Ladies, Love Your Heart

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With every minute that passes, two people in the United States will experience a heart-related problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This February, celebrate American Heart Month by taking steps toward better heart health.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) kills more women in the United States than any other disease. CHD occurs when a harmful substance called plaque accumulates in the heart’s arteries. When too much plaque builds up on the inner walls of your coronary arteries, it can lead to complications such as a heart attack.

Get In Control

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk for developing heart disease. Begin your journey to good heart health by modifying your diet to include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. When choosing your meals, avoid trans fats and limit your cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium intake.

According to the American Heart Association, you need 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to keep your heart healthy. Schedule time for activities you enjoy such as dancing, jogging or swimming.

There are a few behaviors you should avoid to achieve optimal heart health. Cigarette smoking increases your risk for developing CHD. If you are currently a smoker, take the necessary steps toward quitting to benefit your health. Alcohol consumption also affects your heart health. Women should limit alcohol consumption to one beverage per day.

Sources: cdc.gov, nhlbi.nih.gov, womenshealth.gov, goredforwomen.org, womenheart.org