Guide to a
Healthy Heart
Guide to a Healthy Heart
Your heart is your body’s most critical muscle
take care of it!
Women & Heart Disease
Heart disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women in the U.S. each year. That's roughly one death every minute. So it's important to know the facts:
- Heart disease strikes women of all ages
- 64% of women who die suddenly of heart disease had no previous symptoms.
- The combination of birth control pills and smoking boost heart disease risk by 20%
- Women with a history of preeclampsia have an increased lifetime risk of heart disease.
Effects of Sleep
Sleep can affect how you feel and how well you function mentally, but it also plays an important role on your physical health. Sleep is involved in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels, while lack of sleep can increase your risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Increased risk of obesity
- Higher than normal blood sugar levels
- Increased blood pressure
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night in a cool, dark room.Reduce Your Risk
There are simple things you can do to control your risk for heart disease. Focus on the following:
Exercise
Daily physical activity increases the lengh and quality of life
Cholesterol
Controlling cholesterol can decrease blockages in your veins & arteries
Eat Well
Focus on veggie, fruit, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean meats
Blood Pressure
Keeping it at a healthy range reduces strain on your heart
