a common condition affecting roughly one in three
Americans, is often referred to as “the silent killer”
because it does not necessarily produce symptoms.
Blood pressure measures the force pushing outward
on the walls of blood vessels as they carry blood oxygen
to the body’s organs, and the force created as the
Over time, the arterial walls of people with high
blood pressure may become stressed and develop
weak spots or scarring that makes them vulnerable
to the buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup can increase
the risk of blood clots and stroke. Blood pressure can
rise as a person ages, so managing blood pressure
involves routinely checking it and making certain
changes, such as eating healthier foods and exercising
High levels of low-density lipoprotein, often referred
to as “bad” cholesterol, can increase a person’s
risk for heart disease. The Association notes that excessive
amounts of cholesterol can be deposited into
the arteries as plaque. When that happens, it leads to
a condition known as atherosclerosis, or a narrowing
of the inside of the artery walls. That narrowing leads
to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Men and women should get their cholesterol levels
checked at least once every four to six years beginning
at age 20. Those who have been diagnosed with
high cholesterol should recognize that cholesterol is
only found in animal products, so a diet that is rich
in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in animal
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Heart disease is a formidable foe. According to
the American Heart Association, heart disease
is the leading cause of death in the United States,
accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths every
year. The Government of Canada notes that heart
disease is the second-leading cause of death in that
country, annually accounting for tens of thousands
of deaths. (Note: Canada’s population is slightly more
than one-10th the population of the United States.)
While heart disease exacts a devastating toll on
the United States and Canada, its reach extends far
beyond North America, as the American College of
Cardiology notes that cardiovascular disease accounts
for 31 percent of all deaths across the globe.
In spite of the prevalence of heart disease, men
and women are not helpless against it. In fact, there
are many ways for men and women to reduce their
risk for heart disease:
1. Maintain a healthy weight
The American Heart Association reports that between
60 and 70 percent of Americans are overweight
or obese. Carrying around extra weight takes a toll on
the body, increasing a person’s risk for heart disease
and stroke. Overweight or obese men and women can
work with their physicians to develop a plan for effective,
long-term weight loss, a plan that will likely include
a combination of diet and routine exercise.
2. Understand and manage blood
pressure
The Association notes that high blood pressure,
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heart rests between beats.
more often, if it is high.
3. Control cholesterol levels
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products can provide a simple way for men and
women to lower their cholesterol. A more thorough
and detailed plan to lower cholesterol levels should be
discussed with a physician.
More information about heart disease and how to
combat it can be found at www.heart.org.
Reduce risk of heart disease
Lowering high blood pressure can help men and women protect
their hearts.
Health
/www.heart.org
/locations
/www.heart.org