2012 American Heart Month Media Kit Nebraska
Table of Contents:
Know the risk factors of heart disease (267 words) ........................................................... 2
Is it a heart attack? (237 words) ......................................................................................... 3
Image – Watch Go Red’s short online film (59 words) ....................................................... 4
Image – Free online program can help you reduce your risk (120 words) ........................ 4
You’re never too young to focus on heart health (450 words) ....................................... 5-6
Image – Seven simple steps to a healthier heart (425 words) ........................................... 7
Heart healthy foods in red (261 words).............................................................................. 8
How to eat healthy on a budget (414 words) ................................................................ 9-10
American Heart Association publishes new cookbook (209 words) ................................ 11
Image – Recipe – French-Style Bean Stew................................................................... 12-13
Image – Recipe – Roasted Carrots, Beets, and Red Onion Wedges ............................ 14-15
Image – Recipe – Spinach Noodle Bowl with Basil and Ginger ................................... 16-17
Image – Recipe – Thyme-Roasted Salmon with Crunchy Veggie Salsa ...................... 18-19
Sexual activity is safe for most heart, stroke patients (465 words) ............................ 20-21
New stats show America’s heart health needs improvement (732 words) ................ 22-23
Most Americans with HCM live normal life spans (639 words) .................................. 24-25
New guidelines may help high-risk people live longer, healthier lives (548 words) ... 26-27
Increased fat in children raises their blood pressure risk (517 words) ....................... 28-29
Image, video – Princess Emily (309 words)....................................................................... 30
Take charge of your health by scheduling a preventative check-up (567 words) ...... 31-32
Image – Nebraska State Capitol Turns Red ...................................................................... 33
Image – Women & Heart Disease: Myths vs. Realities Infographic: ............................... 33
Press Contact:
Jayme Sandberg
American Heart Association Communications Director
Jayme.Sandberg@heart.org
402-346-0771 ext. 30
Know the risk factors of heart disease
High blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so talk to your healthcare
professional about your risk. To prevent or manage high blood pressure, eat a healthy diet low
in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. YOUR GOAL: Blood pressure under 120/80.
Smoking. Smoking increases your risk two to four times that of nonsmokers. It’s never too late
to quit!
High cholesterol. The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater your risk of coronary
heart disease. Take steps to lower your cholesterol levels by losing unnecessary weight and
limiting the saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol you eat. YOUR GOAL: Total cholesterol of
200 mg/dL or less, LDL or “bad” cholesterol of 160 mg/dL or less and HDL or “good” cholesterol
of 50 mg/dL or higher.
Physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity increases your risk of coronary heart disease.
YOUR GOAL: 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week that add up to
150 minutes or more per week.
Being obese or overweight. If you have excess body fat – especially at the waist – you’re
more likely to develop heart disease and stroke. Work with your doctor to determine your
healthy weight and develop a plan to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. YOUR GOAL: Waist
measurement of 35 inches or less.
Diabetes. Women with diabetes have from two to four times higher death rates from heart
disease. To prevent or manage diabetes, watch your weight and diet, be active and talk to your
healthcare professional about your family history of diabetes. YOUR GOAL: Fasting blood
glucose of 100 mg/dL or less.
###
Is it a heart attack?
While some heart attacks are sudden and intense like in the movies, most heart attacks start
slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often, women having a heart attack aren’t sure what’s
wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Signs you may be having a heart attack:
• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more
than a few minutes or goes away and comes back,
• Shortness of breath or sudden fatigue,
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body like one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw
or upper stomach,
• Other signs of discomfort like breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But
women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common
symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Surveys have shown that only slightly more than half of women are likely to call 911 if they
personally experience these symptoms. And yet, 79 percent of women said that they would call
911 if someone else was having a heart attack. Don’t hesitate to call 911. It could save your life.
The American Heart Association cautions to learn the signs, and even if you're not sure it's a
heart attack, have it checked out immediately and tell a doctor about your symptoms.
###
Watch Go Red’s short online film
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436469.jpg)
Inspired by the true stories of real women, Elizabeth Banks is starring and directing in “Just a
Little Heart Attack,” a short, three-minute online film with a light view of the very serious subject
of women who overlook the symptoms of a heart attack. Visit Facebook/GoRed to watch the
short film and share it with five women you love.
###
Free online program can help you reduce
your risk
You want to take better care of your heart health, but you may not know where to start. You’ll
find a free, 12-week online program at GoRedForWomen.org that could help change your life, in
just a few minutes a day.
The American Heart Association’s BetterU program will put nutrition and fitness info at your
fingertips each week. You’ll have access to everything from heart healthy recipes to a social
media tool, calendar reminders and an online journal where you can write about your personal
obstacles and successes. BetterU will encourage you to set weekly fitness and nutrition goals
and to track your progress.
It’s free to participate and you’ll receive a free red dress pin just for signing up.
www.GoRedForWomen.org/BetterU
###
You’re never too young to focus on heart
health
Whatever your age, you should think about how nutrition and exercise can work together to help
you live a heart-healthy lifestyle. At www.GoRedForWomen.org, under the “Heart Healthy At
Any Age” tab, you’ll find tons of tips on how to live along, healthy life including heart-healthy
recipes, tips on how to watch your weight and so much more.
Staying Heart Healthy In Your 20s
In your 20s, it can be easy to overlook the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Yet, this
is the time to check your family history of heart disease. Don’t smoke and stay away from
secondhand smoke. Drink in moderation. Be aware that some oral contraceptives can cause an
increase in your blood pressure.
In Your 30s
In their 30s, many women get so involved with their careers and family, they neglect to pay
attention to their own health. You’re young, but you’re not a kid anymore.
Now is the time to build heart healthy habits. If you don’t already exercise regularly, now is the
time to start. You don’t have to join a boot camp class or run a half-marathon. All it takes is
about 30 minutes of exercise a day on most days.
In your 40s
In your 40s, you may feel like you are too set in your ways to make a change, but it’s never too
late. Focus on nutrition and working healthy foods into your diet. Make sure you are getting
enough calcium. Sometime in your 40s or 50s (usually around the lead-up to menopause), you
may notice it becomes harder to maintain your usual weight. That’s why it’s all the more
important to manage stress and stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine now.
In your 50s
Unfortunately, the number of women who have heart attacks increases dramatically once you
turn 55 – especially after menopause. But the good news is that you have the power to reduce
your risk, and if you do have a heart condition, there is plenty that you can do to manage it.
Rather than trying to look like you did 20 years ago, your goal should be to feel like you did
then. Finding the balance of healthy eating and regular exercise will allow you to feel better and
reach or maintain a healthy weight.
In your 60s and beyond
The older we get, the trickier exercise can be. Whether you’ve been active for years or you are
just getting started, it’s important to find an activity you enjoy that provides the right level of
activity for your body. For some women, taking short brisk walks (as little as 10 minutes)
throughout the day or water aerobics can be just the right amount of exercise.
###
Seven simple steps to a healthier heart
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436460.jpg)
Getting and maintaining a healthy heart is vital to living a long and active life. Many people
mistakenly believe that heart health is a goal they can’t obtain, but all it takes are a few simple
changes to your everyday habits to be on the road to feeling better and living longer.
Visit www.MyLifeCheck.org to see how you’re doing right now in terms of a healthy heart and
get tips on keeping that ticker going strong for years to come.
1. Get active. Just 30 minutes of physical activity every day is enough to keep your heart,
body and mind healthy. Play with your kids, walk the dog or so some quick laps around the
office at lunch – find a way to work 20 minutes of movement into your day.
2. Control cholesterol. Know your numbers and get your cholesterol checked. A cholesterol
level of 200 mg/dL or higher puts you in a high-risk category and is cause to take action.
3. Eat better. Aim for getting in more vegetables and fruits. They are high in vitamins, minerals
and fiber and low in calories. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control
your weight and your blood pressure.
4. Manage blood pressure. By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range (less than
120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic), you are: Reducing your risk of your
vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured, reducing your risk of your heart having
to pump harder to compensate for blockages, protecting your entire body so that your tissue
receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.
5. Lose weight. 145 million Americans are overweight or obese. If you have too much fat —
especially if a lot of it is at your waist — you're at higher risk for such health problems as
high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.
6. Reduce blood sugar. The American Heart Association considers diabetes and high blood
sugar one of the six major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Adults with
diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke.
7. Stop smoking. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the
United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including
atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries — which can lead to
coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Controlling or
reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.
###
Heart healthy foods in red
This February, incorporate some red into your diet in the name of heart health!

