According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, one in every four deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease. To help keep you and your family healthy, all you need to do is remember your ABCS.
Aspirin treatment when appropriate
Aspirin can act as a blood thinner that can reduce blood clotting in and around the heart. Aspirin treatment can be prescribed to treat heart disease and can help you during a heart attack.
“If you feel like you might be having an acute heart attack or an acute event, you should be chewing 324-325 milligram aspirin,” said Curtis Hoogendoorn, ARNP, at MercyOne Siouxland Heart and Vascular Center.
Talk to your health care provider to see if aspirin treatment could lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Blood pressure control
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the leading heart diseases in America according to the CDC. High blood pressure increases your risk for a heart attack or a stroke more than any identifying risk factor. High blood pressure happens when the pressure of the blood pushing against your heart’s artery walls is too high. Understanding and controlling your blood pressure will help keep your heart strong and your overall health in good condition. Click here to learn more about knowing your numbers.
Cholesterol management
Your body needs cholesterol. The waxy substance is produced in the liver and found in certain foods like eggs, fatty fish, nuts, legumes and beans. However, too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries causing heart disease.
Smoking cessation
There are numerous reasons to quit smoking. Your lungs, your brain and your heart are all compromised by smoking cigarettes. Smoking increases your blood pressure, which increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s never too late. Speak with your MercyOne provider about ways to help you stop smoking.
Ready to get started? Contact your MercyOne provider or find a doctor.
