Show Your Heart Some Love For Valentine’s Day

Now is a great time to raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of preventive care. At Radish Health, we believe that taking proactive steps towards heart health is crucial in reducing the risk of heart disease and other related conditions.

What is heart disease and why do I need to be concerned?

Heart disease is a broad term that includes any of a number of conditions that affect your heart function. The most common heart disease is called coronary artery disease (CAD), or blockage in the blood vessels leading into the heart. This can lead to a variety of conditions such as heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythm, or heart failure. The term heart disease can also encompass other common conditions, such as high blood pressure, aneurysms, and stroke.

It’s important to talk about heart disease, because it remains the leading cause of death in the United States – even since COVID-19 arrived on the scene. It’s also important to know that there are a multitude of things you can do to help prevent heart disease and live a healthier life.

Who is at risk for heart disease?

The most significant risk factors include high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. High blood pressure puts extra stress on the heart and blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease.

A family history of heart disease can also put you at higher risk. Other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet choices can also contribute.

How can I prevent heart disease?

The good news is that many of the risk factors for heart disease can be prevented! Preventive care is essential in detecting and managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help keep these risk factors under control.

Some things you can start doing today include:

• Eat a healthy diet: plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and limit processed foods, salt, and saturated fats
• Exercise regularly: aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, every day
• Stop smoking: quitting today can have immediate beneficial effects on your heart and overall health
• Manage stress: practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
  
  

Where can I go for personalized advice?

At Radish Health, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools and resources you need to maintain a healthy heart from the comfort of home or work. If you have any questions about heart health, or you’re looking to discuss ways to limit your risk factors for heart disease, feel free to book a virtual appointment today!