It’s a Matter of Your Health

Heart disease is on the rise. It is the number one cause of death in everybody: men, women, Black, White, Asian, Arab, Latino or Indigenous.

Progress had been made in fighting heart disease until around 2012. We started losing the battle for various reasons, but one of the leading theories is that we began to see more inflammation in people.

So, what is inflammation? It is a normal biological response to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells or irritants. The five cardinal signs of inflammation are increased heat (calor), pain (dolor), redness (rubor), swelling (tumor) and loss of function (function laesa). Inflammation starts as a protective mechanism. It is a key component of your immune response and healing. However, it can change as the irritants that cause or promote the biological response increase, thus creating a chronic state of inflammation.

Inflammation increases the amount of heart disease we see. It contributes to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries. This can promote blood clots and other life-threatening events.

Cardiologists want all to know that this is not something that happens overnight. It occurs over a gradual period, but we see these changes in people in their twenties, which is alarming.

So, how can you help combat inflammation and heart disease? Well, you have heard this song before. Lifestyle choices are indeed a big part of preventing both conditions. 

It has long been proven by research that diets high in saturated fats, sugars, and highly processed foods all contribute to heart disease. This is a problem as people seek to eat convenience food and not make heart-healthy food choices. As people continue to eat food that is prepared for them in factories, with lots of additives and preservatives, we will see more heart disease at a younger age.

Other factors that increase inflammation include obesity, smoking and stress. Did you know that people are more likely to have a heart attack on Monday morning before going back to work? Well, what does that say?

It says lifestyle choices must include ways to reduce the stress people experience and promote a life of wellness. Days set aside to relax, do nothing, and reground should not be classified as lazy days. They are health-promoting and necessary for our mind, body and spirit.

Mental health is another contributor to that pool of inflammation. Take seriously any episodes of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Own them, address them with your healthcare provider, and get help. They directly increase inflammation and thus increase your cardiovascular risk.

Sleep is again a part of this story. Getting adequate sleep is a must. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation contributes to and promotes inflammation. Practice good sleep hygiene. Remember to sleep in a dark, cool room. Shut down those computer screens an hour before bedtime. Do not let the TV remain on all night. If necessary, please put on a TV timer. The body likes regularity. Try to stop consuming food and drink two to three hours before bedtime. You should have a bedtime, and you should stick to it.

Your healthcare provider has tests that can determine if your arteries are inflamed. An HS-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein test) and/or an IL-6 (interleukin-6) test are suggested. Ask if it is appropriate for you to be evaluated. If these tests are elevated, there are medications that your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe depending on your particular health issues.

Here is the deal: if you are unwilling to commit to making the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the game is lost. You are what you eat, you are how you sleep. How you handle your business is essential, or your business will handle you. How do you live your life? I hope with great intent.

Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.