The risk of heart disease has become more prevalent to today’s world, with processed and frozen foods and sodium-rich fast food making their way onto our dinner tables. This means that checking up with your doctor regarding your heart health is no longer restricted to people in their 50’s and older. Taking the correct precautions is now never too early. And for many people, some heart disease risks you are born with, and some you can avoid.

Cholesterol plays a factor in your heart health. Too much cholesterol can build up along the walls of your arteries and can cause a form of heart disease. There are no symptoms to high cholesterol so finding out your cholesterol numbers are important to regulating your cholesterol intake.

High blood pressure is another major risk factor for heart disease. If you know you have high blood pressure it is important that you either maintain or get down to a healthy weight, eat foods low in sodium, and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.

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Signs that you might be suffering from heart issues can include swelling of lower extremities (ankles, feet) and frequent head aches in the back of the head. Heart attack warning signs include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness. Signs of a possible stroke include slurred speech, sweating, and weakness of facial muscles.

Sarah Carmona-Lolin, pharmacist-in-charge at Valencia Pharmacy, advises taking aspirin daily to make sure that there is no thickening of the blood in the veins and arteries near your heart. Fish oil supplements can also keep your blood pressure low.

Of course, eating right (greens, fruits, vegetables) and exercising frequently will keep your heart healthy and strong.

If you have any questions or concerns about your heart health, visit your doctor and also your local Valencia Pharmacy. At Valencia Pharmacy, the knowledgeable and helpful staff will make sure to answer all your health related questions.

Valencia Pharmacy is located at 23550 Lyons Avenue in Newhall. For more information, call (661) 255-7910 or visit their website by clicking here.