Heart Disease is Optional

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women.

In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack.

You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

But the good news is…in most cases, heart disease is optional!

You can absolutely lower your risk and even prevent the development of heart disease.  Whether you already have heart disease or not…you can control your disease, or even prevent disease from being part of your life by making some changes in your life.

Here are a few tips:

• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.
• Talk to your health care provider about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45, or a woman past menopause.
• Manage stress.
• Eat vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Watch your portions

A healthy life can be yours, but you have to make the choice, and take the actions to make it so.