Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. In fact, according to the CDC, about 1 in 4 deaths every year are caused by heart disease. While race, age and other factors affect risk, both men and women of all ages need to be aware of their personal risk and how to prevent a heart attack or death.
Heart disease can describe several heart conditions, however, heart disease is the most common description used for of coronary heart disease because this is the most common form of heart disease that causes death. Other conditions can include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and heart valve problems.
Coronary heart disease is a condition that the arteries are narrowed or not able to allow blood to flow through them properly. This is usually a result of plaque. The buildup of plaque can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Knowing the risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk can make a big difference in preventing heart disease.
Risk Factors
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity/overweight
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Race
- Age
Prevention
- Exercise – Find an activity that gets you moving that you enjoy and will want to continue.
- Smoking – If you don’t smoke… don’t start! If you do smoke… quit!
- Eat a heart healthy diet – limit salt, alcohol, high fat and high cholesterol intake. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and high fiber foods.
If You Have Heart Disease
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Know the signs of heart attack and stroke. Seek help immediately if symptoms develop!
- Talk with your provider about what you can safely do to exercise and improve your heart health.
- Quit smoking.
- Choose a heart healthy diet.
Having a healthy lifestyle is important to your heart. Find out your risk by seeing your provider for an assessment, have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and get tips for weight loss and smoking cessation if needed.
Commit to taking care of your heart . . . it is never too late to start!
For more information about heart disease check out the American Heart Association or Center for Disease Control by going to www.heart.org or www.cdc.gov
ATI Active Care is a walk-in clinic, located in Waukesha, WI, that provides immediate care for non-emergency acute conditions, physicals, health screenings, preventive health and wellness programs. For more information contact BobbieJo Paul at bobbiejopaul@activatehealthcare.com or call (262) 574-2711.