Monday, July 18, 2011

Health Tips for July 18

Health Tip: Protect Your Heart

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when fatty deposits known as plaque build up in the heart's arteries.

Whether you've never had CAD or have been diagnosed with the condition, the University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

  • Quit smoking.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet.
  • Take medications or supplements exactly as your doctor prescribes them.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Ask your doctor how to maintain normal blood pressure, or lower it if it's too high.
  • Take a baby aspirin daily, assuming your doctor approves.
  • Control health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when thick plaque accumulates in the arteries (most often in the legs) and restricts blood flow to the heart, brain, other organs and limbs.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute mentions these risk factors for PAD:

  • Being a smoker.
  • Being older.
  • Having diabetes or a common precursor, metabolic syndrome.
  • Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  • Having coronary heart disease.
  • Having a family history of stroke.

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