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What You Need to Know About Cardiovascular Disease
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.?
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke kills one in every 3.7 men and one in every 2.4 women. In fact, heart disease kills nearly twice as many women each year as cancer. In response to such startling statistics, February has been designated American Heart Month.
While a heart attack may be the first serious heart condition to come to mind, cardiovascular disease includes a number of conditions, including coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, heart muscle disease, pericardial disease, aorta disease, and vascular disease.
Some risk factors for heart disease are uncontrollable. For example, older males with a family history of heart disease are at high risk, as are post-menopausal women. African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican Americans are more likely to have heart disease than Caucasians.
However, many risk factors can be controlled. Smoking, high LDL (or “bad cholesterol), high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and uncontrolled stress or anger can increase a person’s risk for heart disease. Lifestyle changes can reduce these risks.
Here are some tips for protecting you and your family from this deadly disease:
- Quit smoking. Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack as nonsmokers and are more likely to die if they suffer a heart attack.
- Improve Cholesterol Levels. Your total cholesterol goal should be less than 200 mg/dl. A diet low in cholesterol and saturated and trans fat will help reduce you cholesterol, as will regular exercise. Some people need medication to help regulate cholesterol.
- Control High Blood Pressure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common heart disease risk factor. Control blood pressure through diet, exercise, weight management, and if needed, medications.
- Control Diabetes. If not properly managed through a healthy diet, exercise and medication, diabetes can lead to significant heart damage.
- Exercise. People who don’t exercise have higher rates of heart disease than those who do. Just a few minutes of aerobic exercise a day can make a big difference.
- Eat right. A diet low in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and refined sugars helps prevent heart disease. Instead enjoy foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.
- Manage stress. Poorly controlled stress and anger can lead to heart attacks and strokes. If you struggle with stress, try setting more realistic goals and practicing relaxation techniques to eliminate pressure.
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