February is American Heart Month, a time to celebrate the incredible power of our hearts and take proactive steps to keep them healthy. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. But the good news is that there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk and protect your heart.
Lifestyle Changes for a Happy Heart:
- Move Your Body: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Find activities you 1 enjoy, like brisk walking, biking, swimming, or dancing. (forbes.com.se)
- Fuel Your Body Right: Choose a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated and unhealthy fats, added sugars, and processed foods.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and negatively impact your heart health. Explore relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to manage stress effectively.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your heart health.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can contribute to a rise in blood pressure and stress hormones, leading to cardiovascular problems.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and weaken your heart muscle. Moderate your alcohol intake or eliminate it entirely.
Women and Heart Disease:
Many women mistakenly believe they’re less susceptible to heart disease than men. However, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which can differ from those experienced by men.
Signs of a Heart Attack in Women:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling unusually lightheaded or dizzy
- Extreme fatigue
Know Your Numbers and Manage Risk Factors:
- Blood Pressure: Regular blood pressure checks are essential. Aim for a healthy blood pressure range as advised by your doctor.
- Cholesterol Levels: Maintain healthy cholesterol levels by managing diet and exercise, and consider medication if needed.
- Blood Sugar: Monitor blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or prediabetes, as high blood sugar can contribute to heart disease.
Love Your Heart, Visit Dr. Kre:
Let’s make American Heart Month the start of a lifelong commitment to heart health. www.doctorkre.com offers valuable resources and information on heart health, risk factor management, and a platform to connect with healthcare professionals experienced in cardiovascular care.
Empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your heart health. Celebrate love this February – the love for your incredible heart!
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
