Heart Disease

By: Joshua Hamm

Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the US, but many cases are preventable. And there are important steps you can take to lower your risk.

•Your

Weight •Your Height •Your Medical History •Your Diet •Your Smoking History •Your Physical Activity •Your Family History

•Shortness

of breath •A faster heartbeat •Weakness or dizziness •Nausea •Sweating • Heart attack(A heart attack is the

death of heart muscle caused by blockage of a coronary

artery.)

•CPR

(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an emergency procedure performed on people suffering cardiac arrest.

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Exercise-You also can benefit from exercise. Recent research finds that even moderate amounts of physical activity are associated with lower death rates from coronary heart disease. However, if you have severe CHD you may have to restrict your exercise somewhat, so check with your health care professional to find out what kinds and amounts of exercise are best for you. Weight loss- If you are overweight, losing weight can help lower blood cholesterol levels. It is also the most effective lifestyle change to reduce high blood pressure, another risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease. The best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise. Smoking- Smoking is the number one preventable cause of CHD. Quitting smoking dramatically and immediately lowers the risk of a heart attack and also reduces the risk of a second heart attack in people who have already had one.

Eat nutritious, healthy food II. Choose foods low in saturated fat III. Relax, smile, don't get angry often IV. Take medication if necessary V. Stop smoking VI. Stay slim and lean VII. Exercise regularly VIII. If you are overweight, try and lose the excess I.

I.

http://www.siteman.wustl.edu II. http://www.cdc.gov III. http://www.wisegeek.com