Since February is American Heart Health month, what better time to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, especially among women. Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women in the United States? More women than men die of heart disease, but many women are unaware of the danger theyre in.

Heart disease is a term that covers several types of diseases of the heart, blood, arteries, and veins. Having heart disease can often result in heart failure, heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. The risks for developing heart disease range from age, gender, family history, diet, blood pressure, level of cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and stress.

It doesnt take much to improve your heart health for both men and women. In fact, heart disease is about 80 percent preventable when you make the right choices. Ready to make over your heart? Lets get started.

There are a couple of things that always need to be stressed. First, avoid cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke. The reasons are clear: Smoking contributes to the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, increases blood pressure, and lowers good (HDL) cholesterol. Plus, a double whammy for the heart, smokers also tend to have more difficulty exercising.

You dont have to quit alone. Smoking cessation classes are offered at Bingham Memorial Hospital. For more information, please call (208) 785-3820.

Physical activity is so powerful. If you can do nothing else, move every day. People who are active are better at controlling their weight, keeping blood pressure low, and managing cholesterol levels.

You dont need to huff and puff to reap the benefits a daily 30-minute brisk walk (or three 10-minute walks) is a good start.

A healthy diet is essential to a healthy heart. Start by avoiding processed foods and loading up on fruits and vegetables. Having a colorful plate leads to heart-healthy choices. Favor vegetables over fruit preferably.

One of the keys to a healthier ticker is managing stress.

Stressful situations can start a number of chain reactions. Your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up, and if youre under constant stress, this can keep happening on and off.

While researchers are still trying to understand the exact link, they do know that stress raises blood pressure levels. And for some people, it might invite unhealthy coping mechanisms, like smoking or alcohol.

So what can you do to chill out? Its easy. Youll feel better with just 20 minutes of daily laughter, meditation, yoga, or even just deep breathing.

When we dont get enough sleep, we see increases in the stress hormone cortisol and blood pressure levels. Constantly elevated cortisol and blood pressure damages the lining of the blood vessels of the heart. Try to aim for seven to eight hours of shuteye each night.

6. See Your Doctor Once a Year

High blood pressure and elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels raise your risk of heart disease. But you wont know whether your numbers are high without seeing your family medicine provider or a cardiologist.

To promote good heart health, be sure to take care of yourself and visit your primary care physician at least once a year. Have a discussion with your primary care doctor to see where you are. If your levels are out of range, your doctor may prescribe medications that can help control these risk factors.

About Bingham Healthcare Cardiology

Bingham Healthcares cardiologists are certified to diagnose and treat disorders of the circulatory system and the cardiovascular system the heart, arteries and veins. Using the latest and state-of-the art technology, they provide initial diagnostic services, including basic cardiology evaluations, consultations, stress tests, heart pathology, and arrhythmia detection.

With complete cardiology coverage throughout Eastern Idaho, the following cardiologists are always welcoming new patients.

Call to schedule a consultation in Blackfoot: (208) 785-3897.

Call to schedule a consultation in Idaho Falls: (208) 524-9404.

Call to schedule a consultation in Pocatello: (208) 239-8027.

Dont wait until its too late to treat cardiovascular disease. Youll be glad you did.

Read the original:
Give your heart a makeover - Post Register

Comments are closed.