Heart health is important to the body’s overall wellness and function. The heart circulates oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. When the heart is not working properly, just about every function is affected and that includes wound healing. An alarming 33 percent of Americans, more than 92 million people, suffer from a cardiovascular disease that could inhibit their body’s healing response.
It is important to know the facts and take actions to prevent conditions that may affect the heart health and proper wound healing.
6.7 million people are currently living with a chronic wound. Cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and other issues with the heart and vessels can cause obstructions that hinder the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrition to the wound. Cholesterol, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure can also affect the health of your heart.
To avoid these conditions, it is important to keep your heart healthy. The Wound Care Center at Shore Medical Center offers the following tips to live a heart healthy life.
- Live an active lifestyle with 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco of any kind as it is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease.
- Eat a diet that is heart-healthy. This includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other low-fat sources of protein.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. All of these chronic conditions can lead to heart disease.
- Ensure you get quality sleep by making it a priority in your life. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- Manage your stress in a healthy way with positive self-talk, using stress stoppers, doing things you enjoy, and relaxing on a regular basis.
- See your healthcare provider for regular screenings. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings.
© 2018 Healogics. All rights reserved.
For more information, contact:
Shore Medical Center's Wound Care Center
609-653-4526
Located at:
Shore Medical Center
100 Medical Center Way
Somers Point, NJ
Open 8am - 4:30pm
Monday through Friday
