The Mount Rogers Health District wants to inform the community of steps to take to reduce the risk of heart disease.
While improvements have been made over the past several years, heart disease remains the nation’s number one cause of death, as it has been for every year since 1900 (except for 1918). According to the American Heart Association, more than 2,500 Americans die of heart disease each day and at least 250,000 people die of heart attacks each year before they reach the hospital.
“When a heart attack occurs, blood flow to an area of your heart is completely blocked,” according to D. Craig Smith MD, Health Director. “When that area of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, the muscle can die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death.” The causes of heart disease vary from person to person, and often there are no symptoms as the disease progresses. But there are risk factors for heart disease and tests which can identify them.
Risk factors for heart disease include: smoking, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity or being overweight, diet, stress, and a family history of heart disease. The good news is that there are steps you can take to lower your risk of heart attack, even if you have already had one. While you can’t change family history, awareness of heart-healthy habits will help you enjoy a longer and more productive life.
If you smoke or use other types of tobacco, do whatever it takes to quit. Many states, including Virginia, have toll-free quitlines that you can access by calling 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).
If you are not physically active, consult your doctor, and start exercising. The heart is a muscle and needs regular workouts to keep it strong. If you have high blood pressure, frequently called the “silent killer,” because there may be no symptoms, take steps to lower it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and strokes. Know your cholesterol numbers. Cholesterol is a sticky substance that can attach itself to the walls of your arteries, blocking the flow of blood to the heart. If you are overweight, avoid high-fat sugary foods and stick to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. And remember, even people who are skinny can have high cholesterol levels. Exercise and proper nutrition helps relieve stress, which can put a strain on your heart.
The Mount Rogers Health District is dedicated to testing as many area residents a possible to assess their risk of heart disease caused by high cholesterol levels. Screenings are provided onsite at various industry and community locations using a mobile medical unit. Screenings will be scheduled at each local health department office during February and March. Watch for more information, or contact your local health department, and keep your heart healthy.
Mount Rogers Health District serves the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe and the cities of Bristol and Galax
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement