February is National Heart Month to help raise awareness about heart disease and how to prevent it. Heart Disease is the #1 killer of all Americans. Heart Disease kills more people than Cancer and diabetes, but did you know that you can help prevent heart disease?
What is Coronary Heart Disease?
A disease where plaque builds up (and hardens over time) in the coronary arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart which can eventually cause a heart attack.
Risk Factors:
- High Blood Cholesterol
- High Level of Triglycerides
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes/Prediabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Stress
- Unhealthy Diet
- Age
- Gender
- Family History
Ways to Lower your Chances of Heart Disease:
- Exercise more
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Watch your salt intake
- Quite smoking
How else can you help your heart?
Take a CPR class and learn how you can save a life! Also, locate the nearest AED at your workplace or when the next time you are at the mall, airport, your child’s school, etc…!
Click Here for class information!
Sources: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month/learn-more-about-heart-disease