"Much of heart disease can be prevented," says Dr. Ali Mortazavi, Chief of Cardiology at Kelsey-Seybold. "That's why it is so important to follow a healthy lifestyle to help control your cardiovascular risk factors."
The old proverb "sorrow comes from the hasty heart" might apply to our dietary choices. If we make food choices simply because they offer an energy quick-fix and some sugary gratification, we could be setting ourselves up for heart disease.
On your next doctor visit:
Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol level. This is done with a simple blood test that attaches a number to indicate the amount of cholesterol in your blood. (For example, below 200 is usually considered good.) The test will also show the amount of "good" and "bad" cholesterol. Your doctor can explain what these numbers mean. If your cholesterol is high, your doctor may suggest diet changes, exercise or medication to control it. Be sure you follow that advice.