Did you know that heart disease claims the lives of approximately 659,000 individuals in the United States each year? This staggering statistic translates to heart disease being the cause of 1 in every 4 deaths, firmly establishing it as the nation's leading cause of mortality. Among the various forms of heart disease, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) stands out as the most common, impeding the flow of blood to the heart and currently affecting over 20.1 million adults aged 20 and above [(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.)](https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm).
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is equally alarming, with nearly half of the US adult population grappling with some form of cardiovascular ailment. Despite advances in medical science, heart disease has persistently remained atop the list of leading causes of death year after year in the United States. This distressing continuity can largely be attributed to subpar lifestyle choices. A recent study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shed light on a concerning reality: fewer than 7% of Americans are considered to be in good cardiometabolic health, underscoring the scope of the problem [(Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2021)](https://www.jacc.org/).
Cardiometabolic health is determined by a complex interplay of factors, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, body weight, and the presence or absence of pre-existing heart conditions. Key risk elements associated with heart disease encompass:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Sugar/Diabetes
- Smoking
- Overweight/Obesity
- Unhealthy Diet
- Inactive Lifestyle
- Excessive Alcohol Use
Fortunately, there are several scientifically validated measures to prevent and mitigate the risk of heart disease:
1. **Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet** - Emphasizing a diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and salt can be beneficial. Opt for a plant-forward diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
2. **Maintain a Healthy Weight** - The strain of obesity on the cardiovascular system cannot be overstated. Pairing a heart-healthy diet with regular exercise can help in achieving and maintaining a favorable body weight. Aim for at least 20 minutes of moderate activity daily or 150 minutes per week.
3. **Steer Clear of Tobacco Products**.
4. **Limit Alcohol Intake**.
5. **Undergo Regular Health Screenings** - Keep an eye on vital metrics such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels to stay informed about your heart health
6. **Manage Stress** - Chronic stress can adversely affect the cardiovascular system, thus finding effective coping mechanisms is essential.
7. **Ensure Adequate Sleep** - Quality sleep is crucial for the body’s repair processes, helping to ameliorate the wear and tear induced by daily stressors, poor lifestyle choices, and environmental toxins.
Experts posit that addressing risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking cessation, and increasing physical activity can potentially prevent up to 80% of heart diseases. The efficacy of health and wellness coaching in the realm of heart disease prevention and management is noteworthy, boasting a 91% success rate [(Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching, 2018)](https://www.acpm.org/). Health coaches play a pivotal role in guiding clients along the path to adopting and sustaining heart-healthy behaviors by utilizing an evidence-based approach. This methodology capitalizes on an individual's strengths to navigate challenges and initiate positive changes in nutrition, mental health, behavior, and physical activity.
The holistic approach adopted by health coaching considers the entirety of an individual's life, acknowledging the interplay between mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It addresses lifestyle factors contributing to disease by taking into account how our environment and biology affect our health.
If you're poised to embark on a transformative journey to enhance your cardiometabolic health, a health coach can offer the personalized strategy, motivation, and accountability needed to achieve lasting lifestyle improvements. Together, you can create realistic goals and instill habits that will pivot the course of your well-being, leveraging your unique attributes to surmount any challenges along the way. If you are ready, you can schedule your strategy call now. Book your Free Discovery Session Today.
