Matters of the Heart

by Cheng-Ling Chen — January 24, 2008

Heart Disease is the result of hardening or narrowing of arteries around the heart. Blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart muscle constrict, making it difficult to pump blood throughout the body. Angina is the first sign of heart disease, where pain is felt across the chest, shoulders, arms, throat, or jaw. The pain is heavy or tight, usually lasting for less than 10 minutes. In more severe cases, heart attack occurs, in which blood clots form in a narrowed artery and blood flow is completely blocked. Pain is severe, lasting for longer than 15 minutes.

Classic Risk Factors for Heart Disease
These you are stuck with:

• Age: the older you are, the greater the risk
• Family history: especially heart disease in a close relative under 55 years of age

These you can do something about:

• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Lack of physical activity

Take active steps to protecting your heart today! Experts say that lack of exercise almost doubles the risk of heart disease. Regular activity such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or gardening all go a long way to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. Staying active also curbs the effects of stress, reduces anxiety, and improves self-esteem.

What the Doctor Orders
Walk, cycle, jog, or swim for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week. If you don't have 30 minutes, try exercising for two 15-minute intervals or three 10-minute intervals. Each activity should leave you feeling warm and slightly out of breath. You don't have to wipe yourself out, but build up intensity gradually. Your heart will thank you with every beat.

Check out tomorrow's article for a heart-smart activity.