Our local health care providers are reminding the people of the Uintah Basin that February is American Heart Month and it’s crucial to pay attention to your heart health or you may pay with your life. About half of all Americans have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as age or family history. But individuals can take steps to lower their risk by changing the factors that can be controlled. Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol has been linked to heart disease. Not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and the risk for heart disease. Tobacco use increases the risk for heart disease and heart attack, including secondhand smoke. Also, since high blood pressure is a major risk factor and the only way to catch it is to measure blood pressure, be sure to do so regularly. Make the decision to be heart healthy and reduce risks.
