More than 130,000 people die yearly from strokes in the U.S. Many others who survive are left with temporary or permanent disabilities. 

We understand it can be scary to think about the possibility of a stroke. But luckily understanding the signs, knowing what to do, and taking preventative measures can help to avoid the severe impact a stroke can have.

In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the risk factors, prevention strategies, and symptoms of strokes. 

Awareness is the First Step to Prevention

Why is stroke awareness important? For one, recognizing the signs that someone may be having a stroke, is critical to getting them help as soon as possible. The sooner you can get to a hospital or Stroke Center, the more likely a person is to recover. 

A stroke gone undetected can cause further damage to the brain. Taking action faster means medical care can be provided to prevent brain loss.

Stroke awareness also means taking preventative measures to protect your health. Taking care of your health now and quitting bad habits can help you to avoid a stroke later in life.

What Causes A Stroke?

There are two main types of strokes and their causes are slightly different. The more common type is an ischemic stroke. This occurs when an artery that carries oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain is blocked. 

A hemorrhagic stroke is the second main type. It is when an artery to the brain is leaking blood due to a rupture. This causes the blood to flood the brain tissue. The leaking blood puts pressure on the brain cells and damages them. 

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a mini-stroke. This is less extreme because the brain’s blood flow is only blocked for a short time, more often five minutes or less. This means less damage is done to the brain.

Unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol, poor diet, low activity, that can lead to medical conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes — all increase your risk of having a stroke.

What Are Key Stroke Symptoms?

The sooner you identify the signs of a stroke, the faster you can take action. This can decrease the amount of damage to the brain tissue. 

Some key symptoms that someone is having a stroke include speech difficulty, slurring words, arm weakness, paralysis, and facial drooping. These are the most common symptoms, but a person can also experience a sudden change of vision, a severe headache, or a loss of balance and coordination.

It’s easy for a stroke to go undetected because the symptoms might seem benign at first or feel like having the flu. It’s important to know what a stroke can look like so you can get help right away. 

What Should You Do If Someone Is Having a Stroke?

Even if you’re not 100% sure a person is having a stroke, calling an ambulance right away is better than waiting. 

Calling an ambulance is recommended over driving someone to the hospital. This is because the ambulance will often get to the hospital faster, and the patient is treated faster — both by the paramedics and as soon as they arrive at the hospital. 

If a patient arrives within a three-hour timeframe, they will often get what is called thrombolytic therapy (tissue plasminogen activator or tPA treatment). This is a medication that is given intravenously or by injection. 

This medication dissolves the blood clot, allowing the flow of blood and oxygen to return to the brain. The timeliness of getting this medication can limit the risk of damage and functional impairment.

What Can You Do Now?

It’s important to note that a stroke can happen at any age. While three-quarters of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, 10% of strokes occur in people under 50. There are steps you can take now to protect yourself from developing a stroke.

According to the CDC, many strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes. This includes choosing healthy foods and drinks that are high in nutrients. 

You’ve probably heard it before, eating fresh fruits and vegetables while staying away from foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats is key to a healthy diet. Limiting your salt or sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure which increases your chances of having a stroke.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also on the list for stroke prevention. Obesity increases your risk for a number of health risks including strokes. Regular physical activity can help you stay within a healthy weight range. About two and a half hours of brisk walking each week is recommended by the surgeon general.

If you’re a smoker, then quitting can instantly lower your risk of having a stroke and also improve your overall health. Many people underestimate how fast quitting smoking can begin to benefit them. Even after just 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate drops, and after 12 hours the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal. 

By 2-12 weeks your lung function is already improving. It’s never too late to decide to quit smoking and allow your body to heal.  

Decreasing your alcohol intake is also highly recommended to prevent strokes. Drinking too much alcohol has a direct effect on your blood pressure. According to the CDC, men should have no more than two drinks per day, while women should avoid having more than one per day.

You’re Not Alone: We Can Help!

It may feel overwhelming to maintain a healthy lifestyle and lower your risk for stroke. But we’re here to help you stay on track!

Your health provider can determine your current state of health. Checking your blood pressure regularly can help detect any signs of illness early. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it’s important to have it checked even if you’re feeling fine.

Your doctor can also detect signs of diabetes and have you tested so you can receive the proper health care. They may recommend medications or assist you in making certain lifestyle changes to lower your blood sugar.

A medical professional can also help detect and treat heart conditions that could put you at a higher risk of stroke or heart disease. 

Take Your Awareness to the Next Level

We hope spreading awareness this month can help more people prevent the dangerous effects of strokes. It’s easy to forget or avoid thinking about potential health risks. Even though it’s tough to talk about, National Stroke Awareness Month is an opportunity to take the vital steps necessary to maintain your health and put your mind at ease.

Ready to take action toward better health this month for you and your family? Let us help you get there by scheduling an appointment here. 

