Diabetes and Heart Health

Love Your Heart

There has been a lot of press lately about taking care of your heart. Heart disease is a major killer. No matter your age, being aware of heart disease and how to prevent it will increase your chances of having a healthy heart for far longer.

Diabetics have a high incidence of heart related problems. As a diabetic or someone at risk for diabetes, heart health is of high importance. Love your heart and it will love you.

Cholesterol And Your Heart

Cholesterol is found throughout your body. It is a waxy material and in the case of high cholesterol, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This can cause blockage, lessening the flow of blood to your heart. It can also trigger blood clots and heart attack with or without blood clots.

Lowering your cholesterol through a healthy diet can improve your chances of having a healthy heart for longer. Eating foods that are low in trans-fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol will help your body eliminate the cholesterol that may already have built up in your system. Eat lean muscle meats if you are not vegetarian or vegan. Avoid organ meats like liver. Some authorities believe that eating less egg yolks will also help lower cholesterol, some think egg yolks should be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Oatmeal and other whole grains can help drastically reduce cholesterol. Adding these to your diet can improve your cholesterol count in as few as 6 weeks according to different studies and claims by major cereal makers. Adding in a low/no sugar cereal such as Cheerios is a painless way to help improve your diet.

Exercise

Low impact exercise is not only beneficial for your weight, it can help strengthen your heart. You can talk to your doctor about tailoring an exercise program that is right for you. Moving your body will allow for better blood flow, increased oxygen flow to your lungs, blood, and heart. It will help you maintain a healthy weight which in turn means less stress for your heart.

Signs Of A Heart Attack

If you experience these symptoms, think you or someone with you is having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency help number right away. Wait no more than 5 minutes!

*Back, Shoulders, Neck, Jaw, Arms:
Pain

*Brain:
Dizziness, sleeping trouble, anxiety

* Skin:
Cold sweats

* Chest:
Trouble Breathing

* Stomach:
Upset stomach, need to vomit

* Body in general:
Tired and weak