Living a Heart-Healthy Life

Fact: Women are more vulnerable to heart disease than men

In fact, heart disease in women is more deadly than all forms of cancer — combined. Yet only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat.

That’s why the American Heart Association established its signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women — to encourage awareness of the issue along with action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. AdventHealth is a proud sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement in Kansas City. For more information, visit GoRedForWomen.org.

On National Wear Red Day, team members at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and AdventHealth South Overland Park decked out in their red to show support and raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. Throughout Heart Month, and every month, we focus on preventive measures that our community can take to prevent cardiac events and take charge of their heart health.

Living a HeartHealthy Lifestyle

Heart health should concern everyone. After all, heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Fortunately, a healthy heart is often within your control.

An ounce of prevention is still worth at least a pound of cure

There’s a lot you can do to lower your risk of developing heart disease and improve your overall health.

Understand your risks

Anyone can get heart disease, but you’re at higher risk if you: 3 Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes 3 Smoke 3 Are overweight or have obesity 3 Don’t get enough physical activity 3 Don’t eat a healthy diet

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease. Your risk is higher if: 3 You’re a woman over age 55 3 You’re a man over age 45 3 Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55 3 Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65

Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked

Starting at age 18, get your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms.

Get your cholesterol checked at least every five years. Some people will need to get it checked more or less often. If your cholesterol or blood pressure numbers are high, you can take steps to lower them. A heart-healthy diet includes foods that are low in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium (salt). Hearthealthy items include high-fiber foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) and certain fats (like the fats in olive oil and fish).

Aim for a healthy weight

People who are overweight or have obesity are at an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight or have obesity, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help lower your risk of heart disease.

Manage stress

Reducing stress can help prevent serious health problems like heart disease, depression and high blood pressure. Deep breathing and meditation are good ways to relax and manage stress.

Get regular physical activity

Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. This includes anything that gets your heart beating faster — like walking, dancing and biking. If you’re just getting started, take it slow! Even five minutes has real health benefits.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking helps lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack. AdventHealth Shawnee Mission offers the Freedom From Smoking® program. This seven week, eight-session group program, developed by the American Lung Association, is one of the most successful quit programs available. For more information or to register, visit AdventHealthKC. com/Events or call AdventHealth Class Registration at 913-676-7777, option 1. Avoiding secondhand smoke is important, too — so keep your home smoke-free. If guests smoke, ask them to smoke outside.

Get enough sleep

Good-quality sleep decreases the work of your heart, as blood pressure and heart rate go down. Heart rates usually stay elevated in people who are sleep-deprived.

You can work on your heart health 365 days a year. Even if you’re at high risk due to family history or other factors, you can lower your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Identify your risk of a heart attack or stroke:

Complete an online, seven-minute assessment for heart disease and stroke. Based on your risk assessment, you can schedule any of the following more comprehensive screenings.

3 Preventative Cardiac

Screening ($35) 3 Calcium Scoring

Package ($50) 3 Peripheral Vascular

Package ($79)

Receive all three of the above screening packages for $99. To learn more or get started, visit adventhealthkc.com/heart.