Most Americans Do Not Meet Heart Health Goals
By Lifesaver Education
According to the CDC, heart disease is the main cause of death for women and men both, with the most common type being coronary heart disease. Approximately 780,000 Americans every year will experience their first heart attack. These statistics are reminders that health goals are clearly not being met by the average American.
There are, in fact, seven healthy heart goals that when properly followed can help you reduce your risk of heart disease--as well as other illnesses secondary to poor diet and lifestyle practices. The American Heart Association created these goals, called “Life’s Simple Seven,” and adhering to as little as four of them can help to reduce the risk of suffering a catastrophic health crisis or dying by about half. Unfortunately, according to a study of almost 18,000 people, only 3 out of 10 persons met four or more of goals, and furthermore; only 2 people met seven of the goals for optimal heart health.
New York University's Cardiac and Vascular Institute Nieca Goldberg, MD, in her role of AHA spokeswoman says, “These numbers are scary and disturbing.” Though shocking, trying to achieve Life’s Simple 7 is well within any person’s power. The intentions of the AHA’s seven steps are to help minimize cardiovascular disease deaths by 20%, while also helping to improve the health of the cardiovascular system of the population by 20% as well; they are paraphrased below as follows:
1. Having a BMI (also known as a body mass index) between18.5 to 24.5.
2. Moderately exercising for at least 150 minutes or vigorously exercising for 75 minutes each week.
3. Quitting smoking at least one year ago or never smoking.
4. Having cholesterol levels be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) total.
5. Having blood pressure that remains below 120/80.
6. Maintaining a blood sugar level when fasting below than 100 mg/dL.
7. Maintaining at least four of the five AHA's healthy diet key components.
These seven steps are sound advice for everyone, and by not following them there is always the chance of sustaining irreversible heart damage, or worse, death. Heart disease is insidious in that it often cannot be detected until it has reached an acute state, and at that point medical intervention, or perhaps even CPR, will be required. A strong, healthy, well-functioning heart is crucial not only to maintaining your life, but to enjoying it. To find out more about life saving measures that can be taught via CPR classes, visit Lifesaver Education or find an online BLS class.
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