It’s never too early or too late to make changes that support a healthier heart, according to the cardiology team at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital. While heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, many risk factors are preventable and manageable with healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical care.
Here are six practical steps you can take to lower your risk of heart disease:
- Choose heart-healthy foods. What you eat matters. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and foods high in fiber. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, added sugars and sodium to help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Be active most days of the week. Regular physical activity strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, five days a week. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
- Stop smoking. Being smoke-free can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as cancer and chronic lung disease.
- Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the chances of a stroke. If you drink, limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. Even modest weight loss, just 3–5% of your body weight, can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
- Manage other health conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease. Work with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions through lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions, in partnership with Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital offers CT heart scan programs for local employers who are seeking to strengthen their workplace wellness and preventive screening initiatives. This proactive screening can help identify early signs of coronary artery disease, enabling timely intervention and potentially reducing the need for more costly, invasive procedures later.
At a recent employer-sponsored event, 10 percent of participants were referred for additional consultation or follow-up care, early detection that may help prevent a future cardiac event and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
If you would like to learn more, contact Julie Wisneski ([email protected]), Strategic Sales Executive in the Fox Cities for more information.