fbpx
Your Guide To Doctors, Health Information, and Better Health!
Your Health Magazine Logo
The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Tesfaye Tetemke, MD
How To Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease
Skyline Medical Center
. http://skylinemedcenter.com/

How To Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, more than 1 million men and women have a heart attack. Your risk for heart disease is based on a number of different factors, which we’ll discuss in this article.

Age and Gender

Your risk for heart disease increases as you age. Roughly 80 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older. As you get older, it becomes increasingly important to visit your primary care or internal medicine physician for regular checkups. Your doctor will help you monitor your heart health and work with you to lower your risk for heart disease.

Contrary to popular belief, heart disease is not a man’s disease. While men tend to develop coronary artery disease earlier in life, after age 65 the risks are about the same in men and women.

Diabetes

Diabetes is very common in the US. While it is a treatable disease, even when blood sugar (glucose) levels are under control it still greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you’re diabetic, managing your condition is of the utmost importance. Your physician can also do periodic testing to see if you’ve developed any risk factors associated with heart disease.

Hypertension

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for heart disease. The excess strain from high blood pressure causes the coronary arteries to slowly become narrowed from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances. When an artery becomes blocked, the flow of blood through the heart muscle is interrupted, resulting in a heart attack. A healthy diet and seeing your doctor regularly is the best way to avoid this.

Smoking

If you smoke or use tobacco, quit. It’s tough but it’s not as tough as a heart attack. Your doctor can help or recommend health professionals who can assist you in quitting successfully.

Diet and Weight

A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. Choose nutrient-rich foods with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and lower in calories. Choose a diet that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

To maintain a healthy weight, coordinate your diet with your physical activity level so you’re using up as many calories as you take in. And follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Physical Activity

Research has shown that at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. Start slow if you have to, and remember – something is always better than nothing.

www.yourhealthmagazine.net
MD (301) 805-6805 | VA (703) 288-3130