Did You Know?

Most U.S. adults have a heart age greater than their actual age, placing them at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Watch this short video to learn why your heart age is important and what you can do to improve it.

How Old Is Your Heart? Learn Your Heart Age!

Heart disease can cause serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest. The good news is that most heart disease-related conditions can be prevented with the right lifestyle choices.

Although the triggers for every heart condition are different, there are some common factors that increase the risk of heart disease and heart problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. During your next check-up you should talk to your doctor about making healthy lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk for heart disease. In the meantime, here are a few tips:

• Don’t smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a diet focused on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Eat foods high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, cholesterol, and added sugar in moderation.
• Aim for at least 2 and a half hours of exercise a week, or 30 minutes a day for five days.
• Keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in healthy ranges.
• Find healthy ways to manage and reduce stress.

More wellness tips are at the ACSCOG benefits website HERE.

* https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/04/heart-disease-and-stroke-could-affect-at-least-60-percent-of-adults-in-us-by-2050 (accessed January 27, 2025)