It’s human nature not to pay attention to something until it breaks. Prevention just isn’t sexy. And yet, many of us have been affected by a friend or family member having a heart attack. Heart attacks are not just for men anymore. Chest pain does not necessarily define a woman’s heart attack but nausea, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and even lower back pain can indicate a cardiovascular incident.
My heart attack in 2006 was signaled by shortness of breath which I chalked up to the summer heat and too much activity. I thought the nurse on the phone was being dramatic about my symptoms, so I waited 8 hours to go the the ER. Fortunately, I was given a second chance and avoided serious consequences, thanks to the efficient hospital staff. Now I know better.
Like I was, you may be unaware of serious matters of the heart. If you have a heart attack or a stroke you could lose your mobility, you could be paralyzed, you could be dependent on full time care, you could rack up extensive medical bills and you could die. 47% of people who have heart attacks die. But, there is good news and you have the power to prevent a cardio incident. What I have learned since my Cardio Vascular Incident is that diet, exercise, and awareness are the key factors to preventing heart disease.
According to a 2005 report by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment there are seven preventable causes that can lead to a heart attack:
- High Blood Pressure: Get it measured so you know what yours is. The make changes to lower it if needed.
- High Cholesterol: Have your levels tested and adjust your food choices accordingly.
- Tobacco Use: If you smoke, stop now.
- Diabetes: Learn how to manage food choices to avoid negative heart conditions.
- Overweight/Obese: If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9 you are overweight and if you have 30.0 or more you are obese. Change that.
- Physical Inactivity: Means you don’t participate in regular physical activities at least three times a week. Become active.
- Inadequate Nutrition: Means you consume less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Eat fresh fruits and veggies instead of saturated fats, sugars and salt.
African Americans are prone to high blood pressure. Caucasians are prone to high cholesterol. Asians have the highest rates of smoking. Hispanics, in this study, are the least physically active. None of this is set in stone, but the statistics are eye-opening. Having this information allows you to make smarter choices and extend your life. It’s in your hands.
Heart disease is the #1 killer in the US. And, it is 90% preventable. I have lowered my cholesterol from 268 to 147, I eat heart healthy, I exercise 4 times a week, I have my weight under control, and I don’t smoke. I have learned more about heart health and I make sure my family eats food that support their heart health, too. We’re all planning on living into our hundreds.
What about you? Can you Go Red and make changes in your choices that support heart health and a long life? It’s easy once you set your mind to it.