Here’s how to make sure your heart is healthy for Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of year again. Cupid seems to be everywhere talking about romance. Or is that just a card you read while shopping for that someone special?

Valentine’s Day is a good reminder that it’s essential for everyone, and especially for those with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), to pay close attention to their heart health, because kidney failure can cause issues that will impact your blood vessels and heart. It’s a fact: Heart disease is the major cause of death for people with CKD.

So we got in touch with Peggy Harum, a Renal Dietician with Texas Renal Ventures in Fort Worth, who walked us through some good heart health tips for those who have kidney disease.

Among several things Peggy discussed was the importance of controlling your phosphorus levels. High phosphorus levels can cause a loss of calcium in bones and damage to the heart. One way to keep the level down is to limit the amount of dairy (milk, chocolate, cheese, yogurt) you eat, as well as cutting back on beans, nuts and colas. Here are some other tips for maintaining a healthy heart.

If you have been told you have kidney disease and you are not on dialysis:

• Stop smoking
• Control your blood pressure: LESS than 130/80
• If you are diabetic, control your blood sugar
• See your kidney doctor routinely
• Start walking for exercise, with doctor permission

If you are on dialysis, all of the above, plus:

• Keep your phosphorus under control – take your binders – prevent calcification in your heart
• Avoid FAST FOOD: Did you know Phosphorus additives are ADDED TO FAST FOOD?
• Prevent thirst: Give up salt and salty foods
• If you are diabetic, ask about your Hemoglobin A1C