Medical Minute: How to Protect Yourself from a Heart Attack

By Sandra Rose  | 

young African American businesswoman having heart attack

This post, originally written on Feb. 24, 2016, is being bumped up because one of my loyal readers suffered a heart attack a few days after the New Year. She requested a Medical Minute post to warn her fellow Rose Garden members about the warning signs of a heart attack.

Please heed the warning signs. Black people are at greater risk for heart attacks due to the prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes in the black community.

It can happen to you.

Originally published on: Feb 24, 2016:

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in America. About 1.5 million people die from heart disease annually in the U.S.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women (more deaths than all cancers combined).

Even if you think you're fairly healthy, you can drop dead of a heart attack at any time if you don't know how to prevent heart attacks.

So what can you do to prevent a heart attack? Read on...

Juan A. Escarfuller, MD shares these tips and early warning signs of heart disease.

1. Stop smoking -- smoking cigarettes or weed damages every organ in your body, including the lining of your arteries. Smoking causes fatty deposits (plaque) and narrowing of the arteries, leading to chest pain (angina) and irregular heart beat.

2. Change your lifestyle by eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly.

3. Know the early warning signs of a heart attack:

  • Chest pain, jaw pain, shoulder or arm pain
  • Back pain between the shoulders
  • Feeling of pressure in the chest
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath (with or without exertion)
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Rapid or irregular heart beat
  • Cold sweats
  • Nausea

    • 5. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day -- Start off with a 5 minute workout and gradually move up to 20 minutes a day

    Dr. Jackie Walters, OB/GYN posted this easy 5 minute workout on her Instagram page, that you can do in the morning before heading to work or after work.

    5 minute workout

    6. Visit your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure or to monitor you for diabetes and high cholesterol.

    7. Take your medicine! -- Take your high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol medication as prescribed.

    8. Stay in close contact with your family and friends, especially if you are elderly. You may need someone to check on you regularly. Or you may need to check on someone you haven't heard from in a while who lives alone.

    Sudden death is unpleasant and permanent. So take care of your heart!

    This has been your Medical Minute.

    More Info On the Web

    What is a Heart Attack? -- NIH
    Warning Signs of Heart Attack - Heart.org
    Heart Attack -- Mayo Clinic
    Heart Attack, Learn Symptoms and Treatment - MedicineNet

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    Stock photo by Michael Jung/Getty Images

    • Jusstlookn

      Good Morning Ms. SANDRA. Great medical minute.

      I wonder if any if the Roses use baby powder for hygiene? I hope not.

    • Milani

      Thank you for posting this Auntie...loads of good info.

    • SameoleJ

      8. Stay in close contact with your family and friends, especially if you are elderly. You may need someone to check on you regularly.
      Uhn uhn, some of them azzholes will cause a heart attack!!

    • Vonn

      "Sudden death is unpleasant and permanent." Lol. You don't have anything if you do not have a heart. Thanks for the info.

    • SameoleJ

      I know a medical student (graduate at that) who said sudden death was a symptom!! No lie, he did and argued with me when I told him to fix it to read that it was an outcome!! No need to give y'all his name, cause he ain't never going to be a full doctor no way.

    • harley_quinn2.0

      Thanks for the info!

    • Let Your Soul Glow

      Great post, Sandra! I like that 5 minute workout, although I detest burpees. I'm going to save this info.

    • Unita Lucinda “Lucy” Freebush

      "Sudden death is unpleasant and permanent."

      ?...Permanent?

      Okaaay ?

      Luh you @SandraRose ?

    • Vonn

      I hope not as well. I believe that talc was the alleged cancer causing ingredient. Most baby powders are now made with cornstarch.

    • iWasteTime

      **puts blunt out**

    • It’s Taurus Season

      Sudden death is unpleasant and permanent.
      ^^^^
      Say you can't undo managing to die huh.

    • SameoleJ

      Apparently not!!

    • Low E. {CIRCA 1908}

      THEY STILL SELL THE TALC VERSION... THE PURE CORNSTARCH HAS A BLUE NOZZLE

    • harley_quinn2.0

      My diet has been horrible for 6 months. I got to do better ?

    • SameoleJ

      I never used it on any of my children (especially not my daughter- just couldn't imagine that stuff in her private parts), was never used on me.