Red Berry Squares: Make strawberry-flavored gelatin mixed with fresh strawberries and
raspberries. Cut into squares before serving.

Frozen Watermelon Bites: Alternate frozen cubes of watermelon and mint leaves on a
skewer and serve cold.

Ravin’ Red Smoothie: Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, ½ cup frozen strawberries, ½ cup
frozen raspberries and 1 frozen banana.

Red Pasta: Cook whole-wheat spaghetti and top with low sodium marinara sauce, diced
tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes.

Baked Red Apple Dessert: Fill 1 whole red apple (cored) with ¼ cup chopped almonds,
¼ cup dried cranberries, 1 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. brown sugar. Bake for 15 minutes at
350°F or until sugar bubbles.

Perfect Polenta: Cook polenta and mix with roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted red bell
pepper and sun-dried tomato.

Stuffed Red Bell Peppers: Stuff 1 red bell pepper (cored) with ½ cup cooked brown rice,
¼ diced red onion, ¼ cup ground turkey (browned), 1 tbsp. parsley, salt and pepper.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until pepper is heated through.

Roasted Red Cabbage Salad: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups chopped red cabbage
(roasted), ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced and sautéed), ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp.
olive oil, and sea salt.

Red Bean Salsa: Combine 2 cups red beans, ½ cup diced red onions, 1 cup diced red
tomato, ¼ cup diced jalapeño (remove seeds), ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp. lemon
juice, salt and pepper.

For more heart-healthy recipes visit GoRedForWomen.org/betterU or visit
ShopGoRed.org
###
How to eat healthy on a budget
Making healthy food choices can be difficult. And because people with type 2 diabetes are at a
greater risk for heart disease and stroke, there is often the added pressure of juggling diet
needs for two separate conditions.
Making matters worse, these healthy choices become increasingly difficult to make when money
is tight. To help you stick to your eating plan without breaking the bank, frugal living expert Jonni
McCoy has provided the following tips for eating healthy on a budget.

Limit red meat in favor of healthier and less expensive sources of protein. Fish, like
tuna, has omega 3 fatty acids that are good for the heart. Nuts and beans have a lot of
protein also, but make sure you review the salt content and eat appropriate portions
since nuts tend to be high in fat.

Enjoy frozen vegetables and fruit. They are just as satisfying, and typically just as
healthy, as fresh produce. Just make sure to check the nutrition facts to confirm that no
extra sugar or salt was added.

Avoid eating out, as most restaurants come with extra large portions and extra large
price tags. And options at fast food restaurants are typically loaded with excess fat, salt
and sugar.

Eat before you go shopping. Going to the grocery store on an empty stomach will
leave you more likely to buy on impulse.

Grow a garden! Not only will you save on vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, but
you’ll stay active with this new hobby. And regular exercise is another important part of
managing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Scout your local newspaper for coupons before you go shopping. It may cost $1-2 to
purchase the Sunday paper, but your savings will likely exceed this amount.

Shop for seasonal produce – fruits and veggies are less expensive during their peak
growing times, and they’re also tastier!

Look for the generic brands. The ingredients are usually the same as the brand name
versions, but they’re much more affordable.

Make your own pre-packaged snacks by buying a large container of raisins, nuts or
pretzels and separating them into individual portions yourself. By checking the nutrition
facts, you can gauge how many to eat at one time bsed on the fat, salt, and sugar
content.

Plan your meals each week. By planning ahead, you can check the nutrition facts of a
meal before you decide to make it and create a detailed grocery list for easy shopping.
Planning also helps avoid impulse shopping.
###
American Heart Association publishes new
cookbook
Recipes for the Heart provides heart-healthy recipes to support the American Heart
Association’s Go Red For Women movement
The American Heart Association has published a new magazine cookbook to help women in the
fight against heart disease and stroke—America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers.
As the most trusted source for heart-healthy cooking, the American Heart Association has
released Recipes for the Heart—a digest-sized, four-color cookbook magazine that features 47
easy-to-make recipes, 24 color recipe photos, cooking tips and important information on the risk
factors of cardiovascular disease. The magazine will be available at grocery store checkout
stands nationwide starting Feb. 7 and online at shopgored.org on Feb. 21 for $3.99 while
supplies last.
Recipes for the Heart offers dozens of flavor-packed, heart-healthy recipes; inspiring stories
from real women about how to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle; an Ask the Expert column and
more. “This magazine cookbook gives women a tool that enables them to serve delicious and
nutritious meals that the entire family will enjoy while working to reduce their personal risks of
heart disease and stroke.”
Other American Heart Association cookbooks are available online and from booksellers
everywhere. For more information about the American Heart Association or Go Red For
Women, call 1-888-MY-HEART or visit heart.org.
###
French-Style Bean Stew
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436461.jpg)
Serves 6; scant 1 1/2 cups per serving
This recipe is reprinted with permission from Recipes for the Heart, Copyright © 2012 by the
American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Available on
shopgored.com starting mid-February, while supplies last.

