September is National Heart Awareness Month and it important for you to know your health status, understand your health and to take necessary measures to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.
The human heart is the most important organ in your entire body and if you do not take care of it properly, it could cost you your life.
Heart attacks are more common among men than in women.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. If you are overweight, you have a higher risk of having high blood pressure. Hypertension is a major risk factor that leads to heart disease and strokes. Many are not even aware that they are hypertensive.
High blood cholesterol can lead to a build-up of fatty material in the walls of arteries, reducing the blood supply to the heart or brain and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Blood cholesterol is influenced by the amount of fat in your diet. Eating fried and fatty foods leads to high cholesterol.
By controlling your blood pressure you will be saving your heart.
Diabetes increases your risk of having heart disease, heart attacks or a stroke. Diabetics increases blood pressure, cholesterol, which increases the risk even more.
Being a diabetic means you are more likely to have a heart attack or a stroke, but if you manage your diabetes you can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
There are many ways to take care of your heart and to keep it healthy. Eating healthy foods is a key factor. It is important to stick to foods that are low in fat and salt. High fiber foods are great for your heart. Fruits and vegetables make up a big part of a healthy diet.
Exercise is another way to reduce weight and to keep fit and heart healthy. When you exercise, your heart rate increases, building strength and endurance. Without exercise, your heart is not getting the workout it needs. Try to exercise at least three times a week. Limit alcohol and do not smoke.
Everyone should know their cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels. It limits your chances of becoming another victim of heart disease.
Take care of your heart and it will take care of you.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
Read: Don’t miss a beat when it comes to your heart
