News

June 21, 2022

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Dr. Cindy John, a cardiologist with Steward Health Group, is passionate about helping her patients create habits for optimal heart health.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” said Dr. John. “Every 36 seconds – in the time it takes for you to send a text message – someone dies from cardiovascular disease in this country.”

These facts have driven Dr. John to become a fierce advocate in the fight against heart disease, educating her patients on risk factors and preventative measures to keep their heart health in check.

“First, it’s vital to ‘know your numbers’ and monitor them regularly,” said Dr. John. “An optimum blood pressure reading is 120/80 while total cholesterol should be between 125-200 mg/dl.”

Dr. John also says it’s essential for people to know their risk factors such as obesity and diabetes as well as be aware of any family history of heart disease.

“If you are at risk for heart disease, you can make small, incremental changes that will make a huge difference. You don’t have to make all the adjustments at once,” said Dr. John. “Just going for a 20-minute walk, five days a week, can reduce your risk of having a heart attack and improve your overall cardiovascular health.”

Dr. John also stresses that cardiovascular disease is not just limited to those over the age of 65. She has started to see patients in their 30s who have experienced heart attacks or developed other cardiovascular conditions.

“Just as you take your car in for regular service and maintenance, your heart needs and deserves the same tender, loving care,” she said.

For more questions about heart care, make an appointment with Dr. John today by visiting: https://bit.ly/3bjucnW