During the month of February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day along with focusing on Heart Month. At Montrose Regional Health, we turn our attention to teaching others about heart disease, the treatments, and new technologies MRH has to offer.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. About every 36 seconds an American will suffer a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from one. On average, a Coloradan dies every hour due to cardiovascular disease. In the past few years, heart disease and stroke were the leading cause of death in Colorado, accounting for 24 percent of all deaths in the state. These can be some scary statistics – so what should you do?
First, be informed and take care of your body. Have regular checkups and follow your care providers’ recommendations. Eat right and exercise. Do you know what your cholesterol level is? What is your ratio between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol? Take advantage of the MRH Health Fair and Early Blood Draws coming in August. For a very reasonable price, you can have the chemistry profile blood test done which includes a cardiac risk profile that will give you information about your risk for heart disease. Prevention is the #1 key to reducing cardiovascular disease.
Above all – Quit Smoking! You have heard the reasons before, so we won’t go into them here. If you need help, talk with your health care provider. They can provide advice and recommend medications to help you. There are many options available to help you quit smoking and provide additional support during this very difficult task.
It is also important to know the warning signs of a heart attack and to recognize a medical emergency when it occurs. Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and dramatically. When the heart goes into cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical impulses become chaotic. This irregular heart rhythm, called ventricular fibrillation, causes the heart to stop suddenly. During cardiac arrest, a victim loses consciousness, stops normal breathing, and loses pulse and blood pressure. If you witness any of the warning signs – call 9-1-1 immediately! MRH offers CPR classes, and we encourage you and your loved ones to sign up and learn.
Last, but not least, know that caregivers at MRH are here to help you keep your heart healthy. Drs. Lee, Arashvand, Stampel, Wilkins and Frank, along with the highly trained staff, have years of experience caring for our communities. The physicians and staff in the Emergency Department are specially trained in emergency medicine and stay current in the latest treatment for chest pain and cardiac arrest. The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team at Montrose Regional Health provides an incredible and supportive environment for people recovering from heart-related illnesses and surgeries. It is amazing to see the positive difference in the people after they have completed this outstanding program.
So, as you are preparing for Valentine’s Day notice the heart decorations around your home and around town, take a moment to think about your own heart. If there are changes you would like to make, or information you need, don’t hesitate to contact Cardiology Services at Montrose Regional Health at 970.252.1020.
Leann Tobin, Chief Ancillary Services and Marketing Officer, Montrose Regional Health
About Montrose Regional Health (www.MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. The hospital is licensed for 75-beds and offers an extensive range of inpatient & outpatient health care services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory, medical imaging/radiology, Mountain View Therapy, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced respiratory & pulmonary services, and the family birthing center. The health system has a reputation for acquiring the latest technologies in healthcare, from robotic assisted surgical services to UVC-disinfection technology. Montrose Regional Health is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 700 employees and 100 providers who represent 23 medical specialties. With a tagline that reads Caring for you like family, the health system is known for its warm patient care.
