Your new healthy eating pattern should be in full swing. If not, please remember that every good thing you do for your health counts. All the little steps make a big difference. 

When you hear about heart disease, it usually refers to the most common type, which is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD is when the tiny blood vessels (arteries) can no longer take blood to the heart because cholesterol and fatty material, called plaque, block blood flow.

The more complex it is for blood to squeeze through arteries, the more difficult it is for the heart to work as intended. This increased work of the heart can cause chest pains and even a heart attack. 

Could you be at risk for heart disease?

The risk factors for heart disease are if you: 

  • Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes  
  • Smoke  
  • Overweight or obese
  • Have too much sugar in the blood because of diabetes 
  • Not enough physical activity  
  • Not eating a healthy diet  

You are more susceptible to heart disease if you are: 

  • a woman over age 55   
  • a man over age 45   
  • Or if your father or brother had heart disease before age 55, or your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65  

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. You can take many steps to lower your risk for heart disease, like quitting smoking and watching your weight.

Remember, every little step you take for your good health matters. Keep doing the small things like eating right, walking a couple of times per week, and trying to get a whole night's sleep. Your heart will thank you! 

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Disclaimer: This is not a diet or a medical consultation; neither should it replace the instructions to manage your specific medical condition given by your doctor or registered dietician. 

‍