Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable
Heart disease is the number one killer, worldwide, of men and women over the age of 60. But many people die of heart attacks each year. And while death rates have declined in the U.S. and many western European countries, they are on the rise in the developing world. 36 .
No one would have guessed that Barbara Teng would have a heart attack. She was not overweight. She did not smoke or drink. “In 2004, the week after I turned 49, when I was on a business trip in Chicago, I had a major heart attack," she said. 37 . She now exercises daily, and monitors her heart health.
Dr. Patrice Nickens, who is with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, thinks that heart disease is 82 percent preventable. “ 38 ,” she said, “Men are also facing the same problem, and the key to staying healthy is knowing your numbers”.
“Your weight, your blood cholesterol, blood sugar and your blood pressure are important numbers that can help you take action and reduce your risk.” she said.
39 . “And the steps to take are simple: don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, know your numbers and talk to your physician and control these risks,” she said.
African-Americans are at higher-than-average risk for heart disease and stroke; people don't even know they have it, which increases the risk. Medstar Washington Hospital Center is trying to reach this population to train them. 40 . For example, helping the people monitor their blood pressure. If people realize they are at risk for heart disease, they'll make lifestyle changes: lose weight, exercise, eat the right foods and keep in touch with a doctor.
A．A healthy lifestyle can prevent heart disease
B．So we must cure heart disease
C．It is the leading cause of death for women
D．With the right training, they can play an important role in community health
E．And that changed her life
F．Lack of exercise causes heart attacks
G．Yet most heart disease is preventable.