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According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the primary cause of deaths in Indiana. In 2003, 20,565 deaths -- a whopping 36.9% of all deaths -- were attributed to heart disease or stroke. Lifestyle choices play a huge factor in whether or not people succumb to heart disease or stroke. Luckily, even if your habits have been less than perfect, it’s never too late to make good choices that will help ward off these illnesses and prolong your life.
WebMD, an online resource for a range of health information, says the same measures used to reduce chances of stroke also help people avoid a heart attack. They advise adopting habits that promote cardiovascular health and deter atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). “The essentials of a healthy lifestyle include eating foods that are low in fat, salt, and cholesterol; exercising regularly; controlling weight; monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels; limiting alcohol; and not smoking.”
The Web site of the AHA offers a series of “Health Tools” to help visitors understand their current state of well being and make better choices. These tools include several lifestyle quizzes, blood pressure and cholesterol trackers, risk assessment tools and tips for talking with medical professionals.
Both AHA and WebMD advise regular doctor visits as part of prevention, particularly when risk factors such as high blood pressure, previous heart attack or diabetes are present.
Sources:
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3006028
www.webmd.com/content/article/54/61584.htm
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