Cardiac Care:
prevention
Better lifestyle habits can help a woman reduce her risk for a heart attack. Learn how to help prevent heart disease and stroke.
Healthy Eating Habits
Better food habits can help reduce a woman’s risk for heart attack. A healthful eating plan means choosing the right foods to eat and preparing foods in a healthy way. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. Choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often.
Exercise & FitnessPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and most Americans are not physically active enough to gain any health benefits. Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, dancing, walking and dozens of other activities can help keep a woman’s heart healthy. Whether it is included in a structured exercise program or just part of a daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart.
According to the latest American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines on physical activity, adults should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day of the week.
Risk Assessment
Women can reduce their chances of getting heart disease tomorrow, next year or 30 years from now by knowing their numbers and assessing their risks. The American Heart Association has an easy-to-use tool called “Go Red Heart Check Up ” to help women develop personal action plans. To get a referral to a Saint John’s cardiologist, click here for our physician referral service.