How Heart Health Impacts Wound Healing

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the United States. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to a diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. The cost to treat these wounds exceeds $50 billion each year.

Your heart's health could be a surprise tool when trying to heal any chronic wounds.

“While most wounds usually heal in two to three weeks, anyone who has an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, poor circulation, high blood pressure, poor nutrition, for example, will face more of a healing challenge,” said Monica Joyner, MD, medical director, Franciscan Physician Network Wound Care Specialists. "Diabetes,  especially if not well controlled, significantly impedes the body's ability to heal."

Keep Your Heart Healthy for Wound Healing 

“While there are several factors that can affect wound healing, heart health is one of the most important,” said Dr. Joyner. “Heart disease due to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, has a strong correlation with overall health of all arteries, large and small, even at the micro level.  By taking care of your heart, you are in fact, taking care of all of your arteries. Coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and other issues with the heart and vessels can cause obstructions that hinder the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrition to the wound. Cholesterol, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure can also affect the health of your heart.”

Coronary artery disease, also known as ischemia, is when plaque grows within the walls of the coronary arteries until the blood flow to the heart is limited. Peripheral arterial disease is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. To avoid these conditions, it is important to keep your heart healthy.

7 Ways To Live A Heart-Healthy Life

1. Live an active lifestyle with 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
2. Don’t smoke or use tobacco of any kind as it is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease.
3. Eat a diet that is heart-healthy. This includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other low-fat sources of protein. Read food labels often.
4. 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.
5. Ensure you get quality sleep by making sleep a priority in your life. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
6. Manage your stress in a healthy way with positive self-talk, using stress stoppers, doing things you enjoy, and relaxing on a regular basis.
7. See your healthcare provider for regular health screenings. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings