February is the American Heart Month and at UMC, we are dedicated to providing top-tier heart care to our community. During American Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your heart health. Schedule a screening, learn about risk factors, and explore our advanced cardiac services. A healthier heart can lead to a longer, happier life.
The American Heart Association recommends regular screenings to identify cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, and blood glucose. These screenings help detect risks like heart disease and diabetes. Blood pressure should be checked annually, cholesterol every 4-6 years, and blood glucose every 3 years, particularly for those over 45. Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and staying active are crucial for managing risk factors and improving heart health. Regular visits to your doctor are essential to track these health markers.
Also AHA endorses that in order to keep your heart healthy, you need to be consistent in habits like a heart-healthy diet and physical activity are essential. Focus on eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, while avoiding foods high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, helps to maintain heart function and control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days.
In addition to diet and exercise, quitting smoking is crucial. Smoking accelerates plaque buildup in your arteries and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The benefits of quitting start almost immediately, reducing risks of heart disease significantly.
Finally, regular screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels are key to managing heart health. These tests can detect risks early, allowing for proactive management. Consult with your healthcare provider to establish a personalized plan based on your specific health factors, and consider a Heart Health Check to evaluate long-term risks. Making these small, consistent changes will set you on the path to better heart health and longevity.
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