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Home › Articles › Seniors' Fitness › The Active Route

The Active Route

Taking Charge of Your Heart Health

By Laurie L. Dove

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Three days each week, 81-year-old Vola Hotvedt spends an hour walking on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike and doing upper body exercises. And on the days she's not doing that, Hotvedt is donning a swimsuit for a rigorous bout of water aerobics.

Like most people who have survived serious heart problems, Hotvedt doesn't take her health for granted. Three years ago, she underwent open-heart surgery to remove a blockage and has been eating right and exercising ever since, she says.

"I've always been active, but now I've got an organized [exercise] routine," she says, thanks to a cardiac rehabilitation program at Wesley's Health Strategies. The Wichita, Kan.-based program, which closely monitors patients recovering from heart procedures, gave Hotvedt the confidence to start exercising again after what is, for many, a frightening health incident. "They make you feel secure," she says of the registered nurse-monitored program.

Healthful Changes
Hotvedt has made other changes to improve her health as well. Although she realizes there are some things she can never change like the fact that heart disease runs in her family she has taken charge of her exercise routine and her diet. "I watch fat and calories," Hotvedt says. "I've learned to read labels."

It also has helped Hotvedt to be part of a program designed specifically for people recovering from heart attacks, heart surgeries and similar health problems. "There's a real camaraderie," she says. "And that makes a difference."

Heart Health
For Hotvedt and the millions of Americans affected by heart disease, the impact is tremendous. Together, all forms of cardiovascular disease affect more than 60 million Americans and are responsible for nearly one in every 2.5 adult deaths. In fact, it has been estimated that cardiovascular disease in the United States accounts for more than $300 billion in direct and indirect health care costs.

Coronary artery disease hardening of the arteries that feed the heart is one of the most common cardiovascular conditions. And it is largely a preventable condition. As Hotvedt found, eating a healthful diet, exercising regularly and getting appropriate medical care are the best tools for reducing a person's risk of coronary artery disease.

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