Know Your Numbers And Don’t Let Heart Disease Define You

Here at RediClinic, we encourage our communities to learn about ways to prevent heart disease, and get on track to better heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about 610,000 Americans die of heart disease annually – that’s about one in four deaths.

There are many things you can do to prevent heart disease from impacting yourself and those you love. Let’s start by taking a closer look at the disease and its symptoms.

What is heart disease and the risk factors that lead to it?

Often used interchangeably with the term “cardiovascular disease,” heart disease refers to several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels­–such as chest pain, heart attack or stroke.

In order to function properly, the heart muscle requires an adequate supply of blood. If one or more of the coronary arteries narrow, the heart can become stressed, which can lead to heart failure. When these arteries become blocked and blood supply is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack, and the heart muscle begins to die.

But your heart’s arteries don’t just develop narrowing and blockages overnight. There are major risk factors that research has shown to significantly increase the risk of developing heart disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, being overweight, maintaining poor diet habits, smoking, having type 2 diabetes, or consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances are for developing heart disease.

But heart disease does not have to define you! While some risk factors, such as family history, ethnicity and age cannot be changed, many of the aforementioned can be controlled or eliminated altogether through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and medication. An important first step in the journey to heart health is a comprehensive health screening to evaluate your heart risks, get a sense of where your health stands, and then make a plan for improvement.

Numbers That Could Save Your Life

When looking at heart health as a whole, the following key areas are tested and analyzed to gauge an individual’s cardiovascular health:

1. Blood pressure. 75 million American adults (32%) have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and many don’t know. Complications of high blood pressure include damage to the heart, arteries, brain, kidneys and eyes.

2. Cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to the development of fatty deposits in blood vessels that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol is often the result of poor lifestyle choices and can be managed with a healthy living plan.

3. Weight. Assessment of heart health risk includes a measurement of body mass index, waist circumference and risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity. The results can determine if you’re currently at a healthy weight or at risk for serious health conditions due to excess body fat.

4. Glucose (blood sugar). Your blood sugar number indicates your risk for diabetes–chronic disease is also associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and obesity, which are aforementioned contributing risks for developing heart disease.

Get Screened at RediClinic

Heart disease is largely preventable. Take steps this American Heart Month to create self-awareness of possible risk factors by getting a heart health screening and diabetes test with a board-certified clinician at RediClinic. Even if your numbers are high, you can start today to make positive lifestyle changes to reduce your risk for heart disease and potentially save your life.

If you are concerned about your heart health, Schedule an Appointment at RediClinic Today!

Written by Molly Lavoie, director of Clinical Services, RediClinic.

About RediClinic:

RediClinic provides high-quality, convenient and affordable healthcare that fits your lifestyle. Located inside select Rite Aid Pharmacies and H-E-B grocery stores, our board-certified clinicians diagnose and treat more than 30 common medical conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate. We also offer a broad range of preventive services, including screenings, medical tests, immunizations and physical exams.

RediClinic is open 7 days a week and accepts most major insurance plans. Appointments are recommended for a same- and next-day visit, but walk-ins are welcome.

This Patch article is sponsored by RediClinic.