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Take Charge of Your Heart
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 16, 2012) – PHOENIX – The American Heart Association states that more than 82 million American adults are estimated to have one or more types of cardiovascular disease, despite the vast amount of treatment options and early detection tests available.
“The best way to improve heart health is by understanding heart disease, including how to lower your risk. Taking action early on can make a big difference in your overall heart health,” said Richard R. Heuser, M.D., FACC, FACP, FESC, FSCAI, chief of cardiology at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Here are seven ways to improve you or a loved one’s heart health:
1. Know your numbers. Do you know your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio? What is your body mass index (BMI)? What is your triglyceride count? And your blood pressure numbers? Talk with your physician about your health numbers and what they mean. Based on your numbers, your physician can determine if you are at risk for heart disease.
2. Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a potentially life-saving technique and can “buy time” until the heart attack victim receives medical attention.
3. Reduce stress. Reducing stress at home, at work or in your personal affairs can reduce your heart disease risk. If reducing stress isn’t an option, determine healthier ways to better cope with stress. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation and relaxation into your daily life.
4. Create a personal health record. Complete a detailed history of family and personal health information for your own records and carry a copy in your wallet. This can improve care in an emergency situation.
5. Invite a challenge. Challenge yourself to add at least one new healthy habit into your daily routine. Incorporate two or more vegetables a day into your diet— diets rich in vitamins and minerals can reduce your risk of heart disease. If you’re not active, find a walking path or route in your neighborhood and commit to walking 10 minutes every day, gradually increasing your time to 30 minutes or more.
6. Manage your health. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or are overweight, proper management of these conditions can improve your heart health.
7. Take care of yourself. Pampering yourself is important, whether it’s a monthly massage or an afternoon coffee date with a friend. Why not incorporate some healthy pampering? Try a relaxing yoga or Pilates class, or take a walk.
Fast facts regarding heart health*:
• One in three adults have one or more types of heart disease
• On average, one American dies every 37 seconds from heart disease
• Of all of the deaths from heart disease, 32 percent occurred prematurely (before the age of 75)
Want to know more about your risk of heart disease? Take a free online risk assessment at phoenixheartcenter.com. phoenixheartcenter.com
*Information courtesy of the American Heart Association
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