About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, making heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“February is Heart Health Month, and there’s no better time to talk about the key risk factors for heart disease — high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Sadly, about half of all Americans have at least one of these three risk factors,” said Jennifer Franklin, Yoakum Community Hospital Chief Clinical Officer.
Healthy changes to lower the risk of developing heart disease include:
- Watch your weight
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
- Get active and eat healthy
Providers associated with Yoakum Community Hospital can assess a patient’s concerns about heart health and recommend individualized strategies to help lower risk. “At Yoakum Community Hospital, we focus on providing excellent care to every patient every time, during heart health month and throughout the year. YCH is here to help with convenient diagnostic testing and treatment through board certified cardiologists,” said Franklin.
Take the first step to reduce your risk, understand your diagnosis and improve your lifestyle. Cardiology specialists available at the Yoakum Community Hospital Outpatient Clinic include our newest board certified Cardiologist, Dr. Gary Reynolds. Call us today at (361) 293-2321 extension 170 to schedule your appointment with one of our Board Certified Cardiologists.
Please call today for help in finding a physician or go to www.yoakumhospital.org/physicians/ to find a Cardiologist that can help you get to the heart of the matter.