    • Vonn

      Lawd

    • Angela

      I need to implement this 5 minute morning workout. I'm hauling winter weight I have gained.

    • It’s Taurus Season

      In clinical research sudden death is what is called an SAE. Serious adverse event. So is inpatient hospitalization.

      In other words going to the hospital ranks the exact same as: yo ass is dead.

    • SameoleJ

      Down below, I explained how a medical graduate said it was a symptom so ummmm maybe he know something we don't!! CTHU

    • Let Your Soul Glow

      My diet has gotten better, but I've been too sedentary. I just got back in the gym in January. I hate it, but I love it. LOL!

    • Angela

      I was taught by my mama neva eva to do such a thing because the outcome could be what the outcome was for the poor woman who passed.

    • LeBrick James

      Tell us his name so we can stay away from him when he starts practicing medicine haha

    • http://Copblock.org aDingoDrankMyBabies

      Does he pose for pictures like this??? I think I know who it is???? Mornin?

    • Just Keya

      So when I am admitted for this baby it ranks with death? Ugh. I don't like that.

    • SameoleJ

      Sandy there is a Life Vest out now that patients who are at risk can wear and it detects a heart attack. When it does, it acts as a defibrillator and sends a jolt to the heart. It has proven to have saved lives, but is only provided to patients who have already suffered an attack.

      The company is trying to get more cardiologist to use it.

    • Afiya

      Thanks for this Sandra!

      #BLM
      #Revolt

    • Just Keya

      Excuse me miss? I am still waiting for you to email me something. *looks at watch and taps foot*

    • Vonn

      He may get licensed in another country. Spill the beans.

    • SameoleJ

      He ain't NEVER going to get that far.....I promise that!! No worries!!

    • http://Copblock.org aDingoDrankMyBabies

      Dafuq is a burpee? Is it like a queef?

    • Let Your Soul Glow

      My job considers having a baby a disability. Technically. Because my maternity leave was covered under short term disability. **shrugs**

    • Bam Bam Li

      I do a mixture of Pilate's and Yoga with my daughter (in her cute leotard ?) since my brother is a Yoga instructor, it kills me...seriously does but doing it with friends or family is a fun way lol

    • SameoleJ

      CTHU, I don't think so. Good Morning!!

    • Let Your Soul Glow

      HA! No, gutter mind! It's an exercise where you jump down into a plank, then pull your legs back into a squat, then jump back up. It's a great full body exercise, but I hate them.

    • Empress

      Limit marijuana smoking. I will only smoke it in ceremony. I find it best in food, beverages, and topically with the oil extracted and added to African shea or coconut oil. Off topic: Can someone please get the stylist for these rappers with these scarecrow crackhead dreds and give them a card for a good loctian. Geesh there are amazing people in just about every major city. This fools hair is crying for help and someone had the nerve to do a crappy loc repair on the blond parts that have popped off from bleach damage. If you can spend money on weed and high end clothes surely you can afford to hydrate your thirsty hair?

    • Let Your Soul Glow

      I just got an email for a baby and mommy Yoga class. I miss yoga, haven't done it in months. It is such a good workout. If my sister was a yoga instructor, I would pay her to work me out on the regular!

    • Bam Bam Li

      I'm dying ??? it's an exercise. It'll have you sucking air once you're done like you've been underwater for 2 hours

    • It’s Taurus Season

      Only certain types of hospital type stays.

    • harley_quinn2.0

      It's similar to Squat thrust ??

    • SameoleJ

      I am still waiting for a response for someone, who was on vacation. Stop tapping your foot, the sound is making me tap my fingers off beat!! Kisses!!

    • SameoleJ

      No lie!! He wouldn't make it pass the residency portion and damn sure wouldn't make it pass a fellowship!! Just don't get medical care in Russia. LOL

    • Bam Bam Li

      I love it, I bring my daughter with me to my brothers class so he takes it easy on me otherwise he'll start going ham with the positions ?. My daughter loves it bless her cotton socks, gets confused but she tries lol

    • Let Your Soul Glow

      That is so cute! I'm in this babywearing group on FB and these mamas started a babywearing yoga class. Can you imagine doing downward facing dog with your child strapped to your back? It's hard for me with just my own fat strapped to my back! LOL! But their pics look awesome. I'm in a different state now so I can't even try it, but maybe I can find a baby yoga class where I am now.

