By Shannin Prather
January 2023 | 2023 Winter Newsletter
In the United States, heart disease is the number one cause of death in adults, and high blood pressure is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you are worried about your heart health, there are simple steps you can take to help reduce your risk of heart-related issues.
A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and careful medication management can go a long way towards reducing—and sometimes even reversing—heart issues. Healthwise, a non-profit health education organization operating for more than 45 years, says eating a heart-healthy diet is the most important thing a person can do to address concerns about heart disease.
To follow a heart-healthy diet, eat plenty of nutritious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods. Choose foods that are low in salt (sodium), saturated and trans fats, and added sugars. Eat at least two servings of fish each week, especially those containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as canned light tuna, sardines, and salmon.
It is also important to stay active and balance the calories you eat with the amount of physical activity you can perform. Regular exercise helps strengthen your heart as well as moving vital oxygen and blood through your body.
If you are among the one in three American adults that have high blood pressure, be sure to check your blood pressure regularly, even if you feel fine. Generally, people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. You can take your blood pressure at home, at many pharmacies, and at your doctor’s office.
If you have been prescribed medications, it is crucial to follow a regular medication schedule and the instructions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your health care team if any of your medications make you feel ill so they can suggest ways to reduce side effects.
By making heart-healthy choices, you can help lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Learn more about giving your heart the love it deserves by visiting the American Heart Association website at heart.org.