Is Heart Health a Priority? Hint: It Should Be

If you look at the issue of heart health in the United States, things aren’t going very well. Heart disease is one of the primary causes of death in Americans, and the trend seems to be getting worse with each passing year.

Heart Health in the U.S.

Despite having access to more information about cardiovascular health than previous generations, modern Americans face several heart health issues. According to the CDC, an estimated 610,000 people die of heart disease every year in the United States (accounting for nearly 25 percent of all deaths). It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women (accounting for more than half of all deaths in men). More than 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack on an annual basis, and many of these occur in people who have already experienced at least one heart attack.

As Johns Hopkins Medicine reports, 84 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. The direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular disease and stroke surpass the $315 billion mark annually (with the figure increasing each year).

Despite an increased awareness of cardiovascular issues and risk factors, things continue to trend in the wrong direction. And unless something is done soon, the crisis will significantly worsen over the next ten years.

5 Tips for Better Heart Health

While there are certainly genetic issues that contribute to cardiovascular problems, you have far more control over your heart health than you realize. Here are some helpful steps you can take in 2019 and beyond:

1. Monitor Heart Numbers

You can’t improve or maintain heart health without an accurate understanding of how you’re doing. According to Rush.edu, you need to aim for these heart-healthy levels:

• Total cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL

• Blood pressure: Below 120/80Hg

• Body Mass Index (BMI): Below 25 BMI

• Waist circumference: Below 35 inches (women) and 40 inches (men)

• Blood sugar: Below 100 mg/dL

Some of these numbers can be measured from home, while others will require semi-regular visits to the doctor. Either way, make sure you’re staying on top of your heart health.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat has a direct impact on the health of your heart. You don’t necessarily need to follow a specific diet; however, the Mediterranean-style diet is a good one to abide by. It focuses on plant-based foods and monounsaturated fat, while deemphasizing meats and carbohydrates.

3. Exercise Daily

Regular exercise is important for multiple reasons. First off, it helps burn calories and reduces your chance of adding excess weight – which puts additional stress on your heart and cardiovascular system. Secondly, it improves circulation and trains your heart (which is a muscle) to function properly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity every day.

4. Kill These Bad Habits

There are certain habits that people continue to adopt, even though they know they’re bad. Smoking is one of the worst culprits.

Every puff of tobacco increases your chances of experiencing a heart attack or developing a dangerous, life-threatening cardiovascular disease. The sooner you stop, the lower your chances of developing long-term damage.

5. Care for Oral Hygiene

Did you know that dental health is a really good indication of overall health, including heart health? People who have periodontal disease often share the same risk factors for heart disease. By caring for your oral hygiene – including daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and smart dietary habits – you can lower your risk of disease.

Putting Health First

It would be a bit foolish to rank the importance of organs – each one serves a purpose – but the heart would clearly be at the top of such a list. It’s vital for pumping blood through the body and has a direct impact on every key biological system. It beats more than 100,000 times per day and must be cared for to ensure longevity.

Will you make heart health a priority in 2019? Or will you continue to neglect it and become part of the next statistic?

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.