Here’s to Healthy Hearts
As we grow older, life brings us new pleasures. It may be the joy of having grandchildren and seeing them grow up. Or it could be the opportunity to travel or develop a new hobby during retirement. Unfortunately, growing older also brings with it new medical challenges, including an increased risk for heart disease. More than 80% of heart attacks occur after age 65, and heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the U.S. If you want to live a long and happy life and see the dreams of your Golden Years come true, then you need to take care of your heart. Making the commitment to a heart- healthy lifestyle can add years to your life. With February being American Heart Month, now is the time to educate yourself about this disease and take positive steps in your life to help prevent it.
What is Heart Disease? Your heart and blood vessels carry life-giving oxygen and nutrients to the cells throughout your body. Heart disease is usually caused by a narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels. There are several different types of heart disease. Three of the most common are:
• Coronary Heart Disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed.
• High Blood Pressure occurs when the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries consistently exceeds 140/90.
• Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is caused by a buildup of cholesterol and calcium deposits (plaques) inside the lining of the arteries.
How many people have heart disease? More than you think. It’s estimated that heart disease affects 60 million Americans.
How many people have high blood pressure? 50 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis, at least once a year. That’s because hypertension usually has no symptoms. You can suffer for years and not know it. No wonder high blood pressure is often called the Silent Killer. As your blood pressure rises, your risk for heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney and eye damage, increases. Fortunately, if you do have high blood pressure, medication and lifestyle changes are usually effective.
Now that you have a basic understanding of heart disease, it’s time to take action. To give your heart the care it deserves, start by reading the article Live What You Learn on this page.
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