Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory condition that can make daily life challenging, cause serious health complications, and in some cases, become life-threatening.
February Heart Month
How the heart and lungs work together
With each beat of your heart, the heart sends blood through carrying oxygen to every cell. After delivering the oxygen, the blood returns to the heart. The heart then sends the blood to the lungs to pick up more oxygen. The pulmonary loop, or the right side of the heart, is tasked with collecting the oxygen-poor blood and moving it to the lungs for cleaning and reoxygenating. Once reoxygenated, the systemic loop, or the left side of the heart, pumps the high-oxygen blood to the rest of your organs; like the kidneys, liver and brain. Once all the oxygen in your blood has been consumed, the process repeats. With each inhale, your lungs fill with fresh oxygen and each exhale releases carbon dioxide – ensuring the blood your heart pumps meets the need of your body.[1] The two systems work together so seamlessly that it takes about 16 seconds for blood to travel through the body, allowing about five quarts of blood to circulate per minute.
Does a bad heart affect the lungs?
When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs. As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs. This fluid reduces normal oxygen movement through the lungs, which causes shortness of breath. Patients with congestive heart failure are often associated with pulmonary congestion, reduced lung function, poor gas exchange and shortness of breath.
Do bad lungs affect the heart?
Patient with the most common lung diseases is more likely to develop cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease.[2]
How to keep your heart and lungs healthy
Keeping your lungs and heart healthy requires a healthy diet that includes a diet rich with vegetables, fruits, clean meats (organic/grass fed/free range), wild caught fish and minimal processed foods.
Staying active and getting at least 10,000 steps a day.
Quit smoking and stay away from any secondhand smoke.
Make sure to drink alcohol in moderation.
Stay hydrated and drink water.
Make sure to see your primary care regularly for routine blood work and check ups to monitor your health.
[1] https://www.lung.org/blog/heart-lung-relationship
[2] https://www.ajmc.com/view/common-lung-diseases-associated-with-cardiovascular-risk
You Might Also Enjoy...
Asthma and Spring Weather
Spring is a season of renewal — blooming flowers, warmer days, and more time outdoors. But for many people living with asthma, spring can also mean increased symptoms and breathing challenges.
Heart Health and Sleep Apnea
February is American Heart Month. This month, we discuss the link between a healthy heart and treating sleep apnea.
Chronic Cough
Do you find yourself coughing day after day—long after a cold should have passed? Does your cough disrupt your sleep, conversations, or daily routine?
New Year, New Resolutions for Lung Health
Maybe you notice it when you climb the stairs. Maybe it shows up during cold weather, seasonal changes, or after a lingering cough that never quite goes away.
Winter Lung Infections
Breathing freely is something most people don’t think about — until congestion, coughing, or chest tightness make every breath a struggle. During the winter months, lung infections become especially common, often leading to weeks of discomfort and fatigue.