Heart disease builds slowly and quietly. Some people don't know they have a problem until they have a heart attack. In fact, heart disease and stroke kill more Hispanics every year than any other cause, including cancer and accidents.

Research is starting to show that Hispanics have a high rate for some health problems that increase heart disease risk. Diabetes is one example. On average, Hispanics are two times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of the same age.

Main Risk Factors
So how do you know if you are at risk? There are many well-known risk factors for heart disease:

• Diabetes: People with this condition experience heart disease and stroke twice as often as those who do not have diabetes.
• Smoking: Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than people who don't smoke. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood supply to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack.
• High total and bad cholesterol readings: What level is considered high can depend on other risk factors you might have. All adults should get their cholesterol checked every five years.
• High blood pressure, such as 140/90 or higher: Studies show that lowering the first number can cut down on heart attacks in people 60 years and older. In fact, some experts believe that the first number is the single greatest risk factor for heart disease in older adults. All adults should get their blood pressure checked every one to two years.
• Age: Men 45 years and older and women 55 years and older are at greater risk.
• Gender: Men are at greater risk for heart attack than women are and at an earlier age. But, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.

Other risk factors include a family history of heart disease, being overweight and smoking.

Other Concerns
In addition, researchers are discovering some surprising new risk factors for heart disease.

• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, follow your doctor's recommendations for managing it. A number of studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes also had high cholesterol and blood pressure levels. People who don't have diabetes but have high insulin levels tend to have high blood pressure.
• Sleep: If you have any sleep problems, such as snoring, sleep apnea, or feeling sleepy during the day, let your doctor know. Studies have linked these sleep problems with heart disease, especially in women.
• Anger: Anger puts a physical strain on the heart, making it work harder. A study of men between the ages of 40 and 90 found that those with average to high levels of anger were up to three times more likely to develop heart disease.
• Depression: A history of depression can increase the risk of heart disease in women and men.
• Stress: Some studies have found a link between heart disease and stress, based on how people handle it.

What You Can Do
Among these risks, age and family history are two that you can't control. But there is plenty you can do to reduce the other risk factors:

• Limit how much saturated fat you eat. One way to do this: Trim fat from meat and remove skin from poultry.
• Watch your intake of salt and sodium. For instance, buy low-sodium canned foods or fresh foods.
• Lose weight if you need to. You can cut many calories by reducing your portion sizes. Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in salt, fat and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
• Try using a smaller plate or not going for seconds.
• Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs, if you smoke.
• Aim to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Even walking the dog briskly for 10 minutes, three times a day counts!

Pedro Diaz, MD, interventional cardiologist

Meet Dr. Diaz
Doctors Hospital welcomed Pedro Diaz, MD, in January as an interventional cardiologist.

Dr. Diaz earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic. He completed his postgraduate education in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he earned his degree in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease in 1996.

Dr. Diaz then moved to Miami, where he completed a subspecialty in Interventional Cardiology. He spent two years in Miami working for an interventional cardiovascular group before relocating to Puerto Rico. After practicing there, he moved to Laredo. He is board certified in cardiovascular diseases.

"I'm looking forward to helping the Laredo community. Heart health is so important, and I'm pleased to be working within such a large community, and with the staff of Doctors Hospital," Dr. Diaz says.

To make an appointment with Dr. Diaz, please call 956-717-2328.

Shake Your Salt Habit
You may know that cutting your salt intake can help lower and prevent high blood pressure. According to a recent study, it also might reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke and other heart problems. More than 3,000 people participated in a set of studies on blood pressure. After 10 to 15 years, those who had focused on greatly lowering their salt intake were up to 30 percent less likely to develop heart disease.

Keep the Beat Going Strong
Do you have a healthy heart? Get checked out today. Please call Direct Doctors™ Plus for a physician referral at 1-877-992-1711 or visit www.IchooseDoctorsHospital.com. Click Find a Doctor in the left menu.

Doctors Hospital, 10700 McPherson Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 956-523-2000 / FAX 956-523-0444