In recognition of American Heart Month, University Hospitals Lake West and Tripoint Medical Centers shine the light on this vital organ

By Laura Briedis

During American Heart Month every February, the spotlight shines on heart health. For the cardiologists at University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center, it is their focus 365 days a year, 115,200 heartbeats a day.

“We educate our patients on how to protect themselves against heart disease,” says Paul Zellers, DO, who is Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at UH Lake West Medical Center. “Oftentimes it’s the small things, such as maintaining an active lifestyle and watching what you eat, that can have a big impact.”

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week to maintain heart health.

“This does not mean you have to join a gym, but you should pick an activity you are likely to do on a regular basis,” says Dr. Zellers, who is an interventional cardiologist. “It can be something as simple as a brisk walk or hike.”

And when it comes to a heart-healthy diet, Dr. Zellers recommends a plant-centric diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets.

“The Mediterranean diet is one of the most sustainable. It doesn’t ask you to give up much, but rather just limit certain foods,” Dr. Zellers says. “It helps keep both your cholesterol and inflammation in check.”

UH Lake West Medical Center has the same heart-screening tools, medical equipment and expertise available at its main campus, so patients can get the same expert care close to home without having to travel downtown.

Last year a new vascular center opened at this regional hospital, and this year cardiologists and subspecialists will be moving their offices into the physician pavilion. Many cardiac surgeries also are performed here, including minimally invasive bypass surgery, advanced atrial fibrillation surgery, mitral valve repairs and aortic aneurysm repairs.

“This spring we will be performing our first robotic bypass surgery at Lake West,” Dr. Zellers notes. “When it comes to coronary artery bypass surgery, we have minimally invasive and hybrid options.”

The hospital also has a chest pain center that has achieved advanced chest pain certification, ensuring patients are efficiently diagnosed and treated to reduce heart damage at the earliest stages of a cardiac event.

Most heart attacks begin with discomfort in the middle of the chest, which can be described as pain, pressure, squeezing and fullness. There also may be pain in other areas, such as the jaw and neck, arm, upper back and upper abdomen. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as back and jaw pain, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue.

“Unfortunately, most heart attacks happen outside of the hospital, so if you have any signs and symptoms—or if any doubt—we encourage you to come get checked out,” Dr. Zellers says.

Free Heart Screening
An innovative screening tool, the Cardiac CT Coronary Calcium Score Test helps determine your future risk of a heart attack, so you can take preventive measures to improve your heart health. This X-ray procedure only takes about 10 minutes—and it can save your life. It is offered at no cost to patients at University Hospitals Lake West and TriPoint Medical Centers.

The scan measures the amount of calcium that has accumulated in the walls of the coronary arteries and provides a score based on how much calcium you have. The higher the score, the higher your risk of coronary disease. If your calcium score is high, University Hospitals encourages you to consult with a cardiologist.

“This is a good screening tool, whether you are a young patient with a family history of heart disease or someone with borderline high cholesterol,” Dr. Paul Zellers says.

To schedule a free screening, call 440-510-5714.

University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center is located at 36000 Euclid Avenue in Willoughby.You can learn more at UHHospitals.org/locations/university-hospitals-lake-west-medical-center, or make an appointment by calling 440-510-5714.