Importance of Heart Health

By Ashley Chapman 

Does heart disease run in your family? Are you aware of what you can do to lower your risk of developing heart disease? Several factors might make you a higher risk for developing heart disease. Here are some ways you can manage your health and help lower your risk for heart disease.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a disorder in the heart that may lead to a heart attack. This normally occurs when there is a blockage in one or both of the arteries in the heart. This is just one cardiovascular disease and it can affect both men and women.

It is important to know that once you have developed heart disease, it is a condition you will have for life. That is why it is important to take the necessary steps to help avoid developing the disease.

Other Heart Conditions

While you may not be at risk for developing heart disease, there are other heart conditions that you should know about.

High blood pressure is a condition that can impair how you are feeling and your overall health. High blood pressure can be brought on because of unhealthy eating (diets high in sodium), being overweight, and smoking.

Know Your Family History

The first step in taking care of your heart is understanding your family's health history. Being aware of diseases and conditions that are prevalent in your genetics can help your doctor and you come up with health plans that can help you avoid the onset of the diseases.

Weight and Exercise 

Weight can become a factor in developing heart disease as well as other health ailments such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you are overweight, it is important to lose weight and try to keep it off. Choosing an exercise program to participate in can be the first step in losing weight. Staying active can help you keep the weight off. Types of exercise that may help with weight loss include jogging, running, aerobics, and cycling.

What You Eat

What you are eating has a huge impact on your heart health.  The foods you are choosing to eat will either help your heart and body stay healthy or it may add to unwanted weight gain and added risk to disease. Some items you should eat in moderation include red meats, foods high in sodium and foods high in sugar.

There are foods that you can include in your diet that may help improve your overall health. Some of these items include vegetables, fiber rich foods, and lean meats (such as fish). 

 To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Killeen, Tex.