Your heart health is based on lifestyle habits, including smoking, physical activity, and diet. The risk calculator uses information that you already know based on your normal daily habits.
Next up for you, make a doctor’s appointment to make a plan for a long, heart healthy life.
- Schedule an appointment with one of our Primary Care Physicians.
- Call 229.433.8160 for more information on getting referred to see one of our Cardiologists.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease and Live a Heart Healthy Lifestyle
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the US.
One of the biggest contributors to these statistics is a lack of commitment to a heart healthy lifestyle. Your lifestyle is not only your best defense against heart disease and stroke, it's also your responsibility. A heart healthy lifestyle includes several steps, but these simple steps can reduce the risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, quit. If someone in your household smokes, encourage them to quit. We know it's tough, but it's tougher to recover from a heart attack or stroke or to live with chronic heart disease. SGMC is here to help if you need it.
Choose a healthy diet
A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. The food you eat (and the amount) can affect other controllable risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight.
Reduce high blood cholesterol
Fat stuck in your arteries is a disaster waiting to happen. Eventually it could trigger a heart attack or stroke. You've got to reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and get moving.
Lower high blood pressure
Shake that salt habit, take your medications as recommended by your doctor, and get moving. An optimal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Be physically active every day
Be physically active every day. Research shows that at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and keep your weight at a healthy level. If you are over the age of 40 or have health issues, talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Aim for a healthy weight
Obesity is highly prevalent in America, not only for adults but also for children. Good nutrition, controlling calorie intake, and physical activity are the only way to maintain a healthy weight.
Manage your diabetes
At least 68% of people >65 years of age with diabetes die of some form of Heart Disease; 16% die of stroke. Other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity can greatly increase a person with diabetes’ chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
Limit alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, increase cardiomyopathy, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. Please drink in moderation.
The SGMC Dasher Memorial Heart Center provides a wide range of cardiac care for you and your family.