March is already here! That means we’re another step closer to warmer temps, being active outdoors, and welcoming new spring flowers.  With so much to look forward to, the last thing you want to worry about is not feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Unfortunately, many struggle this time of year due to unsightly varicose veins. Not just because of how they look, but also from the pain they cause.

About 23% of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with varicose veins. Although varicose veins are common and often not dangerous, they can sometimes lead to more serious conditions.

Don’t let varicose veins hold you back! The good news is there are many options that can help diagnose and treat your varicose veins.

Do You Have Varicose Veins?

There are two common vein problems that often occur in the legs. These are varicose veins and telangiectasia (commonly called spider veins). Varicose veins are more prominent and have a blueish hue to them. In comparison, spider veins are smaller blood vessels and usually don’t hurt.

Varicose veins are often found on the calf and inner leg. Even varicose veins that are less noticeable can be as, or more, painful than more prominent ones.

If you suffer from varicose veins then you may have swelling in your legs, aching pain, itching on or around the bulging veins, and a feeling of heaviness in your legs and feet. You might also notice that the pain and discomfort increase when you’ve been sitting or standing for a long time —and especially painful by the end of the day!

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are the result of weak or damaged superficial vein valves and walls. When the valves malfunction it causes a build-up of blood in the vein and they become raised or swollen.

Women are more at risk to develop varicose veins. This is related to estrogen and other hormones related to pregnancy and menstrual cycles that affect the body’s tissue. In addition, lifestyle, age, and family history play a part in their development.

Regardless of how or why you have varicose veins, it’s important to seek professional help in treating them. If left untreated, varicose veins have a tendency to worsen over time. Leaving you feeling even more held back in your daily life.

How to Treat Your Varicose Veins

To find out what treatment is best for your situation, the first step is getting a diagnosis. A medical professional can determine what treatment and therapies are right for you. This may include some lifestyle adjustments or simple practices such as exercise or elevation.

In many cases, multiple therapies are suggested in order to best treat the underlying causes of varicose veins. At HeartCare Associates of CT, our board-certified staff is well-equipped to create an individualized plan just for you!

Get That Spring in Your Step!

It’s time to soak up the sun and show off those shorts! We’re here to help. Get back that spring in your step with advanced healing for your varicose veins.

Get started today with one of our many safe and effective vein treatments. These are non-surgical techniques that we offer right in our office.

To learn more, call HeartCare today for a free consultation. Remember, at HeartCare, we don‘t only care about your heart – we care about you!

In February, it’s common to run into heart-shaped boxes, greeting cards, and balloons. We often think of this month as a time to share our love for the special people in our lives. But as you take time to celebrate loved ones, it’s also an important reminder to care for your heart.

American Heart Month takes place every February and is a reminder to protect your heart by acting now. About 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable according to the CDC. This includes heart disease and stroke. 

Does heart disease run in your family? Don’t wait, check on the health of your heart now. Early detection can actually stop heart disease in its tracks. So you can get back to enjoying your time with the ones you love.

Hidden Health Threat

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, a quick test could reveal potential heart health concerns happening beneath the surface. Many people are completely unaware that they have high cholesterol and/or blood pressure – two common heart conditions. Luckily, consistently monitoring your heart can help you discover these conditions early, before they become a more serious problem.

There are a few factors to consider when addressing your heart health. This includes having your blood taken to test your cholesterol levels. If you have a history of high cholesterol or it runs in your family, you may need to have this checked more often.

Another common concern is high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). It usually has no symptoms, so it’s important to have your medical team test you at least every two years. You may need to be checked more often if you have high blood pressure or it runs in your family

Simple Solutions

The good news is that minor changes to your diet and exercise are often all that is needed to improve your heart’s health. Your doctor can provide you with healthy alternatives and habits that can get your heart back on track. You may also be prescribed medications to reduce your risk of heart disease and protect your health.

Practices such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, can all lead to a healthier heart. Your medical team can assist you in addressing one or more of these aspects as needed.

Keep Your Heart Happy

February isn’t just a month to celebrate with chocolates, roses, and teddy bears. It’s also a reminder to keep your heart happy through regular preventative check-ups. You can make your month extra rewarding by scheduling a quick exam today. We accept all forms of insurance!

Have questions? We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and get more information.

Want to make 2023 your healthiest year yet? The gift of a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can give to yourself this year.

If you’re tired of feeling stressed, having low energy, or getting sick easily, then we’ve got some tips to help boost your overall wellness. Start the new year out right by prioritizing your health and making manageable improvements to your daily life.

Ready to get started on improving your health? We’ve got some simple steps to get you started. Keep reading for our top 3 ways to improve your health in 2023.

