What Can You Do to Decrease your Risk for Heart Disease?
Today we begin a series called "Heart Healthy for the Holidays". Since heart
disease is the number one killer of women and men in this country, we want our
holiday gift to you to be information on how you can reduce your risk of this
deadly and disabling condition. In the span of the time it takes you
to read today's segment, 4 Americans will have a heart attack. Fortunately,
they won't all die, but heart disease is the number one killer of American men
AND women. Yet, surveys show that most women don't consider heart disease an
important health problem for them. The good news is that many heart
attacks could be prevented by modifying risky behavior.
- First, if you smoke, just stop. Among women, smoking
triples the risk of heart attack.
- Control your cholesterol, blood pressure , blood sugar, weight and stress
levels. Correct vitamin deficiencies. Exercise consistently, in moderation.
- Healthy menopausal women should also ask their doctors about taking hormone
replacement therapy which can cut the risk of heart disease in half. While
you're at it, ask your doctor if you should be taking an aspirin a day to
reduce your risk further.
- If you take medications for any chronic condition, take them regularly and
according to the instructions.
- Finally, learn CPR. This may allow you the privilege of saving someone
else's life.
Created: 12/18/2003 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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