American Heart Month: Heart Health FAQs Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog Heart Month Heart Experts Answer Common Questions Feb 12, 2018 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post In celebration of American Heart Month, we asked Cedars-Sinai experts a few questions about heart health. Our panel: Dr. Sumeet Chugh, associate director of the Smidt Heart Institute Dr. Timothy Henry, former director of cardiology Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center Dr. Evan Zahn, director of the Guerin Family Congenital Heart Program Dr. Michelle Kittleson, cardiologist Dr. Janet Wei, cardiologist In Discoveries: Heart Rhythm Revelations What s a common misconception about heart health Dr. Chugh: Exertion can harm the heart. With rare exceptions, exercise saves many more lives than it takes. Dr. Henry: Women don't get coronary artery disease or heart attacks. Dr. Bairey Merz: Young women cannot get or die from heart disease. Dr. Zahn: Children cannot have heart disease. Dr. Wei: It only happens in older men or women. Heart-disease death rates in women younger than 55 are going up. Read: Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Heart Failure—What’s the Difference? What s one thing anyone can do to protect their heart Dr. Chugh: 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking, 5 days a week. Dr. Henry: Stop smoking, exercise, know your blood pressure and cholesterol, and treat if needed. Dr. Bairey Merz: Don't smoke and don't allow others to smoke in your space. Dr. Kittleson: Exercise is critical. Not only does it improve weight, blood pressure, diabetes control, and cholesterol, it's also an early-detection system. If you're exercising regularly, you are in tune with your body and can notice exertional limitations that may signal heart problems. Dr. Wei: Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and seek treatment if they are elevated. What s a sign that something may be wrong with my heart Dr. Chugh: Possible signs that should not be ignored include chest pain, shortness of breath with exertion, dizziness, palpitations, and fainting spells. Dr. Henry: Chest pain or shortness of breath. Dr. Bairey Merz: Any symptom above the waist that is unusual for you. Dr. Kittleson: A change in your stamina, endurance, or energy levels with exercise. Dr. Wei: Chest discomfort or shortness of breath while exercising. Read: Fighting Heart Disease in Young Women What s the most important thing you want people to know about heart health Dr. Chugh: Heart health is an achievable goal. Dr. Henry: There are tangible ways to promote heart-healthy living! Dr. Bairey Merz: Application of research findings has led to a 50% reduction in heart disease death, but we need more research to find cures. Dr. Zahn: Congenital heart disease is a lifelong diagnosis and follow-up is critical to maintaining good heart health. Dr. Wei: Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm labor are associated with future maternal cardiovascular disease, so women with these conditions should get regular check-ups for cardiac risk counseling. Tags Heart Prevention Expert Advice Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics Cancer Women's Health Heart Expert Advice Patient Stories Brain Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility