February is American Heart Month. Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with kidney disease? Furthermore, you are more likely to develop heart disease if you have kidney disease.
You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease and kidney disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have these conditions.
To lower your risk:
- Watch your weight
- Have your blood and urine checked
- Manage your blood glucose if you have diabetes
- Control your cholesterol
- Keep your blood pressure below 140/90
- Be active for 30 minutes on most days and eat healthy
- Take medications as prescribed
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
