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2/3/2012 9:59:17 AM
Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Heart Association estimates that one in three American adults suffers from one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
Lancaster General Health is recognizing American Heart Month during February as an important time to educate the community about cardiovascular disease by offering a free, online Heart Health Profiler, available at www.LGHealth.org/heartage.
This interactive tool takes the user through a series of questions, including family history, cholesterol, weight, blood pressure, and more to assess risk of heart disease. Participants receive a report with their heart age and risk factors that are fixed and also those that can be changed through lifestyle changes, which can be shared with a family doctor.
“Cardiovascular disease can lead to heart attack, stroke, decreased life expectancy and quality of life,” said Dr. Roy Small, Managing Physician, The Heart Group of Lancaster General Health. “Heart Month is a good reminder to check with your doctor about any known risk factors or family history of cardiac disease.”
Regular check-ups can also help detect early signs of cardiovascular disease. One of the most important steps to help deter cardiovascular disease is to quit smoking. Implementing a regular exercise regimen and healthy diet along with controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol can also decrease your risk. Family medical history can also affect an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Discussing this topic with your doctor can aid in finding the best treatment options for you.
For more information call 1-888-LGH-INFO (544-4636).
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