Cardiovascular diseases are diseases relating to the heart and the blood vessels. Known risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol levels. The majority of them are related to lifestyle and other factors, becoming more prevalent with age. Unfortunately, the diseases often do not have clear symptoms and can grow for months unnoticed; until after diagnosis is made with evaluation and diagnostic testing.
Despite many other diseases plaguing women, such as breast cancer and more, heart disease remains the leading cause of death. 1 is too many so learn about how to reduce your risk and spread your knowledge with others.
According to the CDC, black adults are 2 times more likely to die of heart disease compared to white adults. Educating this population can improve health and save more lives.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack
If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.
Top Risk Factors:
What Can You Do?
See your health care provider and know your numbers. Know the status of your health and your risk factors, and together come up with a plan to keep your risks low.
Diet: Lower the amount of saturated fat (animal fat) and salt in your diet. Choose heart healthy foods.
Activity: Get in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. If that is hard to fit in, get several small bursts of exercise in per day.
Quit Smoking: There are many resources to assist you. Florida offers freetobacco cessation tools.
Lifestyle: Identify stresses to help reduce them and get more and better sleep
Sources:
National Today
National Institute of Health
American Heart Association
GoRed for Women
CDC
Author Peggy Demetriou, FNP, APRN-BC Founder and CEO of Qvita Health and Wellness.