{"id":5866,"date":"2021-02-10T15:39:55","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T20:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/41\/?p=5866"},"modified":"2021-02-18T16:29:22","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T21:29:22","slug":"facts-you-must-know-about-your-the-risks-for-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/41\/florida\/stpete\/blog\/facts-you-must-know-about-your-the-risks-for-heart-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Facts You Must Know About the Risks for Heart Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February as American Heart Month back in 1963. This annual event brings awareness to heart health. Take time this February to learn these facts about heart disease and heart health.<\/p>\n

There Are Six Main Types of Heart Disease<\/strong><\/p>\n

#1 \u2013 Coronary Artery Disease<\/strong>: Coronary artery disease is the most common. It occurs when the heart’s arteries become narrow or harden.<\/p>\n

#2 \u2013 Myocardial Infarction<\/strong>: Myocardial infarction is often the first sign of heart disease. Put simply, it’s a heart attack that usually follows coronary artery disease.<\/p>\n

\"\"#3 \u2013 Congestive Heart Failure<\/strong>: Congestive heart failure is a health condition where the heart doesn’t pump effectively.<\/p>\n

#4 \u2013 Heart Valve Disease<\/strong>: There are four valves within the heart. When one or more of those valves do not open and close properly, it’s called heart valve disease.<\/p>\n

#5 \u2013 Cardiomyopathy<\/strong>: When the heart muscle stiffens or enlarges, it may not pump blood correctly. This is known as cardiomyopathy.<\/p>\n

#6 \u2013 Arrhythmias<\/strong>: Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms where the heartbeats fluctuate for no apparent reason.<\/p>\n

Dietary Changes Can Help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your parents may need to change their eating habits. Instead of getting frozen meals and canned foods, get them to focus on homemade meals that contain whole grains, fresh produce, lean proteins, and heart-healthy oils like walnut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil.<\/p>\n

If they want to follow a specific diet, doctors usually recommend the DASH Diet or the Mediterranean Diet as they both focus on seafood, vegetables, whole grains, and limited sugars and baked goods made with all-purpose flour.<\/p>\n

High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and Smoking Increase Your Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your parents smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol, that increases the risk of heart disease. It’s estimated that half of all Americans have at least one of these. Heavy drinking, diabetes, and obesity also increase your risk.<\/p>\n

Get the Yearly Flu Shot<\/strong><\/p>\n

While it may surprise you, an annual flu shot can help with heart health. The flu increases inflammation, which is bad for the heart.<\/p>\n

Diet and Exercise Are Important<\/strong><\/p>\n

You must get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. You need to encourage your parents to go for walks, ride a bike, or use in-home equipment to keep them moving. While 30 minutes is the recommendation, urge them to boost it to a full hour if possible.<\/p>\n

Home care aides can help you make sure your parents complete their exercise requirements. They can also help your parents make smarter food choices for snacks and meals. Call a home care agency to schedule caregiver services.<\/p>\n

Sources:
\nhttps:\/\/www.acc.org\/latest-in-cardiology\/articles\/2017\/02\/21\/12\/42\/the-evolution-of-american-heart-month<\/p>\n

Heart Disease Facts<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n