    • Bam Bam Li

      ROFL!! Yes I can imagine because every time I do down facing dog or any other low pose she thinks it's a game and tries climb on my back or grabs my arm or legs, most of the time I can't focus she keeps making me laugh ?. Then my brother speeds up the pace and I'm done my arms turn to jello after the fourth rep

    • 1/8

      Walking is a great form of exercise. It's free, low-impact, and it's something you can do anywhere. If you're a beginner in the fitness game, I would suggest you start by walking more, consuming less sugar, drinking more water, and avoiding foods that are high in sodium.

    • stav

      I appreciate this informative post.

    • Vonn

      I just re-started Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. I love to hate her, it gets me through the workout.

    • Ssik am

      ???

    • Vonn

      I wouldn't mind if they banned it. I hate seeing women battering their necks up with it when it's hot.

    • Deno Spencer

      This great info to start the day. Especially for friends who think weed us healthy. Thanks ms sandra

    • AnonymousRose

      WEED.........What about cannabis oil.

    • Just Keya

      lol

    • Junkanoo

      I would have thought stress would play a huge issue in heart health ( an a poor diet )health issues in genreal. Weed is from the God's not to be demonized ,perhaps a vaporizer would reduce harsh smoke . It's too freaking stressful to not smoke weed with racism on the rise an America falling apart at the seams

    • SouljaSociety

      ok Thanks... now where is the exclusive gossip?

    • SouljaSociety

      If you are one of those people who get panic attackas/anxiety/paranoia when high you're just stressing your body. Which could lead to a heart attack in the long run.

    • Unita Lucinda “Lucy” Freebush

      Chile look.

    • Readytochokemothernatureonout

      Thanks for the info...

    • I cAll ThE sHoTs…

      eat oatmeal

    • just being me

      Wiz is way too skinny to have a heart lol

    • Tee Bullock

      Thank you fellow rose and praying for your speedy recovery!

    • MsPam

      Thank you for the information! I hope the loyal reader gets /feels better! ??

    • V Dubb

      My fam passed Saturday from one....take care of yourselves Period!!

    • CaramelDrop

      I'm sorry. I think 1b is saving my life. I have high blood pressure so I have to take a very small dosage of hydroclorothiazide daily. When I stopped partaking in 1b for a few months (pure misery) my pressure sky rocketed and my dr. Added the lisinopril combination. Started 1b back - pressure went down and I only take the water pill?????. If I don't partake I get fat, irritable, sorry af and my pressure rises.

    • klwbaby

      So sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family.

    • Darkandlovely617?

      ?
      ??
      Happy new year

    • V Dubb

      Thank you so much Love! It's been tough, but terrifying also. We believe we have time....and we surely do not. ?

    • Take care of yourselves

      I’m in poor health and I don’t really know why. I’m not older or obese, and I’m pretty active. I have a very unhealthy diet though. It angers me to see people who are way bigger and older than me, but healthy. I fear I’ll have a heart attack or something in my 40s. I take all medications but worry that my health seems strangely fragile or something.

    • You Could Never

      I'm sorry Rose who had heart attack. God bless you

    • You Could Never

      Don't let them tell you. Demand a second opinion. God bless you

    • You Could Never

      God bless your family

    • tintin

      You know your diet is unhealthy why not try to fix it. There are many healthy foods that taste so delicious. Look up recipes. Just gradually cut out the crappy food.make Friday and Saturday your junk days eventually you will give it up

    • hottlanta

      She is not lying. Sudden death is real. My sister died at work from a heart attack. She had just finished a Toastmaster's presentation and sat in the chair and died. They thought she was sitting in the chair with her head down. My brother died in his sleep. Both of them were young and healthy. I had a girlfriend who went to the doctor and he told her that her issues were personal that was causing her high blood pressure. It wasn't the food it was her marriage that was killing her. What makes our pressure high is not what we put in our stomachs it is what we put in our hearts that will kill us.

    • AnastasYah

      Stop taking all medications and start taking a teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper twice a day,exercise and get you some Apple Cider vinegar. Should help alot.

    • AnastasYah

      I agree but they really don't know.Many are unaware that the word Doctor means to falsify.

    • hottlanta

      I don't have the best diet in the world but I eat stuff in moderation. I was gonna get me a run in tonight but Lil Hots kept fussing at me saying it was toooooo cold. Next time I am gonna call them when I come back from my run.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      I am sorry for your loses.

