Heart Health Awareness Month

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 655,000 deaths each year. While some risk factors for heart disease are out of our control, such as age and family history, there are many lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our risk of heart disease.

Here are some tips to improve your heart health:

1. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and high-sugar foods as much as possible.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are all great options.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease. If you need to lose weight, start by making small, sustainable changes to your diet and exercise routine.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart and overall health.
5. Manage stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones.

In addition to making these lifestyle changes, it's also important to know your risk factors for heart disease and get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, your provider may recommend additional tests or treatments to help reduce your risk.

At West Houston Heart Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. We offer a wide range of cardiac services, including preventive care, diagnostic testing, and treatment for heart conditions. If you have concerns about your heart health, please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.

This Heart Health Awareness Month, let's all take steps towards improving our heart health and reducing our risk of heart disease. Together, we can make a difference and protect our hearts for years to come.