Clinical Corner: Health & Heart Go Hand in Hand

It’s never too late to take steps to lower your risk of developing heart disease or risk factors that lead to heart disease. Heart disease, also known as “ischemic heart disease,” or “coronary heart disease,” is the buildup of plaque in the heart arteries that can lead to heart attack, heart failure or death. If you have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you may be at higher risk of developing heart disease.

Fortunately, more and more Canadians are learning how to prevent and manage heart disease and we are seeing improvements in the number diagnosed and the number dying from the disease.

For more information on heart health visit: heartandstroke.ca or speak with your healthcare provider.

Tips to keep your heart healthy:

• Limit alcohol – less than three drinks per week.
• Reduce stress – read a book, breathing exercises.
• Be active – talk to your healthcare provider to determine what exercises are safe.
• Eat nutritious foods – following Canada’s Food Guide is an easy way to learn what types of food you should be eating. Visit food-guide.canada.ca
• Maintain a healthy weight – talk to your healthcare provider to determine what a healthy weight is for you.
• Quit (or don’t start) smoking – seek support if you have been unsuccessful in quitting.