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| Preventing CVD |
CVD is any of the abnormal conditions caused by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease and stroke are the principal components of CVD and are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. About 950,000 Americans die of CVD every year, which is approximately one death every 33 seconds. |
| Risk factors |
The two main risk factors for CVD are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Cigarette smoking, decreased physical activity, poor nutrition, and obesity, also increase the risk for CVD. |
| Dietary Recommendaions |
Eat a variety of foods every day in moderation including 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables, 6 servings of grains, including whole grains, fat free and low-fat milk products, fish, legumes, skinless poultry and lean meats. Foods high in sugars and fats should be limited. |
| Physical activity |
To assess your average blood sugar control for the past 2-3 months and hemoglobin A1C test is done at 3-4month intervals. The results are discussed with patient at their clinic visit. Acceptable A1C is < 7.0%. If patients are at an acceptable A1C level they should be tested every 6 months. |
| Clinic Visits |
During the course of a clinic visit, the patient should be checked with a blood test that measures the lipid profile and a blood test for glucose. Other measurements such as weight and height should also be measured. |
| For more information see the links below: |
American Heart Association Homepage Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Nutrition and Physical activity. |