University of Michigan School of Nursing Expert Available to Discuss Heart Health and Disease
February is designated as American Heart Month.
ANN ARBOR— Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death for American men and women. February is designated as American Heart Month to raise awareness about the dangers of heart disease, and also to encourage people to evaluate their own risk factors and learn how to improve their health.
“T
here are several key steps people can take to significantly lower their risk of heart disease,” says University of Michigan School of Nursing Professor and Ph.D. Program Director Susan J. Pressler, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FAHA. “There are many resources available to help people with existing heart failure and their family caregivers, who may need support. Everyone should understand their own risk factors for developing heart disease. That includes knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol level, as well as your family history.”
Dr. Pressler is available to discuss:
- Reasons why smoking tobacco more than doubles the risk of heart disease, and the benefits of quitting at any age.
- Reasons why high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, and benefits of blood pressure and cholesterol control.
- Why many of the same steps to lower heart disease can also decrease the risk of stroke.
- Symptoms of heart attack and heart failure.
- Resources for people with existing heart disease and heart failure and for family caregivers of people with heart failure.
- How nurses can help patients with heart failure remember to take their medicine, follow dietary sodium restrictions, and do self-care.
“Reducing risk factors of smoking tobacco, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity are important in prevention,” says Dr. Pressler. “For people with existing heart disease and heart failure, following recommendations from doctors and nurses can help people feel better, have improved quality of life, and avoid unneeded hospitalizations.”
Dr. Susan Pressler is a leading expert on quality of life for people with chronic heart failure. Her extensive research specializes in stress and coping, lack of adherence with medication and diet therapy, nutritional deficits, and cognitive dysfunction. Dr. Pressler previously served as chair of the American Heart Association’s Council of Cardiovascular Nursing and is currently a member of the American Heart Association’s Task Force on Practice Guidelines. She is an active member of the Heart Failure Society of American and the American Academy of Nursing.
