ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – February is American Heart Month and UW Health wants to help you keep your heart healthy.
Studies show every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack.
Dr. Ali Shafiq, a cardiologist with UW Health explains heart attacks occur when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart is reduced or cut off. He goes on to say heart attacks also happen when the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood flow become narrowed from plaque. This plaque is made up of a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances.
Caring for heart follows many of the same steps as caring for your overall health, says Dr. Shafiq. That includes, a diet of fruits and veggies, maintaining a healthy weight, regularly exercising and not smoking…