As the annual spotlight on Earth approaches, i.e., Earth Day, and we take stock of the health of the planet, recent research seems to indicate that the health of the earth is also tied to our own health. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that at least 12.6 million deaths a year can be attributed to environmental risks which serves to highlight the importance of the mission statement behind Earth Day. From a cardiovascular perspective, climate change also directly impacts heart health.
Climate change has led to higher global temperatures which brings about frequent heat waves increasing the chances of heart attack or even stroke, particularly for those with cardiovascular health problems. This does not even factor in that heat waves are also bad for one’s mental health which can only exacerbate many underlying medical conditions. Persistent mental illness (from chronic stress, mood disorders, PTSD, etc.), research shows, can lead to a variety of cardiovascular issues: increased heart rate and blood pressure, higher levels of cortisol, and even reduced blood flow to the heart. These physiological effects can actually lead to calcium buildup in the arteries and even contribute to heart disease.
Additionally, individuals who struggle with chronic mental health, and do not have healthy coping mechanisms, have an increased chance of turning to unhealthy mechanisms like cigarettes or alcohol which can be especially detrimental to heart health, especially those with AFib. There is a growing body of research that is illuminating a close interaction between psychological factors and AFib disease conditions. So, in keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, keep in mind how you treat the environment because our health is partially dependent on it.
New Research on Sheltering-in-Place and Weight Gain
With the help of Health eHeart participants, Gregory Marcus, MD, the Associate Chief of Cardiology for Research at UCSF, has recently published a paper looking at the unintended health consequences of government issued shelter-in-place orders across the United States during the COVID pandemic. Dr. Marcus and his co-authors looked at data provided by 269 HeH participants from February 1st to June 1st, 2020. Participants showed an average weight gain of 1.5 lbs per month. He noted to the New York Times that "many of these people were losing weight before shelter-in-place orders were issued in their states. It's reasonable to assume these individuals are more engaged with their health in general." Yet, these participants gained weight on average during the lockdowns. "Although this may not appear clinically important, prolonged effects as have occurred with the pandemic might lead to substantial weight gain," the authors concluded in the study.
What does this mean for us? In the past year, it has been widely reported that shelter-in-place orders may discourage physical activity and encourage increased snacking and overeating. Even if we are advised to stay home and avoid going out for all but the most essential activities, we should strive to find ways to eat healthy and stay active. Here are some ideas:
1.) Stock your home with healthier snack foods such as fruits and veggies.
2.) If you are working from home, take breaks to do light exercises such as floor exercises, yoga, or walking or jogging in place (these are also easy to do while you are watching television!).
3.) In many places, exercise is considered an essential activity for our physical and mental well-being, so go for a stroll, hike, or jog outdoors while observing mask wearing and social distancing if there are many people around. But be sure to always check your local advisories before you go!
Read more about this study here or the full article in JAMA here.
Supporting Mothers This Day, and Every Day
Mother’s Day is just around the corner - May 9th to be exact! A day where we get to pamper mom with hugs, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt cards. Showing moms and motherly figures we care and telling them how much they mean to us can make all the difference. Dr. Norrina Bai Allen, who specializes in cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, comments, “‘Being connected to the people you love and having a sense of purpose can be really impactful for our health and well-being."’ While having a day dedicated to mom is great, why should it happen just once a year? Dr. Allen also discusses the importance of bringing mindfulness into our lives daily. “That can reduce stress, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease as well, which is probably driven by the fact that you make healthier choices,’” says Dr. Allen. For moms who are pulled in a million different directions, this is crucial. So, what does it look like to celebrate mothers 365 days a year? Perhaps it means helping out around the house or cooking a few meals. It can also mean supporting mental health for mothers to prevent burn out, supporting affordable childcare, and supporting prenatal and perinatal healthcare, especially for women of color, and women around the globe. So, yes to flowers, yes to hugs and cards on this special day. But remember, we can show moms we care every day.
Did you know that the month of April is recognized as National Minority Health Month in the U.S., and that the United Nations recognize April 11th as the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights? Black Maternal Health Week is intended to raise awareness, spark conversations, and amplify voices of Black mothers. Community organizers and national platforms are working together to improve health policies, research, and reproductive justice. You may ask, ‘Why do we need a week for Black maternal health?’ According to the CDC1, Black mothers in the U.S. die at 3 to 4 times the rate as white mothers. Cardiovascular complications are cited as the most common complications. Realities such as these are why we center the voices of Black mothers. As you prepare for Mother’s Day this year, read more from the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and learn about what UCSF’s Black Women’s Health & Livelihood Initiative are doing to be a part of that conversation.
May is National Pet Month!
Many pet owners may know the positive mental health benefits that come with having a furry or scaly friend. They may not know, however, that a growing amount of evidence suggests that having a pet can also improve their heart health.
Numerous studies have explored the relationship between pet (primarily dog or cat) ownership and cardiovascular disease, with many reporting beneficial effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including lower blood pressure, lower total cholesterol, increased physical activity, and lower heart rate and blood pressure in response to stress.
If you own a pet or are thinking about it, the potential benefits for your heart health are certainly a nice plus. However, the primary purpose of adopting or purchasing a pet should not be to achieve a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. Simply getting a pet, without a plan of regular aerobic activity (such as walking a dog) and the use of other preventive measures, is not an advisable strategy for reduction in CVD risk. With all of this in mind, owning a pet can be helpful for your mental and physical health, and, of course, to have a fun companion to have around!
