Almost half of Americans have some degree of cardiovascular disease. That’s 121.5 million adults. Heart attack, end-stage kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke are all potential killers. Today, the stakes are even higher, but as the old adage goes, forewarned is forearmed. Know the statistics regarding heart disease, the associated dangers, and what you can do to stay heart healthy.
The Statistics Are on the Rise
How could that be? Sadly, risk factors for heart disease can be largely ignored. Obesity, reported to afflict 39.6 American adults, continues to spiral almost out of control in the United States. Nearly 20 percent of kids are affected, too, and decidedly, bodyweight impacts the joints, blood pressure, patency of coronary arteries, and more.
Plus, the American diet appears to be one of the worst in the world, with high levels of saturated fats, salt, and sugar. Couple that with the sedentary habits of a high-tech society, extreme levels of job and personal stress, and the stage is set for cardiovascular disease. Also, while smoking is on the decline, the use of harmful e-cigarettes, with their high nicotine content, is rising, particularly with young people.
Sadly, even modest deviations in cholesterol, blood glucose, activity, and stress levels snowball with age. In other words, minor problems accumulate over the years, producing devastating forms of cardiovascular disease. In the US, we have an aging population. So, it makes sense that there are more and more heart-related issues.
Changing the American Lifestyle One Person at a Time
Doctors, like our interventional cardiologist, Dr. Eli Levine, in Boca Raton, FL, emphasize the necessity of mitigating cardiovascular risks. While we can’t modify our genes and their role in heart disease, lifestyle factors are controllable.
Accordingly, instill wise habits in your children as early as possible and follow them yourself. A heart-healthy lifestyle includes:
- 150 minutes of light aerobic activity weekly (swimming, biking, running, walking)
- Stopping all tobacco usage and e-cigs (their nicotine raises the heart rate and narrows arteries)
- Being well-hydrated
- Upping your intake of fiber and lowering carbs, processed foods, and high-cholesterol meats and dairy
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Limiting salt
- Checking your blood pressure regularly (120/80 or lower is the goal) and taking your medications as prescribed
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight
- Knowing blood sugar levels and controlling them
- Reducing stress through prayer, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques
Can I See a Heart Doctor Near Me?
That’s a great question, and the answer is yes, you can. To learn more about lowering your risk for heart disease, consult the expert in cardiovascular health in Boca Raton, FL.
It’s Dr. Eli Levine at Advanced Vascular Institute. He is a board-certified interventional and clinical cardiologist who employs the latest in heart, artery, and vein diagnostics and treatments, including in-house 3-D echocardiograms, arterial and venous ultrasound exams, and more. He’s also known for his commonsense explanations of all things cardiac. So, you know you’re in good hands.
Please call Advanced Vascular Institute to learn more or to book a consultation with the premiere cardiologist in Boca Raton, FL. Phone (561) 265-5621.
