Broken heart? Blame the economy

January 28, 6:16 PMNY Consumer Affairs ExaminerAsa Aarons

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Love isn't the only thing that can break your heart.  UCLA cardiologists say the bad economy can take a toll on the heart, too, because of increased stress, poor eating habits and too little money for healthful activities such as going to the gym.

“We’ve seen an increase in patients complaining about heart palpitations, anxiety and stress in the past months,” said Dr. Karol Watson, associate professor of cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Here's how to reduce your risk:

• Avoid salty, fatty food. By eating simple, fresh foods, you can more easily maintain a healthy weight. You can get an idea of how much you should weigh by calculating your  Body Mass Index.
• Don't skimp on healthcare. Some pharmaceutical firms offer free or low-cost medication to uninsured patients. Organizations like the  Partnership  for Prescription Assistance can help you find available programs. You can check online or by calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW.
• Keep exercising.  There are options even if you have to drop your gym membership, including brisk walks, yard work, snow shoveling, biking and actively playing with children.  For more vigorous exercise, jog, swim laps in a community pool, Rollerblade, cross-country ski, jump rope or play a competitive sport like football, basketball or soccer.  
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. You'll improve your health and save money, too. New York City residents 18 and older can get free or low-cost help quitting, including free nicotine replacement therapy (patches), counseling and other resources. Go to the  New York City Dept.  of Health or call 311.
• Reduce stress. Redirect your anxiety by exercising, meditating or spending time with family and friends.
• Watch your cholesterol level. If you're 20 or older, have your  cholesterol  measured at least once every 5 years.  Your total cholesterol, including LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) should be less than 200. Your LDL should be less than 100.
• And watch your blood pressure, too.   High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Your systolic blood pressure should be below 140 and your diastolic blood pressure below 90.