With the passing of the King of Pop Michael Jackson of apparent cardiac arrest and the infomercial king Billy Mays of heart disease, guess what comes to the forefront of everyone’s minds. You guessed it.
It’s estimated that in 2005 more than 27 percent of all Americans died of a heart-related ailment. To put it in even more dire terms, one American dies every 37 seconds from complications related to heart disease.
These statistics, while getting worse, aren’t particularly new. Heart disease has been the leading killer in the U.S. for every year since 1900 excluding 1918 when there was a flu pandemic.
Nutritionist Mike Roussell of the Naked Nutrition Network quotes a study that says there are four factors that “greatly increase your 30-year risk of developing heart disease.” At the risk of being overly cynical, did we need a new study to reveal these factors?
1. Excessive Weight – Yes, being overweight is a risk for heart disease. We all should know that by now. Right?
2. High Blood Pressure – Ditto. Consider meditation, or even simply a relaxing walk around your neighborhood with nothing but the sounds of your surrounding environment. Lowering your sodium intake is a good idea, too.
3. Diabetes – It’s been in the spotlight for a while now, but maybe people don’t know that it can be related to heart disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, two-thirds of people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke.
So, eat what you should eat for every other health reason (fruits, vegetables, lean meats), and avoid refined carbs when possible (white rice, pasta, etc.).
4. Smoking – Do you need a particular reason to stop smoking?
(via: Naked Nutrition Network)