Cardiology: Prevent Heart Disease

UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown Cardiology Clinic can help assess your risk for heart problems and give you the tools you need to improve your heart health.

• Know your numbers - your weight and blood pressure are important indicators of health. 
• If you need to make exercise, nutrition and lifestyle changes, try UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown's  12 month NEW FOCUS Program.
• Keep close tabs on your blood fats (LDL and triglycerides) and sugars. Both can be detected with simple blood tests. Click here to see UnityPoint Health- Marshalltown's convenient Walk-In Wellness service.

Five lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure:

• Increase exercise. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming, for just 30 minutes a day, four to five days a week significantly improves your heart health.
• Eat a healthier diet. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, salt and cholesterol. Eat more fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
• Cut down on alcohol. Drink no more than two drinks a day for men, one for women.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Stay cool - relax! Stress is hard on your heart, so take a deep breath and avoid stressors when possible.