Heart Disease and Stroke: Take Care of Your Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one killer of American women, and stroke is fourth. In 2018, 25,345 Michigan residents died of heart disease, and 5,180 died of a stroke. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. Other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including diabetes, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. Living a healthy lifestyle helps you keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. A healthy lifestyle includes eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and do not smoke. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, checking your cholesterol, controlling your blood pressure, managing your diabetes, and taking your medication as directed will lower your risk for heart disease. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone experience a heart attack or stroke symptoms. See the Figure below for heart attack and stroke symptoms. IPH has a Hypertension Control program with a home self-monitoring blood pressure device. If you are interested in controlling your blood pressure, enroll in the Hypertension Control program today by calling 313 309 9350 ext. 2. People with serious heart conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Your health is important. Take care of your heart health. Get fully vaccinated and boosted. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2 Monday – Friday to make an appointment for a COVID Vaccine. COVID vaccine is given on Monday and Tuesday (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM) at 9053 Woodward and Home visits by scheduled appointment on Thursday.