5 Simple Ways For Men to Reduce Their Risk of Heart Disease
Immediate Changes Could Mean Great Results
In Northeast Tennessee, the Tri-Cities region is known to have significantly higher
than average concentrations of heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men, accounting for 384,866 deaths
in 2021 alone. These statistics amplify the severity of heart disease not just within
the Appalachian Highlands, but within the entire country.
Men do not have to be part of a statistic as heart disease can be preventable. By
visiting your doctor annually and receiving routine blood work and tests, we can make
recommendations to help you live a long and healthy life.
There are several things men can start today to immediately reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Learn more about these 5 ways to reduce your risk:
1. Test your blood pressure
Regularly check your blood pressure. Testing your blood pressure is a standard practice
in preventative medicine. This allows your physician to identify any health complications
that are not be visible to the human eye. If you are testing at home and have a high
blood pressure reading, be sure to consult your physician to identify the proper steps
to lower it as high blood pressure is known to cause heart disease.
2. Test for diabetes
Testing for diabetes is another standard procedure in preventative medicine. Blood sugar is a primary source of energy for the body. According to the CDC, people with diabetes are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease during their lifetime.
3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Smoking tobacco products and consuming alcohol are directly linked to cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption will reduce the risk of heart disease. Those who cannot quit smoking or lower their alcohol intake will have worsened symptoms that may ultimately lead to heart disease in the future.
4. Make healthy food choices
Making the right food choices that lower high cholesterol are important to reduce
your risk of heart disease. The earlier you begin making heart-healthy meal decisions,
the more likely you won’t have to experience heart disease.
5. Avoid stress & worry
Stress can be a pesky obstacle that we all have to face some time or another. Stress
is known to cause high blood pressure, which can increase a person’s likelihood of
heart disease. It is important to find coping mechanisms that will help alleviate
some of the daily stress. A good example of a coping mechanism is exercise as it is
known to lower blood pressure and has many other health benefits.
By following these five simple steps and the advice of your physician, you can ensure
that you’re immediately reducing your risk of heart disease.
Searching for a primary care provider that will make your heart health their priority?
