Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Charles D. Harr, MD, is a well-versed cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon who diagnoses and treats patients at WakeMed Physician Practices in North Carolina. He currently practices at the WakeMed Heart & Vascular Center, WakeMed Cary Hospital, and WakeMed Raleigh Campus in Raleigh, NC. Furthermore, Dr. Harr is a Consulting... more
What Can I Do To Lower My Risk Of Heart Disease
Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly to prevent or control high blood pressure.
Keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control. High levels of cholesterol can clog your arteries and raise your risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Lifestyle changes and medicines, if needed, I can lower your cholesterol. Triglycerides or another type of fat in the blood. High levels of triglycerides may also raise the risk of coronary artery disease, especially in women
Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight or not managing your obesity can increase your risk for heart disease. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise dramatically decreases your risk for heart disease. Also, limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
Manage stress. Stress is linked to heart disease in many ways. It can raise your blood pressure. Extreme stress can “trigger” a heart attack. Also, some common ways of coping with stress, such as over eating, heavy drinking, and smoking, are bad for your heart. Some ways to help manage your stress include exercise, listening to music, focusing on something, peaceful, and meditating.
