Written by Dr. Bilal Shafi

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than a century. Although California has the lowest rate of heart disease in the nation, Santa Cruz County has a higher rate than the state average, affecting about 7% of the population.

February is American Heart Month, a time when communities come together to take action against heart disease and celebrate the remarkable advances in cardiovascular care.

Although this statistic is alarming, you can lower your risk of heart disease or even prevent it by making small lifestyle changes. One example is getting enough sleep. Approximately one in three adults do not get the recommended amount of continuous sleep, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Adults should get about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and stick to a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

When it comes to heart health, eating right can lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol. Choose foods low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars, and eat healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Be sure to stay hydrated and make water your main drink. Maintaining a healthy weight, starting with a balanced diet, can also help prevent and manage many other diseases and conditions.

Adults should spend at least 150 minutes a week on physical activity, and we’re lucky to live in areas that offer great opportunities to be active. Even in a busy schedule, small changes can have a big impact. For example, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from the store to increase your step count, or take short breaks throughout the day to go for a quick walk. When you find a form of exercise that you enjoy, it starts to feel less like a chore and more like a fun hobby.

Finally, we all know that smoking can cause a variety of health problems, including heart and blood vessel damage. Avoid smoking or talk to your health care provider about programs and services that can help you quit.

These lifestyle tips can help prevent numerous cardiovascular risk factors. Dignity Health Dominican Hospital offers community education and lifestyle management programs that include dozens of classes designed to keep your heart healthy.

For people facing heart disease, advances in technology have opened the door to new treatment options. One of the biggest medical advancements in cardiovascular care at Dominican Hospital is the hybrid operating room. This comprehensive cardiac surgery suite allows a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to work together seamlessly and simultaneously in the same room. Cutting-edge technology enhances the treatment of complex heart diseases, resulting in shorter surgeries, shorter hospital stays, lower risk of infection, faster recovery, and fewer follow-up procedures. These advances have been transformative in helping people live healthier and longer lives.

We are asking our communities to join us in efforts that focus on prevention to avoid the need for treatment. Let us recognize this American Heart Month with renewed efforts and determination to improve the heart health of our individuals and communities.

If you would like to learn more about recent cardiovascular care advances taking place in our community, please visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/dominican/services/cardiac-care.

Dr. Bilal Shafi is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dominican Hospital.