Health Tip Number 38

Take Care of You Heart!
Some Risk Factors
-Smoking — A Smoker`s' risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2–4 times that of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is a powerful independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary heart disease; smokers have about twice the risk of nonsmokers. Now is a good time to quit...try acupuncture, I hear it works!

-High blood cholesterol — Your risk of coronary heart disease rises as your blood cholesterol rises. The risk is even greater when coupled with other risk factors like high blood pressure and/or smoking. A person's cholesterol level is also affected by age, sex, heredity and diet. Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels…and eat right!

-Too Much Booze! can raise blood pressure and lead to heart failure or stroke. It can contribute to alcoholism, cancer, obesity, suicide, and high triglycerides. Remember Everything in Moderation!

High Blood Pressure! — High blood pressure increases your heart's workload, which can cause it to thicken and become stiffer. It can also increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and renal failure. High blood pressure combined with smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes or obesity greatly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Monitor your blood pressure and take steps to control it. Find ways to relieve stress too so you can live a long healthy life!

-Obesity or Excess Fat! — People who are overweight (especially if the excess weight is around the midsection) are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Excess body fat increases the amount of work your heart has to do and raises blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can also lowers HDL, ’good’, cholesterol levels and increases your chances of diabetes. Losing weight can be difficult, but a loss of 10 pounds can lower your chances of heart disease. Eat right, eat smart! Avoid high fat, high sodium, sugary foods!

-Lack of Exercise — Exercise regularly! A sedentary lifestyle can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the workout - the greater the benefits, but see your doctor first if it’s been a while since you’ve exercised. Any regular exercise will help if you stay with it. Remember physical activity can help control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity. Exercise 30 minutes 3 times a week…you’ll look better, feel better and sleep better too!!!

-Diabetes — Approximately 75% of diabetics die of a form of heart or blood vessel disease. This disease increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart disease and stroke, which is why diabetics need to keep tabs on their health and work with local physicians to control the risk factors. It’s your life so, Take care of yourself!