Maple Grove Doctor Shares Key to Heart Longevity
February was American Heart Month and a Maple Grove cardiologist wants to remind people that small lifestyle shifts can make a big difference.
“Heart disease is the most common reason of deaths in United States for adults. So, it is very important to spread awareness about heart health and following heart-health behaviors to avoid and prevent heart-related diseases and heart-related deaths,” said Dr. Mohammed Al-Sadawi of M Health Fairview.
He recommends avoiding processed foods and doing at least 45 to 90 minutes of fast walking throughout the week to maintain cardiovascular health.
On a positive note, he says fewer people are smoking, and more young people are proactively scheduling check-ups.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sadawi is a cardiologist with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Al-Sadawi says you shouldn’t wait for a milestone birthday to see a specialist, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or notice sudden changes in your physical stamina.
“Any change in your daily activity or daily things that you were able to do and now you cannot do, due to shortness of breath, easy fatigability, chest pain, palpitation, all these are signs and symptoms that warrant you to seek medical attention, either with primary care or going to a cardiologist,” said Dr. Al-Sadawi.
Meanwhile, M Health Fairview in Maple Grove has doubled its access to heart care. The clinic has expanded its staff and added new specialty services to include:
- Women’s cardiology and cardiovascular prevention
- Cardio-rheumatology specialty care
- Electrophysiology
- Advanced cardiac imaging
Future plans include adding a vascular ultrasound room next summer to support a vein practice.
It’s all part of a larger effort to cut down wait times as local demand for heart specialists continues to climb.
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