Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, according to the CDC.
Many Americans — as February gets underway — are still looking to incorporate healthier practices into their daily routines. And that includes embracing smart tips for heart health.
In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC.
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Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist and clinical director of the COVID Task Force at the Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia, shared insights with Fox News Digital about the deadly disease — and offered ways to prevent it.
“Heart disease is not only the number-one killer in the United States, it’s the number one killer of women,” she said.
Morgan said women are more likely to die from a first heart attack than are men.
Heart disease risk is known to be higher for people with diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use, according to the CDC.
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Morgan suggested five simple things that anyone can do to help reduce the risk of heart disease this year.
Here are her best tips for prevention.
1. Visit the dentist
People should see their dentist twice a year, as a lack of appropriate dental hygiene can have negative affects on the heart.
“Disease and bacteria in the mouth can seep [into] the heart and destroy your valves,” she said.
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Although many people don’t enjoy their visits to the dentist, regular dental visits are crucial for overall health, said Morgan.
2. Enjoy the coffee
Enjoy that morning cup of coffee, said Morgan.
“We’re all sleep-deprived.”
“There’s information that coffee could actually be beneficial for heart disease,” she said.
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