6 cups water

8 ounces dried Great Northern beans or other dried white beans, sorted for stones and
shriveled beans, rinsed, and drained

8 ounces dried black beans, sorted for stones and shriveled beans, rinsed, and drained

Cooking spray

3 medium ribs of celery, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

4 medium garlic cloves, crushed or minced

2 8-ounce cans no-salt-added tomato sauce

1 1/4 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth

1/2 cup dry white wine (regular or nonalcoholic)

1/4 cup light or dark molasses

2 medium dried bay leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons dried fennel seeds, crushed

1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
In a Dutch oven, stir together the water and beans. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the
heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 1 hour. Or put
the water and beans in a large bowl. Let stand, covered, for 6 to 12 hours. With either method,
drain the beans in a colander, rinse, and drain again. Set aside.
When the beans are ready, dry the Dutch oven and lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook the
celery, carrots, bell pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until tender,
stirring occasionally. Stir in the remaining ingredients and the beans. Increase the heat to high
and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the
beans are tender, adding water if necessary and stirring occasionally. Discard the bay leaves
before serving the stew.
Nutrients per Serving
Calories
359
Total Fat
1.0 g
Saturated Fat
0.0 g
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
257 mg
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fiber
13 g
Sugars
26 g
Protein
18 g
Dietary Exchanges
4 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat
###
Roasted Carrots, Beets, and Red Onion
Wedges
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436462.jpg)
Serves 4; 1/2 cup per serving
This recipe is reprinted with permission from Recipes for the Heart, Copyright © 2012 by the
American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Available on
shopgored.com starting mid-February, while supplies last.

Cooking spray

2 medium beets (about 5 ounces each), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch wedges, and patted dry
with paper towels

3 small carrots (about 2 ounces each), cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces (not baby
carrots)

1 medium red onion (about 4 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch wedges

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

1/8 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep it from getting
stained. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
Put the beets, carrots, and onion wedges on the foil. Drizzle the oil and sprinkle the oregano
and salt over the vegetables, tossing gently to coat. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer so
they don't touch.
Bake for 15 minutes. Stir. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender when
pierced with a fork.
Cook's Tip: Avoid getting beet stains on your hands by peeling the beets under cold running
water.
Nutrients per Serving
Calories
78
Total Fat
2.5 g
Saturated Fat
0.5 g
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat
2.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
155 mg
Carbohydrates
14 g
Fiber
4g
Sugars
9g
Protein
2g
Dietary Exchanges
3 vegetable, 1/2 fat
###
Spinach Noodle Bowl with Basil and Ginger
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436462.jpg)
Serves 4; 1 cup per serving
This recipe is reprinted with permission from Recipes for the Heart, Copyright © 2012 by the
American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Available on
shopgored.com starting mid-February, while supplies last.

28 ounces fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 ounces dried whole-wheat angel hair pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces, if desired

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup baby spinach, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

2 teaspoons grated peeled gingerroot
In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the pasta and red pepper
flakes. Return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 6 minutes, or until the pasta
is just tender. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Let stand for 2 minutes so the flavors blend.
Nutrients per Serving
Calories
48
Total Fat
0.0 g
Saturated Fat
0.0 g
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
56 mg
Carbohydrates
9g
Fiber
2g
Sugars
Protein
1g
4g
Dietary Exchanges
1/2 starch
###
Thyme-Roasted Salmon with Crunchy
Veggie Salsa
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436464.jpg)
Serves 4; 3 ounces fish and 1/4 cup salsa per serving
This recipe is reprinted with permission from Recipes for the Heart, Copyright © 2012 by the
American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Available on
shopgored.com starting mid-February, while supplies last.
Salsa

1/2 medium cucumber (about 3 ounces), peeled, seeded, and chopped

1/4 cup quartered or chopped grape tomatoes (about 2 ounces)

1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped radishes

2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

1/4 teaspoon salt
**********

Cooking spray

4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each), rinsed and patted dry

1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper (coarsely ground preferred)
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, gently stir together the salsa ingredients. Set aside.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
Put the fish on the foil. Sprinkle the thyme, salt, and pepper over the fish. Using your fingertips,
gently press the seasonings so they adhere to the fish.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the desired doneness.
Transfer the fish to plates. Spoon the salsa and its accumulated juices beside or over the fish.
Nutrients per Serving
Calories
170
Total Fat
6.5 g
Saturated Fat
1.0 g
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat
2.5 g
Cholesterol
52 mg
Sodium
382 mg
Carbohydrates
4g
Fiber
1g
Sugars
2g
Protein
24 g
Dietary Exchanges
3 lean meat
###
Sexual activity is safe for most heart, stroke
patients
DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2012 — If you have stable cardiovascular disease, it is more than likely that
you can safely engage in sexual activity, according to an American Heart Association scientific
statement.
The statement, published online in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association,
contains recommendations by experts from various fields, including heart disease, exercise
physiology and sexual counseling.
“Sexual activity is a major quality of life issue for men and women with cardiovascular disease
and their partners,” said Glenn N. Levine, M.D., lead author of the statement and a professor of
medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “Unfortunately, discussions about
sexual activity rarely take place in the clinical context.”
The recommendations include:

After a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, it is reasonable for patients to be evaluated by
their physician or healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity.

Cardiac rehabilitation and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular
complications related to sexual activity in people who have had heart failure or a heart
attack.

Women with cardiovascular disease should be counseled on the safety and advisability of
contraceptive methods and pregnancy based on their patient profile.

