Why should I care?
• Heart Disease is the #1 cause of death in
the United States
• Heart disease and heart attacks can be
prevented by not smoking, avoiding
alcohol, exercising, and consuming a
balanced diet
• Some risk factors that can’t be changed:
Age, gender & genetics.
Smoking & Heart Health
• A smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times
greater than a non-smoker
• Exposure to secondhand smoke can even increase the
risk of heart disease for a nonsmoker!
Diet & Heart Health
• Consuming foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and
cholesterol can attribute to plaque build-up in your arteries,
which can lead to heart disease.
• Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk & meats, as
well as whole grains will help you maintain a healthy heart.
• People who have excess body fat have a higher risk of
developing heart disease because it increases plaque buildup and the amount of work your heart has to perform.
Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk!
Alcohol & Heart Health
• Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood
pressure which can then put you at risk of
developing heart disease.
• If you choose to drink alcohol you should always do
so in moderation.
• Moderation = 1 drink for women & 2 drinks for men
1 drink = 1 ½ fl.oz of 80 proof spirits
1 drink = 1 fl.oz of 100 proof spirits
1 drink = 5 fl.oz of wine
1 drink = 12 fl.oz of beer
Exercise & Heart Health
• An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease!
• Regular physical activity
– helps prevent plaque build-up
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improves cholesterol levels
lower blood pressure
helps control obesity
helps reduce stress, tension, anxiety and
depression, which are also risk factors for heart
disease
For more information..
…On nutrition, alcohol consumption, stress
management, and physical activity
Contact Campus Wellness
328-5171