February is American Heart Month! Did you know that your heart will beat about 115,000 times every day? Therefore, it is time to take care of each heartbeat!

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville wants you to learn how you can take better care of your heart health, including tips on maintaining a normal blood pressure. Read on as we offer some insight.

How Can I Protect My Heart?

Taking care of your heart is as simple as practicing healthy lifestyle habits. First and foremost, exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.

Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of quality sleep, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking are also key ways to protect your heart health. It’s also important to know your risk factors and discuss them with your doctor.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

• Smoking
• High blood pressure and/or cholesterol
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• High C-reactive protein
• Uncontrolled stress, depression and anger

How Can I Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure Number?

High blood pressure is a big risk factor for heart disease. Fortunately, by making a few of the lifestyle changes outlined above, you can help keep your blood pressure in a normal range.

This is important because high blood pressure weakens your artery walls over time, putting you at a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

• Severe headache
• Fatigue or confusion
• Vision problems
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Blood in the urine
• Pounding in your chest, neck or ears

Are you worried that you might be experiencing the symptoms of high blood pressure? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Louisville for a medical evaluation and blood pressure reading. No appointment is necessary!