Prevent Heart Disease

by: Mike Spencer

You should always keep in mind that whatever actions you do today can either help to prevent, delay or minimize the effect of heart disease or worsen it. The key is to control risk factors. Granted that you cannot control every risk factor for heart disease such as family history but you can definitely do something about your behavior. Age and gender also influence your risk of heart disease. Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease Cholesterol Levels Cholesterol is a type of a lipid, a soft, fatlike substance that serves as a source of fuel. Excessive cholesterol can cause buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Accumulation of plaque in arteries can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack. LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, is transported to sites throughout the body, where it's used to repair cell membranes or to make hormones. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of your arteries. HDL cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol, transports cholesterol to the liver, where it's altered and removed from the body. Blood Pressure Normal blood pressure level is defined as less than 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for systolic blood pressure and less than 85 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the more likely it is to take a toll on the heart and on the brain. Blood pressure should be checked whether or not your levels are high. For normal, check once every two years. For high-normal, check once a year. If extremely high, you should get immediate care. Then get multiple measurements to know if a high level is sustained over time. Diabetes Another risk factor for heart disease is diabetes, a chronic disease of insulin deficiency or resistance. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, is associated with obesity and may be prevented by maintaining ideal body weight through exercise and balanced nutrition. Tips For Controlling Risk of Heart Disease Stop Smoking The effect of smoking on your lungs can cause almost every other medical condition. Get Active Routine physical activity is highly recommended and helpful in controlling obesity. Try to perform 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Fast walking is one of the best way to prevent heart disease. If you can lose even a small amount of weight, five pounds for example, it may have a positive effect on lipid levels and blood pressure preventing heart disease. Limit Alcohol Consumption Limit daily alcohol intake to three ounces or fewer to prevent heart disease. People who drink large amounts of alcohol (six to eight ounces a day) tend to have higher blood pressure. Watch What You Eat Eat five helpings of fruits and vegetables daily to prevent heart disease. Maintain adequate dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium intake. Reduce saturated fats and cholesterol to stay away from heart disease.  Related Articles How To Quit Smoking What Causes Acid Reflux? Facts about Heart Fluttering A Look at Acid Reflux and Your Diet The Most Effective Treatments for Acid Reflux Disease GERD Essentials Factors that Increase and/or Lead to Snoring Mesothelioma Cancer Does Your Morning Coffee Cause You Pain or Discomfort? The proper way to smoke a cigar Top 10 Causes Of Acne, smoking one of them The Facts about Sinusitis Just the facts on youth and smoking Are you being troubled by Sinusitis? Dangerous Weight Loss Methods What Exactly is Testosterone? Teeth Whitening Naturally BREATHE EASY SALTPIPE SALT INHALER Cervical Cancer 101 what you need to know about Sperm Health Prevent Heart Disease Just How Dangerous is Asbestos? Two Nutrients That You Must Have to Prevent Hair Loss Intoxication,Drugs of Abuse Testing & Forensics A Intoxication,Drugs of Abuse Testing & Forensics A Part 2 Intoxication,Drugs of Abuse Testing & Forensics A Part 3 Intoxication,Drugs of Abuse Testing & Forensics A Part 4 Intoxication,Drugs of Abuse Testing & Forensics A Part 5 A Man’s Embarrassing Question: What Do I Do about Impotence? Guide to quit smoking Hypnosis - the state between sleeping and waking How to Stay Quit once you have Quit Smoking How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season with a Strong Immune System How to Stay Quit once you have Quit Smoking Why Most People Don't Really Want to Heal (Part 2) Discovering And Accepting That Our Illness Serves Us The Courage to Heal You Come First! Erectile Dysfunction Being Punched by Viagra Blues How to Know if You Need Vitamin Supplements