Heart disease fast facts
By American staff
Sometimes selfish is good, particularly when it comes to keeping your own heart muscle healthy. In turn, you may unselfishly take care of others who love you and want you to stick around! Here are some fast facts about the most deadly disease for African Americans.
? Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of African Americans, claiming the lives of 36.3 percent of blacks who die each year.
? Nearly five of every 10 blacks have cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, congenital cardiovascular defects, hardening of the arteries and other diseases of the circulatory system.
? Reduce heart disease risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, poor dietary choices, diabetes or obesity.
? Healthy lifestyle changes reduce the risk of heart disease. Don’t smoke, exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes most days), eat a sensible diet low in saturated or trans fat and sodium, high in fiber with lots of vegetables and fruit; limit alcohol consumption; maintain a healthy weight; get plenty of rest; drink lots of water; reduce/eliminate stress; take your medicine exactly as the doctor prescribes and follow your doctor’s advice.
? Heart attack symptoms may differ between men and women. Women are more likely to feel shortness of breath, fatigue, abdominal pressure, nausea or heartburn or jaw, neck, back or upper shoulder pain. Men are more likely to experience chest pain or pressure or pain in the left arm.
? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. One in four women die of heart disease—more than all cancers combined.
? Many U. S. women may be unaware of their risk for heart disease.
? People with larger midsections are at greater risk for heart disease. Whittle the middle – the waistline is a waste line! Female waistlines should be 35 inches or less. Male waistlines should be 40 inches or less.
? Family medical history is important. Conditions such as high cholesterol, blood pressure and heart disease may run in your family, putting you at increased risk for heart disease.
? Nearly 45 percent of African-American adults have high blood pressure, one of the highest rates in the world.
? Know your numbers: Blood pressure, Body Mass Index and Cholesterol. The optimal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or less. Systolic blood pressure (the top number) is the force on the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is the heart at rest.
? Body Mass Index (BMI) is the relationship between weight and height that is associated with body fat and health risk. The equation is BMI = body weight in kilograms/height in meters squared. A BMI of over 25 is overweight and over 30 is obese.
? Total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL. HDL, or high density lipoproteins (the good cholesterol) should be at least 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for women. LDL, or the low density lipoproteins (the bad cholesterol) should be 70-160 mg/dL, depending on your risk. Cholesterol comes only from animal products.
Find out more about your heart. Ask your doctor or visit www.americanheart.org.
Sources: AHA, CDC, NIH.