(EFFINGHAM, IL) – An alarming 33 percent of Americans currently suffer from cardiovascular disease. During Heart Health Awareness Month, HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center, a member of the Healogics network, is working to spread awareness about how cardiovascular diseases can affect the wound healing process. Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, strokes, arrhythmia, vascular disease and other issues with the heart and vessels can causes blockages that obstruct the flow of blood needed for proper wound healing.

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the United States and, if left untreated, an unhealed wound on the foot or leg can lead to a diminished quality of life and possible amputation. As many as 82 percent of leg amputations are due to poor circulation of the affected limb.

“Our providers at the Wound Healing Center assess the patients to determine why the wound is not healing quickly and is considered chronic. Often cardiovascular reasons are the cause,” states Medical Director Jeffrey Brummer. HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center offers the following tips to live a heart healthy life.

• Live an active lifestyle with 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco of any kind as it is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease.
• Eat a diet that is heart-healthy. This includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other low-fat sources of protein.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. All of these chronic conditions can lead to heart disease.
• Ensure you get quality sleep by making it a priority in your life. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
• Manage your stress in a healthy way with positive self-talk, using stress stoppers, doing things you enjoy, and relaxing on a regular basis.
• See your health care provider for regular screenings. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings.
• Take off your socks at your next checkup and speak up about any problems with your legs or feet.

If you or a loved one is living with a wound and cardiovascular disease, contact HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center at 217-347-3565.  HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center has been caring for chronic wounds since January 2010. The Center has been recognized by Healogics as a Center of Excellence each year since opening. Through advanced wound healing methods, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and highly trained providers and clinicians, over 90 percent of St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center patients have been healed annually. For more information on St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center, visit the hospital’s web site at stanthonyshospital.org.