In a continuation of our observance of National Heart Health Month, we are learning more about what it means to have a healthy heart and what risks heart disease may pose.
What is heart disease?
Heart and blood vessel diseases make up cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease. Heart disease includes conditions that damage the heart, such as:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Congestive heart failure
- Congenital heart disease
- Stroke
How common is heart disease?
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies of a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular diseases.
- Eighty percent of all heart disease and strokes could be prevented if people exercised more, ate healthier, and stopped using tobacco.
- Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. for men and women.
- Cardiovascular disease, listed as the underlying cause of death, accounts for nearly 836,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. That’s about 1 of every 3 deaths in the U.S.
Risk factors for heart disease:
- Having high blood pressure defined as having a systolic blood pressure reading between 130 and 139 mmHg or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 mmHg.
- Having high cholesterol defined as over 200 mg/dL.
- Having diabetes.
- Being overweight defined as having a body mass index (BMI) measurement over 25.
- Your hereditary background.
Heart attack warning signs:
- Chest discomfort.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cold sweat.
- Nausea.
- Lightheadedness.
If you, a loved one, friend or someone you witness is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 and get help
To help keep a healthier heart:
- Exercise regularly by aiming for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage your blood pressure.
- Take control of your cholesterol.
- Keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
- Don’t smoke.
- Manage stress.
- Establish a relationship with a primary care physician, know your health numbers (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) and follow your doctor’s advice.
How well were you paying attention? Test your knowledge below!
- High blood pressure is progressive, often asymptomatic, and treatable.
a.True
b.False
2. Which of the following are risk factors for high blood pressure?
a.Stress
b. Smoking
c. Lack of Physical Activity
d. All of the Above
3. 70% of Americans who have a first heart attack have blood pressure readings over 140/90.
a. True
b. False
4. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the veins.
a. True
b. False
5. Which of the following are considered the first line of preventing and treating hypertension?
a. Take blood pressure medication
b. Maintain a healthy weight
c. Be more physically active
d. Both B & C are correct
6. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is also known as the «Silent Killer» because it has no symptoms.
a. True
b. False
7. Sodium helps control your body’s fluid balance. Too much sodium increases the volume inside your blood vessels and can increase your blood pressure.
a. True
b. False
Answers:
- High blood pressure is progressive, often asymptomatic, and treatable.
a.True
b. False
2. Which of the following are risk factors for high blood pressure?
a. Stress
b. Smoking
c. Lack of Physical Activity
d. All of the Above
3. 70% of Americans who have a first heart attack have blood pressure readings over 140/90.
a. True
b. False
4. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the veins.
a. True
b. False
5. Which of the following are considered the first line of preventing and treating hypertension?
a. Take blood pressure medication
b. Maintain a healthy weight
c. Be more physically active
d. Both B & C are correct
6. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is also known as the «Silent Killer» because it has no symptoms.
a. True
b. False
7. Sodium helps control your body’s fluid balance. Too much sodium increases the volume inside your blood vessels and can increase your blood pressure.
a. True
b. False
