Protect Yourself from Heart Disease
Dec 30, 2020
Here are some simple strategies to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Do you have a family member with heart disease? Are you concerned about your current health? Many people turn to our Houston, TX, internists Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal because they are concerned about their health and risk for developing heart disease. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in US men and women, you must be doing what you can to reduce your risk. Here are some ways to protect yourself from heart disease,
Get your blood pressure under control
Normal blood pressure falls below 120/80. If you have a family history or personal history of high blood pressure, you must be monitoring your blood pressure and making sure you are getting it under control if it’s elevated. If our Houston, TX, doctors have determined that you have hypertension (high blood pressure), they can provide you with the proper medication needed to get your blood pressure levels in check.
Monitor your cholesterol
Along with monitoring your blood pressure, it’s also important that you see your family doctor regularly to check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol leads to clogged arteries, which can increase your risk for a heart attack or coronary artery disease. The good news is that lifestyle changes and medications can help you get your cholesterol back on track to reduce your risk for heart-related complications.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
You must be following a healthy diet that is low in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. A plant-based diet offers a lot of amazing benefits, particularly for your heart. Don’t forget to load up on lots of fresh vegetables, healthy fats (e.g. avocados, nuts), whole grains, and lean sources of protein. If you have concerns about your diet or would like to find ways to alter your diet to improve your heart health, talk with our doctors.
Get up and moving
It’s also important that you are getting regular aerobic exercise to get the heart pumping. Remember, your heart is a muscle, so working out can strengthen and improve how your heart functions. Plus, exercising regularly can help you lose excess weight and reduce stress, which is also great for your heart! Make sure to work out at least 30 minutes a day.
Lose excess weight
Those who are overweight or obese are also more at risk for heart disease, so you must maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). If you are concerned about your weight, our doctors can help you find safe, effective weight loss solutions to help you shed those pounds safely and to lower your risk for heart disease.
It’s important to make smart choices about your health right now so you can lead a healthy life for the future. One way to do that is by visiting your primary care doctor at least once a year for a checkup. If it’s time for your annual checkup, call Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, TX, at (832) 323-9230 to schedule an appointment.