Statistics show that Black Americans have the highest risk of developing heart-related issues of all ethnicities. The numbers show that Black men are 70 percent more likely to have heart failure than white men and Black women are 50 percent more prone to the same condition than white women. However, that doesn’t mean you have to be a part of those numbers. You won’t be so surprised by what’s going on with your health if you know all the facts.
10 Heart Health Facts for You
1. Sitting is Your Enemy
Studies show that even if you’re moderately active, sitting too much can still increase your risk for heart disease.
2. Inactivity can be Worse Than Smoking
While smoking can have a significant negative effect on your heart, doctors say that being inactive can be worse.
3. Your Risk Skyrockets With Age
Anyone can have a heart attack – especially if they’re high risk. However, the average age of the first heart attack is 66 and 72 for men and women, respectively.
4. Arteries are Smaller Than You Think
Your arteries are only 4mm in diameter, which is smaller than the eraser on a number 2 pencil. That’s why it’s so easy for them to get clogged.
5. Heart Disease Kills Someone Every 37 Seconds
As you may have heard, heart disease is the number one killer in the country. However, you might not have realized how often someone dies from a heart-related problem.
6. Heart Attacks are Common on Christmas Day
According to recent statistics, a lot of people have heart attacks on Christmas Day and Mondays. While researchers are still trying to pinpoint all the factors that contribute to that fact, stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise likely play critical roles.
7. Heart Cells Stop Dividing
This fact may be good news when it comes to the low risk of heart cancer but it also means your heart doesn’t recover easily when damaged. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your heart and see the doctor quickly if you have symptoms of heart disease.
You May Also Like
RELATED: A Cardiologist Explains: Cultivating Heart-Healthy Living
8. A Woman’s Heart Beats Faster
The difference is slight but it may make it harder for women to know when something is wrong. It also means that loved ones and doctors need to pay closer attention.
9. Your Heart Works Harder Than a Sprinter
Your heart pumps blood to every organ in your body, except the corneas, which is a lot of work. Scientists say that your heart works twice as hard as the leg muscles of a sprinter.
10. Grief Can Kill You
While it’s not common, someone can die of a broken heart. Studies show that the symptoms of a broken heart can mimic a heart attack under certain circumstances. The continued strain on your heart may lead to complications that result in death.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Doctors recommend a preventive approach when it comes to heart disease. You should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. As you’ve seen, though, even that won’t be enough if you spend the rest of your day sitting. You should move around as much as possible during the day to keep your heart healthy.
Your diet is another factor in heart disease. It’s best to adopt a heart-healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber, and lean meats. To get the right diet for you, talk to your doctor about your specific needs. Additionally, you should still opt for healthy alternatives to traditional meals on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Another issue you need to monitor is your stress levels. While doctors can’t be definitive, stress is likely a major reason people have heart issues on Mondays and holidays. You should learn to manage your stress through techniques like breathing, meditation, and taking breaks. Regular hobbies have also been known to help with stress management.
Even if you’re exercising and eating well, you should ask your doctor how often you need to get your heart checked. Regular checks will allow them to identify changes in your heart and recommend treatments that will help. If you’re having symptoms of heart disease or a heart attack, see your doctor immediately. Since women can have different symptoms than men, it pays to know those as well. For example, while men and women may have chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea, women may also experience pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Your heart works harder than you may realize so it’s essential to take care of it. Exercising regularly, eating well, and seeing your doctor annually are great places to start. Black people, in particular, need to do everything they can to mitigate their risk of heart disease.
