4 Key Factors for Managing High Blood Pressure
You can’t feel high blood pressure, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Learn about the key factors health professionals recommend for managing high blood pressure.
Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?
What other organ impacts as many systems in your body as your heart? Your heart circulates blood containing everything from nutrients to immune system elements throughout every corner of your body. That’s why maintaining strong heart health is so essential for your ongoing physical well-being.
This February, for American Heart Month, check in on your own heart health and raise your awareness of the risk factors for heart disease. When you know the risks, you can take steps to protect your heart health for years to come.
If you have questions or concerns about developing heart disease, Michele Reed, DO, FAAFP, and the rest of the expert care team at MS Family Medicine Health Care PC are here to help. At our offices in Garden City, Long Island, and Rosedale, Queens, we provide preventative and wellness care for diseases such as hypertension and high cholesterol.
Here’s how to tell if you’re at risk for heart disease.
Risks you can control
Some of the risk factors for heart disease relate to your lifestyle choices and can be controlled or changed to keep your heart health strong. If you want to prevent heart disease, pay increased attention to:
Diet
Being overweight makes your heart work harder.
Cholesterol levels
Statistics show that having overall high levels of cholesterol, or an imbalance of HDL and LDL cholesterol, increases your risk of heart disease.
Blood sugar
Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can put added strain on your blood vessels and organs, making you more vulnerable to heart disease. This is especially true if you have diabetes.
Physical activity
Make sure to get your heart rate elevated for about 30 minutes each day to keep your heart healthy.
Hypertension
When blood pressure stays high, it can result in serious health problems. A healthy blood pressure is below 120/80 mm HG.
Tobacco use
Nicotine has negative impacts on the condition of your heart and arteries.
We can advise you on the best ways to handle these potential risks and monitor you for any troubling changes. With the right care and treatment, you can lower your risk of heart disease.
Handling the heart risks you can’t control
Other risk factors for heart disease aren’t necessarily within your control. These uncontrollable risk factors are part of why heart disease is such a significant cause of mortality in the United States. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the US, accounting for over half of all total yearly deaths.
Men have a higher risk of heart disease than premenopausal women. After menopause, women’s risk of heart disease increases. For both men and women, getting older increases the risk of developing heart disease.
Heart disease can run in families. If you have family members who have suffered from heart attacks or other heart problems, you have an increased chance of developing heart disease yourself due to genetic factors.
It’s important to note that just having risk factors for heart disease doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have heart problems. However, when you’re aware of your risks you can make heart-smart choices, including getting needed preventive screenings.
Assess your heart disease risks
Our health care professionals can help accurately assess your heart disease risks and advise you on the steps you can take to protect your heart health.
Book your initial consultation at our New York City offices over the phone, or schedule online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Reversing Prediabetes: How to Manage Your Blood Sugar Naturally
Prediabetes is serious but fixable. Find out how managing your blood sugar naturally can reverse your prediabetes and improve your health.
When Should I Start Having Routine Mammograms?
Women can start routine mammograms at 40, but it’s not mandatory. Are you concerned about breast cancer or uncomfortable about the screening process? Learn what you need to know about routine mammograms, when to start, and why.
How High Cholesterol Puts You at Risk for Heart Disease, and What You Can Do About It
High cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease. Are you worried about your numbers? Find out how cholesterol puts you at risk and what you can do about it.
Take Charge of Your Well-Being: 5 Invaluable Benefits of Nutrition Counseling
Do you want to lose weight? Are you looking for a more natural way to control your blood pressure? Nutrition counseling can help, providing the expert guidance you need to manage your health and take charge of your well-being.
5 Things to Discuss at Your Next Physical
Has it been more than a year since your last physical? It’s time to make an appointment, even if you feel healthy. Find out all the things you need to discuss at your next yearly checkup.