      Now I understand why you're an exercise freak.

    • NicoleZee

      Stress kills. Get the toxic people out of your life, including POS friends and men. Once you have a peace of mind, you can focus on better health and you will feel better! I've never done recreational drugs, but one idiot told me that heroin or coke would help my pelvic pain, as well as marijuana. No thanks, I'll stick to surgery and prescription narcotics when I need them :)!

    • NicoleZee

      Get the toxic people out of your life and it WILL make a difference! Stress can affect your mental and physical health and leads to numerous health issues including clinical depression, heart disease, hair loss, poor appetite, etc. Do things that make YOU happy, exercise, get into yoga, only eat bad foods in moderation (not everyday), and stop giving POS people the time of day!

    • hottlanta

      Thanks. I have always been busy and active. When I was young I would play football in the mud in the daytime, take a bath, pick out my fro/put on mini and be the flyiest chick in the room at night. I am the chick that will go to the club and dance 3 hours non-stop if the d-jay is popping. I will get on the floor and dance by myself. I like to get out and have fun. I don't go looking for a man or sit at the bar and down expensive drinks/empty calories all night when I go to a club. When I take a vacation I will run on the beach or get a walking tour. I like being outside with nature. It is something spiritual about running and the wind in your face/hair. I see tooooo many black women who feel when they get to be over 30 they act as if someone had died and don't move around anymore. We have forgotten how to have fun. I plan on doing more in my life besides going to church, mall and eating every weekend. I am tired of hearing I can't walk because I don't have anyone to walk with me. You gonna die by yourself. So why do you need someone with you to do what you know you need to do. I would never forget my beautiful run in Dubai last year looking over the ocean or my wonderful experience hiking in the mountains of Spain. I plan on being an active ole girl til I am a dead ole girl.

    • NicoleZee

      Yoga has saved my life, just like music and God. I use free yoga videos on YouTube nightly and I exercise in my neighborhood. Yoga is MY time to meditate, stretch, and pray. I'm not one for groups or gyms though.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      I have been trying to tell my well ex best friend that.

      Her father visited her from the islands one week and informed her about her brother's stupidity and the next week she had multiple anxiety attacks the following week.

      When I confronted her about it she told me that she loved her brother so I just kept my mouth shut after that.

    • XoXo

      If you stick to fruit, vegetables, water (no juice or soda), baked or grilled (not charred) chicken or turkey, farm raised salmon & fish in general, you will feel much better. I also like to fix sandwich bags like on a Sunday, with fruit & vegetables (cut up), so you can grab & go.

      When you go to the grocery store, stay on the outer perimeter where produce, etc. are located. Don't buy anything in a box, not even cereal. But you can buy oatmeal which is very good for you. Hope this helps. Oh, & attend church regularly (stay away from the wolves in sheeps clothing though). When I go to church I am in & out. Anyone that has anything to say to me will have to talk to my back, cause my front ain't hearing it.

    • hottlanta

      Do you take vacations to get away from it all. That helps me out a lot.

    • V Dubb

      Thank you so much. We can truly use those blessings.

    • MythCalledLove

      The silent killer. If the government wants to give the American people something free they can add BP machines to the list. I hv Stage IV kidney failure because high blood pressure was never treated. The docs always would say it was high. I just thought white coat syndrome. All the time I felt fine. Dr. at Patient First said I can't let you go with your BP this high. I felt fine I was there for my ankle. Nurses & 2 docs are rushing in giving me aspirin, drawing blood, hooking me up to EKG machine. Top number was 200 I can't remember the bottom. I asked is that bad? She said any second you could die.. I said O.K. that's bad They couldn't get it down.Next I'm on a ambulance. Still feeling great. That was when the docs looked at my records from past visits. I'm admitted they do a biopsy of my kidney. It could hv been avoided if it was treated earlier. I'm not on dialysis but the damage is not reversible. Get a BP machine and take your BP once a month or more. Don't depend or wait for your doc. You are never too young to hv a heart attack.

