Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist within a person and are interrelated. Examples include: About 1 in 3 Americans has at least one type of CVD. Prevention is the best treatment because CVD kills more people than cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. CVD risk factors are a mix …
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Blood Pressure
Did you know that sleep apnea and high blood pressure often go hand in hand? Many people are unaware that poor sleep could be a key reason behind elevated blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart and body. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or think you might have sleep apnea, this is something you’ll want to pay …
Enjoy Life with a Healthy Mind-Avoid Dementia
Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from memory loss to impaired thinking, affecting daily life. While age is the strongest risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Fortunately, research shows that lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, taking steps …
It’s National Cholesterol Education Month
What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a substance that is both made by the body and found in certain foods. Cholesterol is part of a structure called a lipoprotein which is made up of varying amounts of both lipids and protein. Cholesterol has a waxy consistency and is used by the body in hormone and cell production and the digestion of …
How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Flu season strikes every year, usually starting in the fall and lasting through spring. While some people treat it as an inevitable part of life, the flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications, especially for older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect yourself and stay healthy …
September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
Like the chaos of a hailstorm on a tin roof comes the electrical storm of atrial fibrillation (AF). During AF, the atria are quivering (fibrillating) and firing hundreds of impulses at the same time. It’s as if the electrical circuits have gone haywire. If this rhythm problem is not diagnosed or isn’t managed properly, it can lead to strokes, heart …
Why a Blood Pressure of 120/80 is No Longer Textbook Perfect
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released updated guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of high blood pressure in adults. These guidelines marked a significant shift in how healthcare professionals approach hypertension, with new thresholds, definitions, and treatment recommendations. Let’s delve into the key aspects of these guidelines and their impact …
Log Your Blood Pressure to Manage Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. One of the most effective strategies for managing hypertension is consistently logging your blood pressure. This practice provides valuable insights into your health, helps you understand the effects of lifestyle choices and medications, and aids in making …
Rest Easy- A Simple Way to Improve Your Sleep
Are you consistently logging 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, only to wake up feeling tired and groggy? Are you asking yourself why do I sleep so much and never feel rested? If so, you may be experiencing the effects of a potentially serious yet treatable condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized …
Women’s Heart Health and Stress
Many women’s daily lives are stretched to the limit by the multiple roles they fill at work, at home, and in the community. In many households, women still perform most childcare, shopping, cleaning, cooking, and, in some cases, care of elderly parents or in-laws. Some working women have incorporated a male standard for achievement in the workplace while retaining the …