Heart disease is a leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates over 80 million Americans have one or more heart disease risk factors. The more risk factors people have, the greater their chance of suffering from a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac condition.

Factors such as age, gender and family history cannot be controlled. However, there are proactive steps you can take to lower your risk for heart disease such as maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood pressure in a healthy range, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and monitoring your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides are fats in the blood that, in balanced and moderate amounts, perform significant and important functions in the body. High triglycerides can be caused by diet, diabetes, and obesity, and may raise a person’s risk of heart disease if they get too high.

The AHA suggests incorporating omega-3s into your diet to help lower triglycerides. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources such as fish and nut oils.

If you have high triglycerides or any other heart health risk factors, see your doctor now.

GLAXOSMITHKLINE PROVIDED FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE FOR GAME PLAN FOR A HEALTHY HEART.