Preventing Heart Disease in Burlington

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups.

February is American Heart Month, marking the perfect time to raise awareness of one of the deadliest groups of diseases. One person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease, per the CDC. With that being said, there are plenty of ways you can help prevent heart disease. Most require making just a small adjustment to your daily life.

Tips for All Ages

Choose a heart-healthy diet. Did you know your diet plays a large role in your risk of developing heart disease? To start, avoid foods with a lot of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, legumes, and seeds. When consuming dairy products, look for low-fat options. Limit added-sugar products and red meat.

Be physically active. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. This can be accomplished by going for a few brisk walks throughout the week. You should also look for muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. Ideally, these would work all muscle groups.

Learn the warning signs. It is never too early to educate yourself on the warning signs of a stroke or heart attack.

Tips for Older Adults

As we age, our risk of developing heart disease increases. You may notice your blood pressure and cholesterol rise. Paying close attention to those numbers and managing your heart goes a long way to living a healthy life.

Learn about PAD. Being physically active can help prevent peripheral artery disease (PAD) or improve its symptoms. PAD is one of the lesser-known cardiovascular diseases, where plaque builds up in the leg arteries.

Watch your weight. As we grow older, our bodies need fewer calories. Carrying excess weight makes our heart work harder and increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Exercising and eating smaller portions of healthy foods can help maintain a healthy weight.

Learn the warning signs. Again, know the warning signs. For example, heart attack symptoms can be different in women and men. Knowing when you’re having a heart attack or stroke allows you to be more likely to get immediate help. Fast treatment can save your life.

Local Resources

Cone Health – Their Heart & Vascular Center at Alamance Regional is a cornerstone of exceptional cardiovascular care within the broad array of world-class heart and vascular care at Cone Health. Featured services include cardiology, heart care, heart scan, calcium test, and imaging services.

Kernodle Clinic – Their team of cardiologists in Burlington offers expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart and vascular conditions in adults. Some services include cardiology, heart failure care, pacemaker consultation, and stress testing.

Griswold Can Help

If you or someone you care about is dealing with heart health issues in Burlington or the surrounding areas, Griswold is here to help. Although we don’t provide medical services, our in-home care options include personal care, homemaking, and companionship from our experienced Caregivers. Our mission is to ensure you feel safe and supported. Whether you require a few hours of respite care each week or need assistance around the clock, we’re here for you. Contact us today at (336) 860-7936 to explore how we can develop a personalized care plan that suits your needs. In many cases, we can have a Caregiver at your home within 24 hours.