Can Heart Disease Be Prevented?

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: October 28, 2019

heart disease prevention tampa cardio

You may wonder what you can do to help prevent heart disease, especially if you have a family history.

Though the mortality rate has lessened in recent years, heart disease is still the number one leading cause of death worldwide. This statistic is likely to remain for years to come. Heart disease most commonly affects older adults, warning signs can be present from childhood and even at birth. As a result, active wellness and prevention is often the most powerful weapon against developing heart disease later in life.

The preventative measures will depend greatly on the risk factors already present.

Some risk factors are completely out of a person’s control; older adults, males, post-menopausal women, people with a family history of heart disease, and people of certain races are all at an increased risk for developing heart disease. Other medical conditions, especially uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can also contribute to heart disease.

Actions that you can take in preventing heart disease include:

  • Stay active – Most doctors recommend around 30 minutes of exercise a day, with more benefits seen with vigorous activity. Even something as simple as taking a daily walk can make a huge impact on one’s heart health.
  • Quit smoking – Smokers are at more than double the risk for heart disease than non-smokers, and even exposure through second-hand smoke can have a serious effect on others.
  • Manage stress levels – Unmanaged stress levels and extreme anger can eventually culminate in the form of a heart attack or stroke. Many techniques are available for reducing stress levels, which can both reduce the risk for heart disease as well as improve a person’s overall quality of life.
  • Maintain a healthy diet – A healthy diet helps in keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a good range and contributes to your overall health. Typical foods to avoid are those high in trans and saturated fats, sodium, cholesterol, and refined sugars.
  • Maintain a healthy weight – The extra weight of obesity puts an added strain on the heart and all of the blood vessels connected to it. Obesity can also contribute to related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Manage and control related medical conditions – High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes can all contribute to the development of heart disease. Staying active and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help manage these conditions, which in turn helps to prevent heart disease from occurring as well.

It is likely that you or someone close to you will experience a battle with heart disease at some point during your lifetime, so it’s wise to be aware of the risks and stay informed about prevention. The cardiologists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and are happy to offer advice regarding the prevention of such conditions. While activity and nutrition are extremely important for maintaining a healthy heart, never begin a diet or exercise program without consulting with a medical professional first. www.tampacardio.com. 813-975-2800.

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: 28/10/2019

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