Prevent Heart Disease with Healthy Habits
Risk factors for Heart Disease
Risk factors, identified by the American Heart Association include:
- Increasing age
- Family history
- Smoking
- High blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Being overweight – especially in the waist
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol use
- Individual response to stress
Heart disease is largely preventable
You can significantly lower your risk of heart attack by adopting five healthy habits:
- Not using tobacco products
- Exercising daily
- Eating a wholesome diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Using alcohol only in moderation
- Maintaining a healthy weight
What can you do?
- Know your risk. Take a FREE Cardiac Risk Assessment online.
- Get regular physical exams.
- Call 1-877-AT-AVERA to sign up for a Planet Heart screening at the Avera Heart Hospital.
Go Red for Women
Women… Do you think heart disease is a “man’s disease?” Do you believe that cancer is your greatest risk? Think again. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives. Visit Go Red for Women to learn more.
