Heart Health- Conditions & Heredity

An estimated 80 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, but less than half of the people treated for high blood pressure have it under control. High blood pressure is just one condition that can raise the risk for heart disease. Heart disease is any heart condition that diminishes the ability of the heart to function- thus our body cannot function at full potential.

What are “risk factors”? 

Risk factors for heart disease include conditions we already have, our health behaviors, or genetic factors. Last week we talked about the health behaviors that put us at higher risk for heart disease (if you missed it, read it here- http://mclennancommunitycollegewellness.blogspot.com ). This week let’s focus on the conditions and genetic factors that increase our risk for heart disease.

Conditions

Blood Cholesterol Levels- When there is too much cholesterol in the body it is deposited in arteries, including those of the heart. A higher level of high–density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL, is considered "good," and gives some protection against heart disease. Higher levels of low–density lipoprotein, or LDL, are considered "bad" and can lead to heart disease.

High Blood Pressure- A condition where the pressure of the blood in the arteries is too high. About 9 of 10 Americans will develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes.

Blood Pressure Levels
Normal	Systolic: less than 120 mmHg Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg
At Risk (Prehypertension)	Systolic: 120–139 mmHg Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg
High	Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher

Diabetes- With diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin, can't use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugars to build up in the blood (blood glucose levels). About three–quarters of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

Heredity

· Family history of heart disease.
· Similar unhealthy lifestyle choices.

How can I protect my HEART?

Get a blood test and have your blood pressure measured.
Exercise it!	Try to be active (think huffing and puffing- jump rope, basketball, dancing, etc.) for at least 30 minutes every day.
Eat a variety of healthy foods.	Aim for at least 1 ½ cups fruit and 2 ½ cups veggies for women, 2 cups fruit and 3 cups veggies for men.
Avoid foods high in unhealthy fats (saturated and trans) and sodium.	Consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). NO trans fats!
Avoid tobacco. Smoking (and second hand smoke) can damage the heart, lungs and blood vessels.	If you don’t smoke- don’t start. If you do- make a plan and a goal to quit!
Practice moderation with alcohol.	Women should have no more than 1 drink a day. Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day.