1.  Want to Improve Your Health? Start Here…

Trying to make huge changes to your daily health habits can feel overwhelming at first. But there are some easy ways to get started. Begin by making it a priority to eat healthily and increase your physical activity this new year.

Healthy eating habits combined with staying active can lower your chances of developing serious illnesses such as kidney disease, heart disease, certain kinds of cancer, type 2 diabetes and more.

Including daily walks or other moderate exercises in your routine can make huge improvements to your health. In addition, focus on adding a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet such as vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains.

Don’t get discouraged if you struggle with maintaining these healthy practices at first. Planning your meals and setting specific goals for each day can better help you achieve them. Any improvement to your lifestyle is a win for your health!

1.  How Healthy Are You? Check With Your Physician

One of the ways to help your body stay healthy is to get regular check-ups with your physician. These kinds of preventative methods help you avoid future issues and can spot potential signs of illness in advance. This better ensures you receive the proper treatment before things escalate. At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, we provide patients with our advanced technology for comprehensive Cardiovascular Services including non-invasive testing and Vein Center to support your healthier lifestyle. We can also help you set achievable goals for your diet and exercise.

1.  It’s Time to Manage Your Stress

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Not all stress is necessarily bad, especially if it helps you to get out of a dangerous situation. However, long-term or chronic stress is known to cause health problems that can affect your immune, sleep, digestive, and cardiovascular systems — to name a few!

The continuous strain of stress on your body can also cause more serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Managing stress is an important goal to set as part of your daily practice in the new year.

Regular exercise is a great way to manage your stress. There are also a variety of relaxing activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, or muscle relaxation. We highly recommend seeking professional assistance if you find your stress to be overwhelming and affecting your daily life.

If left unchecked, stress can lead to mental disorders including anxiety and depression. Don’t let stress get the best of you this year. Act now and speak with your healthcare provider to receive the support you need for a safe and healthy 2023!

Ring in the New Year with a Fresh Start to Your Health!

Navigating your health in 2023 can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! We’re here every step of the way.

We hope these tips help you get started on reaching your goals and improving your health this year. If you’re looking for even more professional advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule your next appointment today!

An estimated one in three Americans have hypertension (high blood pressure), and many aren’t even aware of their condition.

At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, our skilled cardiovascular specialists offer comprehensive medical care to help you get your blood pressure under control. We also prioritize preventive services that can lower your risk for developing hypertension in the first place.

Why you have hypertension

Your blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. Prolonged pressure inside these blood vessels can ultimately lead to artery damage, heart disease, and even premature death.

There are many underlying factors linked to hypertension. In primary hypertension, your blood pressure increases gradually over time for no identifiable medical cause.

In secondary hypertension, a variety of lifestyle habits and medical conditions can contribute to elevated blood pressure, including:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Excess alcohol use
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disorder

Stress can also play a role in secondary hypertension, especially if your daily stress levels are out of control.

When to get help for hypertension

Unfortunately, hypertension causes no symptoms in the early stages. This is why many people have high blood pressure and don’t know it.

Symptoms like dizziness and headaches can appear as the condition progresses. However, it’s likely that damage to your arteries and heart is already happening when you experience these symptoms.

Having routine blood pressure screenings is the only way to know how healthy your blood pressure is. You should have this noninvasive, painless test at your annual physical and regularly throughout the year, especially if you have a family history or other risk factors for hypertension.

Prevention tips for hypertension

Even if your current blood pressure levels are healthy, there are still things you should be doing to maintain good blood pressure.

Our heart experts at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC recommend starting with these four tips to prevent hypertension and its complications:

1. Follow a heart-healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet includes fresh, whole foods that are low in salt, sugars, and fat and high in fiber, such as beans, nuts, and fish. Try to eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and limit your intake of packaged and processed foods.

You can also look for guidance from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

You should also practice portion control and good nutrition, so you can lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy body weight in the long term.

2. Get up and move every day

A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for hypertension. Schedule time into your daily schedule to take a walk, work out at the gym, or stay engaged in other physical activities for at least 30 minutes.

Even if you’re limited in what you can do because of other medical issues, there are plenty of heart-healthy exercises you can do in a chair or your bed to maintain healthy blood pressure.

3. Quit smoking and other bad habits

While it can be hard to quit your addiction to nicotine, quitting smoking can greatly reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Our providers can recommend smoking cessation tools that help you kick the habit for good.

You should also be mindful of how much alcohol you drink, and don’t take any drugs that aren’t under the supervision of a medical professional.

4. Learn to manage stress in a healthy way

Stress may be impacting your health more than you realize. More science-backed information is coming out about the immense health benefits that mindful practices like meditation and breathwork have on the body.

Incorporating stress reduction strategies into your daily life can not only provide ongoing stress relief — you can also reap benefits like improved overall health and happiness.

If you need help managing hypertension, call the HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC office near you or book an appointment online today.

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