Heart Disease Prevention

Heart Disease- caused by high levels of cholesterol, LDL, low levels of HDL, family history, SMOKING, Diabetes
- LDL/Low Density Lipoproteins- Bad Cholesterol, increases heart attack, stroke and coronary artery disease/CAD risk; less than 100
- HDL/High Density Lipoproteins- Good Cholesterol, decreases risk for peripheral vascular disease, heart disease and stroke; > 40 to 60
- Cholesterol- produced by the body, found in foods of animal origin , excessive cholesterol causes atheroscleroses which is the starting point for most heart and circulation problems; should be less than 200
- Triglycerides- may increase your risk of stroke, coronary artery disease; less than 150
Risk Factors for Heart Disease- Uncontrolled Hypertension and Diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity, age, high cholesterol family history

Most often- no symptoms until it reaches a late stage
Symptoms- SOB/shortness of breath, fainting, light-headedness, fatigue, heart palpitations, numbness on 1 side of the body, trouble talking

Eat- more raw fruits and vegetables, whole wheat breads and grains, decrease meats and when eating should be broiled, boiled, baked, roasted, stewed, grilled, or stir-fried; use a lower fat milk and dairy products; decrease saturated fats
AVOID- bacon, ham, sausage, frankfurters, vienna sausage, luncheon meats, processed meats and cheese, macaroni and cheese, organ meats, snack foods as chips, cheese puffs, rich cakes, pies, pastries
See your Physician- history, physical examination, routine health checkups to uncover asymptomatic heart disease, MRI, PET, cardiac catheterization, x-rays, echocardiography, exercise tolerance testing; control diabetes/cholesterol/fats
See Registered Dietitian- for help as needed
See FoodFitnessFirst.com Registered Dietitian- on line for help
Suggestions- stop smoking, eat healthy, maintain a healthy weight/blood pressure, exercise, manage stress