KNOW YOUR HEART HEALTH RISKS AND AVOID A VISIT TO THE ER THIS THANKSGIVING

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By Hannah Boss

November 4, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - The holiday known for the turkey, the stuffing and the pies (are you hungry yet?) is unfortunately also known for meals that are chock full of fat, sugar and sodium - all things that are bad for your heart.

Doctors see up to a 30% spike in ER visits on Thanksgiving, largely due to shortness of breath, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Did you know that a Thanksgiving meal may contain as much as 2,000 milligrams of sodium? The problem? -- That’s the recommended daily intake of sodium.

Avoid the ER and be thankful for your heart health this Thanksgiving by sharing these these heart healthy tips from AliveCor.

1. Don’t Skip out: Skipping breakfast in order to “save your appetite” for dinner can lead to binging later on and higher blood pressure. Keep your blood pressure in check with a healthy diet low in sodium and cholesterol and high in fruit and veggies: An ideal reading is 120/80.

2. Stay Hydrated: Not drinking enough H2O could spark hunger pangs - but that could just mean you’re thirsty. And beware of too much booze - a higher alcohol intake can raise your chances of getting atrial fibrillation (AFib).

3. Say yes to healthy: Pass on the heavier dishes and opt for recipes with less fat, sugar and calories. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories.

4. Exercise regularly: Aside from helping you lower blood pressure and lose weight, exercise on its own can reduce the risk of stroke. If your gym is closed, enjoy a brisk walk with family and friends. Obesity and related complications can increase risk for stroke, and, in most cases, even losing a few pounds can improve your health. Aim for a BMI (body mass index of) 25 or lower.

5. Identify and treat AFib: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an abnormal heart rhythm that greatly increases risk of stroke. Make an appointment at the doctor’s office to regularly get an EKG, or to save time and money, use an FDA-cleared smartphone device that reads your heart rhythm at home in seconds.


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