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Become a Health Champion and Donate today. Feb 10

Get your heart in check!

Featured, Health Awareness

There are many risk factors that can affect your health and increase your risk for heart disease at any age. Education, lifestyle management, environment, and genetics all play a role. Knowing what heart disease is and the risk factors associated with it can help prevent further complications. In Houston, heart disease is the number one cause of death – affecting the Black community at much higher rates.

What is heart disease? Heart disease is a term that encompasses multiple diseases affecting the heart such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and heart attacks.

What to expect at your routine checkup? During your annual routine checkup, your healthcare provider will check your heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight, and ask questions about your medical/family history. Your provider will also assess and discuss risk factors with you. This is a time to ask questions and discuss preventative measures to avoid the development or complications of disease.

Tips to get your heart in check:

  • Get enough sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you are causing your body stress which can increase your risk for heart disease over time.
  • Maintain a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and healthy sources of proteins. Minimize intake of beverages and foods with added sugars.
  • Do you smoke? Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Smoking fewer than 5 cigarettes a day can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.
  • Get moving! Just a few minutes of physical activity, such as walking 10 minutes after meals, will help improve circulation and reduce your blood pressure.

Ask your healthcare provider about health risks associated with heart disease. To schedule an appointment at Avenue 360, call (713) 426-0027 or click here.


The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.