Wisconsin
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program
Steps to Take to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
There are some risks associated with cardiovascular disease
that you can’t do much about, such as family history and age. Some other
factors that can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
include being overweight or obese, having diabetes, having high blood
pressure, having high cholesterol levels, having a sedentary lifestyle,
and smoking.
Many of the other risks can be greatly reduced through
lifestyle changes. Some of the most important changes are:
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Don't smoke, and if you do, quit.
People who smoke are more likely to suffer a heart attack than
non-smokers. Smoking also boosts the risk of stroke and cancer.
If you need help quitting, call the toll-free Wisconsin Tobacco
Quitline at 1-877-270-7867.
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Eat for heart health.
Choose a diet low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol that includes
whole grains and at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
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Aim for a healthy weight.
It's important for a long, vigorous life. Overweight and
obesity cause many preventable deaths.
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Get moving.
Make a commitment to be more physically active. Try to get 30
minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week.
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Know your numbers.
Ask your health care professional to check your blood pressure,
cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Work with them to improve
any numbers that are not normal.
For more information, visit the American
Heart Association (exit DHFS)
Last Revised: October 24, 2008 |