Patients with severe heart disease who have symptoms with minimal activity or while at
rest should not be sexually active until their cardiovascular disease symptoms are
stabilized with appropriate treatment.

Patients should be assessed to see if their sexual dysfunction is related to underlying
vascular or cardiac disease, anxiety, depression or other factors.

Drugs that can improve cardiovascular symptoms or survival should not be withheld due to
concerns that such drugs may impact sexual function.

Drugs to treat erectile dysfunction are generally safe for men who have stable
cardiovascular disease. These drugs should not be used in patients receiving nitrate
therapy for chest pains due to coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries that
supply the heart with blood), and nitrates should not be administered to patients within 2448 hours of using an erectile dysfunction drug (depending on the drug used).

It is reasonable for post-menopausal women with cardiovascular disease to use estrogen
that’s topically or vaginally inserted for the treatment of painful intercourse.
Decreased sexual activity and function — common in men and women with cardiovascular
diseases — is often related to anxiety and depression.
The absolute rate of cardiovascular events during sexual activity, such as heart attacks or chest
pain caused by heart disease, is miniscule because sexual activity is usually for a short time.
“Some patients will postpone sexual activity when it is actually relatively safe for them to engage
in it,” said Levine, who is also director of the Cardiac Care Unit at the Michael E. DeBakey
Medical Center in Houston. “On the other hand, there are some patients for whom it may be
reasonable to defer sexual activity until they’re assessed and stabilized.”
###
New stats show America’s heart health
needs improvement
DALLAS, Dec. 15, 2011 — America’s heart and blood vessel health is far from ideal, according to
data in the American Heart Association’s “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update 2012,”
published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The update provides insight into our less than ideal cardiovascular health. For example, obesity
continues to be a major problem for many Americans. More than 67 percent of U.S. adults and
31.7 percent of children are overweight or obese. Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of
obesity in children has increased from 4 percent to more than 20 percent.
The American Heart Association defines ideal cardiovascular health based on seven health
factors: smoking status, weight, physical activity, healthy diet, cholesterol, blood pressure and
fasting glucose levels, as well as the absence of a diagnosis of heart or blood vessel disease.
Based on that definition, the new data shows that 94 percent of U.S. adults have at least one and
38 percent have at least three of the seven factors at “poor” levels. Half of U.S. children 12 to 19
years old meet four or fewer criteria for ideal cardiovascular health.
Between 1971 and 2004, our average calorie consumption has increased by 22 percent in women
(from 1,542 to 1,886 kcal/d) and by 10 percent in men (from 2,450 to 2,693 kcal/d). Many of these
increased calories come from consuming more carbohydrates, particularly starches, refined
grains and sugars; larger portion sizes and calories per meal as well as consuming more sugarsweetened beverages, snacks, commercially prepared meals (especially fast food) and highcalorie foods.
Burning those calories is also an increasing challenge – 33 percent of adults engage in no aerobic
leisure-time physical activity. Furthermore, in 2009, among adolescents in grades nine through
12, 29.9 percent of girls and 17 percent of boys had not engaged in 60 minutes of moderate-tovigorous physical activity — the recommended amount for good health — even once in the
previous seven days.
There is some good news in the update -- the death rate from cardiovascular diseases (CVD -all diseases of the heart and blood vessels) fell 30.6 percent from 1998 to 2008, possibly due to
better treatments for heart attacks, congestive heart failure and other acute conditions.
The stroke death rate fell 34.8 percent during that time period, dropping it from the third to the
fourth leading cause of death. While the drop in ranking is mostly driven by decreases in the
number of stroke deaths, likely due to better treatment options for acute stroke, reclassifying
some respiratory diseases into one category also played a role.
For example, deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis and
pneumonia are now grouped under the larger category, “respiratory diseases.”
Unfortunately, other statistics in the update illustrate America’s continued cardiovascular disease
burden:

Cardiovascular diseases accounted for one in every three deaths in the United States in
2008; more than 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular diseases every day ― an average
of one death every 39 seconds.

The cost of cardiovascular care and treatment increased over $11 billion from 2007 to
2008.

