Steps to Help Prevent Heart Disease
Writer / Dr. Katsiaryna Tsarova, Cardiologist at IU Health West Hospital
Photography Provided
Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 659,000 people in the country die from heart disease each year. Certain health conditions, your lifestyle, age, and family history can increase your risk for heart disease. Patients should not wait to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. IU Health is one of the highest-volume heart and vascular programs in the country, providing top of the line value based care services.
Heart disease can affect anyone.
Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women. It can happen at any age, but the risk goes up as a person grows older. It is important to take steps earlier in life to prevent irreversible heart damage that can accumulate over years.
Know your family history.
The CDC states that genetic factors play some role in heart disease and other related conditions. The risk increases when traits passed from one generation to another through genes combine with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking and poor diet.
Living a healthy lifestyle can decrease your risk.
By living a healthy lifestyle, patients can help improve their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. Manageable habits include consuming healthy foods and drinks, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity and refraining from smoking.
Take charge of your medical conditions.
If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, you can take steps to lower your risk for heart disease. Patients should get their cholesterol checked at least once every four to six years. If they have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol or have a family history of the condition, it may need to be checked more often. Patients should also have their blood pressure measured yearly after the age of 40, and every three to five years if they are younger than 40.
Work with a health-care team.
Patients should work with a health-care team to prevent and treat medical conditions that could lead to heart disease. Your heart health is vital to your overall health so consult Tri-County Heart Institute if you suffer from any common heart symptoms. For those who have already had a heart attack, health-care team members will work to help prevent another one. Treatment plans may include medicines, surgery or lifestyle changes.
