Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Yvette Frazier, RN

Eat Well
A heart-healthy diet consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It’s also a diet low
in trans fat and sodium to keep your cholesterol levels in check. There are many heart-healthy
foods you can incorporate into your diet, including those rich in omega-3s like fish and nuts and
fiber-rich foods like oatmeal. Other smart choices include low-fat milk and yogurt, which are great
sources of potassium.

Get Moving
Give your heart a workout with cardiovascular exercise. Walk, run or do another cardiovascular activity every day. If you’re new to exercise, start slow and gradually increase — you don’t need to overdo it. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate. Remember to always check with your doctor before beginning a new program.

Know Your Numbers
Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels can show your risk for heart disease and heart attacks. It’s also good to know your body mass index (BMI). These numbers establish a baseline for your heart health and can indicate areas that need improvement.

You can learn your numbers through our heart risk assessment at
BJCStCharlesCounty.org/yourheart, or by scheduling an appointment with a cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters or Progress West Hospital. We also offer free cardiovascular screenings throughout the community.

Yvette Frazier, RN, is the cardiac cath lab supervisor and STEMI coordinator at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. To learn more, visit BJCStCharlesCounty.org or call 636.928.WELL.

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