About Heart Health

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other cause. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a study in 2003 indicating about 37 percent of adults reported having two or more risk factors for heart disease; study participants were asked about six high-risk characteristics: stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and obesity.

High Blood Pressure
The AHA reports 31.6 percent of people with high blood pressure are not even aware of it. Normal blood pressure is a systolic blood pressure less than 120 and a diastolic blood pressure less than 80. Controlling blood pressure levels starts with lifestyle modifications such as being physically active and reducing sodium intake.
 
High Cholesterol Cholesterol should be monitored every five years for those age 20 and over. Total cholesterol measured at less than 200 mg/dL is normal. Good (HDL) cholesterol protects against heart disease. An HDL measuring less than 40 mg/dL increases your risk of developing heart
disease. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or more helps to lower your risk for heart disease.
 
Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association, one of the most life-threatening consequences of diabetes is heart disease. Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to develop coronary disease than those who do not have diabetes.
 
Smoking The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate already begins to drop. One year after quitting, your risk of developing heart disease is half that of a nonsmoker.
 
Exercise The American Heart Association cannot drive this point home enough: Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five or more days of the week can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and can help you maintain a healthy weight—all crucial in decreasing your risk of developing heart disease.
 
Obesity The report "Overweight and Obesity, by Age: United States, 1960-2004" found that compared to people at a healthy weight, obese individuals have a 10 percent to 50 percent increased risk of death from any number of illnesses, most predominantly heart disease.