Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2017

citizensmemorial.com 11 Whether stress directly contributes to heart disease or triggers habits that do (like smoking and overeating), managing it is important. Exercising, practicing positive self-talk (think, I’ve got this!) and setting aside a few minutes each day for things you enjoy can help. Talk with your doctor if your stress feels overwhelming. Rhythm concerns If your heart flutters, does flip-flops or beats rapidly—even if it happens only occasionally and then returns to normal—tell your doctor. It could be a condition called atrial fibrillation, which raises the risk of stroke. American Heart Association Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but medicines and quitting strategies can help. And no matter how long you’ve smoked, stopping now will help lower your heart disease risk. Ask your doctor about ways to kick the tobacco habit for good. Statin drugs can lower cholesterol, and they’ve been shown to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may suggest taking a statin regularly if, for instance, you’re at high risk of having a heart attack over the next 10 years. Take a brisk walk. Ride a bike. Play pickup basketball with friends. These are just some of the many ways to improve your cardio fitness along with your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Aim for a total of at least 2.5 hours of moderately intense activity a week. Even 10 minutes of activity several times a day can help you achieve that goal. Work in some strength training, too, at least twice a week. High blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels can damage the heart and cause blood vessels to narrow. Since these conditions don’t usually cause symptoms, getting screened is the only way to know if you have them. At a minimum, have your cholesterol tested every five years and your blood pressure checked every two years. GET SCREENED FOR HEART RISKS MOVE THINGS ALONG LEARN ABOUT CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING MEDS STRESS LESS IF YOU SMOKE, COMMIT TO QUIT 4 5 6 7 8