Spotlight on Well-Being: Heart Health
What is Heart Disease?
In people with heart disease, the arteries that supply blood to the heart get clogged with fatty deposits. This increases the risk of heart attack and other heart problems. Heart disease is also called "coronary artery disease."
Risk Factors
Certain things increase a person's risk of heart disease. These include health conditions like:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Smoking
- Eating a diet that is high in red meat, sugar, and fats, and low in fruits and vegetables
- Inactivity
- Obesity
- Depression or high stress levels
- Family history of heart disease
How to Prevent Heart Disease
- Quit smoking, if you smoke: If you are having trouble quitting, your doctor or nurse can help.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Try to consume less meats, sweets, or refined grains.
- Increase physical activity: Experts recommend trying to be active for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Even gentle forms of exercise, like walking or gardening, are good for your health
- Keep a healthy body weight: Excess body weight or obesity can raise the risk of heart disease.
- Find ways to manage stress: This can include things like yoga, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises. If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, your doctor or nurse might suggest other treatments that can help.
- Take medicines, if your doctor prescribes them: You might get medicines to help manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar. If so, follow all instructions for taking them.
Doing these things will also help your overall health. - Limit alcohol: If you drink, limit the amount to:
- For females, no more than one drink a day
- For males, no more than two drinks a day