HHS HealthBeat (October 20, 2009)

Keeping a healthy heart

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

When the heart attack comes, it’s not the time to think about all the things you could have done to prevent it. There are lots of things you can do at other times.

You can get screened for risk of heart disease, such as by getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.  A health care provider can help you detect and control high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which often don’t have symptoms. 

There are other things you can do that involve healthy living. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Judy Hannan:

[Judy Hannan speaks] ``Stop smoking, avoid being around secondhand smoke, decrease your salt intake, eat healthier – and generally more fruits and vegetables – exercise, and stay a healthy weight.’’ 

Hannan says they’re effective ways to prevent heart disease from occurring in the first place.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: October, 26 2009