Your Heart Health is in Your Hands

With one person dying of heart disease every 36 seconds, it's also responsible for twice the number of deaths in American women than all types of cancer, including breast cancer. There are several risk factors for heart disease, many within your control. Whether it's high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, your heart health is in your hands.  

Follow these tips for better heart health:

• Diet – Ditch the fast food! Limit sodium, saturated fat, trans-fat and cholesterol. Choose healthy meals that include more fresh fruits and vegetables and foods that are high in fiber.
• Physical activity – The heart is a muscle that can be strengthened with regular exercise. Exercising can also help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Tobacco use – Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. Quit as soon as possible if you are currently a smoker.
• Obesity – Extra weight makes your heart work harder. Plus, obesity often is accompanied by high blood pressure, cholesterol and more, causing even more strain on your heart. Work with your health care team to develop a plan to lose the extra pounds.
• High blood pressure – High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to monitor it on a regular basis and talk with your doctor about ways to lower it.
• High cholesterol – You should have your cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. Cut down on cholesterol in your diet if you have high cholesterol or are at risk.
• Diabetes – If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options.