1. Be Aware of Your Number One Killer
Heart disease and cardiovascular disease describe many conditions that cause your heart or blood vessels to function improperly. Heart diseases kill more people than any other disease in the United States and more than all cancers combined. Usually, heart disease refers to damage to your heart or blood vessels caused by arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, being overweight and insufficient exercise are all risk factors for arteriosclerosis. Because it is so widespread, knowing what heart disease is and your family history is important for your health.
2. Work Hard to Stop Hard Arteries
Hardened coronary arteries reduce blood flow and cause coronary artery disease, or CAD. This hardening of blood vessels and reduced blood flow can lead to all kinds of other heart problems like heart attacks and chest pain. Watching your diet, exercising, not smoking and keeping track of your blood pressure can go a long way in preventing arteriosclerosis.
3. Know Simple Signs of Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when there is damage to the heart muscle. Knowing the signs of a heart attack can save someone else's life or yours. Chest or upper body pain or discomfort, being short of breath, cold sweats, nausea and light-headedness are all possible signs of a heart attack. Quick action after recognizing symptoms is also important; many new medicines and treatments are saving more lives than ever.
4. Heart Failure May Be Prevented
Preventing heart disease helps prevent heart failure, and you want to start sooner rather than later. Stop smoking; this is the most important prevention tip for reducing the chances of heart failure. Eat a heart healthy diet low in fat, cholesterol and salt and consume higher quantities of fruits, vegetables, fruits and lean meat. Also, exercise regularly to improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system and to prevent weight gain. If you have risk factors for heart failure, follow all the previous steps. Plus, don't drink alcohol and follow doctor's orders for treatment of current heart conditions.
5. Symptoms and Signs Can Save You
If you have any signs of a heart attack or other symptoms like unexplained fatigue, a family history of heart disease, numbness, confusion, severe headaches or trouble seeing, schedule a visit with your doctor. You may need to take tests to rule out heart disease.
