CFHC Gets Down to the Heart of the Matter

It’s American Heart Month. Are you Heart Healthy? This month Central Florida Health Care encourages you to focus on cardiovascular health. It’s time to know your risks for heart disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are all risk factors, and many Americans have at least one.

High blood pressure typically has no symptoms, so checking it will help you recognize if you need to make any lifestyle changes. Changes may include taking a certain medication if blood pressure is too high or changing your diet. Moderate exercise can help improve blood pressure too.

High cholesterol is a health game changer because it can cause build-up in your arteries and harm your heart. Obesity can result from eating too many foods high in cholesterol. Limiting salt intake and eating more fruits and vegetables can reduce cholesterol. Nicotine also raises blood pressure, and cigarette smoking increases your chance of a heart attack.

Central Florida Health Care’s Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andrew Hein, gives patients this advice, “I would much rather prevent a disease than treat it. Heart disease has so many ways that we can focus on prevention, and it generally boils down to lifestyle. If you strive for 150 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise per week, limit the bad saturated fats, and focus on the amazing antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and healthy fats that come from eating more plants, you can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack or disabling stroke. And if you smoke, quit. That’s all there is to it.”

Being proactive is key. To stay on top of your health, schedule a visit with your provider regularly and ask more on how you can stay healthy. We have heart for your best health.