In recognition of American Heart Month, members of Copley’s cardiology team – Drs. Adam Kunin and Michael Hayes and Cardiac Nurse Practitioner, Nadia Fletcher – share their tips for a healthy heart.
According to Dr. Kunin, it is generally much easier to prevent a heart attack than it is to treat a heart attack once it has occurred: “Comprehensive cardiac prevention involves evaluating a person’s overall risk of having a cardiac event and looking at various ways to prevent such an event from happening.” Kunin says that an important piece of prevention is recognizing that you may not know all the possible risks and trying to identify them through advanced testing.
Kunin adds that there is no single cardiovascular test to predict a person’s likelihood of a heart attack. “A lot of it comes down to good, old-fashioned behavior – eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking good care of yourself.” Dr. Hayes seconds this perspective and says that not much has changed over time in terms of the steps necessary to maintain a healthy heart. “Eat whole natural foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean protein. Participate in daily exercise.”
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner Nadia Fletcher says that signs of a potential heart problem may include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. “You should see your doctor if you experience these symptoms as they can be caused by heart disease.” Fletcher shares that if your provider refers you to Copley’s Cardiology Clinic, you will be seen by a member of the team for an assessment and to determine next steps. According to Fletcher this may include a heart monitor, an echocardiogram, or a stress test.
Fortunately, Fletcher says, it is never too late to make changes that can help improve your heart health. To learn more about Copley’s Cardiology Clinic and services, visit https://www.copleyvt.org/services/cardiology-heart-health/ or call 802-888-8344.
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About Copley Hospital Copley is greater Lamoille County’s nonprofit community hospital. Copley’s core services include emergency services, diagnostic imaging, general surgery, orthopaedics, and women and children’s services. In addition, Copley provides a variety of specialty care, including cardiology, oncology, sleep and pulmonary medicine, neurology, and rehabilitation on its campus in Morrisville, Vermont. Copley has been named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital and one of the Top 50 hospitals in New England based on patient satisfaction. For more information, visit https://www.copleyvt.org/