Your Heart needs your loving care?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Some risk factors, such as family history and age, can't be changed. But there are many ways to help protect your heart from heart disease and stroke.
- Have a Cardiac Disease Risk Assessment
Consult your doctor about your personal risks for heart disease and stroke. Follow his or her advice for health tests, lifestyle changes and therapies, including medications.
Smoking more than doubles your risk for heart disease. Secondhand smoke is also very harmful.
- Control Your Blood Pressure
Help control your blood pressure by exercising regularly, eating right, limiting sodium and alcohol, and not smoking. Have your blood pressure checked as recommended and be sure to take medication if needed.
Limit foods high in cholesterol. Saturated fats and trans fat in your diet also raise cholesterol. Have your cholesterol checked as recommended and take medication if needed.
Emphasize heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Limit sodium and get no more than 3% of your daily calories from fat.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming and biking, strengthens your heart. Moderate-intensity activities, including leisure walking, housework and gardening, are also beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most (preferably all) days of the week.
Stress increases your blood pressure and heart rate. Take time to relax, exercise helps reduce stress, too.
If you are overweight, make the effort to lose those extra pounds. Overweight and obesity contribute to heart disease and stroke.
Be Smart For Your Heart: Women's Heart Health
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