Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Around 700,000 people die from heart disease in the U.S. every year, which is the equivalent of one person every 33 seconds. The statistics are staggering, and it’s why February is now designated American Heart Month. It’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of cardiovascular health and help connect people to valuable resources that could reduce their risk.
But is it really possible to prevent & reverse heart disease? In many cases, yes! Take a few minutes this February to learn more about heart disease and explore ways to protect your heart.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a catch-all term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some of the most common forms of heart disease include:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
While anyone can experience heart disease, there are risk factors that could make you more likely to develop it, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying conditions. Some risk factors, like genetics, can’t be changed. However, there are others, like lifestyle choices, that you can control and adjust to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Can You Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease?
Yes, it’s possible to reduce your risk of heart disease through early detection and taking proactive steps to protect your health. Here are some ways you can reduce your risk:
Healthy Eating
A heart-healthy diet can help you maintain good cardiovascular health. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Lower your sodium intake and increase your fiber consumption to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both contributing causes of heart disease.
Regular Exercise
Staying active is one of the best ways to strengthen your heart. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly aerobic activity. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can improve heart function, help you manage your weight, and reduce stress levels.
Stress Management
Chronic stress harms heart health by increasing blood pressure. It can also contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating and smoking. Look for healthier ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. Even doing crafts, hanging out with friends, or playing with a pet can help.
Routine Screenings
Regular check-ups can help detect heart issues early. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar can help identify risk factors before you develop a serious health condition. East Adams Rural Healthcare’s cardiology services provide comprehensive screenings and personalized health plans to help patients stay on top of their heart health.
Is It Possible to Reverse Heart Disease?
Prevention is key. However, it is possible to slow or even reverse some forms of heart disease with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular function. Medical interventions, such as medications and cardiac rehabilitation programs, can also help. For more advanced heart conditions, surgical procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, can help.
Heart disease doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With the right support and commitment, it’s possible to improve heart health, slowing, stopping, or even reversing the effects of heart disease.
How EARH Can Help You Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease
East Adams Rural Healthcare offers comprehensive cardiology services to help you prevent & reverse heart disease. Our services include:
- Diagnostic testing
- Personalized treatment plans
- Rehabilitation programs
Our team of experienced healthcare professionals works closely with patients to create treatment plans focusing on lifestyle changes, medication management, and ongoing monitoring.
American Heart Month is a great time to commit to better heart health. EARH’s cardiology department offers the support and expertise you need. Schedule a consultation with our team today.
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