Aging Well Journal Newsletter – February 2014 – AW Health Care

February is Heart Health Month

Heart disease is a big problem. It is the leading cause of death in Americans. What is heart disease? Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type is when a substance called “plaque” builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Heart disease causes heart attacks, angina, heart failure and arrhythmias. Good news! Heart disease is preventable and controllable. Here’s what you can do!

• Eat a Healthy Diet
  • Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich foods. Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and limit salt.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get 30 Minutes Regular Exercise Daily
• Monitor Your Blood Pressure…Don’t Smoke…Limit Alcohol.
• Get Your Cholesterol Checked…Manage Your Diabetes and Monitor Your Blood Sugar
  • Follow your doctor or health care provider’s directions especially if you take medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• Ask Questions

Don’t forget that AW is available to help you with your questions and concerns. Call us at (314) 726-5600.

Snacking for a Healthy Heart

These delicious snacks support healthy blood pressure and help reduce plaque buildup in your arteries: salmon, flax seed, apples, garbanzo beans, almonds, blueberries, dark chocolate, red wine, tea, grapes, figs, walnuts, deep green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, and foods containing high fiber like oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain bread.  

Watch Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

• High Cholesterol:  >240 mg/dl
• Borderline-high Cholesterol: 200 to 239 mg/dl
• Desirable Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dl

Outlook

Lowering your cholesterol may slow, reduce or even stop the buildup of plaque in your arteries which leads to heart disease and possibly blood clots.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps. It is measured as systolic (when the heart is pumping) and diastolic (when the heart rests between pumps).  High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other problems.

Here is a table of blood pressure measures

When you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s treatment plan and lead a healthy lifestyle. If you have questions about your blood pressure, call AW Health Care (314) 726-5600.