Recently, we interviewed Dr. Christian Heesch, a specialist for heart and vascular diseases. Here are highlights of what he had to say about steps anybody can take to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke:
“The most important thing is to not harm yourself”, Dr. Christian Heesch told us. “If you smoke, stop immediately. If you do drugs, stop and ask for help. Both habits can harm your heart irreparably.”
“Once you have eliminated all negative habits, try to introduce some positive ones”, Dr. Christian Heesch continued. “Dietary changes are needed for most of us. Try to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, and cut down on meats and fats. Also, try to make exercise a part of your daily routine. If you can’t exercise daily, make time for at least four weekly sessions of aerobic exercise. Your heart will be quite thankful.”
Dr. Christian Heesch concluded: “If you have other medical problems, they need to be under control. Diabetes and high blood pressure are particularly important in terms of their added risk for heart problems. Schedule an appointment with your personal physician and discuss medication changes you may need to change your individual risk profile for heart disease. Also, try to avoid stress. Psychosocial stress emerges as an important risk factor for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Once again, exercise may be an important first step to help make positive changes.”
Author: Robert Strong
“The most important thing is to not harm yourself”, Dr. Christian Heesch told us. “If you smoke, stop immediately. If you do drugs, stop and ask for help. Both habits can harm your heart irreparably.”
“Once you have eliminated all negative habits, try to introduce some positive ones”, Dr. Christian Heesch continued. “Dietary changes are needed for most of us. Try to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, and cut down on meats and fats. Also, try to make exercise a part of your daily routine. If you can’t exercise daily, make time for at least four weekly sessions of aerobic exercise. Your heart will be quite thankful.”
Dr. Christian Heesch concluded: “If you have other medical problems, they need to be under control. Diabetes and high blood pressure are particularly important in terms of their added risk for heart problems. Schedule an appointment with your personal physician and discuss medication changes you may need to change your individual risk profile for heart disease. Also, try to avoid stress. Psychosocial stress emerges as an important risk factor for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Once again, exercise may be an important first step to help make positive changes.”
Author: Robert Strong