In recognition of American Heart Month in February, we invite you to check out these tips and reminders. Here’s to a happy, heart-healthy 2018!
Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined.* Seeing your doctor regularly and knowing your numbers – including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI) – can help you manage your risk. Also, it’s important to know your family history of heart disease, which can impact your chance of having a cardiovascular problem.
Heart-Healthy Tips** to Keep in Mind
- Eat a healthy diet. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends adults engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes every week.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
- Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure.
*Source: American Heart Association (AHA)
**Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn more about The Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers, which provides a full spectrum of sophisticated, patient-oriented cardiac care – from advanced diagnostic imaging and emergency intervention to minimally invasive treatments and rehabilitation.
Don't Forget to Get Your Sleep
Getting the rest you need is also important for your heart health. The American Heart Association (AHA) has linked poor sleep quality with an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease and overall cardiovascular disease. Exercise, avoiding excess caffeine and having an evening routine (such as turning off electronics or taking a hot bath) can promote better sleep, the AHA says.
Also, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders – such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea – can improve quality of sleep.