Did you know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 647,000 people living in the United States pass away from heart disease every year. This number equals out to one in every four deaths happening among Americans.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Levittown want you to know how you can improve your heart health during American Heart Month this February. Read on as we offer some insight.
Who Is at Risk for Heart Disease?
One of the biggest things in learning how to prevent heart disease is knowing your risk factors for experiencing the condition.
Although anyone can be diagnosed with heart disease, around half of people living in the United States currently have one to three key risk factors for heart disease, which include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, advanced age and/or a family history of heart disease.
Ways to Lower Your Risk
- Control your blood pressure.
- Keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get regular exercise.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Don't smoke.
- Manage stress effectively.
What Foods Should You Avoid in Your Diet?
When you are trying to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, you want to make sure you are choosing foods that are helping to promote good heart health—not hinder it. Therefore, you want to do your best to avoid fried foods, processed meat, sugary baked goods and salty snacks.
However, there are still plenty of delicious foods that you can enjoy while also boosting your heart health!
Good Foods for Your Heart
- Leafy, green vegetables
- Whole grains
- Berries
- Avocados
- Fatty fish
- Fish oil
- Walnuts
- Beans
- Dark chocolate
Are you looking for ways to improve your heart health? Visit AFC Urgent Care Levittown today. No appointment is necessary!
