New: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease by 80%
According to new guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), there are seven risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are completely within our control. Called Life’s Simple Seven, control of these seven areas can reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease by more than 80%. According to the AHA, consistently and conscientiously maintaining even five of the seven risks factors in an ideal range, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 80%. The seven risk factors are:
1. Smoking
Smoking is implicated in several diseases, and smoking cessation should be the Number One health goal of any smoker.
2. Physical activity
Leading a sedentary life deconditions the entire body, including the heart, and sets the stage for overweight. A moderate amount of exercise — as little as 30 minutes of brisk walking a day — keeps the body in shape.
3. Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important for preventing strain on the heart.
4. Diet
It is important to maximize intake of foods that are high in nutritional value, and avoid unhealthy foods, such as refined grains and simple carbohydrates.
5. Blood glucose
Controlling blood sugar is not only an issue for diabetes, it is also important for avoiding heart disease.
6. Cholesterol
Overall cholesterol levels should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), with LDL levels below 100 mg/dL and HDL levels greater than 60 mg/dL.
7. Blood pressure
It is important to keep blood pressure under control. Diseases related to high blood pressure are the leading cause of cardiovascular disease — and death — in the United States.
The AHA’s current goal is to educate the public about the importance of these Life’s Simple Seven. Since cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, the importance of making these lifestyle changes is clearly in our best interest.
At Atlantic Coast Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Lakewood, NJ, we are experts in the multidisciplinary approach to cardiac health. Our doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, dietitians, and nutritionists work together with the patient’s personal doctor to tailor a plan that will keeps our residents in the best possible health.
Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, caring.com, and wellness.com to hear what people have to say about our cardiac rehab program.
Or better yet, come see for yourself: Contact us to schedule a tour by calling 732-364-7100, or by clicking here.