Heart Disease
Sue VerWys MSN, RN
Nurse Educator, Spectrum Health

What do you know about heart disease?

What is heart disease?

• Under umbrella of cardiovascular disease
• Any disease or condition that affects the heart (muscle, valve, rhythm, structure)
• The most common is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is cholesterol buildup in the arteries of the heart
• CAD is the leading cause of heart attack

Heart Attack

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Overweight/Obese
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Unhealthy eating
• Physical inactivity

Other Risk Factors

• Stress, depression
• Poor or not enough sleep
• Too much alcohol

Heart disease can be prevented!

How can you help?

Control Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled high BP

• Heart attack, stroke
• Kidney damage
• Eye damage
• Heart failure

Controlling BP

• Limit sodium to
• Regular physical activity
• DASH diet, low-fat, fruits, veggies, fiber, whole grains
• Quit smoking
• Healthy weight, weight loss
• Stress management

Processed foods

Control high cholesterol

Overweight/Obese

Control Diabetes

• Track ABCs
• Monitor blood sugars
• Watch carbs, portion sizes
• Take medications as prescribed
• Lose weight if needed

Quit Smoking

Physical activity

• 30 minutes of moderate intensity 5 days a week
• 20 minutes vigorous activity 3 days a week
• 8-10 strength training exercises 2 days a week

Encourage healthy eating

• Eat a variety of food
• Portion sizes
• Limit high fat and high sugar foods and drinks
• Avoid/limit processed foods
• Drink water

Sleep

Stress Management

Heart Disease is Preventable!

What questions do you have?

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