Prioritizing Your Heart Health This Heart Health Month

Every February, Heart Health Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of cardiovascular wellness. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the United States, raising awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment is more crucial than ever. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular diseases account for nearly one in every three deaths in the U.S. But the good news? Many of these conditions are preventable with proactive lifestyle choices and regular checkups.

Understanding Your Heart Health

At North Star Health Alliance, we are committed to providing comprehensive cardiology care that supports patients from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. With convenient locations at Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, our expert cardiology teams utilize cutting-edge technology to diagnose and manage a wide range of heart conditions.

Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Recognizing the warning signs of heart disease can be life-saving. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your primary care provider, who may refer you to a cardiologist:

• Chest discomfort – Pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest can indicate potential heart issues.
• Heart palpitations – An irregular heartbeat or rapid fluttering sensation can be a sign of arrhythmia.
• High blood pressure – Consistently high readings increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing, especially during activity or while lying down, may indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular concerns.
• Fainting or dizziness – Feeling lightheaded or passing out can be linked to irregular heart rhythms or circulation problems.

Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Services

At North Star Health Alliance, we offer a variety of diagnostic tests to assess your heart’s condition and determine the best course of action:

• Stress Tests – Evaluate heart function under exertion and help diagnose coronary artery disease.
• Cardiac Nuclear Medicine – Detects heart attacks, artery disease, and blood flow issues using SPECT cameras.
• Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) – Provides high-resolution imaging to detect structural abnormalities.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) – Measures electrical activity, tracking over 500 heart function indicators.
• Holter Monitoring – Records heart activity continuously for 24 hours to detect arrhythmias.
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – Monitors blood pressure fluctuations over a full day.

Beyond diagnostics, our cardiology teams provide comprehensive treatment options tailored to each patient's needs. These include medications for heart disease management, lifestyle modification counseling to support long-term heart health, and specialized procedures such as cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm. For those requiring advanced intervention, our experts also perform pacemaker implantation to ensure effective heart rhythm management.

The Role of Lifestyle in Heart Health

Heart disease prevention starts with a heart-healthy lifestyle. According to the AHA, up to 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes. Dr. David Antecol, a cardiologist at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining cardiovascular health:

“I encourage people to follow a low-sodium, whole-food, plant-based diet. Incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables not only adds essential nutrients but also naturally lowers sodium intake, promoting better heart health.”

Scientific research supports that a balanced diet can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall cardiovascular health.Regular exercise also plays a critical role. The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Take Action This Heart Health Month

Taking small steps today can lead to a healthier heart tomorrow. This February, commit to:

✔ Scheduling your annual heart screening

✔ Making heart-healthy food choices

✔ Incorporating more physical activity into your routine

✔ Learning CPR – a skill that can save lives

✔ Spreading awareness about heart disease prevention

✔ Attend one or both of our free luncheon events to increase your heart health knowledge!

Free Heart Health Luncheons with North Star Health Alliance

At our heart health month luncheon’s our board certified Cardiologists Dr. Mirza Ashraf (Carthage) and Dr. David Antecel (Claxton Hepburn Medical Campus) will be speaking sharing invaluable insight about heart health! Reservations are required and can be made by calling 315-323-6006.

Get the Care You Need with North Star Health Alliance

At the North Star Health Alliance, your heart health is our priority. Whether you need a routine checkup or advanced cardiovascular care, our team is here for you every step of the way. Let’s make heart health a priority - not just in February, but all year long.

Contact Our Team:

CHMC Cardiology Office: 315-713-6765
CHMC Cardiology Lab: 315-713-5640
The Heart & Health Center of Northern NY (Carthage): 315-493-1450