to do is you just have
to not punish yourself,
and when you see it happening you know you fix it
or you talk to the people in your life, like your friends
or family, your support group,
and you know you kind of work together as a group.
And -- and I find that honesty is the best policy.
So when I do fall off I talk about it to the people
who -- who matter to me.
>> Right, that's great, and Dr. Stecy,
William wants to know of all the risk factors,
and we've talked about many today,
is there one that's on the top of the list?
If there's one thing that someone was going
to really tackle is there --
is there one that you would say, go after this first?
>> I'm not sure I would single one out.
There is various research addressing this.
Smoking is huge.
You know we look for the modifiable risk factors.
Genetics we can't do anything about, but smoking's very big.
If someone say is a smoker
and they have their heart attack the day you quit your risk
goes down by 50%.
There's no medicine in the world that challenges that kind
of result, so I think --
I think that's very big; blood pressure and cholesterol;
I wouldn't single one out.
I think they're all equally important,
and they all can be fixed.
>> Great, well, and there's been so many advances
in medicine, so many advances in treatment.
What are some of the things we're able to do?
What's giving you hope now as a cardiologist in --
in the treatment you're able to offer your patients?
>> Well, it's seeing the numbers, as I spoke earlier,
the mortality from cardiovascular disease has gone way down.
We see this in -- practically just in our practice.
The admissions for heart failure, for heart attacks,
the admissions that require angioplasty,
all those procedures and problems are going down.
So -- so that's what gives me hope because it's working,
and I think the -- the programs that American Heart does,
and what Advocate's doing with its --
with its campaign now for awareness, and screening, and --
and consultation all will -- will continue to --
to have that progress.
So there's incremental --
there's always incremental improvements
in technology and medications.
That will never end, luckily.
That's part of the fun of the -- of the field I'm in.
But it's -- it's just great to see everyone participate,
from Dan's recovery -- and he's --
I mean, the hospital's adopted Dan more or less [laughter].
If you can imagine Dan in cardiac rehab,
he's probably 40 years younger than -- than [chuckle] the --
than anyone else there, and he's doing at the end 14 minutes
at a fast pace on the treadmill.
And his -- his attitude's just been terrific,
and he's been a great resource for us.
So -- so it you know takes a village
as they say, and it's working.
>> That's great; that's great.
Well, as -- as we start to come to a close -- and we --
we could have this discussion for hours --
but I do want to ask each of you as you're here today,
you're sharing your stories;
you're lending us your expertise;
if there's one thing that you could say
to those folks viewing out there, one thing to inspire them
to take action, to make a change.
Like to your point, Anne,
of 80% of heart disease is preventable.
What's the one piece of advice that you would want
to leave folks with, Anne?
>> I would say tell your mother, your sister,
your friend that heart disease is your number one killer.
If five in 10 of us know this that' --
that's not good enough.
We need everyone to know
that heart disease is our number one cause of death.
Because of the work of the Heart Association 330 women are
alive each and every day, and we need that number to grow,
so I encourage you to take that one step and just share
that message of hope with your sister, loved one, to --
to let them know about their risk.
>> And -- and let me ask you one more question about that.
You know I know Advocate Healthcare we're very involved
with American Heart Association.
>> Yes.
>> We so believe in what you're doing.
>> Thank you.
>> And the great work that you're doing
to prevent this disease.
What are some ways that other folks maybe
who are perhaps watching,
how can they get their company involved?
>> Absolutely.
>> So beyond even the Go Red
for Women what are some other ways
where folks can help spread that word?
>> Absolutely, so there's lots of volunteer opportunities
that you and your colleagues can get involved with.
We have here in the Chicago market a fabulous heart walk.
We have the Go Red for Women luncheon of course.
We have the heart ball.
So there's lots of events that you
and your company can get involved with.
I know that Advocate is a supporter for workplace giving,
and there's certainly avenues for you
to individually support as well
so your companies support the work of the Heart Association.
And also if you're a survivor share your story like Dan.
