Heart attack survivor offers tips for Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month. 

For Mike Alvarez, a healthy heart is especially important.  He just had his year anniversary of surviving a heart attack, caused by a 100% blockage in his main artery. 

“Technically, I was dead for 10-15 minutes,” said Alvarez.

Since then, Mike has made a complete lifestyle change.  He says staying active is a key part to keeping your heart in top shape.

“The diet and exercise is the big thing, especially exercise, because it’s pushing that blood through your heart, it’s getting your heart to pump, and that’s helping get your arteries in shape,” said Alvarez.

Dr. Matthew Johnson, a cardiologist at Bryan Heart, operated on Mike when he arrived at the hospital a year ago.

He echoes Mike’s advice, emphasizing diet as a huge proponent of a healthy heart.

“The diet itself is something we want to consider as a heart healthy alternative, and that most closely resembles what the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommends more of a Mediterranean style diet,” said Johnson.

That diet includes lots of fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein like chicken, fish, or lean cuts of red meat, and portion control.

For Mike, one good thing that’s come from his experience is it has inspired those around him to spark change in their lives.

“They say, well, if that could happen to him and he’s only 45, I’m only such and such age, maybe I need to go get checked out, maybe I need to make some changes in my lifestyle,” said Alvarez.

Many of his friends went to their doctors the week after Mike’s heart attack, a habit Dr. Johnson says is important to stay healthy, especially if you sense something is wrong. 

“Any symptom that’s new, that’s concerning, or even that comes on with exertion should be something that you talk to your doctor about,” said Johnson. 

They also made some changes to their diet that, while small, are a step in the right direction.

“A couple of my friends, instead of going to Runza and getting those fries, they got a salad as their side item and I said okay, well, that’s a start,” said Alvarez.

But the biggest thing Mike wants people to focus on during Heart Health Month: “CPR.  CPR is the big thing people should know.”

After all, if it weren’t for Mike’s friends performing CPR, using an AED, and making that 911 call, Mike wouldn’t be here today.

The American Heart Association has a host of information on how to live a heart healthy lifestyle, as well as other resources regarding heart disease on their website.  You can find it all here.

Bryan Heart also offers a free online screening to check your heart health.  Get it here.