There is never a bad time to learn about heart-healthy tips and preventing heart disease because heart disease is still the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 659,000 Americans die from heart disease each year — one in every four deaths. Heart-healthy living and protecting our cardiac health starts with understanding our risks.

“Risk factor modification is one of the most important ways to reduce the possibility for cardiac events,” said Dr. Frank Laws, new visiting cardiologist at Memorial Regional Health. “It’s important to really look at what may be impacting your heart health like diet, exercise, tobacco use and even sleep habits. Sleep apnea is a silent killer.”

What is heart disease and who is at risk?

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions — the most common being coronary artery disease, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Coronary artery disease occurs when a person’s arteries become clogged and can lead to stroke, heart failure and peripheral artery disease.

People at higher risk for heart disease include those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or who are smokers. According to the CDC, other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use. The American Heart Association and Dr. Laws also say those who have sleep apnea are at higher risk for having heart-related diseases and cardiac events.

“If you have sleep apnea, it can be more than an annoyance — it can be very dangerous,” Dr. Laws said. “It could lead to higher blood pressure, stroke, heart failure or arrhythmia. We are more at risk of having sleep apnea in Colorado’s higher altitudes and this is something people should be more aware of.”

Heart-healthy tips to practice

Dr. Laws in action!

To protect yourself from heart disease, ask your provider about your blood pressure, cholesterol and other important heart numbers. If your numbers are high, they can work with you about treating your condition or preventing it from worsening.

• Eat healthier — Reduce the sodium, added sugars and saturated and trans fats in your diet while increasing your number of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Be active —Even if you’re just moving your body for 10 minutes a day, physical activity can lower your cholesterol levels, help you manage high blood pressure and lower your risk for diabetes.
• Quit smoking — It can raise your risk of heart disease and heart attack while worsening other risk factors.
• Manage your stress — Research shows stress contributes to high blood pressure. Participate in healthy stress-reducing activities such as therapy, medication and being physically active.

New addition to the team

Dr. Laws is a board-certified cardiologist who specializes in both interventional cardiology and electrophysiology from Valley View Heart & Vascular Center in Glenwood Springs. He is on-site two days a month at MRH.

Dr. Laws was born and raised on St. Kitts, the Saint Christopher Island in the West Indies. He followed in the footsteps of his older siblings and became a medical professional. He attained his medical degree from the University of West Indies in Jamaica and completed his residency at the University of Virginia School of Medicine Roanoke/Salem Program.

He has hospital appointments at healthcare facilities all around the country and around Colorado, including clinics in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Grand Junction, Rangely and Meeker.

“It is an honor to be able to help MRH with their cardiology program,” he said. “Being able to provide comprehensive heart care to the folks in Craig and surrounding areas is so important.”

Get to Know Dr. Laws

Dr. Frank A. Laws is the latest addition to Memorial Regional Health’s team of providers. Dr. Laws is a visiting provider sharing his specialties in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He is excited to build a robust, comprehensive cardiology program at MRH to help care for patients for many years to come.

Dr. Frank Laws

Why did you choose to study cardiology?

I was attracted to the dynamic changes in the field. It piqued my interest. Patients’ needs are urgent in cardiology; you simply don’t have the time to wait to fix a problem. When someone is having a heart attack you have to take care of it right there and then. You must be proactive and reactive.

What is your main goal in how you approach patient care?

You always want to treat patients like family members. I try to ensure that I address all their issues with a comprehensive approach so that when they leave, they know they are really being taken care of.

What is the best part about living in Northwest Colorado?

Glenwood Springs has been home for me since 2006. It has a small-town feeling, plus the airport is close. But more than that, we have a supportive community, and that support has made it possible for me and my team to build and grow our program. I could go anywhere else to practice medicine but the support from the community in this area is what keeps me around.