Wednesday, February 13, 2013
February is American Heart Month. Heart disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. This is a great time to commit to the fight against cardiovascular disease and to educate yourself about what you can do to live a heart-healthy life.
You are at higher risk of heart disease if you are:
- A woman age 55 or older
- A man age 45 or older
- Or a person with a family history of early heart disease.
The good news is, in many cases, heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle changes. To keep your heart healthy:
- Watch your weight
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
- Get active and eat healthy
- Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45 or a woman over 55
- Manage your stress level.
The American Heart Association is an excellent resource for anyone seeing information on heart disease prevention and treatment.