The direct and indirect cost of CVD and stroke in the United State for 2008 was an
estimated $297.7 billion.
“By monitoring health, as well as disease, the update provides information essential to public
health initiatives, patient care and for people to take personal responsibility for their health ― and
for their lives,” said Véronique L. Roger, M.D, M.P.H., lead author of the update and professor of
medicine and epidemiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
The American Heart Association has set a goal for America — to improve the cardiovascular health
of all Americans by 20 percent and reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20
percent by 2020. “If we’re to reach this goal, we’ll need to engage every segment of the population
to focus on improved health behaviors,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., an author of the statistical
update and chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg
School of Medicine in Chicago.
“In particular, more children, adolescents and young adults will need to learn how to improve and
preserve their ideal levels of health factors and health behaviors into older ages. Moving people
who are at poor health to make small changes in their behavior and reach intermediate health is a
step in the right direction that can make a big difference,” said Lloyd-Jones.
###
Most Americans with HCM live normal life
spans
DALLAS, Nov. 8 — Most of the 600,000 Americans with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) -a genetic heart muscle disease -- can live normal life spans, according to the first science-based
guideline for diagnosing and treating this disorder.
The joint recommendations of the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the
American Heart Association are published online in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart
Association and Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
“HCM is widely misperceived as a fatal condition, but a diagnosis of HCM is not a diagnosis of
sudden cardiac death. We now have effective treatments to help most patients manage the
condition, although it remains the most common cause of sudden death in the young and in
competitive athletes,” said Bernard J. Gersh, M.D., Ph.D., co-chairman of the guideline writing
committee and professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn.
HCM is a genetic disorder which changes the way the heart functions, including erratic heart
beats and obstructed blood flow from the left side of the heart. It can also cause sudden cardiac
death, which occurs when lethal heart rhythms intervene. However, for many people, HCM is
symptomless and benign.
Heart enlargement thickening in HCM most commonly involves the ventricular septum, the
muscular wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart. Abnormal motion of the mitral
valve may obstruct the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta artery causing the heart
to work harder to keep an adequate amount of blood flowing throughout the body.
“A variety of mutations (more than 1,400) in one or more genes of the sarcomere (contractile
unit of the heart) cause HCM, but account for only about 50 percent of clinically identified
patients. Many other genes and mutations will be discovered to explain HCM in other patients,”
said Barry Maron, M.D., co-chairman of the guideline writing committee and director of the
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation,
Minneapolis, Minn.
HCM is the most common inherited heart disease, occurring in one per 500 people and
therefore at least 600,000 Americans.
“The typical cardiologist might see one new HCM case a year. Many patients with HCM will
benefit by seeking treatment from clinical centers of excellence focused on this disease, which
have the most contemporary medical and surgical treatments available,” Maron said.
Managing HCM-related heart failure can be complicated, particularly in patients who do not
respond to standard drug therapy, such as beta- and calcium-channel blockers.
“There are highly successful surgical and catheter-based approaches, best carried out in
centers of excellence,” Maron said.
Among the other recommendations in the newly released guideline:

Drug therapy with beta-blockers, verapamil or disopyramide, can control symptoms such
as shortness of breath.

The most appropriate treatment for advanced heart failure, due to obstruction in patients
who don’t respond to medication, remains transaortic surgical septal myectomy – a
procedure to remove excessive muscle from the septum and improve the symptoms.

For patients who are not candidates for surgery, catheter-based alcohol septal ablation is
an alternative treatment option. The procedure introduces alcohol in the heart and causes
a myocardial infarction (heart attack) to reduce the muscle mass of the septum.

All patients diagnosed with HCM should undergo a comprehensive evaluation of their risk
of sudden cardiac arrest, including a personal and family history and noninvasive
assessment with an echocardiogram.

HCM patients should be provided genetic counseling and genetic testing if appropriate.

HCM with or without obstruction should disqualify individuals from participating in most
competition sports. Patients can participate in low-intensity competitive sports, such as
golf and a range of recreational sporting activities.

Prevention of sudden death is possible in HCM using the implantable defibrillator in
selected patients judged to be at high risk based on risk markers such as fainting or a
history of a family member with sudden death.
###
New guidelines may help high-risk people
live longer, healthier lives
For people who are either at high risk for a heart attack or stroke, or who have already had such
an event, healthy habits and medication can help you live longer, improve your quality of life, and
lower your chance of a repeat attack or the need for artery-opening procedures, according to new
joint guidelines developed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American
Heart Association.
The guidelines will be published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association and the
Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
“Unless improvements are made in your behavior and medical therapy, the same blood vessel
problem that caused your first heart attack or stroke can occur again – and may result in death –
so long-term changes need to be initiated to get the vascular disease under control,” said Sidney
C. Smith, Jr., M.D., chair of the guideline writing group and professor of medicine at the University
of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
The guidelines are important because increasing numbers of older adults are living with
cardiovascular disease, and in clinical practice many patients are not getting indicated
therapies, Smith said.
For the first time, the guidelines recommend that all patients be referred to a comprehensive
cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery, or the diagnosis of
heart-related chest pain or blockages in leg arteries. In addition, the guidelines note that it is
useful to screen heart disease patients for depression, a common occurrence after heart attack or
bypass surgery that can interfere with quality of life and the ability to initiate positive changes in
health behaviors.
The guidelines recommend that patients with coronary heart disease and other vascular disease
such as stroke and peripheral artery disease:

