Preventing Heart Diseases And Stroke
Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart disease and stroke are formidable adversaries, accounting for a significant portion of mortality in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular diseases alone claim the lives of over 859,000 Americans each year.
On a positive note, up to 80% of premature heart diseases can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and regular health assessments. With that in mind, HeartCare Texas is dedicated to empowering people to improve their heart health. Our comprehensive approach integrates evidence-based strategies and personalized care.
What are heart disease and stroke?
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart. These may include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and congenital heart disease, among others.
Conversely, stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell death and potentially permanent neurological damage. Both of these conditions pose significant threats to health and require prompt intervention and management.
What are the early warning signs of a stroke or a heart attack?
It's essential to recognize the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes for quick treatment.
Heart attack symptoms:
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or belly
- Having trouble breathing
- Feeling like throwing up
- Feeling dizzy
- Sweating a lot
Stroke symptoms:
- One side of the face, arm, or leg suddenly feels weak or numb
- Feeling confused or having trouble talking
- Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Having a hard time walking or feeling dizzy
- Suddenly getting a bad headache
How to avoid heart disease and stroke
Control your cholesterol: Maintain healthy cholesterol levels with a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats in your diet.
Control your diabetes: Keep your blood sugar levels in check with a diabetes-friendly diet, regular physical activity, and any necessary medications.
Exercise regularly: Boost heart health, manage weight, and reduce stress with 75 to 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.
Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Lower the risk of heart disease by prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.
Quit smoking: Smoking and secondhand smoke increase heart disease risk. Seek support to quit smoking and avoid smoking environments.
Maintain a healthy weight: Control obesity-related heart disease risks by balancing diet and exercise to achieve a healthy body weight.
Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to protect your heart from the negative effects of chronic stress.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to support heart health and lower the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
Our approach to heart disease and stroke prevention
At HeartCare Texas, we believe in taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to heart disease and stroke prevention.
Our team of experienced cardiologists and healthcare professionals is committed to providing you with the education, resources, and support you need to make informed decisions about your cardiovascular health. From preventive screenings and diagnostic tests to lifestyle counseling and medical management, we're here to help you achieve optimal heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Don't wait until symptoms arise - schedule a consultation with us today to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.