Awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death has increased from 30 percent in 1997 to 46 percent in 2003. Even so, only 13 percent of women consider heart disease to be their greatest health risk.
Heart disease is defined as a disorder of the arteries of the heart that can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when one or more of the vessels of the heart become blocked (by fat, cholesterol and other toxins) thus preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Once developed, heart disease can be managed but not cured. Without lifestyle changes heart disease will worsen. Risk factors are habits or conditions that increase the chance of developing a disease. Many of the risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or controlled.
Risk factors include:
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Overweight/obesity
Physical inactivity
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
Age 55 and older
Talk to your health care provider about your risk factors and how you too can get a healthy heart.
Ten commandments for a healthy heart
1. Know your risk factors for heart disease.
2. Talk to your doctor about modifiable risk factors to improve heart health.
3. Know your cholesterol numbers (total cholesterol, HDL-good cholesterol, LDL-bad cholesterol, and triglycerides).
4. Have regular blood pressure monitoring.
5. Have your blood sugar level checked for diabetes.
6. Do not use tobacco products.
7. Eat a heart healthy diet (low-fat, low cholesterol, low sodium).
8. Exercise 30 minutes a day 5-7 days a week at a moderate activity level.
9. Aim for a healthy weight.
10. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of immediate medical attention.
In summary, get healthy and know your risk factors. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do for optimum heart health. For additional information visit www.hearttruth.gov.
