Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but health statistics indicate that Louisiana ranks 5^th in the country for deaths from the disease. However, heart disease is preventable. This month is American Heart Month, and Carmichael’s wants to help support the initiative of making heart-healthy choices and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Although heart disease can occur at any age, the American Heart Association (AHA) indicates that four out of five people who die from coronary heart disease are aged 65 or older. Women tend to get coronary artery disease an average of 10 years later than men. The risk for women increases as they approach menopause and continues to rise as they age. Your risk for heart disease also increases if either of your parents or siblings has it.

Smokers are twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as non-smokers, and their risk of stroke increases. A high blood cholesterol level also increases risk of coronary heart disease, and high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, and kidney damage. Diabetes increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease despite whether glucose levels are under control. If someone had a previous heart attack or stroke, he/she is more likely than others to suffer additional occurrences.

We’ve all heard it over 1,000 times about how important it is to exercise. It really is important, so you may want to take a walk around the neighborhood more often. According to the AHA, failure to walk or do other moderate activities for at least 30 minutes five days a week or more energetic workouts at least 20 minutes three times a week, can contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Not getting enough exercise can lead to obesity, which can cause heart disease and stroke, even if you have no other risk factors.

Locally brewed beer and drive-thru daiquiris may be Louisiana staples, but drinking an average of more than one drink a day for women or more than two drinks a day for men increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially binge drinking. It is also no surprise that the use of certain drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, has been linked to heart disease and stroke.

Lastly, try to live your best life and be optimistic. Seriously. Stress, depression, and negative emotions have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. If you’re making heart-healthy choices, kudos to you. If you need some help, here’s a short list of pointers to reduce your risk of heart disease, courtesy of the AHA.

• Choose a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle.
• Engage in regular moderate aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week or more vigorous workouts at least 20 minutes three times a week.
• Adopt a diet low in salt, saturated and trans fats and high in unsaturated fats.
• Maintain a normal body weight with caloric adjustment.
• Avoid smoking and recreational drug use.
• Drink no more than ½ to 1 alcoholic beverage per day.
• Know and review your risk factorswith a trusted physician.
• Avoid hormone replacement unless you have severe menopausal symptoms.

If you need prescription refills, blood pressure monitors, diabetic supplies and over-the-counter products to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk of heart disease, Carmichael’s pharmacy is located in Crowley, Louisiana.