A heart healthy New Year

Tips to stay healthy during February's American Heart Month

Valentine's Day has passed, but matters of the heart are still a hot topic during February's American Heart Month. 

The national awareness month serves as a time to learn more about the dangers of heart disease and preventative measures to maintain personal heart health.

Dr. Anthony Magnano at St. Vincent's Medical Center stopped by Channel 4 to discuss the importance of adopting a health-healthy lifestyle.

"About 600,000 people die in the United States each year from heart disease," said Magnano.

Magnano has tips for people to stay healthy.

"I like to think about heart healthy lifestyle in four different areas."

Magnano says people should completely avoid tobacco products and smoking.

He also says the American Heart Association suggests 30 minutes of exercise a day fives times a week at a minimum.   Magnano says watching your diet -- limiting your intake of carbohydrates, sugars, and cholesterol, and maximizing your intake of foods such as fruits, nuts, fish oil, lean meats, and tuna is key.

He also suggests knowing your blood pressure, your cholesterol, your blood sugar, and your body weight is  important to staying healthy.

Magnano says if you have fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, or fainting, you will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For more information on how you can have a heart healthy lifestyle, you can visit afibjax.com.  You can also call St. Vincent's for more information at 904-308-7300.