Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Sadly, heart disease causes 1 out of 4 American deaths each year.
The good news? Simple changes prevent these tragedies.
It all starts with taking care of your health.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease describes a wide variety of heart health issues including but not limited to:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
- Congenital heart defects (defects that are present at birth)
When talking about heart disease, most people are referring to coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease. These conditions occur when plaque made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood build up inside of the coronary arteries. This buildup results in the restriction of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Heart
Schedule a Checkup With Your Doctor: Your doctor will be able to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels at your yearly checkup. Ask your doctor to for advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight.
Be Active: Try to find some time in your day to be active. You can even be active while watching TV by doing situps or pushups. Substitute TV for the outdoors every once in a while and enjoy a nice walk or a jog.
Drop Soda for Water: Soda is one of the major contributing factors to heart disease. Take a water bottle with you everywhere you go. It will keep you hydrated as well as help curb your hunger.
Health Food, Not Fast Food: As hard as it may be at first, put veggies and fruits in front in the refrigerator and healthy snacks in the front of the pantry, so that’s what you see first. If you grab healthy foods for a minimum of 21 times, healthy choices will become a habit.
Control Your Cholesterol: Keep your cholesterol down by cutting down on foods high in saturated and trans fat. Consider eating more lean chicken and turkey, fruits and veggies, and whole grains.
Settle Down on the Salt: Cutting down on your salt intake can lower your blood pressure.
Want to Learn More?
Visit theheartfoundation.org for facts, statistics, and tips for preventing and managing heart disease. Contact us if you have been injured by someone.