Introduction

Some people only think about hearts on Valentine's Day. This is a very shortsighted approach to a healthy lifestyle. A little thought and effort makes it possible and painless to transform a hectic, over scheduled life into a heart friendly existence.

Manage Your Risk Factors

In order to make lifestyle changes that will be beneficial to your heart’s health you must first identify potential risks that need to be addressed.

One of the cornerstones of a heart healthy life is healthy eating. Take a look at what you eat on a daily basis. Determine if the food you consume is healthy and nutritious. If you have a diet that is high in fat, especially saturated fat, you should be aware that this might elevate your cholesterol levels. If cholesterol levels are elevated you have the potential to accumulate fatty deposits inside the arterial walls. These deposits slow blood flow and increase the risk of blockages. Partial or total obstructions can cause heart disease or stroke. If you find that your diet is lacking make the necessary changes to improve it. If you are unsure about how your diet rates ask your physician to refer you to a dietitian.

Exercise has been identified as a very important component of a heart healthy lifestyle. You must review your activity level to see just how much exercise you get on a weekly basis. It is very important to be honest with yourself when you determine your exercise level.

Smoking is known to cause heart disease and circulatory problems. If you smoke then you should quit immediately. If you have difficulty with the concept of quitting tobacco then you should talk to your doctor and ask about a smoking cessation program.

A healthy body weight is also an essential component of a heart smart lifestyle. If you have a few pounds to shed throw a way your chocolate bars and refer to a healthy eating cookbook until you see the results you need.

An annual physical is of paramount importance in controlling heart disease. Blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels should all be checked. Think of your check-up as preventative maintenance.

Rating Your Risk

Don't wait for your physician to ask you about how your health is. Do your research and let him know if you have any concerns or questions.

On a piece of paper records the following information:

• Your age, sex, and ethnic origins.

• Review your family history. Does anyone have heart disease, stroke, diabetes or other diseases?

• If you have difficulty with diabetes record blood sugar levels over a month. Are they stable? Fluctuating blood sugar levels over time need to be reviewed by your doctor. An increase in medication or a change in medication may be warranted.

• Keep track of your blood pressure. Many people do not realize that they have blood pressure problem until it's too late. There is a reason why it's called “the silent killer”.

• Get a lipid profile done. Discuss cholesterol levels with your physician. How good is the good cholesterol? How bad is the bad cholesterol? What is your overall profile?

• Get you weight checked. If you're at a higher than average weight ask your physician if you are at increased risk. This is a good time to ask for referral to the dietitian if you need one.

• If you are not a smoker but you live with one find out what you can do to improve your odds.

• Discuss your stress level. Is it high? Is there anything you can do to alleviate or minimize the stress in your life?

• If you plan to increase your physical activity discuss this with your family physician. If you haven't exercise for a long period of time you need to know that you are healthy enough to do so.

How to Recognize A Heart Attack

Many people suffer significant damage to their heart because they wait too long to seek medical attention for a heart attack. If you, or anyone around you, exhibits the following signs and symptoms call 911 immediately or send someone to get help.

• Any pain that is localized in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulders, arms or back area that does not subside with rest. Pain may be described as a squeezing, tightness, burning feeling or a heaviness in the chest area. Many times women having heart attacks are less specific about the area of the pain they feel. If the complaint is vague operate under the” better safe than sorry" rule.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a sign that someone may be having cardiovascular complications.

• Nausea often accompanies a heart attack. Many people having a heart attack think that they have indigestion or have eaten something that was spoiled. If other people are not exhibiting the same symptoms assume you were looking at a possible heart attack.

• Excessive sweating or clammy skin that is cool to the touch is also an indicator that something is wrong. Touch the person’s forehead to assess skin condition.

• Remember to remain calm. The person is already feeling anxious and more than a little bit fearful. They may be in denial that anything is wrong. Get them to lay down and rest until help arrives.

• It is good to remember that all of the above-mentioned red flags can vary in severity. One person having a heart attack may feel severe pain, while another may just shake it off as a cramp or muscle pull.

How to Recognize a Stroke

When an individual suffers a blockage and there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain time is critical so that damage is minimal. It is important to recognize the signs of a stroke so that intervention can occur in a timely manner.

As with a heart attack, if you or anyone around you exhibits the following symptoms it is essential that you call 911 or your local emergency number.

When the stroke occurs more often than not an individual will experience sudden weakness, numbness or tingling in the extremities. They also may also experience a loss of feeling around their face.

Depending on which part of the brain is being affected the person may experience a sudden temporary loss of speech or experience trouble understanding speech. Any interruption in speech should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention.

Many people who experience a stroke report double vision, loss of vision in one eye that is very sudden in nature. Again, symptoms are often specific to where in the brain the damage is occurring.

A sudden and severe headache is oftentimes a precursor to a stroke. If you do not suffer from headaches and suddenly get one you should be concerned.

Dizziness or sudden loss of balance is also considered a positive sign for stroke, especially if it appears with any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Remember the sooner that medical intervention occurs the better the outcome will be. Do not ignore any warning signs that your body may give you. If you do it may break your heart.