Your heart is about the size of your fist. It beats 100,000 times a day and pumps 2,000 gallons of blood through your body.  Today, heart disease kills more American’s than anything else.  Keeping your heart healthy requires more than just keeping your cholesterol at lower levels.  Eating healthy foods and a regular exercise routine will ensure your heart is as healthy as it can be.  To keep making heart-smart choices, you need to know the facts. Los Angeles Urgent Care

Fact #1 – A low fat diet does not mean low blood pressure.

In the 70s we were told that fat was the cause of heart disease and obesity and we’ve been fearful of fat ever since.  But today, heart disease and obesity are at all time highs, the real problem lies within the types of fats we consume.

Omega-6 fats are inflammatory while omega-3’s are anti-inflammatory.  The goal is to have a 1:1 ratio but the typical American has a 15:1 ratio in favor of omega-6’s.  Since our bodies can’t generate omega-3’s, it is essential that they are a part of our diets. Some foods that contain omega-3’s are: Los Angeles Urgent Care

  • Beef and butter (from grass fed cows).Los Angeles Urgent Care
  • Eggs (from chickens that have omega-3 rich diets).
  • Duck fat.
  • Collard greens.
  • Brussel sprouts.
  • Nuts and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, walnuts).
  • Fish (halibut, sardines, salmon).

Omega-6 Rich Foods:Los Angeles Urgent Care

  • Peanuts.
  • Meat (grain-fed).
  • Margarine.
  • Cereal grains.
  • Vegetable oil (corn, soybean, cotton seed, grape seed, safflower).
  • Mayonnaise (containing cotton seed oil).
  • Packaged tomato sauces (containing cotton seed oil).

 

Fact #2 – Age does not mean it is normal to have high blood pressure.

Although many Americans see their blood pressure rise as they get older, it does mean that it is normal or healthy.  Artery walls stiffen as you age, and as a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.  Over time, artery walls are damaged and high blood pressure increases the risks.  It is important to get your blood pressure taken regularly, if it is high, consider incorporating exercise after consulting your doctor.  Also, be sure to control your alcohol and sodium consumption. Los Angeles Urgent Care

Fact #3 – For those that have high cholesterol, statins will not prevent heart attacks.

Statins are important in treating heart disease for those that already have it.  Unfortunately for those with high cholesterol but do not have heart disease, statins will not be as effective.  Also, the side effects from statins, including cognitive problems and muscle pain, outweigh the benefits in healthy individuals.

Fact #4 – Fit people still needLos Angeles Urgent Care to be concerned about their heart health.

While exercise and a healthy diet are key to staying heart healthy – genetics plays a big role.  If heart disease is a pattern in your family history make sure that your doctor knows.  Ask your doctor for tips to improve your heart health and stay on top of it.  There are still plenty of factors that are still within your control. Los Angeles Urgent Care