Coronavirus Prevention

Cardiology Associates of Altoona is committed to the overall health and wellbeing of all our patients. That is why we are asking if you are experiencing a fever, shortness of breath or coughing, please contact your Primary Care Physician and then call to reschedule your appointment.

What are we doing?

• We are cleaning and disinfecting patient common areas, exam rooms, and testing areas
• All of our physicians and staff are practicing extensive handwashing
• When and where appropriate, we wear gloves, gowns, and facemasks

We are asking our patients to practice good hygiene, which includes:

1. Washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recommendation
2. Clean and disinfect all surfaces, especially commonly used surfaces
3. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
4. Avoid close contact with others who are sick
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then dispose of the tissue
6. Stay home if you are sick other than seeking medical care

Again, Cardiology Associates of Altoona is highly committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff, and their families. If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, please call and reschedule your appointment. Thank you.

Positive Steps to
Prevent Heart-Related Health Conditions

Preventive and Post-Procedure Heart & Vascular Health

Prevention of heart-related health conditions and cardiovascular disease involves taking positive steps to change your lifestyle. Whether you are interested in improving your heart and vascular health following a procedure, would like to avoid having to undergo an invasive medical treatment, or simply want to improve your health to live the best possible life, small steps can lead to drastically improved health and well being. At Cardiology Associates of Altoona, our team of cardiologists is committed to educating and assisting our patients to enhance their life quality.

Don’t Let the Winter “Freeze” Your Physical Activity!

When the cold winter weather blows in, it can make all the difference in your heart health. Physical activity may decrease due to decreased activity outdoors, and the recent holiday season may have put a damper on your heart-healthy diet. But did you know that colder weather and other seasonal factors actually raise the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems? Cold temperatures make arteries constrict, which can decrease blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the body. The cold also tends to increase the formation of blood clots. Then there’s the risk of snow shoveling for those who have heart disease; shoveling snow increases oxygen demand, but at the same time arteries tighten up due to the cold temperature, which can cause a heart attack.

If you have a history of heart problems or feel as though you shouldn’t be shoveling snow, buy a snowblower or hire someone to take care of snow cleanup this winter season. Also, know the warning signs of a heart attack for yourself and others so you or someone else can get medical attention immediately.

Exercising in colder weather provides some benefits that may make it easier for some to get moving. No heat and humidity paired with winter’s chill may make you feel awake and invigorated, which in turn could help you exercise longer and burn more calories. Exercising just a few minutes per day can also boost your immunity, which is very helpful during cold and flu season. If exercising outdoors isn’t possible this winter, try some indoor cardio exercises that will get your blood pumping! Regular cardio exercise can help you lose weight, get better sleep, and reduce your risk for future chronic disease.

Always remember to put heart-healthy foods on your grocery list each week so you can maintain a heart-healthy diet paired with daily exercise. Many fruits and veggies in the winter are great for your heart! This winter, make your heart health a priority.

At Cardiology Associates of Altoona, we are dedicated to providing educational information to our patients so they can improve their heart health and overall wellness. See below for even more beneficial information to help you maintain your optimal health!

A Healthy Diet is Critical for Heart Health

Although you may be consuming a large variety of foods, you may not be receiving optimal nutrition for the health of your heart and your body. Consumption of saturated and trans fats, sweets, red meat, and empty calories should be minimized. It is critically important to maintain a healthy weight, as well. Consider improving your diet and maintaining a healthy weight by increasing your intake of the following types of high-quality, nutrient-rich foods:

• Whole Grains
• Low-Fat Dairy Products
• Nuts & Legumes
• Skinless Poultry & Fish
• A Wide Variety of Colorful Fruits & Vegetables

Stay Active, Lose Weight, and Live Healthy: Exercise Tips for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the best methods of living heart-healthy. Aside from the obvious benefit of curbing obesity, which puts significant strain on your heart, losing weight helps boost your mood, minimize stress, and helps you have more energy throughout the day. No matter what your current fitness level is, getting active can be a fun and easy way to take back control of your life and live healthily. Make sure you speak with your cardiologist or physician prior to starting any exercise program.

Walking: Take the First Step to Improving Your Heart Health

If you haven’t exercised for a while or are recovering from a procedure, start out slow. Your cardiologist can provide exercise guidelines to help you manage your fitness program. Any amount of exercise and movement is better than none. One of the simplest and easiest ways you can help improve your heart and vascular system health is to begin a gentle walking program. Walking outdoors is a great way to stay connected to your neighborhood and/or nature. Positive social interaction and exposure to the natural environment can also reduce stress on your heart. Take the first step to improving your heart health today! Make sure you speak with your cardiologist or physician prior to starting any exercise program.

Tips on How to Deal with Stress

Stress negatively affects all aspects of health, especially your heart. Although impossible to avoid completely, you can learn how to deal more effectively with the stressors in your life. Many people mistakenly believe that smoking minimizes stress. On the contrary, smoking constricts blood vessels and creates an additional burden on your heart. If you smoke, take steps to stop today. Help is available. Some additional tips to manage stress in your life include:

To schedule a consultation, contact Cardiology Associates of Altoona at (814) 942-2411.