Protect Your Heart

By FCP Health & Wellness Center Administration

Nearly one out of four American Indians and Alaska Natives dies of heart disease!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a heart attack for the first time, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about every minute a person will die from one.

Coronary heart disease causes heart attack, as well as cardiac arrest and stroke.

Heart Attack

• Occurs when the blood supply to the heart is cut off or severely reduced.

• If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, the lack of oxygen can damage the heart.

Cardiac Arrest

• Occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, which stops the flow of oxygen and blood to vital organs in the body.

• If blood flow is not restored to the heart, death can occur in a matter of minutes.

Stroke

• Occurs when the blood flow to the brain is severely limited, cutting off its oxygen and nutrient supply.

• Also occurs if there is sudden bleeding in the brain due to rupture or leakage of the vessels.

• Brain cells start dying minutes after a stroke.

Although heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., there are many things you can do lower your risk of heart disease:

• Know your blood pressure and keep it under control.

• Exercise regularly.

• Don’t smoke.

• Get tested for diabetes. If you have it, keep it under control.

• Know your cholesterol and triglyceride(fat in the blood) levels and keep in check.

• Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

To learn more about how you can protect your heart, attend the Heart Health Event on Feb. 2, from 4 - 6 p.m., at the Health and Wellness Center. See notice on pg. 10.

References:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/10/23/tool.heart.attack.stroke/index.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseasesprevention.html;http://www.cdc. gov/features/heartmonth/; http://www. altarum.org/project-highlights-nhlbi-health-disparities-community-health-worke