Heart Healthy Tips

U.S. women still do not fully understand their high risk of heart disease and are confused by reports that suggest being overweight and inactive are not really that dangerous.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, which is more lives claimed by the next five leading causes of death combined: cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes and accidents.

The results confirm that aspirin is "the gold standard" for treating heart risk, said Dr. Charles Hennekens, professor of medicine, epidemiology and public Health at the University of Miami School of Medicine. The trial results "redouble the message that aspirin has the best benefit-to-risk and the best benefit-to-cost ratios of any heart drug out there," Hennekens said.

It's never too late to start exercising - former "couch potatoes" who begin to exercise vigorously after the age of 40 can reduce their risk of heart disease by half compared with their peers who remain sedentary, new study findings show.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, drinking in moderation, can help prevent heart attack and heart-related death among men, according to the results of a 16-year study.

Among its recommendations, the AHA advises that women who need to lose weight get 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day, rather than the 30 minutes typically advised for adults in general.

In addition to the immediate rewards, there are many possible long-term benefits to reap from a more active lifestyle. Over time, your muscles will get stronger. Your heart and lungs will get stronger, too, and work more efficiently. Your bones will become denser, helping to prevent osteoporosis. Endurance increases, making most physical activities easier. And balance improves, lowering the risk of falls and fractures as you get older. You are also likely to experience less anxiety and depression and feel more self-assured.

As for diet, the panel advises women to get no more than 7 percent of their daily calories from saturated fat, found mainly in meat and dairy products. Women should instead fill up on fruits and vegetables, high-fiber grains and heart-friendly unsaturated fats. In particular, the AHA recommends eating fish at least twice a week; fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are emphasized because they contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Get Heart Healthy and Live a Long and Full Life!