Adopting a healthier lifestyle, incorporating several basic habits is proven to help prevent heart attacks and heart-related deaths. In a recent study of middle-aged and older men, basic habits previously known to individually lower the risk of coronary heart disease are now shown to have even greater benefit when performed in combination. The five habits evaluated in the study were: maintaining a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and drinking in moderation. Adhering to even one habit lowered risk, but men who followed all five habits experienced the least heart-related events. Even as few as two healthy practices reduced the likelihood by 37 percent.
The results appear to be true even for men already at risk heart disease, including those being treated for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Researchers estimate that even at-risk individuals who adopt this type of healthy life style, incorporating all five habits can reduce the likelihood of a heart related event by as much as 60 percent.
It should be noted that previous studies conducted in women have already shown that healthy lifestyles lower the risk of heart-related problems and death from heart disease. This study shows that for middle and older age men, it is never too late to change.
SOURCE: Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, July 2006.
Taking control of your life has never been more of an option. One of our featured texts, Cholesterol Down, by Dr. Janet Brill, is a great start to clarify the diet issues related to a healthy heart. If you look at the statistics in this article, you should start to feel a bit more up beat about how you and you alone can literally change your future health. Review all of the books in this month’s section on Heart Disease. Each one adds something extra to help you save your life and others. Make sure your family and friends know about Benzinger On Health.
God Bless,
Dr. Benzinger