    • MythCalledLove

      It took awhile before I found the right medication. Then my BP was too low I mean in the 90's once dropped down in the 80's. I was constantly falling asleep. It was like I had taken a sleeping pill. Checked my BP it was low and that was the cause. BP that low you can hv a heart attack. I still need to get my pulse down. Replace salt with Lawry's Salt Free 17 seasoning. You will not even miss salt And watch your sodium

    • MythCalledLove

      Me too..I take Carvedilol 6.25 twice a day with it. First it was 25mg twice a day, then 25mg once and still high.. I did lisinopril but that didn't work either. Didn't like how it made me feel. Chorthiazide was what made it perfect. But doc thought that was why my BP dropped so low. But I told him I took Prazosin at night for PTSD but he brushed it off. Stopped taking that it and made a difference.

    • MythCalledLove

      Blessing to you and your family.

    • Dane

      Thank you for the reminder! I hope the reader is better & continues to be well.

      That workout 3 times is 5 minutes, though?! I will be passed out halfway through the jumping jacks. ? But it looks doable. I'm gonna go for it.

    • MythCalledLove

      I tried Yoga..Namaste Nope I'm I going to go. Yoga is no joke

    • MythCalledLove

      They hv great videos on YouTube.

    • CaramelDrop

      Thanks for sharing. If you don't mind me asking, were you ever prescribed Clonidine? The reason I ask, my eldest two children's father has blood pressure issues since our early 20's. He found out from the ER and they sent him home with clonidine and he took those for years. We will be 38 this year and that clonidine (not sure about his lifestyle but he does drink and partake in "1b") has him currently one step away from dialysis....literally one step away.

    • CaramelDrop

      I agree! I'm a living breathing example that pulling away from toxic people - even family; fasting from certain foods for at least a week a month; and something as simple as walking to the corner store after dinner, makes such a tremendous difference in your overall health.
      I tried the yoga thing, I do the stretches and sit in silence for at least 30 collective minutes talking with God. I'm a Christian (try to be to MY PERSONAL best) so I've been having little difficulty reconciling what I have read yoga is at the root, with my religion.

    • Dane

      When I'm acting right and not eating gluten or dairy, I find that I crave sugar less, too. I have more energy and feel more clear-headed.

      It's definitely easier said than done. Try to make at least one meal a day the healthy one to start. Small steps add up quick. The foods we eat are definitely the cause of most health issues today. Large amounts of stress cause or aggravate others. Good luck!

    • CaramelDrop

      That's really all you can do?????
      #mytwocents

    • CaramelDrop

      Omg! I have never really been a active person other than when I was in the army and I swim at least 12 laps collectively, over a weeks time. Running has NEVER something I do but one day I got out with the kids playing tag in a field - I had to run full force because I didn't want to get caught lol! It felt so good and liberating. Now, I STILL don't run if I don't have to but If tims permits, I don't usually let a open field pass without running through it.

    • Mister Fantastic

      As a person who had congestive heart failure, I really appreciate your medical minute.
      Thank you

    • CaramelDrop

      I'm going to have to try the Salt Free 17. That's my problem - too heavy with the seasoning. That include some bacon fat in my fresh veggies.... I know I shouldn't but my tastebuds refuse to cooperate ?

    • MistaO

      Thank you!

    • hottlanta

      Just talked to my grandbaby and he can't wait to see me so we can run up/down the steps and play tackle football. I am not the typical grandma where I bake cookies. I have to throw him on the ground and everything. He betta be glad he has a active granny. I don't go to a building in the normal church. I have a standing appointment with God at 12:noon every Sunday. I call it running/churching. I run at my own pace and pray. I have a bench where I sit under a tree when I take a break and just think. It feels so good. Just me/God and nature. I gotta go to a party this weekend and I am excited so I can get as sexy as I wanna be. My Lil Hots know to get me exercise gear as a gift. I got a shirt that heats up when it is cold and it is the business. Got cooling towels to cool down for the summer. I am ready 24/7. The days where I don't run because of rain I do lunges and weight training inside the house. Like you and the army and I am a army brat, ALWAYS STAY PREPARED!!!

    • MythCalledLove

      Never Clonidine it's used for alot of things. I was taking Prazoin for PTSD but it's mainly a blood pressure pill. It's like walking a tight rope. It took awhile before finding the right med & dose. I hv lab work once a month and keep track of my BP. Just like I didn't feel anything to let me know my kidneys where failing or my BP was too high. I hope he finds the right med. But when you hv CKD your whole life is centered around protecting your kidneys from further damage.

