Navigating the Road of Heart Health in America

Have you ever gotten the sad news of someone passing away due to heart issues? Well, that is because in the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death with about 655,000 Americans dying from it every year according to the CDC. This problem accounts for 1 in 4 deaths. 

Now you might be wondering, why is this such a huge problem in the USA? Think of it like this: What are most American diets consisted of? Typically, they are characterized by high consumptions of processed foods, fast food, and sugary beverages, all of which include unhealthy fats. These dietary patterns have contributed to the rise of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels which create high risks for heart disease.

Imagine yourself eating at your favorite fast-food restaurant. You’re most likely having a tasty meal with desert and soda on the side. Let’s say that this meal consists of a burger or some fries. Have you ever noticed the excess salt on top of the fries or the oil on your hands after eating the burger? This excessive amount of sodium (salt) contributes to sodium-heavy diets which can lead to high blood pressure. The burger being prepared in unhealthy oils are high in saturated and trans fats which can raise LDL levels, also known as bad cholesterol, which leads to plaque buildup in the arteries. Now, let’s move onto the beverage and dessert which are loaded with added sugars, and this high sugar intake is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. While eating these foods every once in a while, is okay, but putting them as part of your regular routine can increase the risk of heart disease. 

This overconsumption of unhealthy calories through larger portion sizes, combines with the population’s sedentary lifestyle. Now, what do I mean by this exactly? Well, these unhealthy food choices like refined carbohydrates and fats negatively impact the body’s metabolism which causes people to do minimal physical exertion, and then leads to facilitating weight gain. Also, throughout the day, most people spend their time with long durations of sitting and limited physical activity as Americans’ jobs are typically found in an office, behind a desk, or operating machinery.

Just think about your day when you go to work: Do you take the stairs or the elevator? Do you bring your own lunch from home or eat out? Do you create time in your workday schedules for exercise? While all these questions may seem targeted, they aren’t. They are to show how simple switches in food and activity habits can significantly impact your overall health and keep your heart healthy. 

We all know that heart disease is a serious problem, so as Americans, let’s look at some ways to reduce our risks. This typically involves some lifestyle modifications and proactive health management. We must remember that all American food isn’t unhealthy and there are healthier food switches available such as making sure you have a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Also, find physical activities that you enjoy and try to make them a regular part of your routine. The alarming prevalence of heart disease in the USA serves as a wake-up call to the importance of making healthier choices so individuals can take steps towards improving their heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.