Many scientific studies have shown that our heart health is greatly influenced by two easily controllable factors in our daily lives. Since February is Heart Month we thought is would be timely to review the American Heart Association's recommendations and research the newest literature related to heart health.

In 1999 the American Heart Association established the goal of reducing the death rates from coronary heart disease and stroke 25% by the year 2010. A recently released study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the death rate from heart disease is down 25.8% and stroke is down 24.4%. Although this would indicate the goals have been met, AHA president Dr. Dan Jones stated there is still much work to be done. We are headed in the right direction. Multiple factors have led to the reduction. More research has led to improvements in medical treatments. Education efforts concerning better control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and the reduction in the use of tobacco has also shown significant impact on the statistics. Further reductions in the risk factors of hypertension, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity and tobacco usage will continue to lessen heart stressors.

In a study released in January 2008, it was found that daily exercise played an important role in reducing male death rates. The study of over 15,000 men done in two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers indicated that a brisk walk 30 minutes per day for 5-6 days each week lowered the risk of death by 50%.

The results of another large study released in January 2008 concluded that meat, fried foods and diet soda were all significantly associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is the combination of symptoms that lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study is one of the few to look at specific food items rather than nutrients that may be harmful to our health. It will be interesting to see if other researchers are brave enough to follow up on this study and address specific food items.

The American Heart Association's basic diet and lifestyle recommendations have not changed in the last several years. It seems as if one authority or another revises its diet recommendations every week, but the American Heart Association's have been basically unchanged for the past 9 years. Coupled with the fact of rapidly declining cardiac deaths, it would appear that there is proven merit in the guidelines. The recommendations include balancing caloric intake and physical activity to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. Consume a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Choose whole-grain, high fiber foods. Consume fish at least twice a week. Limit your intake of saturated fats. Minimize your intake of beverages and foods with added sugars. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. When eating outside the home, follow the same guidelines.

Licensed dietitians are uniquely qualified to help you review your dietary intake and make recommendations to help you meet these guidelines with a minimum of lifestyle changes. Call Hill Nutrition Associates, Inc. 772-220-8058 or www.EatRightHNA.com