This is what helps us resonate with the community
because they remember the details of Dan's story,
and when that same incident happens to them they'll recall
that he did call 9-1-1, and they should, too.
>> Absolutely, and Dan, what about for you?
For those folks that are out there,
maybe those folks who are out there who are like you
where they know that they have a family history
of heart disease, what advice would you give them?
>> Well, the advice I'd give anybody is
if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.
It's better to be wrong, but call 9-1-1.
Like that would be if --
if you're feeling anything that's --
you think might be a heart attack call 9-1-1.
That would be my piece of advice.
>> That's great, thank you.
Dr. Stecy?
>> Knowledge is power.
It's better to know.
Don't be afraid.
Take the first step, and get checked out.
Imagine the ostrich with the head under the ground;
that's not what you want to do.
>> Thank you.
Thank you all for being here today to -- to share in our --
in our message and hopefully to make a difference.
That wraps up this edition of Advocate Live.
Thank you for joining the conversation.
We want to encourage each of you
to take the first step today; go to iHeartAdvocate.com;
take your heart assessment.
It's quick, and I tell you if the assessment comes back
and shows you're at the highest risk
of heart disease an Advocate physician --
and Advocate cardiologist will see you within 24 hours.
Also remember that you can text the world advocate live
to 84444 to receive regular alerts
about future, upcoming checks.
And we have them regularly.
You can also connect with us anytime on Facebook, YouTube,
or we encourage you to join us at AHCHealtheNews.com.
See you next time.
And with this I'm going to send you off to --
to share with an exciting video,
a fun video where our patients, our clinicians,
they're sharing their story about their risk,
the steps they took, and I think you'll enjoy it.
Thank you for joining us today.
>> I was at home in my apartment getting ready for work,
and I just started feeling the pain.
It radiated from my chest down through my arm.
That's when I called 9-1-1.
>> I had shortness of breath,
and I barely could get across the street.
>> I was feeling the pain more and more,
and I knew that it was something to do with my heart.
>> I was in a bad car wreck.
I found out I had a heart attack during that car wreck
and didn't even realize it.
>> I thought I had the flu,
and by the time I got here I could barely walk into the ER.
>> The excruciating pain from my shoulder went down my arm.
>> When I was in the emergency room told me
that I had had a -- a heart attack,
and I knew that at that moment my life had changed.
>> For men you have almost a 50/50 risk
of a cardiovascular [inaudible].
And in fact more women die of cardiovascular disease
than all of the cancers combined.
>> Heart disease is indeed the number one killer of women,
but I'm not so certain
that they understand the prevalence of heart disease.
>> The tricky part about coronary disease is it commonly
gives no warnings.
Oftentimes you're perfectly well one moment,
and the next moment you're having severe chest pain.
>> More than one-third of Americans suffer
from metabolic syndrome which is a group of risk factors
that raises our risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
>> It truly prevents heart disease
to know your cholesterol numbers,
know your blood pressure, know your BMI.
>> What about their ideal body weight?
What about their blood sugar?
>> If you know the numbers and you treat them
in timely fashion we can prevent those events to occur.
>> Not only for yourself but also for your family.
>> The longer your body's exposed to a risk factor
for heart disease the more likely you will be to get it,
so you -- you want to identify these things early.
>> And there's many ways for you to get your numbers.
A simple way is at the grocery store, or at your pharmacy,
at your healthcare provider,
or at the local Advocate facilities.
>> The medications that we have
to treat those things are phenomenal at this point.
>> Taking a cholesterol pill every day increases your
survival rate dramatically over the course of your lifetime.
I mean, it reduces your risk of a heart attack by about half
over a five-year period.
Taking blood pressure medication reduces risk
of heart attack and a stroke.
It turns out that the longer you take these medicines the
lower your risk.
>> Heart disease remains the number one killer
in our country, and I've spent most
of my career fixing people with bad hearts.
You want to know your numbers
so that you don't need me to fix you.
>> The thing I always come back to is that life is short,
and do what you can to make it as long as possible.
And you know make those changes today,
and you'll feel good about it,
and you know your body will thank you.