A healthy heart is vital to having a good life

Statistics (2014) show that in the USA 27.6 million adults were diagnosed with heart disease which is 11.5 percent of the population.

In Trinidad and Tobago there are no recent statistics to be had for this disease Causes of heart disease are: Lack of exercise Too much fatty foods and cholesterol in the blood Overweight and obesity High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes.

Blood vessel inflammation Smoking, including second-hand smoking Who is at risk for heart disease? It can be hereditary: Those people whose families have a history of heart disease.

People with diabetes.

Those on birth control pills and others who are going through menopause.

People with high blood pressure over a protracted period, without being treated are also at risk.

Now that you have been presented with the causative factors, you are aware of those who are at risk, and what preventative measures to take.

Therefore it is recommended that you have an annual check-up.

Remember a healthy heart is vital to having a good life.

Take responsibility for your well being and as the old adage says, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Life is precious, the onus is on you to ensure that you cultivate a healthy lifestyle.