Tips for a Healthy Heart at AdventHealth Central Texas

KILLEEN, TEX. – In honor of Heart Month, AdventHealth Central Texas hosted Heart-to-Heart, a free community health screening event at the Killeen Seventh-day Adventist Church aimed at promoting heart health and wellness. The event provided participants with valuable information about heart disease, including the critical risk factors, symptoms to watch for and lifestyle changes to help reduce the risk of heart conditions.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Texas and the United States, making it more important than ever for individuals to understand how to safeguard their hearts. Several key risk factors for heart disease were highlighted during the event, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and family history. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend adopting a healthy diet (avoiding high salt and fat), engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider. As James Lampley, director of the cardiology catheterization lab at Central Texas, advised, “Eating a healthy diet is one of the most impactful changes you can make for your heart health.”

Participants were also educated on how to recognize symptoms of heart disease, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, leg swelling that cannot be attributed to another cause, chest pain, heart palpitations (those “skipped” heartbeats you can feel in your chest) and unexplained sweating or nausea. “Recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes,” Lampley emphasized, adding “Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of heart conditions.”

Taking care of one’s heart is not just a one-time effort but a lifelong commitment. By understanding the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms and making informed lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of heart disease.

To schedule an appointment with AdventHealth Central Texas’ Heart and Vascular Center, call 254.519.8578 or visit AdventHealthCentralTexas.com.

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^{By Mariana Rodriguez-Alarcon}

^{Public Relations Specialist} 

^{Photo by Gabriel Silva, Social Media and Communications Specialist}