    • CaramelDrop

      Please please know I am praying for you.

    • CaramelDrop

      Sounds like you are LIVING and I love it! LIVING is one of my top 3 resolutions this year, IDC if it's as small as eating a food I've never heard of or driving to another state to watch a movie. Sounds like you already have "living" down pact!

    • CaramelDrop

      You know what else helps me keep my pressure down and Rx's to s minimum? Two non odor garlic pills with my hydrochlorothized. I retain fluid and my dr. Claims vitamins have minimal benefits but my husband 83y/o granny gave me those garlic pills and and a jar of garlic cloves to chew when my pressure is up and I've been maintaining. Haven't had a Rx adjustment coming up on a year in March.

    • hottlanta

      It didn't take me but one time to stare death in the face. I had a fibroid that was killing me. I told death I be damned if you gonna bury me while I am still alive I get a lot of hate from women that freaked me out. Even at 60. They have made snide comments and I have to check them and say what is it about my life that bothers you so much that everything I say or do you have something to say. I am spending my own money not asking you for nothing and I don't even speak to you. We women need to stop listening to wrong generational life advice handed down to us by Big Mama and them and change the course. Lil Hots love that I have a full life so I stay out of their lives. They tell me that everyday and that is all that matters. People ask me when am I gonna settle down. I tell people I am not gonna settle down. The man that I choose to marry we are gonna rise to the top. It is toooo crowded at the bottom because people settled. Too many women live our lives according to our girlfriends or a man in our lives. As if they don't have a girlfriend or a boyfriend they are not gonna do anything or go anywhere. I live my life according to me. I don't need either one of them to create my own memories. I would have missed out on a lot in life had I waited on other people to give me one.

    • nick c

      Sugar or sodium are pretty much in everything you eat and neither are that good for you. Try to stay as thin as possible.

    • alex

      This is a good and informative post.

    • alex

      This post = A+

      Nature is truly beautiful. We must enjoy it while it lasts.

    • alex

      I am responding late, but you don't have to run! I don't like to run, but I speed walk as many places as I can. We have a lot of hills where I live, so I walk up hills as fast as I can, which makes for a good workout! It is amazing the benefits that just walking can provide.

    • EScrazy

      We can all say what we think would help,but,the truth is the only diet that literally will save anyone’s life is vegan. Every type of meat has cholesterol and will clog arteries. Vegan is the way,you can still get your protein from veggies without clogging up your arteries. Of course cut the dairy and sugar too

    • alex

      I've found that when I am depressed, I get sick more often or my sickness worsens. Our mental and physical health are intricately linked. When I was chronically ill, it just made me sadder, which made me physically sicker, and then it became a cycle. If we can focus on getting our minds right, our bodies are soon to follow. One of the best comments here talked about getting rid of toxic people -- this is a good example of freeing ones mind.

      Mindfulness has really helped me. It takes some practice, but it is free and once you've trained yourself, you can do it anywhere! There are many resources available online, but the wikipedia article gives a preliminary definition and examples for beginners.

    • BeUtFullSoul

      GOOD morning ROSES!!! Thank you for the info @sandrarose :)
      EVERYone have a BLESSED Tuesday, #GOODvibesONLY

    • Tennessean

      Thank you! So how did weed get included in the medical minute write-up? Weed can be consumed without the use of any tobacco products. I truly am asking, even though a person does not use tobacco to inhale weed, are they still at risk?

    • Holler If Ya Hear Me

      I agree with you ? about reducing stress. I am usually fairly healthy, never had surgery taken any type of medication or anything and I just found out that I failed my prenatal 1hr glucose by 3 points. It’s not the end of the world but it is differently an eye opener. I really do not want to go back for a 3 hr testing which my doctor is absolutely sure I will pass but I definitely need to curb my sugar intake (which for me is mostly juice). In addition, in the past few months I have been under an extreme amount of stress- probably the most I’ve ever been under in my entire life so far. Stress is a killer when it’s chronic. I am in the beginning stages of incorporating meditation practices and finding more time to journal which is helping. Diet and exercise of course. I hope my condition doesn’t worsen or affect the baby in any way. Selah.

    • V Dubb

      Thank you??

    • Kayke

      Quit the cavemans diet....
      Cut dairy and you won't grow like a cow.
      Cut meat, death and decay is not a balance diet.

