Your heart affects every aspect of your health including your ability to heal wounds. Your heart circulates oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Cardiovascular diseases damage blood vessels and cause blockages that obstruct the flow of blood. This decreased blood flow hinders the delivery of oxygen and nutrition needed for proper wound healing.
Currently, about half of Americans are living with cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Eight million Americans are currently living with a chronic wound, and most of them have 3 to 4 other chronic conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These people are at high risk for complications without proper wound care. An unhealed wound on the foot or leg can lead to amputation. In fact, 82% of lower leg amputations are due to poor circulation of the affected limb.
Take steps to prevent conditions that may affect the health of your heart and proper wound healing. The Lake Health Wound Care Center shares these tips to live a heart healthy life:
Eat healthy
- Low-fat, high-fiber foods are good for your heart. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains every day.
Be active
- Walk, run, dance, swim… find a way to get moving for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Take care
- Be kind to yourself. Practice positive self-talk. Make sleep a priority. Reduce stress with fun hobbies. Stop smoking and all use of nicotine.
Get screened
- See your health care provider at least twice a year. Ask about screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
If you or someone you know is living with a cardiovascular disease, it is especially important to find and treat wounds early. When needed, don’t hesitate to seek specialized wound care to prevent possible infections, hospitalization or amputation due to poor circulation. For more information, contact the Lake Health Wound Care Center team at 440-918-6341.
