What Can You Do to Decrease your Risk for Heart Disease?
In the span of today's segment, 4 Americans will have a heart attack. Fortunately,
they won't all die, but heart disease is the number one killer
of American men AND women. Yet, surveys show that most women don't consider
heart disease an important health problem for them. The good news is
that many heart attacks could be prevented by modifying risky behavior.
- First, if you smoke, just stop. Among women, smoking triples the
risk of heart attack.
- Control your cholesterol, blood pressure , blood sugar, weight and stress
levels. Correct vitamin deficiencies. Exercise consistently, in moderation.
- Healthy menopausal women should also ask their doctors about taking hormone
replacement therapy which can cut the risk of heart disease in half. While
you're at it, ask your doctor if you should be taking an aspirin a day to
reduce your risk further.
- If you take medications for any chronic condition, take them regularly and
according to the instructions.
- Finally, learn CPR. This may allow you the privilege of saving someone
else's life.
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Created: 12/13/2000  - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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