National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 1st. On this day, men and women are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of their support of women's heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the United States. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. One of the biggest contributors to these statistics is a lack of commitment to a heart healthy lifestyle. Your lifestyle is not only your best defense against heart disease and stroke, it's also your responsibility.
Lifestyle Changes for Heart Attack Prevention Stop smoking-If you smoke, quit. If someone in your house smokes, encourage them to quit. Choose good nutrition-A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. Choose a diet that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; includes low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, nontropical vegetable oils, and nuts; and limits intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meats. Lower your blood cholesterol-Fat lodged in your arteries is a disaster waiting to happen. Sooner or later it could trigger a heart attack or stroke. You've got to reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and get moving. Lower high blood pressure-It's a major risk factor for stroke a leading cause of disability in the United States. Stroke recovery is difficult at best and you could be disabled for life. Shake that salt habit, take your medications as recommended by your doctor and get moving. Those numbers need to get down and stay down. An optimal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Be physically active every day-Be physically active every day. Research has shown that at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. Aim for a healthy weight-Obesity is highly prevalent in America. Good nutrition, controlling calorie intake and physical activity are the only way to maintain a healthy weight.