Lakewood, NJ -- Heart
disease and stroke are significant contributors to the
world’s death rate; claiming 17.2 million lives each
year. Organized by World Heart Federation members
and partners, World Heart Day was created to create public
awareness of risk factors for heart disease and stroke,
and to promote preventive measures.
The theme of this year's World Heart Day
is “Work with
Heart,” is designed to get people
thinking about the things we do that most affect our health
including what we eat, how physically active we are, and
whether we consume tobacco.
Heart disease and stroke are preventable. Taking steps
to incorporate a heart-healthy lifestyle can greatly improve
your overall heart health and dramatically reduce your risk
of heart disease.
There are several risk factors which can contribute to whether
or not you develop heart disease. The most significant
and modifiable risk factor is high blood pressure. Normal
blood pressure readings are generally around 120/80. High
blood pressure is usually controllable with lifestyle changes
and sometimes with medication.
In addition to high blood pressure, other modifiable risk
factors for heart disease include high cholesterol, smoking,
obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. In order to reduce
these risk factors for heart disease, use the following heart
healthy tips:
Have your cholesterol checked annually. If your cholesterol
is 200 or above, consider adopting a low-fat diet and increasing
your activity level. Pay particular attention to your
LDL or your “bad cholesterol” level and talk
to your doctor about how to reduce your numbers.
According to the American Heart Association, smokers may
be up to four times more likely to develop heart disease
compared to nonsmokers.
Being overweight significantly increases your risk of developing
heart disease. In fact, the heavier you are, the higher your
risk. Losing five to ten percent of your body weight can
help reduce your risk for heart disease.
Your diet has a major impact on your risk for developing
heart disease. Reduce greasy, fried and fatty foods, and
limit red meat in your diet. Increase fresh fruits and vegetables,
lean meats such as poultry and seafood, and add foods that
are high in fiber.
Exercise helps make your heart stronger, more efficient
and improves circulation. It also helps control other risk
factors including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure
and high cholesterol.
If you have diabetes, chronic high blood sugar can narrow
your arteries and increase your risk for heart disease. People
with diabetes also tend to have lower levels of "good" HDL
cholesterol and increased levels of triglycerides (blood
fats), adding to your risk for heart disease.
For those who have already experienced a recent heart attack,
heart surgery or are coping with other heart problems, cardiac
rehabilitation is often an integral part of the aftercare
plan.
“Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients to regain their
health, independence and overall well-being through a medically-supervised
regimen,” explains Peggy Burns, RN, Director of Non-Invasive
Cardiology at Kimball Medical Center. “Here at
Kimball, we provide each patient with a personalized exercise
program and heart-smart lifestyle changes to help patients
regain their strength, prevent their condition from worsening,
and reduce risk of future heart problems.”
While many people associate cardiac rehabilitation with
exercise, the program reaches far beyond the advantages of
a gym. Cardiac Rehabilitation at Kimball offers patients
an educational and supportive program in addition to a cardiovascular
workout monitored by trained medical professionals. Cardiologists,
including Medical Director, Moshe Bacharach, MD, primary
care physicians, certified dieticians, and Advance Cardiac
Life Support-certified registered nurses comprise the Kimball
team dedicated to heart health.
To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist on staff
at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Saint Barnabas
Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: September 22, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
