Your heart is an intricate and robust pump that sends blood throughout your body to supply the oxygen your cells constantly require. Your heart beats about 100,000 times per day, forcing your blood to flow through more than 55,000 miles of blood vessels in a continuous loop. In a healthy heart, the intricate pacemaker cells trigger electrical impulses at precisely the right time to maintain adequate circulation throughout the body. Your heart is strong, but it can become weak and damaged if not cared for. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and largely caused by lifestyle factors. Losing excess weight, getting 2.5 hours of exercise a week, and eating a healthy diet can prevent heart disease. In addition, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, will help keep your heart strong and healthy. Getting blood pressure checked regularly will let you know if you are developing issues.
