7 Steps to a Healthier Heart

By Rashun Jones

Heart Disease--was the leading cause of death among black people.
In 1998 heart disease mortality was 45 percent higher for black persons than all persons and heart disease mortality was about 60 percent higher for black males than black females. Death rates for heart disease rise sharply with age.Don't wait until you have a heart attack to start taking good care of your heart. You might not get another chance.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart and blood vessel problems develop over time. Arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood slowly become clogged from a buildup of cells, fat, and cholesterol. This buildup is called plaque. When the blood flow gets blocked, you could have a heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension-high blood pressure--The pressure in your arteries is consistently above the normal range. This can lead to harden arteries, stroke, or heart attack.
Heart Failure-the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should or your body is not getting as much blood and oxygen as it needs.
Stroke- occurs when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets clogged or bursts.
Heart Attack-blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
Atherosclerosis-hardening of the arteries-- The inner walls of the arteries become narrower due to plaque buildup and blood clots form.

Warning Signs of A Heart Attack

Your body likely will have one or more of these symptoms:
1. Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
2. Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
3. Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.

Less Common Warning Signs of Heart Attack

Atypical chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain.
Nausea or dizziness (without chest pain).
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (without chest pain).
Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue.
Palpitations, cold sweat and paleness.
Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast. If you notice one or more of these signs in another person, don't wait. Call 9-1-1 fast!

Warning signs and symptoms of a stroke

Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Ways to Reduce your Risks of Dying from Heart Disease

1. Check your blood pressure at least annually. If you have high blood pressure, take your medication every day.
2. Do not smoke.
3. Have your cholesterol level measured at least every 5 years.
4. Keep your weight down.
5. Watch your diet by cutting back on foods high in cholesterol or saturated fat.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Get regular checkups.

Lifestyle Choices

The risk of heart disease can be significantly decreased by lifestyle choices eating right, exercising and not smoking. Visit your doctor regularly for checkup because the sooner a potential problem is identified, the sooner you can prevent it from developing into something much more serious.
To obtain information on heart disease contact: The American Heart Association
toll free 1-800-242-8721 or Website: http://www.americanheart.org.