Take recommended steps to protect oneself from heart disease

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then what does it take to avoid getting heart disease?

Try combining the apple with four other servings of fruits and vegetables and a healthy dose of exercise.

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in Texas for more than half a century, so it's important to know the risk factors for heart disease and take actions to protect yourself.

Several factors, such as high blood cholesterol, smoking, a family history of heart attack, race, physical inactivity, being overweight and diabetes, can increase a person's chances of having a heart attack.

African-Americans, Mexican- Americans and American Indians are at greater risk.

The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of developing heart disease.

"There are many risk factors that we can't control, such as family history," said Dr. David Lakey, Texas commissioner of health. "That makes it all the more important to take action to reduce those risk factors that we can control."

The Texas Department of State Health Services has developed the Five a Day -- Five a Week program to emphasize the importance of cardiovascular health and wellness. It's a four-week program to encourage eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and being physically active at least five days a week.

"With our busy lifestyles, it's getting harder to pay attention to what we eat and adjust our schedules," said Lakey.

"With that in mind, it's important for Texans to take charge of their diet and find the time to exercise."

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of diseases including heart disease, stroke and congestive heart failure. In 2004, heart disease accounted for almost 50,000 adult deaths in Texas.

There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of heart attack, said Lakey.

• control blood pressure if you have hypertension.

• quit smoking.

• lower your cholesterol.

• lose weight if you're overweight.

• Be physically active, getting 30 minutes of moderate activity per day.

• Eat a healthy diet with more fresh fruit and vegetables. Cut back on foods high in saturated fat and salt.

• Be aware that early detection, improved delivery of care and better self-management are essential for preventing complications from diabetes.

For more information on the Five a Day -- Five a Week program and cardiovascular disease, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.dshs.state.tx.us/ wellness or phone (512) 458-7200.