During the month of February the Washington Wizards, in partnership with MedStar Health,
are raising awareness and educating fans on the importance of heart health.
Learn More About Heart Disease & Risk Factors
Many of the risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or managed, if we take a proactive approach to our heart health.
Take this assessment to learn more about your heart.
Wizards Heart Health
MedsStar Alumni Visit
Heart Disease Risk Factors You Cannot Control
- Age
- Family History
- Race
- Gender
Heart Disease Risk Factors You Can Control
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Weight
- Stress and Depression
- Being Sedentary
- Alcohol Intake
Live tobacco free
- Don't smoke, vape or use tobacco or nicotine products - and avoid secondhand smoke or vapor
- Smokers are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than non-smokers
Eat an overall healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes:
- a variety of fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- low-fat dairy products
- skinless poultry
- fish
- nuts and legumes
- non-tropical vegetable oils
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity (or an equal combination of both) each week.
- Regular physical activity can help you maintain your weight, keep off weight that you lose, and help you reach physical and cardiovascular fitness
Use up at least as many calories as you take in.
- Start by knowing how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your weight. Nutrition and calorie information on food labels is typically based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. You may need fewer or more calories depending on several factors including age, gender, and level of physical activity.
- If you are trying not to gain weight, don't eat more calories than you know you can burn up every day.
- Increase the amount and intensity of your physical activity to burn more calories.
Drink alcohol in moderation
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means an average of one to two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women. (A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits, or 1oz. of 100-proof spirits.)
Manage your Diabetes
- Having diabetes means that you are more likely to develop heart disease and have a greater chance of a heart attack or a stroke.
- People with diabetes are also more likely to have certain conditions, or risk factors, that increase the chances of having heart disease or stroke, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- If you have diabetes, you can protect your heart and health by managing your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you smoke, get help to stop.
Know your Cholesterol Levels
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol is "good" cholesterol. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" kind. A simple rule of thumb is that you want as little of the bad kind as possible.
- A simple blood test will provide you and your physician information about the HDL and LDL levels in your blood.
Know your Blood Pressure
- 120/80 is the recommended blood pressure reading for adults.
- Blood pressure can often be managed with a proper diet and exercise, but medication may be needed.
Understand Your Stress Level and Learn to Manage it
- Pause and breathe deeply for at least two minutes
- Deal with the problem directly, quickly and productively, and once solved, let it go
- Ask for help when you need it
- Fit physical activity into your day, even if it is 10 minutes at a time
- Give yourself permission to take a few moments each day to do something you enjoy
What are common heart attack warning signs?
- Pain or discomfort in chest
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
- Discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
What are the heart attack warning signs in women?
Women may experience the common heart attack warning signs:
- Pain or discomfort in chest
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
- Discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
And/or
- Pressure or pain in the lower chest or abdomen
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Upper back pressure
- Extreme fatigue