Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams with HealthSaver: Heart Heal... (eating less salt and sodium. -- Nearl...)

Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams with HealthSaver: Heart Healthy Living

Date:10/25/2007

eating less salt and sodium.

-- Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, yet only

68 percent are aware of their condition. High blood pressure has no

specific symptoms, so it's especially important to stay proactive with

a blood pressure test every two years. Normal blood pressure is

approximately 120/80 mm Hg. People with a blood pressure higher than

140/90 mm Hg include 69 percent of those who have survived a first

heart attack and 77 percent of those who have suffered an initial

stroke.

Cholesterol and Your Heart

-- Your body develops enough cholesterol on its own. When an unhealthy

diet and sedentary lifestyle cause an increase in cholesterol levels,

fatty deposits form within blood vessels, making it difficult for blood

to flow properly. If a blood vessel ruptures or becomes blocked, the

brain cannot receive necessary oxygen, resulting in a stroke.

-- The most important dietary change to lower your cholesterol is to limit

the amount of saturated and trans fat that you consume. Swap cookies

for cantaloupe, fried chicken for baked chicken and butter for olive

oil. Your diet should include foods rich in fiber, such as citrus

fruits, beans, broccoli and whole grains.

-- Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol also has no symptoms. A

Lipoprotein Profile blood test every five years will alert you of any

problems. A healthy diet will help keep your cholesterol levels below

200 mg/dL, though your physician may prescribe medications if proper

diet adjustments do not render results.

Break the Habit

-- Cigarette smokers are six times more likely to suffer a heart attack

and two times more likely to suffer a stroke than nonsmokers. The

nicotine and carbon dioxide in cigarettes reduces the oxygen in your

'/>"/>

Post Your Comments:

Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams with HealthSaver: Heart Heal...(eating less salt and sodium. -- Nearl...),Health