• Each year in the United States, approximately 795,000 people have strokes and 790,000 people have heart attacks, according to the CDC. ď Ź
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Cardiovascular disease is the number one underlying cause of death in the U.S., outnumbering all kinds of cancer. Almost anyone can have a stroke or heart attack, but there is a greater risk if you are obese, diabetic, elderly or a smoker. High-risk individuals should know how to prevent a stroke or heart attack in advance.
• If a person is having a stroke, they may have numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, confusion, difficulty speaking, vision problems, poor coordination or severe headache.
• If a person is having a heart attack, they may have jaw or neck pain, a feeling of lightheadedness, chest pain, pain that radiates into the arm or shoulder or difficulty breathing. • If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 right away. The sooner medical professionals can get there, the better the outcome.
• Maintain a healthy weight/BMI, as overweight and obese individuals are at higher risk. • Get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, prevent high cholesterol with low-fat, highfiber foods, and limit your sodium intake to prevent high blood pressure. • Strengthen your heart and improve overall physical health with regular cardio exercise (walking, jogging, dancing, etc.), around 2.5 hours per week.
• Smoking is a huge risk factor for both stroke and heart attack, as it can narrow and thicken blood vessels, increase plaque build-up, increase the risk of blood clots and cause a variety of other damage. • According to the CDC, smoking is responsible for as many as one-third of all cardiovascular disease deaths.
• Find a quitting method that works for you. Smoking cessation programs, over-the-counter products and peer support groups can be great resources.
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Stress is a commonly underestimated factor in heart attack and stroke risk. Reduce stress by doing things like talking to a counselor, scheduling time for your hobbies, improving your sleep quality, taking on fewer commitments or meditating.
• For those with anxiety disorders, treatment is extremely important. If constant stress and worry are negatively impacting your life, undiagnosed anxiety could be putting stress on your heart.
• Work with your doctor to monitor your overall health and keep an eye on any health conditions or other risk factors you may already have. • As you age or develop other risk factors, it's especially important to have regular exams and any doctor-recommended testing to detect any potential problems early on. • Taking a proactive approach and knowing you're fully informed about your health can be very reassuring, potentially reducing stress and further lowering your risk.
Crystal Run Healthcare in New York is a leading-edge medical practice providing patient-centered care and patient convenience. Our exceptional primary care providers work with each patient to manage their health and coordinate any tests, labs or follow-up care needed with specialists. To learn more, visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com
• https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/healthy_living.htm • https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/index.htm • http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Heart-and-Stroke-AssociationStatistics_UCM_319064_SubHomePage.jsp • https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/heart-disease-stroke.html