February might be the shortest month of the year, but it gives us a lot to celebrate. You may already be enjoying Black History Month or gearing up for a date with your significant other on the 14th, but February also brings us American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death for adults in the United States. On top of that fact, African Americans have a greater risk of developing heart disease. To help reduce your chances of heart disease and other serious health conditions, here are the risk factors to know.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects more than 40% of African Americans, and there are several reasons for this. For some, it’s genetic – something that they have to deal with their entire life. For others though, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is caused by environmental factors that can be controlled. For example, if you smoke, eat a diet high in sodium or saturated fats, lead a stressful lifestyle, have diabetes, or are overweight, your chances of high blood pressure are much higher. Unfortunately, so is your risk of heart disease.
Because of the health risks caused by high blood pressure, it’s important to make maintenance a priority. Quitting smoking or starting a regular workout routine can be a great way to
February might be the shortest month of the year, but it gives us a lot to celebrate. You may already be enjoying Black History Month or gearing up for a date with your significant other on the 14th, but February also brings us American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death for adults in the United States. On top of that fact, African Americans have a greater risk of developing heart disease. To help reduce your chances of heart disease and other serious health conditions, here are the risk factors to know.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects more than 40% of African Americans, and there are several reasons for this. For some, it’s genetic – something that they have to deal with their entire life. For others though, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is caused by environmental factors that can be controlled. For example, if you smoke, eat a diet high in sodium or saturated fats, lead a stressful lifestyle, have diabetes, or are overweight, your chances of high blood pressure are much higher. Unfortunately, so is your risk of heart disease.
Because of the health risks caused by high blood pressure, it’s important to make maintenance a priority. Quitting smoking or starting a regular workout routine can be a great way to
Read more https://blackdoctor.org/519193/4-signs-you-could-have-heart-failure/
