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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is acondition that has no symptoms you can see or feel. Having your blood pressure checked is the only way to know if it is high. Take all your medication as prescribed.;Take your pills at the same time each d...
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What you eat can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. Seven to eight daily servings of grains and grain products, such as whole-wheat bread, cereal, oatmeal, crackers, unsalted pretzels and popcorn. A s...
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Risk factors are things that make you more likely to have a disease or condition. You can't do anything about some risk factors. But other risk factors are things that can be changed. Know what high blood pressure risk factors you have. Then find ...
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don't know it. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Know your blood pressure and remember to check it regularly. Doing so can save your l...
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Your doctor may prescribe antihypertension medication if your blood pressure is high. There are several kinds of medication commonly taken alone or in combination, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Take all your medication as pres...
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Blood pressure is the force of blood as it moves from the heart through the blood vessels. You can take your own blood pressure reading using a digital monitor. Take readings as often as your doctor instructs. Take each reading at the same time of...
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There's a lot of news about cholesterol these days, and with good reason. High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which kills more Americans than all cancers combined. Your total cholesterol;Your LDL ("bad") cholesterol; this cholesterol is...
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High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). The higherthe cholesterol level, the greater the CHD risk. The good news: High cholesterol levels can be lowered by diet and exercise or medic...
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Cholesterol is a household word, synonymous with coronary artery disease. But a growing body of research shows that this fat-like substance in your blood is just the tip of the iceberg. Scientists have learned that other substances may give you an...
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When someone cuts you off on a busy highway, do you pound the steering wheel in fury and shout at the driver? Or do you swallow your anger and dwell on it later?
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Managing your cholesterol may seem complicated these days -- especially if you like to keep up with the latest research. Trying to remember the difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol and maintaining the proper levels of each can seem inti...
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There are different kinds of fats in the foods you eat. Fats can be saturated or unsaturated. Planning meals that are low in saturated fat helps reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood. Too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to blocked ...
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What you eat has a big effect on your body's cholesterol level. Eating certain foods can raise your cholesterol. Other foods can help you lower it. Watching what you eat can help you get your cholesterol level under control. Fatty beef, cold cuts,...
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Have you been told that your cholesterol is too high? If you have, you could be heading for a heart attack or stroke without knowing it. This is especially true if you have other risk factors for heart disease. That's why you need to get smart abo...
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One way to stay heart-healthy is to keep your cholesterol level low. Cholesterol is a fatty, waxlike substance that your body uses to make hormones and build cell walls.
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Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke and other diseases. Go for seconds -- on non-starchy vegetables. Reminder: A typical vegetabl...
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Low-carb/high-protein diets—such as Atkins, South Beach, the Zone, and Sugar Busters—are getting a lot of attention these days, as alternatives to the more traditional weight-loss diets that stress carbohydrates and limit fats. But while some stud...
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Most Americans eat too much fat -- and too many calories. They decrease the risk for arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm, which can lead to sudden cardiac death.;They decrease triglyceride levels, possibly by as much as 20 to 50 percent, dependin...
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Eating for your heart doesn't have to be hard or boring. You just need to know how to make healthier choices. The DASH eating plan has been developed to help you do just that. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is a plan t...
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Do you eat for good nutrition? It means more than simply eating an apple a day. Think in terms of your food choices throughout the day, from breakfast to bedtime. All foods, including your favorites, can fit into a healthy eating plan. Balance....
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Fast foods fit our busy lifestyles. As a nation, we consume 200 fast-food hamburgers per second. When making a meal out of fast food, the key is not to overdo it. French fries; Milkshake; A salad with cheese, avocado, or bacon; Fried chicken;...
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Fiber is what gives strength and structure to plants. Most grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits contain fiber. Foods rich in fiber are often low in calories and fat, and they fill you up more. They may also reduce your risks for certain health pr...
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Most people with heart problems need to eat less salt (sodium).Reducing the amount of salt you eat may help control your blood pressure.The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk for heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney problems...
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You don't have to give up eating out to cut down on fat, cholesterol, and salt. You just need to think about what you order. Many menus highlight low-fat and low-sodium dishes. But if you can't find what you want, ask. Explain what you need to the...
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Food is your body's fuel. You can't live without it. The key is to give your body enough nutrients and energy without eating too much. Reading food labels can help you make healthy choices. Also, learn new eating habits to manage your weight. Vege...
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Physical inactivity is just as big a risk factor for heart disease as high blood pressure and smoking are. So, be the exception rather than the rule. Exercise for a healthier heart. Brisk walking;Swimming;Bicycling;Aerobic dancing;Cross-country sk...
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Your heart, about the size of a clenched fist, is a highly efficient pump. According to the American Heart Association, your heartpumps nearly 2,000 gallons of blood every day, or 5-1/2 quarts a minute and beats 100,000 times a day. At least five ...