Stop smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke;

Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-7 days a week;

Reduce weight if you are overweight, obese, or have a large waist;

Get an annual flu shot;

Take low-dose aspirin daily unless your doctor prescribes a higher dose or
recommends against it because of medical contraindications.
In response to evidence from recent clinical trials, the guidelines make several changes for health
professionals in the recommended use of medications that reduce the tendency for blood clotting
(antiplatelet agents/anticoagulants).
New drugs that may be used instead of clopidogrel in combination with aspirin for patients
receiving coronary stents, such as prasugrel or ticagrelor, are now included.
The importance of adequate dosages for statin therapy (to lower cholesterol) for all patients with
known atherosclerotic vascular disease – the disease process that underlies most heart disease
and strokes -- is emphasized. Low-dose aspirin therapy (75-162 mg) continues to be
recommended for patients with known heart disease.
The writing group deferred modifying recommendations on high blood pressure and high blood
cholesterol levels because new guidelines are anticipated to be released in 2012 from panels of
the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute that work specifically on these issues.
“Be sure to ask your physician about therapies that can help you live longer and stay healthier
after you’ve survived a heart attack or stroke and make them part of your commitment to a healthy
lifestyle,” Smith said.
The new secondary prevention and risk reduction therapy guidelines are endorsed by the World
Heart Federation and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association.
###
Increased fat in children raises their blood
pressure risk
DALLAS, Oct. 3, 2011 — If your children are overweight or obese, their risk of having high blood
pressure is almost three times higher than children at normal weight, according to new research
in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.
A study of 1,111 healthy Indiana school children over a period of 4.5 years revealed that when the
children’s body mass index (BMI) reached or passed the 85th percentile — the beginning of the
overweight category — the adiposity effect on blood pressure was more than four times that of
normal weight children. Adiposity is fat under the skin and surrounding major organs.
The absolute value of BMI is not used to classify weight status in children, because change in BMI
is normal and expected as children grow and develop. Instead, BMI percentiles are used which
adjust for age and gender.
Researchers found when children reached categories of overweight or obese, the influence of
adiposity on blood pressure increased.
“Higher blood pressure in childhood sets the stage for high blood pressure in adulthood,” said
Wanzhu Tu, Ph.D., study lead author and Professor of Biostatistics at Indiana University School of
Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Targeted interventions are needed for these children. Even
small decreases in BMI could yield major health benefits.”
Among study participants, 14 percent of the blood pressure measurements from overweight/obese
children were in prehypertensive or hypertensive levels, compared to 5 percent in normal weight
children. Blood levels of leptin, a hormone in fat tissues, and heart rate had a similar pattern as
blood pressure. So leptin may have played a mediating role in obesity-induced blood pressure
elevation, researchers said.
The study reinforces the importance of separately considering overweight and obese children from
those of normal weight; otherwise, the adiposity effect is overestimated in normal weight children
and underestimated in overweight children.
“The adiposity effects on blood pressure in children are not as simple as we thought,” Tu said.
On average, children in the study underwent 8.2 assessments each, for a total of 9,102 semiannual blood pressure and height/weight assessments to determine BMI. The average enrollment
age was 10.2 years, with children stratified into 10 years and under, 11-14 and 15 and older.
Children with BMI percentile values over 85 percent were considered overweight and those with
BMI values over 95 percent were considered obese.
“Important questions that remain unanswered are what makes the blood pressure go up when you
have an increase in the BMI percentile and what mechanisms are involved in the process,” Tu
said. “This study wasn’t set up to answer those questions.”
Further study may determine how the increase in adiposity affects blood pressure and whether
other factors such as leptin, insulin or inflammatory cytokines may play a role.
Healthcare providers and parents should pay attention to children’s weight, Tu said. “If they see
a dramatic weight gain in a child who already is overweight, they need to intervene with
behavioral measures, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, to improve
overall health and minimize cardiovascular risk.”
The American Heart Association is working to help kids and families live heart-healthy lives.
Visit www.heart.org/healthierkids.
###
Princess Emily
(Emily’s video story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O147AttOgY)
(Photo: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436465.jpg)
New parents Kelly and Katie Karmazin welcomed Emily Ann on July 10, 2004. At her two week
check-up doctors detected a heart mummer and a follow-up EKG revealed little Emily had a
significant heart defect to overcome.
Originally Emily’s cardiologist thought she would have surgery at 3 months old to repair her
atrial septal defect and mitral valve leak. A born fighter, Emily was able to delay surgery until
age 3.
She came through the six hour open-heart surgery at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center with
flying colors, but 18 hours later her recovery took a dramatic turn and doctors rushed Emily back
into the operating room.
“I can honestly say that was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. We were so very
grateful to all the other doctors, nurses and staff that dropped everything to take Emily into
emergency surgery and save our precious little angel,” Katie said.
While doctors were confident they had uncovered the source of the unusual complication, Emily
had aspirated when doctors put in her breathing tube and only time would tell if there were
complications. Emily was put on the breathing machine, completely paralyzed and put into a
medically induced coma for 48 hours.
She recovered like the fighter she is. Eight days after going in for surgery, Emily went home.
Emily is now in 2nd grade at Manchester Elementary in Elkhorn Public Schools. On Feb. 4,
2012, she was crowned the American Heart Association’s Omaha Heart Ball Princess. She
loves school, golfing with her sister and dad, fishing, playing soccer, riding her bike and being
big sister to Julia who is in Kindergarten.
“We continue to monitor Emily’s issue very closely and she continues to take Enalapril twice
daily. We are blessed that she can live a normal life and be a ‘normal’ kid with no current
physical limitations,” Katie said.
###
Take charge of your health by scheduling a
preventative check-up
Tips from the American Heart Association
(LINCOLN) Feb. 7, 2012 -- Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, but did most of
the risk factors that cause heart disease are preventable. By taking charge of your health and
scheduling yearly check-ups, you increase your odds of catching preventable conditions early.
Check-ups may seem like a waste of time, but they are invaluable when it comes to detecting
underlying problems.
“The largest predictors of heart disease are conditions that you may not know that you have,”
said Rebecca Rundlett, MD, cardiologist with Nebraska Heart Institute. “High blood pressure
and diabetes often have no associated symptoms, yet; if left untreated can have very significant
consequences on your health and will put you at a very high risk of a heart attack and stroke. A
routine health exam could assess these, start treatment and reduce your risk substantially.”
Major risk factors of heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, lack of
physical activity, smoking, high blood sugar and lack of physical activity. At a routine yearly
check-up, a doctor will take into account your overall health, including your risk factors, family
health history, medications and any new conditions since your last visit.
“The physician will conduct a physical exam basically to look for any early signs of preventable
disease,” said Rundlett. “This usually includes examination of your eyes, ears, mouth, throat,
thyroid gland, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin and pulses. Your doctor may perform other exams as
is appropriate given your individual health problems and concerns.”
Rundlett recommends coming prepared to your check-up to make the most of your time:

