The CDC lists the No. 1 killer of men in America as heart disease. Statistics show that 1 in 4 men over 40 will suffer from a cardiac event at some point in their life. Knowing how to prevent heart disease is just as important as knowing the signs of a cardiac event.
Prevention, It’s the Best Medicine
1. 
Routine Exams. Work with your physician to monitor your cholesterol, your blood pressure, and your inflammatory markers. I recommend working with Laboratory companies like Atherotech to check lipids. Basic lipid panels (BLPs) are inaccurate and inadequate at assessing residual risk in all patient
- 50% of patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease had “normal” cholesterol according to traditional lipid panels
- Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for MI, stroke, amputation, and death
- Diabetes causes metabolic abnormalities that induce vascular dysfunction, which predisposes this population to atherosclerosis
2. 
Diet. A heart healthy diet is something that we’ve been chasing for decades within our country. The truth in the research is that the best food is real, unprocessed, and natural. Eating grassed, organic meats, seasonal vegetables, and local fruits will keep your body healthy and balanced. The inflammation that comes from processed foods directly impacts coronary health
Diet. A heart healthy diet is something that we’ve been chasing for decades within our country. The truth in the research is that the best food is real, unprocessed, and natural. Eating grassed, organic meats, seasonal vegetables, and local fruits will keep your body healthy and balanced. The inflammation that comes from processed foods directly impacts coronary healthCheck out the following resources:
3. 
Exercise. We all know we need to exercise more. Changing little habits to make our sedentary lives more active will have a profound effect on your cardiac health. Try to incorporate 3-4 hours a week of walking, jogging, biking, and weight training into your routine. Walking for 15 minutes every lunch break will easily chip away at that goal of 4 hours of added exercise a week.
Exercise. We all know we need to exercise more. Changing little habits to make our sedentary lives more active will have a profound effect on your cardiac health. Try to incorporate 3-4 hours a week of walking, jogging, biking, and weight training into your routine. Walking for 15 minutes every lunch break will easily chip away at that goal of 4 hours of added exercise a week.
4.Stop Smoking. This isn’t a novel idea but is certainly one that many American’s are still battling. Working with an acupuncturist, a counsellor, or your primary care provider may give you the extra edge to help you finally put down the cigarettes for good.
5. De-Stress.Certainly activities like tai chia, yoga, and meditation work towards bringing our stress levels down. However, simply reading a book listening to music, exercising, or walking your dog can all be wonderful ways to de-stress. Check out this article on ways to reduce your stress.
6. Sleep. 
Quality sleep goes a long way in disease prevention and rehabilitation. Shooting for 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep is great goal though there isn’t a magic number for everyone. Sleep requirements vary based on age, disease, stress, and activity levels. Paying attention to your body and having good sleep habits are important in health and wellness.
Quality sleep goes a long way in disease prevention and rehabilitation. Shooting for 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep is great goal though there isn’t a magic number for everyone. Sleep requirements vary based on age, disease, stress, and activity levels. Paying attention to your body and having good sleep habits are important in health and wellness.
