Think of it as a new beginning, doctors advise. For one thing, its a positive thing that it's been diagnosed before dangerous complications occur and now you can get started on treatment. It is a massive wake-up call that you can't take your health for granted.”
Heart disease refers to several different heart conditions, but the most common is coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack. Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries. Over time, those arteries can narrow, which reduces blood flow to your heart and puts you at danger for heart attack.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. More than 700,000 Americans die from heart disease each year.
Find the heart care you deserve
Making helpful changes
The first thing to remember if you have heart disease: You’re not alone.
For many people with heart disease, the treatment is two-pronged – prescribed medicine and adopting healthy lifestyle changes.
- Medicine. A range of medications can be prescribed, including some that modify cholesterol levels (such as statins), aspirin and beta blockers.
- Diet. Concentrate primarily on eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Combine that with fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils.
Minimize the amount of sugar and processed foods you eat and cut back on the sugary drinks and fast foods.
It’s helpful to follow either the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, which was originally designed to help people control their blood pressure (DASH stands for ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’).
- Exercise regularly. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five times per week, for a total of 150 minutes. Or, at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least three times per week, for a total of 75 minutes. Doctors agree: Excise is a "super drug" and can't help prevent many of our biggest medical problems in the U.S.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce alcohol consumption. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that if alcohol is consumed, it should be in moderation- up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. But more research is coming in that points to the dangers of any alcohol use.
Taking advantage of a second chance
For many people, their heart disease is discovered early enough that they can modify their lifestyle to limit further heart damage.
The first step? See your doctor for regular check-ups. If a medical issue needs attention, catching it in the early stages is beneficial.
Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. Yet, 80% of heart disease is preventable, simply based on risk-factor modification. Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes are things that people tend to not feel or know they even have, unless they're getting screened regularly.
Coronary heart disease can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. With the correct treatment, symptoms can be reduced and your heart function will improve.
Bottom line: Be positive, engaged, empowered, and partner with doctor.