What is heart disease?
Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the US is coronary heart disease, which occurs when a plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Six tips for prevention
Help keep your heart safe by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have:
- Eat a healthy diet. That means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables — adults should have at least five servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. And, limiting alcohol and sodium consumption can lower your blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine if your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Use this tool to calculate your BMI.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked regularly. Visit your doctor for a screening, which is part of your free in-network preventive care provided by your medical plan.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. For more information about tobacco use and quitting, visit smokefree.gov.
- Have your cholesterol checked. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.
Source: www.cdc.gov
