Making Rounds on Fox10 News | Heart Health Month with Dr. Brian Dearing
- Category: News, Heart & Vascular
- Posted On:
- Written By: Amanda Akey
As Heart Month approaches next month, it's a great time to focus on maintaining heart health and understanding the risks associated with cardiovascular disease. Dr. Brian Dearing, a cardiologist, recently joined Lenise Ligon on Fox10 news to share valuable insights on how people can better manage their heart health, especially with the help of Baldwin County's Cardiac STAT Program.
The Cardiac STAT Program, launched in 2004, was created to address the most serious type of heart attack, known as STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). This condition occurs when a blood vessel is completely blocked, and immediate intervention is crucial. Through the program, patients can be quickly transported from the field or emergency room to the cath lab where doctors can restore blood flow, minimizing damage to the heart.
Dr. Dearing emphasized the importance of staying proactive about heart health, particularly for individuals with risk factors like family history, diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension. Early testing, such as a calcium score CT scan, can help identify plaque buildup in the arteries, enabling doctors to start treatment before major issues arise.
In Baldwin County, where rapid population growth has led to an increase in heart disease cases, Infirmary Health continues to enhance its cardiovascular services to meet the growing demand. Despite efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease, the region still experiences a significant number of heart attacks, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely care.
Finally, knowing the symptoms of a heart attack—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea—is essential for quick action. Dr. Dearing advises that if symptoms persist for more than a couple of minutes, it's vital to call 911 immediately. The sooner emergency services are involved, the better the chances of a positive outcome.
Heart health is something we all need to prioritize, and with the right knowledge and resources, we can take steps to protect ourselves and those around us.