The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that heart disease is the number one cause of death among men and women in the U.S. and worldwide. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to maintain a healthy heart and dramatically reduce your risk for heart disease. Dr. Len Horovitz, pulmonary specialist and internist, diagnoses and treats heart disease at his practice in New York, NY.

Health Conditions and the Heart

Having a healthy heart is important for better overall health. Also called cardiovascular disease, heart disease can lead to a wide range of health problems, including:

• Stroke 
• Heart attack
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Coronary artery disease 
• Cardiomyopathy 
• Angina

Risk Factors for Heart Disease 

Several factors can increase a person’s risk for developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Risk factors include being overweight, a lack of physical activity, consuming a poor diet, and excessive consumption of alcohol. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also place an individual at greater risk for heart disease. Dr. Horovitz can assess your risk for heart disease at his office in New York, NY, and help you take steps to adopt a heart healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk. 

Preventing Heart Disease

Improving cardiac health can dramatically reduce your risk for developing heart disease and experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular condition. There are several steps you can take to maintain a healthier heart and help prevent heart disease, including:

• Consuming a healthy diet
• Engaging in moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day
• Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Avoiding the use of tobacco products 
• Maintaining a healthy body weight 
• Limiting consumption of alcohol
• Reducing stress

Dr. Horovitz can provide recommendations for specific lifestyle changes to help you achieve and maintain better cardiovascular health. Additionally, some patients might benefit from prescription medications, such as those that lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

If you are worried about heart disease, Dr. Horovitz can help you develop habits for better cardiovascular health. Schedule an appointment with the doctor to learn more about reducing your risk for heart disease by calling the office in New York, NY, at (212) 744-3001.