Heart Health
Promoting a cultural approach to prevention in the community
By Paul Nona, MD & Rena Daiza, MD
February is American Heart Month, a time to turn the spotlight on heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. This tradition began in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson, a heart attack survivor himself, issued the first proclamation declaring February as a time to raise awareness. Every year since, U.S. presidents have continued this vital tradition, emphasizing the importance of heart health for all Americans.
Heart disease disproportionately affects the Chaldean community, with studies showing that our community is four times more likely to report this condition compared to other minority groups. Factors like socioeconomic status, cultural traditions, and lifestyle choices play a significant role. This underscores the urgent need for community-focused initiatives to improve heart health awareness, access to care, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles.
Our vibrant Chaldean community, while rich in culture, faces unique heart health challenges. Why?
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role. Genetic factors may make some Chaldeans more susceptible to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all major risk factors for heart disease.
Diet: Traditional Chaldean cuisine, while delicious, can be high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar, especially when adapted to the American diet. Dishes like labneh, geymar, and baklava (we know, the yummy stuff!) are often high in fat and sugar. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while modifying traditional dishes to be heart-healthy, is crucial.
Lifestyle: Busy lives with long work hours, commuting, and limited physical activity are common, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of physical activity significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
Stress: Immigration, cultural adjustment, socioeconomic pressures, and life in general can contribute to stress. The pressure to succeed, maintain cultural traditions, and present a successful image within a close-knit community can be overwhelming. Social media can exacerbate these pressures, leading to feelings of inadequacy and competition. So, what can we do?
Eat Right: Prioritize a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and explore heart-healthy adaptations of traditional dishes, such as using leaner meats, incorporating more vegetables, and reducing the amount of oil used in cooking.
Get Moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Include strength training exercises two or more times per week.
Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, prayer, yoga, or deep breathing. Foster strong social connections through family, friends, and community involvement. Participate in cultural activities and religious practices that provide a sense of belonging and support.
Get Regular Checkups: Schedule regular visits with your primary doctor or cardiologist for regular check-ups and screenings. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Consider discussing the coronary calcium score with your doctor to assess your individual heart health risk.
Develop Healthy Habits: Quit smoking or vaping and avoid secondhand smoke, and limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels.
Now is the time to prioritize heart health within our community. While heart disease presents challenges, there are resources to overcome them. By prioritizing heart health through education, awareness, and community support, we can create a healthier future for generations to come.
Sources: Jamil H., Fakhouri M., Dallo F., Templin T., Khoury R., and Fakhouri H. Self-reported heart disease among Arab and Chaldean American women residing in southeast Michigan. Ethn Dis. 2008 Winter;18(1):19-25. PMID: 18447094. Dr. Paul Nona is a board-certified cardiologist who manages a diverse range of cardiac and vascular conditions. Dr. Rena Daiza is a family practice physician with Henry Ford Health.