Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States.
About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary attack, and about one every minute will die from one. When it comes to your health, there are four numbers you need to know: blood pressure, blood sugar, total cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).
High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. The heart has to work harder than normal, putting strain on the heart and the blood vessels. If not treated, the heart has to work harder to pump enough blood and oxygen, and over time it causes the heart to enlarge and not be able to meet the demand put on it. Vessels also suffer and become hardened, causing the arteries to narrow and not be able to pump the amount of blood needed by organs.
American Heart Month – Know your Numbers