Why Heart Disease is the Leading Cause of Death in America
Heart disease has many different factors and it affects many people. As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease takes away 610,000 people each year.
Almost half of Americans are at risk for heart disease due to one these risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
With high blood pressure, obesity and poor diet on the rise, everyone needs to be aware of the severity and risks of heart disease. There are some risk factors that cannot be controlled or prevented such as age or family history, but there are other factors that are controllable.
To prevent heart disease at any age take these steps:
- Follow a healthy eating plan. When choosing foods make sure the saturated fat, trans fat and sodium levels are low. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.
- Stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to intensive aerobic physical activity a week. This includes brisk walking, jogging or running.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, narrowing the passageways.
- Keep stress levels low. Long-term stress can increase your heart rate and blood pressure that can lead to damaged artery walls.
- Schedule an annual physical. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or any risks. This way you can start detecting the first signs if they arise.
Portneuf Medical Group offers over 60 providers as a team, with specialists to help you stay heart healthy. To find a primary care physician please call 208-239-3627, for cardiovascular services please call 208-239-3899. To learn about how we care for your heart, visit Portneuf Heart and Vascular Institute.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm