Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 73 Meet Puneet Bansal, MD What This Fly-Fishing Cardiologist Says You Should Know About Your Heart Dr. Puneet Bansal is a physician who specializes in general cardiology and is involved in all areas of adult cardiovascular medicine. Have you seen the impact lifestyle improvements can have on your patients' health? Absolutely – many people don't realize the catastrophic effects lifestyle habits have on their health, and more specifi cally, on their heart. Sometimes, our patients just require a little guidance and education. We cannot change our genetics, but we can implement lifestyle modifi cations to improve cardiovascular health such as increasing exercise, consuming a better diet, and smoking cessation. Studies suggest that brisk walking for as little as 10 minutes per day is associated with a 33 percent risk reduction for all-cause mortality. Why is patient education important to you? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately every 40 seconds, an American will have a heart attack. If we can get to these patients ahead of time through preventative medicine and emphasize what it means to be healthy, we may be able to stop devastating heart attacks. What questions should patients be sure to ask if they are referred for heart issues? Every patient is entitled to be well-informed regarding their cardiac status, but many patients feel overwhelmed at their visit and often forget to ask questions altogether. An important rule of thumb for every patient is to "know your numbers," which include cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar. They should also ask about the status of their cardiac condition and the plan of care. What is unique about providing cardiac care in Montana, and why did you choose to practice here? Montana's population is dispersed over a large geographic area, and many locations do not have easy access to healthcare. We are fortunate to be able to treat these patients from our outreach clinics and through telehealth, which is performed over video conference. It's an exciting realm of medicine utilizing modern technology to provide healthcare to patients who would not have access otherwise. My passion for fl y fi shing is what brought me to Montana. We are lucky to be surrounded by amazing landscapes, mountains, and rivers. It might be the most scenic and adventurous place I've ever lived. Are there any general misconceptions about heart health you hear often from patients? Many patients have a misconception that once they "feel better," they no longer require care. For example, a stent provides an immediate fi x with only temporary results if appropriate preventative measures are not taken. These include continuing lifestyle modifi cations and certain medications. Also, some people may think having an active job counts toward exercise. Although you may be physically active because of your job, you still need to set aside dedicated time to exercise during the week. A tradition of advanced care. Learn more at Benefi s.org

• Cover