HJAR Jan/Feb 2021

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JAN / FEB 2021 43 José R. Romero, MD Secretary Arkansas Department of Health that increase the oxygen levels to the heart are good, it is important to be careful since an inflamed heart or weakened heart is a recipe for further damage when the heart is not given enough time to recuperate. In October, the ADH highlighted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) release of “COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Return to Sports” that outlines the benefits of returning to sports, the risks involved and the modifications or strategies to do so. This guide also outlines how children are categorized and need to be screened and cleared not only for COVID-19, but also through a cardiac screen by their doctor to make sure they do not have any residual chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat. If they have one of those symptoms, theADH recommends an EKG to see if further evaluation is needed. Awareness is key, whether COVID-19 is involved or not. After all, Arkansas leads the nation in heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, and deaths due to heart attacks. Be mindful of heart health, take steps to promote healthy habits and learn about the warning signs to know when to take action. The typical risk factors include poorly controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity. A person’s access to care, preventive doctor’s visits and screening for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels can also play a factor. The American Heart Association advocates the “Life’s Simple 7” to highlight the seven risk factors people can improve through lifestyle changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health. Life’s Simple 7 includes: 1. Manage blood pressure 2. Control cholesterol 3. Reduce blood sugar 4. Get active 5. Eat better 6. Lose weight 7. Stop smoking While genetics play a role, prevention plays a huge role in a person’s heart health and overall health. Everyone should follow the above steps, but they should also go to preventive visits with their doctor and get their blood work check to see if there is an early indication of a potential health issue that needs proactive measures taken. Visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/ programs-services/topics/heart-disease to learn more. Help is also available through Be Well Arkansas for anyone trying to quit tobacco use or to manage their blood pressure or diabetes. Visit www. bewellarkansas.org or call (833) 283-WELL (9355) for more information. n “Health officials are still learning about the effects of COVID-19 on the human heart, although early studies show COVID-19 is causing inflammation to the heart muscle, also known as myocarditis. Up to 78% of patients recently recovered from COVID-19 were shown to have ongoing inflammation.”