Most of us don’t really take much time to consider our heart health until there is a problem.

Our hearts beat on their own without us thinking about it or actively doing anything. Much like breathing and blinking it is an automatic bodily action… the thing is, the very best time to take care of your heart is now. Before anything happens or shows signs of problems taking place.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a blanket term that covers several heart-related conditions. This can apply to the heart itself, the blood vessels or both. Though heart disease statistics are headed downward in the right direction in recent years, it is still the leading cause of death worldwide.

Who Does Heart Disease Effect?

Heart disease most commonly occurs in older adults though warning signs can be there from birth. Prevention is often a person’s most powerful defense against heart disease later down the road.

Let’s Talk Risk Factors

Certain risk factors are out of a person’s control such as just being male, aging, for women becoming post-menopausal, having a family history of heart disease, or even just being a certain race (African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican Americans) are all at an elevated risk for developing heart disease.

All of the other risk factors are within your ability to control. They include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and making sure you are not sedentary – get some exercise. All of these can help decrease a person’s risk for heart disease.

Medical conditions can also factor in and boost the likelihood of developing heart disease. The biggest ones are uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

What You Can Do to Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

1. Quit smoking – Smoking more than doubles the risk of heart disease.

2. Be Active – Doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise per day.

3. Eat Right – A healthy diet helps to keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a good range. a

4. Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity puts an added strain on the heart as well as all of the blood vessels connected to it.

5. Ditch the stress – Unmanaged stress and anger can eventually manifest in the form of a heart attack or stroke.

6. Manage medical conditions – High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes all contribute to the development of heart disease.

It is likely that you or someone close to you will experience heart disease at some point. It’s helpful 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. 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.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. (813) 975-2800 or visit us online to learn more www.tampacardio.com.