Heart Health Facts
February is American Heart Month and since heart disease runs in my family, I want to make sure I bring attention to some overlooked facts that you can certainly benefit from knowing.
Many African Americans face health challenges such as hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and atherosclerosis (plaquing of the arteries). As a black woman, I am astounded by the fact that we have the highest mortality rate for heart disease.
To ensure overall wellness, I prioritize the health of every system in the body. It's important to know your blood pressure for baseline throughout life. Normal blood pressure is 120/80, and a solid resting heart rate range is 60-100 beats per minute.
Keeping track of your heart's function is important when feeling anxious or stressed. However, a cardiovascular event can occur without warning signs.
Below you’ll find several facts you should know about heart health. I don’t mean to be a downer, but I find these stats interesting and important.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American and white women in the United States
Only 1 in 5 African-American women believes she is personally at risk.
High risk factors for cardiovascular disease include: High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight/obese, poor diet, physical inactivity smoking and excessive alcohol use
Almost two-thirds (64%) of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms.
For symptoms of a heart attack and stroke in women click HERE.
Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 49 percent have heart diseases.
What do we do with this information?
Keep your lifestyle healthy and balanced and the body will follow.
Limit stress
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of veggies
Mange and regulate blood sugar
Manage sweet cravings
Exercise regularly
Avoid smoking and excess alcohol intake
Stay aware of your body
Try not to harbor resentment
Forgive
Commit to self-healing
I hope this has been helpful to you.
Blessings.