american heart month

Heart health at work: What to look for in employees

February 4, 2023 by Keely Knopp

Heart disease is common across all demographics, but it’s especially prevalent among working-age individuals — with increased risk among those with high levels of job-related stress. In fact, according to the CDC, cardiac issues top the list as the most expensive health-related issues for employers, costing $363 billion annually in the U.S.

With heart health in mind this month, and to reduce risk to your company and employees, here are a few signs and symptoms of heart-related issues to look out for in your workforce:

Chest pain
One of the more obvious symptoms of heart-related issues, chest pain can be an indicator of cardiac distress — though it may have other explanations. Watch for employees complaining of discomfort or tightness in the chest. Some may feel a heavy, crushing or squeezing pain, while others only feel mild discomfort. The pain may be sharp and spread to a person’s sternum, neck, arms, stomach, jaw or upper back.

It’s important to remember that the pain’s intensity does not always correlate to the severity of the problem.

Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
Those experiencing chronic heart conditions may complain of shortness of breath, especially during periods of activity or when lying flat on their backs. This is caused by the heart’s inability to efficiently pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Similarly, frequent coughing and wheezing may also indicate excess fluid in the lungs due to heart failure.

Employees experiencing long-term issues with shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing may need to seek medical evaluation.

Pain, discomfort or numbness in limbs
Those with narrowed blood vessels suffer much higher risk of heart attack and stroke, with patients often complaining of pain, aching, burning, numbness or other discomfort in the feet, calves or thighs — caused by poor blood supply to the legs.

If any workers complain of painful symptoms in the legs while walking or exercising, especially if accompanied by numbness while at rest, you may advise them to seek medical care.

Fatigue
Though anyone can be tired any time of day, feeling run down or exhausted with no apparent cause can be a sign of something more serious. If an employee seems much more tired than normal — to the point where it may be affecting their work — it may be time to seek immediate care.

Sudden, severe fatigue is a common sign of heart attack in women, especially when accompanied by extreme muscle weakness.

Heart palpitations
One of the more direct symptoms of heart trouble, palpitations are often experienced through the sensation of a fast or uneven heartbeat. When the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, it may begin beating faster to keep up, resulting in a throbbing or jumping feeling in the chest of the individual.

While not always a medical emergency, this points to a potential issue with the person’s heart rate or rhythm, which warrants a visit or follow up with a doctor.

When to call 911
While the above symptoms alone may not indicate a medical emergency, it’s important to train supervisors and staff to look out for the signs of severe cardiac distress.

If an employee complains of chest pain accompanied by lightheadedness or nausea, jaw, neck or back pain, discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder, or shortness of breath, he or she may be experiencing a heart attack — and emergency medical services should be called.

Understanding risk factors and symptoms of heart trouble, in addition to taking prompt action during emergencies, saves the lives of millions of Americans. To keep your company’s supervisors in-the-know about heart health, including what to do in case of an emergency, Mercy Occupational Medicine is here to help with supervisor training programs that focus on identifying risks, establishing protocols and promoting overall employee wellness.

To schedule training for your company’s supervisors or to discuss other ways Mercy Occupational Medicine can help, contact Jon Medin at jmedin@mercyurgentcare.org or by calling 828.252.3443.

American Heart Month

February 1, 2023 by Keely Knopp

When tending to your heart this month ahead of Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to extend some love to your anatomical heart, as well.

American Heart Month, celebrated every February, was created to spread awareness of heart health, while also motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease. The world’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease claims 17.9 million lives globally each year and is responsible for one of every four deaths (about 655,000 annually) in America. According to the CDC, one person in the U.S. dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. But, by controlling risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, about 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided.

So what can you do — both for your heart and the hearts of your loved ones?

Eat Well and Drink Wisely

Cut out sugar-filled beverages like sodas. Instead, try water with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
Cut down on processed, prepackaged foods. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, cheese or nuts contain just what your body needs (and less of what makes it ill).
Try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. If that sounds like a lot, blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies — or get creative with your salads.
Meal plan by making large batches of healthy foods — grains and vegetables — and take it to work for lunch all week.
Limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amounts for your age and gender.

Get Up and Move

Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times a week.
To keep you on your toes, mix up your exercise. Walking, dancing and intense housework all count as exercise.
If you spend much of your day sitting — whether it’s at a computer, hard at work, or binging the latest hot television series — remember to stand up and move around at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, climb stairs, do squats — whatever it takes to get a mini-workout in before getting back to work (or play).
Take advantage of Asheville’s wonderful hiking and biking opportunities. We live in one of the most gorgeous regions in the country, so don’t forget to take full advantage of our wonderful scenic exercise opportunities.
Let technology help! It’s a great time to be fit, with technology like Fitbits, Apple watches and smartphone apps that allow you to track your exercise progress, whether it’s miles walked, steps climbed or calories burned.

Stop Smoking

This is the single most important thing you can do for your heart and your overall health — and it’s one of the easiest to do, if you set your mind to it. By quitting use of tobacco products, your heart is already automatically healthier than those who continue to smoke. This one act can reduce or even reverse heart disease in patients.
Those around you stand to benefit from you quitting too. If no longer exposed to second-hand smoke, your loved ones will also benefit and have stronger overall health.

American Heart Month

February 5, 2022 by Keely Knopp

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only reason for heart-shaped decor this month. February is American Heart Month — the more anatomically correct of the two February holidays — and Mercy Urgent Care wants to remind you to keep heart health in mind this month and all year long.

American Heart Month was created to spread awareness of heart health, while also motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease. The world’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease claims 17.9 million lives globally each year and is responsible for one of every four deaths (about 655,000 annually) in America. According to the CDC, one person in the U.S. dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. But, by controlling risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, about 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided.

So what can you do — both for your heart and the hearts of your loved ones?

Eat Well and Drink Wisely

Cut out sugar-filled beverages like sodas. Instead, try water with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
Cut down on processed, prepackaged foods. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, cheese or nuts contain just what your body needs (and less of what makes it ill).
Try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. If that sounds like a lot, blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies — or get creative with your salads.
Meal plan by making large batches of healthy foods — grains and vegetables — and take it to work for lunch all week.
Limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amounts for your age and gender.

Get Up and Move

Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times a week.
To keep you on your toes, mix up your exercise. Walking, dancing and intense housework all count as exercise.
If you spend much of your day sitting — whether it’s at a computer, hard at work, or binging the latest hot television series — remember to stand up and move around at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, climb stairs, do squats — whatever it takes to get a mini-workout in before getting back to work (or play).
Take advantage of Asheville’s wonderful hiking and biking opportunities. We live in one of the most gorgeous regions in the country, so don’t forget to take full advantage of our wonderful scenic exercise opportunities.
Let technology help! It’s a great time to be fit, with technology like Fitbits, Apple watches and smartphone apps that allow you to track your exercise progress, whether it’s miles walked, steps climbed or calories burned.

Stop Smoking

This is the single most important thing you can do for your heart and your overall health — and it’s one of the easiest to do, if you set your mind to it. By quitting use of tobacco products, your heart is already automatically healthier than those who continue to smoke. This one act can reduce or even reverse heart disease in patients.
Those around you stand to benefit from you quitting too. If no longer exposed to second-hand smoke, your loved ones will also benefit and have stronger overall health.

american heart month

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