Your doctor may also prescribe medication if changing your diet is not effective. Women with diabetes are more than three times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to women without the disease. In addition, diabetes doubles the chance of a second heart attack in women. By taking off excess weight you can lower both your blood pressure and cholesterol. Your doctor can provide a plan and help you set goals for successful weight loss.
Inactive people are twice as likely to develop heart disease as active people.
Regular aerobic exercise lowers resting pulse rate and blood pressure while reducing total cholesterol. Exercise does not have to be painful or hard to be effective. The new advise for exercise suggests every adult accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity over most days of the week. Physical activity has a proven positive effect on high blood pressure, diabetes and heart health. Your doctor, nurse or other health care professional can provide you with a realistic and successful exercise program.