Go to your check-up fasting in case your doctor needs to order fasting labs. It may save
you an additional trip to the lab on another day.

Bring in a list of your medication prescribed by all of your doctors so that your primary
doctor knows what your specialists are also prescribing you.

Ask your family about their health history so that you can tell your doctor about your own
possible risks.

Between your regular visits keep track of any procedures that you may have had done
by another physician or exams performed by other physicians such as your eye exams,
mammograms, well-woman exams etc. Also keep track of your immunizations if not
received by your regular doctor so that he can update you records.

If need be, make a list of questions that you have been wanting to ask your doctor, likely
if you don’t write it down you will forget when you are seen.
Keep track of your health progress by taking the My Life Check assessment through the
American Heart Association. The assessment pulls together a variety of health information and
gives individuals a “health score” based on the data. Individuals are encouraged to make
healthy lifestyle changes and to come back at a later date and take the assessment again to
improve their scores.
For more information, visit www.mylifecheck.org.
SIDEBAR:
Men are notorious for avoiding doctor visits. There are several excuses men use:
1. They don’t have a doctor.
2. They don’t have insurance.
3. “There’s probably nothing wrong.”
4. They “don’t have time.”
5. They don’t want to spend the money.
6. Doctors “don’t do anything.”
7. They don’t want to hear what they might be told.
8. They’d rather tough it out.
Whatever the excuse, help the men you know get to the doctor for a check-up!
###
RedDressDash2012-1: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heartpublic/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436457.jpg
More than 100 people in red dress-inspired costumes dashed to the red-lit capitol Thursday,
Feb. 2, for to hear Gov. Dave Heineman proclaim Friday Wear Red Day in Nebraska. Wear Red
Day is celebrated as part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement to
support women’s heart health.
RedDressDash2012-2: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heartpublic/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436458.jpg
First Lady Sally Ganem and Gov. Dave Heineman with American Heart Association volunteer
Jill Duis after reading the Wear Red Day proclamation. Duis is both a heart disease and stroke
survivor from Odell, Nebraska. A group of more than 100 costumed participants dashed to the
capitol Thursday, Feb. 2, in anticipation of National Wear Red Day Friday.
RedDressDash2012-3:
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@mwa/documents/image/ucm_436459.jpg
The Nebraska
State Capitol shines red on Thursday, Feb. 2, in honor of American Heart Month and in
anticipation of Wear Red Day Friday, Feb. 3.
###
Women & Heart Disease: Myths vs. Realities Infographic:
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heartpublic/@wcm/@mwa/documents/downloadable/ucm_436089.pdf