Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program
Cardiovascular disease affects nearly one out of four people in the United States. The term cardiovascular disease refers to a number of diseases and conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, the most common types being coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.
Types of Cardiovascular Disease
Risk Reduction
Although some risk factors for cardiovascular disease are out of your control, such as your age and genetic predisposition, many of the risk factors for the most common types of cardiovascular disease are actually within your control. Controllable risk factors include: physical activity, overweight and obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, stress, and smoking.
The key areas of focus for controlling these risk factors are diet, exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation. Getting regular screenings to make sure that your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are within the normal range, is also important.
Diet
Diet can reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering blood pressure, improving blood cholesterol levels, and helping to maintain or achieve a healthy weight. [Expand...]
Homocysteine: Another Risk Factor for Heart Disease?
Breakfast Is Good For Your Heart
The Quality of Fat in Your Diet May Be More Important for Your Heart Than the Quantity
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Exercise
Exercise can reduce cardiovascular risk by reducing blood pressure, lowering your stress levels, and helping to maintain or achieve a healthy weight. [Expand...]
Start a Regular Exercise Program
Free Weights Vs. Machines: Is One Better Than the Other?
Weight Control
Weight control can help reduce cardiovascular risk by reducing blood pressure and reducing your risk of diabetes. [Expand...]
Weight Loss: What Are Your Options?
Internet-Based Weight Loss Services: How Effective Are They?
Small Amounts of Exercise May Help Prevent Weight Gain
Chances of Weight Loss Success Greater with Behavioral Therapy
Smoking Cessation
Smoking cessation can help reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering your overall risk for coronary heart disease and its related risks. [Expand...]
Health Risks of Smoking
Managing Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
Acupuncture to Help You Quit Smoking
Treatment
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure or just had a heart attack, there are a variety of available treatment options. The first line of treatment generally involves making lifestyle changes, in the areas of diet, exercise, and smoking cessation—the same areas of focus as for cardiovascular risk factor reduction. For many people, additional treatment with medication is also necessary to effectively treat cardiovascular disease. Surgery is usually reserved for treating severe cases of cardiovascular disease.
Lifestyle Changes
Diet
Vitamin E and Cardiovascular Disease
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Exercise
Exercise Can Strengthen a Failing Heart
Do You Need to Talk to Your Doctor Before You Start an Exercise Program?
Walking Your Way to Lower Blood Pressure
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Smoking Cessation
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Medication
Preventive Cardiology: Beta Blockers
High Copayments May Dissuade People From Taking Their Cholesterol Medications
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Surgery
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
[Expand on this list of articles...]
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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