“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day!”
But while the Whos down in Whoville were celebrating this very sudden and literal change of heart, the Grinch’s cardiologist was rather concerned.
Cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, is a serious medical condition that can increase risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as increase risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
And if Mr. Grinch is going to be around to steal next year’s Christmas, he’ll have to get proactive about his heart health.
Common Causes of Cardiomegaly & Cardiovascular Disease
Not to disagree with Dr. Seuss, but there is zero medical evidence to suggest that excess generosity or joy causes cardiomegaly.
Like any muscle, the heart can grow when it gets a workout. And if the heart is working extra hard over a long period of time, it can become enlarged. Unfortunately, instead of making the heart better at its job, this enlargement leads to difficulties pumping blood through the body. The most common cause is coronary artery disease.
Risk factors for these and other cardiovascular diseases include:
- Obesity
- An inactive lifestyle
- Smoking
- Excess use of drugs and alcohol
Staying Heart-Healthy & Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
Whether it’s cardiomegaly or coronary artery disease, the keys to a healthy heart remain the same. And while no one can change their family history or genetics, there are quite a few things everyone can do to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (veggies, fruits, nuts, grains, fish)
- Exercise 30 minutes a day
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
- No tobacco or recreational drugs (alcohol in moderation)
- Get healthy sleep (8 hours/night)
- Regulate stress
And in addition to decreasing your risk of cardiomegaly, cardiovascular disease and other heart-related ailments, following these healthy steps can help increase energy and improve general wellness.
Resources for Heart Health
If you’re looking to improve your heart health, Sarasota Memorial has several resources available.
The Ornish Program:
Developed in 1977 by Dr. Dean Ornish, the Ornish Program is a scientifically proven program designed to reverse heart disease and improve quality of life through sustainable lifestyle changes, such as a plant-based diet and regular exercise. It has been proven to:
- Reduce risk of adverse heart-related events
- Decrease frequency and severity of chest pain
- Reduce or eliminate need for medication
- Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Help patients lose weight, exercise more, and live actively
Learn more about the program here.
HealthFit:
Sarasota Memorial’s award-winning medically integrated fitness center, licensed trainers and expert physiologists are on staff to help members craft workout regimens best suited to their goals, and lead several classes dedicated to heart health.
The Healthy Hearts monthly program features individualized workouts with cardiac rehab machines, balance training, and both blood pressure and heart rate checks before and after workout. Members also receive access to specialized support groups, monthly guest speakers and education courses. Other available cardio classes include low-impact seated workouts for beginners, dance cardio, total-body workouts, and high-impact training with focus on coordination, balance and muscle toning. Swimming and spinning classes are available as well.
To learn more about HealthFit, call 941-917-7000 or click here.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and is trying to be less Grinch-like.