Heart Disease is No Joke!

Do you know what cardiovascular disease (CVD) means?  Whether you have CVD, or even high blood pressure, it could make the difference between a full and happy life and disability…

CVD refers to any disease of the heart and the blood vessels or circulation, while CHD [coronary heart disease] is a more specific condition resulting from reduced blood flow in the coronary arteries…According to the AHA [American Heart Association], approximately 1,100,000 Americans will have a coronary attack this year.  About 650,000 of these will be first heart attacks… (Howley & Franks, 2007, p. 298)

Furthermore, if you have hypertension, or high blood pressure, you could get CVD!  “[It] greatly increases a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease…It is estimated that 65 million people in the United States have hypertension.”  (Howley & Franks, 2007, p. 299)  If you have moderate hypertension (Ask your doctor as to whether this applies to you.—S.D.) there are non-drug options commonly applied, in order to reduce your blood pressure numbers, such as:  reducing salt/sodium intake; losing weight ; and,

participating in an endurance exercise program….Moderate-intensity exercise should be done frequently and for duration long enough to expend a large number of calories.  Furthermore, for those with higher BPs[blood pressures] who are taking medication, such an exercise program along with changes in diet, smoking, and body weight can lower BP.  In these cases, BP should be checked frequently so medications can be reduced as needed. (Howley & Franks, 2007, p. 299)

So, altering diet and weight loss strategies don’t only apply to pre-diabetes (which I have—S.D.) or diabetes (runs in my family—S.D.), diet also applies to high blood pressure and CVD…Thus, my future posts on diet or my weight-loss journey can be used to not only hopefully prevent (or reverse?) diabetes, but to improve your blood pressure—involving taking fewer or no medications--without all of the various side effects.

In the Summer 2012 issue of Amazing Wellness magazine—you might still be able to pick this up free at your local Vitamin Shoppe store—there are 5 weight-loss tips from personal trainer Bob Harper (of the NBC show The Biggest Loser):

ü  Drink a large glass of water before every meal.

ü  Enjoy up to 2 cups of black coffee or espresso per day (Research shows that you’ll have lower rates of diabetes, clearer thinking and an anti-inflammatory effect; in addition to it suppressing appetite and increasing your calorie-burn.).—I drink coffee every day, but because I used to have an ulcer, my stomach is too sensitive for me to drink it black!--S.D.

ü  “Apples and berries are two foods that should be eaten daily, [they] are rich in phytochemicals which help out your metabolism and act as powerful natural anti-inflammatories.  Even better, they help lower bad cholesterol.”  (Nix, Summer 2012, p. 42)

ü  “[T]ry your best not to consume any carbohydrates after lunch.  Snack on fiber, vegetables, fresh fruit, or protein instead of hitting the carbs…[E]at lean and green (especially in the evenings).”  (Nix, Summer 2012, p. 42)

ü  Get enough sleep, avoiding drinking alcohol after 8 p.m.  (Nix, Summer 2012)

{DlSCLAIMER:  I am not a licensed healthcare professional.  Please consult with a medical doctor/MD, doctor of osteopathy/DO, or naturopathic doctor/ND if you have any health concerns.}

Reference:

Howley, E. T. & Franks, B. D.  (2007).  Fitness professional’s handbook (5^th Ed.).  Champaign, IL:  Human Kinetics.

Nix, A.  (2012, Summer).  Guest spot:  Up close and personal.  Amazing wellness.  38-42.