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If you're looking for a reason to exercise, try this one: A routine workout may help ward off blood clots, the villains behind most heart attacks. Among women, levels of a natural clot-dissolving substance called TPA rose 20 percent. (TPA's effect...
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A big part of a cardiac rehab program is exercise. Regular exercise will make your heart and coronary arteries healthier. It helps increase strength, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and control your weight. Chest pain or discomfort;Burning, ...
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Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. Improve your blood cholesterol levels to help prevent further heart trouble;Lower your blood pressure to help prevent a stroke or heart attack;Control diabetes, or...
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Exercise is a lot more than an energy booster and a stress reliever. It also strengthens your heart muscle, lowers your blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and burns calories. Walking;Swimming;Bicycling;Stair climbing;Dancing;JoggingBegin exerci...
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Aerobic exercise (exercise that gets your heart pumping harder) is an essential part of any exercise program. There are other components of fitness that are equally important. These help get your body ready for exercise and prevent injury.
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Working out when you have a serious illness or health problem can be challenging. But for most people who have health issues, exercising can improve their prognosis and well-being.
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Chances are you've heard about the benefits of exercise. You may even have promised yourself to become more active as soon as you find the time.
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When it comes to lowering your risk for heart disease or heart attack, being physically active is as important as eating a healthy diet and not smoking. For short trips, walk or bike.;Work in the garden or mow the grass. Rake leaves, prune, dig, a...
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If you think that you can't begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again. Heart patients who do a strength-training program three times a week build up their aerobic capacity in addition to building strength and fl...
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Heart disease is a killer, but you can do plenty to reduce your risk and prolong your life. Week 1:Commit to get fit. The American Heart Association reports that up to 250,000 deaths each year result from a lack of regular physical activity. Try t...
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There isn't anything good that can be said about smoking. It's bad for your health and the health of those around you. Now, on a positive note, do you know how much money you could save if you quit smoking today?
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Drinking can be an expensive habit. While you may not notice a dollar here or two dollars there, consider how much you spend per week and per year on alcohol.
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Health studies have shown that smoking can affect your heart as well as your lungs. Smoking also raises your risk of certain cancers. These are all good reasons to quit. Increase your risk of lung cancer, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer.;Raise...
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Quitting smoking is a gift to yourself, one of the best things you can do to keep your heart disease from getting worse. Smoking reduces oxygen flow to your heart, speeds the buildup of plaque, and increases your risk for heart attack. Quitting he...
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Stress is a normal part of life. Stress can come from physical causes, such as not getting enough sleep or having an illness. It can come from mental causes, such as not having enough money or death of a loved one, or less dramatic causes, such as...
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Lower your risk: Control stress. If you're faced with a big problem, talk it out with family or friends. Stay close to the supportive people in your life. Make special time for yourself each day to read a book... listen to music... watch the sun s...
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More than 100 studies over the last three decades have shown an association between moderate drinking and a lowered risk for heart attack, heart and circulatory diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes and gallstones, according to the Harvard School of P...
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The average American older than 65 takes two to seven prescription drugs daily; managing these medications properly is essential for good health. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications, supplements and remedies you take. Be sure...
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Drug-drug interactions occur when one drug interacts or interferes with another drug. Read the label. If you don't, you may take an incorrect dosage or overlook potential side effects.;Know the risks. Make sure you know the benefits and the potent...
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About half of the 2 billion prescriptions filled each year aren't taken correctly, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education. As a result, many Americans are putting their health and lives at risk.
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If you have questions about your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Fill all your prescriptions at the same drugstore. This keeps your records in one place.; Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a "fact sheet" or other patient information ...
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Take heart medications at the same time every day. This will keep the amount of medication in your bloodstream at a steady level. ACE inhibitors treat high blood pressure and heart failure.;Antiarrhythmics help slow and regulate a fast or irregula...
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Medication can give you the extra help you need to controlyour cholesterol. If medication is prescribed,be sure to take it exactly as directed. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take,including vitamins,herbs,and over-the-counter med...
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Medicine can help keep you healthy. But if you don't take it correctly, it could harm you. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you learn the right way to take your medicine. Listed below are some things you can do to take your medicine safely. Have...
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Making healthy lifestyle changes alone is enough to help some people reach the cholesterol goals prescribed by their doctor. Others, however, need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication, as well. Statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, ...
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Like many people with heart disease, you probably take more than one medication. Heart medicines can help you be more active and live longer and more comfortably. Using them correctly is essential to your health. Always follow the label directions...
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Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease. Not only are you at risk for pneumonia, but it's hard to tell whether your symptoms are a sign of a cold or of worsening heart failure.
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If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several providers who each treat you for a different health issue. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, almost 75 percent of people who have heart disease have one or...
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