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What is heart health?

Heart health care includes the monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart problems. Examples include:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
  • Heart valve disease
  • Heart failure
  • Heart attack

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people in all racial groups today.  Fortunately, good heart health care can help keep your heart healthy for life. 

What causes heart health problems?

Heart health problems can occur because of genetics and other health issues. The most common risk factors that contribute to heart disease are:

  • High blood pressure
  • High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking and secondhand smoke 
  • Extra weight 
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Sedentary lifestyle 

Stroke, in which the brain can’t get adequate blood, has the same risk factors. Knowing your heart disease risk factors and improving your heart health program can greatly reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

How can I improve my heart health?

North Natomas Medical Center, Inc. recommends improving your heart health in several ways, such as:

Regular checkups

Annual wellness exams include heart health screenings based on your risk factors, current health, and age. That allows for early diagnosis and treatment of heart problems. 

Eat healthy

Just as eating unhealthy foods raises your risk of heart disease, choosing nutritious foods can lower it. Extra weight is a significant risk factor for heart problems, and changing the way you eat can help you succeed in your weight loss efforts. 

 

A heart-healthy diet includes controlled portion sizes, select whole grains, low-fat proteins, limited sodium, healthy fats, and more fruits and veggies. You can even have occasional treats like wine and chocolate. In fact, recent studies show that small amounts can be good for your heart.

Exercise

Regular exercise (at least five days a week) is important for your general health, and it greatly benefits your heart health. 

As little as 10-15 minutes of exercise a day can improve your heart health, and you get even better benefits with more exercise. 

Other measures, like stopping smoking and limiting your alcohol intake, can also reduce your heart disease risk factors.  

The North Natomas Medical Center, Inc. team looks forward to guiding you to great heart health. Call the office or book your appointment online now.