Take Control Over Your Heart Health
In 2012, ischemic heart disease was the cause of death among 7.4 million individuals worldwide (World Health Organization), making it the number one cause of death.
The time to take control over your heart health is now, before an ischemic heart disease rears its ugly head in your life!
Schedule a Yearly Checkup
Catch any health issue as early as possible by scheduling yearly checkups. Your doctor will recommend cardiology exams that measure your blood pressure as well as cholesterol and glucose levels and one or more of the following tests:
- coronary calcium scan
- C-reactive protein (CRP) test
- electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- chest X-ray
- blood tests
- exercise electrocardiogram
- cardiac perfusion scan
- echocardiogram and stress echocardiogram
- coronary angiogram
Ask your doctor about the necessity for these exams as well as the possible implications of their results. The more you know, the more likely you can be an active participant in maintaining your heart’s good health.
Get Fit
Cardiovascular exercise tones muscle, melts fat, and burns calories. More importantly, it benefits your heart in so many ways, including:
- Strengthens your cardiovascular system and your heart
- Improves your circulation and aids your body in better oxygen use
- Lowers blood pressure and normalizes it
- Aids in reducing body fat and, lessening the fat around your heart
- Helps in lessening stress, tension and anxiety, which can damage your heart as badly as any physical stimuli
- Lessens your symptoms of congestive heart failure when done properly
Ask your doctor about the appropriate type as well as frequency, intensity and duration of your exercise program according to your age, physical condition, and underlying health issues.
Eat for a Healthy Heart
Ask any healthcare professional and you will find that there is no single heart-friendly diet with specific food and beverages. Instead, a balanced diet consisting of healthy items like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as legumes, peas, lean meat, fishes, and low-fat dairy products is the key toward good heart health.
Drink more water, too, while you are at it. Not only is water necessary for life but it can aid in increasing blood volume and improving blood circulation.
Other important things about eating healthy food for heart health:
- Control your cholesterol levels. Avoid foods high in cholesterol, trans-fat, and saturated fat.
- Cut down on your salt/sodium consumption. While salt is a necessary part of health, too much can increase your risks for a wide variety of chronic degenerative diseases including ischemic heart disease and hypertension.
- Eliminate canned, processed and packaged food from your diet since these have high levels of fat, sugar and salt.
Plus, your healthy heart will mean your ability to enjoy life to the fullest, thanks to higher energy levels and better mood. With a healthy diet and an exercise program, you will also be able to maintain a healthy weight – one of the musts in maintaining good heart health.
Don’t forget to quit smoking, lessen alcohol consumption, and manage stress, too. Watch as your heart becomes healthier for it.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.