February 26, 2025
Central Health Cardiologist Dr. Darren Harrison provides insight on how Travis County residents can prevent heart disease
American Heart Month returned in February to remind us of some key facts.
Mainly, that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. But secondly, it reminds us that we need to take care of our bodies over time. How well we take care of ourselves will make a difference in our overall lifespan.
And when it comes to heart health, there is one truth.
“There are no secrets,” Central Health cardiologist Dr. Darren Harrison says. “Heart health is a direct consequence of what we put in our bodies and what we do or don’t do to our bodies.”
What Are the Most Common Forms of Heart Disease?
Cardiology is the medical treatment of diseases of the heart and the cardiovascular system.
Common forms of CVD are coronary heart disease, high blood pressure (also called hypertension), high cholesterol, and irregular heartbeats. Cardiologists like Dr. Harrison try to find problem areas during office visits.
“We try to identify risk factors,” Dr. Harrison said. “…we’ll address those factors and try to offer some solutions to help reduce the risk.”
What Are Important Symptoms That May Lead to Cardiovascular Disease?
Heart disease is sometimes known as a silent killer, because a person may not see signs before they have a heart attack or stroke. Dr. Harrison says there are important symptoms he tries to find early on. The top three symptoms are:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, belly, or back
Which Communities in Travis County Are Most at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease?
In 2023, African Americans were most at risk of CVD in Travis County, according to data collected by Central Health over the last year.
Last year, 26,783 people were diagnosed with heart disease in Travis County. Individuals experiencing homelessness were most at risk of heart failure across any group.
Central Health has expanded access to special services like cardiology to help treat conditions early. Cardiology patients are seen at Central Health’s Rosewood-Zaragosa Specialty Clinic, 2802 Webberville Road. Patients have access to lab services, clinical pharmacy, stress testing, and more.
“We’re able to now directly provide care for patients and avoid some of the loopholes and challenges that those patients would face,” Dr. Harrison said.
What Are Three Important Tips to Remember When It Comes to Maintaining Heart Health?
Dr. Harrison says there are a few ways a person can create a healthy environment.
1. Regular physical activity
Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. That would be about 30 minutes five times a week.
Medium intensity is when your heart rate is raised, but at a comfortable level. This zone would be anywhere from 50- to 70% of your maximum heart rate.
To learn more about target heart rate zones based on your age, visit this informational guide by the American Heart Association.
2. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Smoking kills over 440,000 people each year.
It can raise your risk for heart disease if you have unhealthy blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are overweight.
Long-term health risks for smoking include rises in blood pressure, blood clots, reduced blood flow to the brain and a change in heart rate.
Alcohol also has a negative impact on heart health.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two a day for men.
3. See your doctor regularly.
You should make it a priority to see your primary care doctor every year. Doing so can improve your heart health.
“Seeing a primary care provider is probably the best thing a person can do,” Dr. Harrison said.
What Next Steps Should I Take to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?
Building a relationship with your doctor should be the first step in any health journey. From there, learning about risks and practicing good habits are the best ways to improve your heart health.
“I don’t think there’s any secret,” Dr. Harrison said. “I think following a healthy diet … and things like being a little bit more active … these … done on a daily basis, could have a profound effect over the course of weeks, months and years.”
HOW TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR MAP:
MAP provides access to health care services for more than 50,000 Travis County residents. If you live in Travis County and are uninsured you might be eligible. Visit http://g483.ejly.net/map or call 512-978-8130 to apply.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ROSEWOOD-ZARAGOSA SPECIALTY CLINIC:
The state-of-the-art specialty clinic is located at 2802 Webberville Road and provides expanded services into behavioral health counseling, cardiology, clinical pharmacy, ultrasounds, medical optimization, nephrology, pulmonology and sleep medicine and supportive and palliative care. Visit http://g483.ejly.net or call 512-978-9400.