How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?
Someone dies of heart disease in the U.S. every 33 seconds. Don’t be a statistic! Consider these five simple changes and start lowering your risk.
1) Stop Smoking—The most important thing you can do to improve your overall heath and reduce your risk for heart disease is to stop smoking. In fact, smoking is the single most preventable cause of early death in the U.S. Smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to non-smokers, and are more likely to die as a result. Quitting is tough, but resources are available. Talk it over with your primary care provider.
2) Get Your Heart Pumping —Regular physical activity is another key to preventing heart disease. The success of any exercise program starts with consistency and perseverance. Come up with a reasonable plan and stick to it! Start slow and work up to a goal, such as 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
3) Lose Weight: Approximately 70 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese, putting them at a higher risk for heart disease. Obesity is directly linked to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
4) Follow a Heart-Healthy diet — Eat food that is high in fiber but low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Try to limit the amount of salt and sugar you consume. When it comes to meat, keep the portions lean and modest in size. The American Heart Association can help. Visit heart.org.
5) Check In with a Checkup: Heart disease and hypertension can progress for years without any symptoms and without being detected, causing more and more damage to your heart and arteries. That’s why it is so important to see your primary care provider on a regular basis to check your blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol and other risk factors.
Source: American Heart Association, CDC, Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthline.com