    • Mr.LeBrickJames

      I'd say weed is definitely not good for the heart.
      http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117399

      "A new study from Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School says marijuana increases the risk of having a heart attack within the first hour of smoking to five times that of non-smokers.
      Within the second hour, the risk declines to 1.7 times normal; and returns to an average risk after 2 hours."

    • TxCyn

      So many better agents than clonifine for blood pressure. I hate prescribing that drug bc of a patient misses one dose the blood pressure will rebound. You are essentially just playing catch up with that Med.

    • Yardgirl

      Sorry for your loss. Blessings to you and your fam

    • Yardgirl

      I wish the loyal Rose God Speed!! I have a fitness tracker (FitBit Ionic but any will work) I can be at my desk for hours and not move so I have an alarm set for each hour and it forces me to get up and walk (it buzzes and vibrates on my wrist). In 15 minutes I can get about 1,000 steps which helps towards my daily goal of 10,000. Even it it's only 5 minutes each hour, get up and WALK, your heart will thank you for it.

    • Skin Deep Beauty

      Great INFO!!

    • Readytochokemothernatureout

      Prayers for their healing.

    • Readytochokemothernatureout

      Hugs

    • Tennessean

      I understand the risks to a certain degree but this, "Scientists believe smoking marijuana puts a strain on your heart although are not sure whether it is the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) itself or other substances within the inhaled smoke, such as carbon monoxide and burnt plant particles, that have negative effects on the heart." There still has yet to be evidence linking marijuana use to heart attack.

    • MythCalledLove

      My mom gave me one last year for my BD and I love it. The step counter and that damn "Time to get on your feet " Then I hv to do at least 5 waist stretches. I use it to keep track of water. And it monitors my BP I downloaded different watch faces some add extra features that makes the watch do even more. I hv so many different watch faces. It sure as hell beats my clip on pedometer..lol I'm thinking about upgrading to the one that you can make & receive calls.

    • Judi Lauren

      Leave weed out the discussion. Ain't causing no heart attack..

    • CaramelDrop

      Thanks for your response! I’ve only been prescribed clonidine once after a hospital stay for my pressure - O just couldn’t function other than headaches most times I won’t have physical symptoms but the few pills I took, I literally felt sluggish and tired like I have HBP. I’m looking for a cardiologist now so I can pinpoint the cause.

      If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your speciality in the medical field?

    • MythCalledLove

      I use to brush off the importance of reducing stress. Thinking it was impossible until my doc explained it to me like this. When your BP was off the charts causing severe damage to your kidneys did you feel it? I said no. It's the same with stress. O.K. think of it this way. A stress fracture you don't feel it but little by little the damage is being done then you feel the pain. It made sense. Thank you for your advice because stress is more than I'm having a bad day.

    • jazzysmith12

      stay away from the fried chicken and ribs,get plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep and above all else get all that left over, built up, pig feet and hog maul in your colon out.

    • jazzysmith12

      you're not completely healthy if you have years of colon crap inside you.Are you getting enough sunlight and vitamin D.

    • IamAllnatural

      A constant dry cough is an early warning sign that something could be wrong with your heart.

    • TxCyn

      No , I don't mind you asking. Im an oncologist. Yes look for a cardiologist of a good PCP. A good PCP will be able to rule out all medical issues to confirm its " essential HTN" then refer you to a cardiologist if they can't keep your blood pressure within normal limits with conventional medications. The biggest risks are stroke and cardiac ischemia when your blood pressure is too high ( followed by kidney disease). Try to aim for under a systolic blood pressure of under 120 ( the new guidelines) Take care.

    • CaramelDrop

      You’re the best! Thank you! Going to walk into my check Friday with this info like I know what I’m talking about (finally) lol! Thanks again!!

    • V Dubb

      Thank you honey so much!!!

    • Reina1718

      Right thats helping me avoid an attack!

    • Reina1718

      So out of 3,000 people they interviewed less than 200 smoked weed ?

    • http://Copblock.org Brenden

      Happy new year? I hope all is well with you and yournz. I ain’t no millionaire?? yet, but iz workin on it? I’m still team F SR and that clique she claim????? Is what it is. Actually I’ve been kept pretty occupied offline. You see how long it took me to see this?!!lol. Blessings to you. And stay Black???????

    • Darkandlovely617?

      ??
      Glad to hear from you!