It is American Heart Month – a time in which our nation spotlights heart disease!
The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. When referring to disease there several types of heart conditions. 600,000 Americans lose their lives to heart related deaths every year. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common type of heart disease, which leads to heart disease.
This year, the spotlight on heart disease is even more important due to the impact of the coronavirus on the public’s heart health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have delayed or avoided going to hospitals.
Everyone, including children, are at risk of developing heart disease. Diagnoses can sometimes be silent which makes people even more vulnerable if they don’t take good care of their heart. As a substance known as plaque builds up in your arteries heart disease occurs. Smoking tobacco, unhealthy eating habits, and not enough exercise increase your risk of having heart disease.
The good news is heart disease is preventable!
Refraining from smoking as smoking raises your bad fat (triglycerides) in your blood and lowers good cholesterol (HDL).
Maintaining a healthy weight by checking your body’s recommended height and weight.
Eating a well-balanced diet that incorporates all food groups to ensure you are consuming the maximum amount of nutrients.
Regularly exercising of any kind, daily, keeps your heart pumping blood well.
Reducing stress by maintaining low levels of stress has shown to keep your heart healthy. Taking a trip, doing yoga, and resting are a few ways you can do so.
Visiting your healthcare provider for regular checkups is important!
If you have or someone you know has any concerns about heart disease and would like more information call 609-278-5900.
