2025 Heart Health Crisis: How to Protect Yourself from America’s #1 Killer

In 2025, the leading cause of death will be heart disease. Obesity, Diabetes and high blood pressure are 3 of the top risk factors of Cardiovascular Disease. 

 According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Statistics

• Nearly 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure.
• More than 72% of U.S. adults have unhealthy weight (currently defined as body mass index ≥25, with nearly 42% having obesity (currently defined as body mass index ≥30).
• More than half of U.S. adults (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. (1)

Working in healthcare, specifically cardiology, allows me to see a variety of patients in various forms of health. This is an eye opening experience.  Dr. Stephanie Saucier is a cardiologist renowned in  her dedication to sharing knowledge of heart health prevention and awareness at Hartford Hospital; Hartford, CT. Dr Saucier said “80% of heart disease is preventable. Yes, lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress can significantly improve heart health and reduce risks.” (2)

As scary as this is for most Americans, you are here learning, relearning and living a lifestyle of PFC every 3. You have taken simple steps to be the healthiest version of YOU! 

Balancing blood sugar can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Here are 8 tips to keep your heart pumping healthy…

1. Choose a healthy protein source.

Remember organic and wild caught are always the best options when available. Fish high in Omega 3 are a great option. 

1. Chicken
2. Salmon
3. Lean beef
4. Turkey
5. Fish
6. Eggs 

2. Choose a healthy fat. 

1. Avocado
2. Olive oil
3. Olives
4. Nuts

3. Choose a healthy carb. Carbs are a key part of the PFC formula. 

• Apples, prunes, oranges, 
• Leafy greens like spinach , kale or collard greens
• Brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa
• Kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils 
• Fresh Fruits
• Fresh Vegetables
• Dense carbs
• Legumes

4. Eating plant based foods  

This may help reduce risks of cardiovascular disease. Be sure to check out all things Coach Bev and the Guide to plant based eating for tips and tricks to incorporate this lifestyle as part of your PFC journey.

5. Limit salt intake

I found great spices called Daks on Amazon. Blackened is our favorite! They also have Greek, Lemon-pepper, Green Zest, Red (spicy), Taco and many more! 

6. Movement is key! 

No matter how old you are, women especially, strength training is a vital part of the exercise routine. LIFT HEAVY

Cardio— running, elliptical, spinning, biking will help move that blood!

HIIT- high intensity interval training 

Find activities that make you feel joyful!

7. Reduce Stress

1. Practice Meditation
2. Try Yoga
3. Use an apple watch breathing app to calm yourself during the day. 
4. Box breathing is a great technique 

8. Heat After Exercise–

YES HEAT….Sauna, Hot Tub, even a hot shower can help blood circulate, reduce stress, eliminate toxins like lectin in your body. I first learned of this from a podcast with Carrie Lupoli and Dan Miller. It was so enlightening. (episode from Diet Disruptors Podcast)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDQmk5EhHjM 

Doesn't this sound like our spinning plates! You are on the right path for heart health! Remember 1% progress over 100 days is 100%. PFC3 approach is based on transforming your mind, body and lifestyle. Pick a place to start and add it to your current routine. 

"Nothing is stronger than the will of the human heart." ~ Nalini Singh

About the Author:
About the author: Dawn LeBorgne is a Certified Nutrition, Health and Lifestyle Coach. Dawn also woks FT in Nuclear Cardiology and has been a Nuclear Medicine Technologist for 31 years. She has her Associates Degree, Bachelor's Degree and Masters of Business with a concentration in healthcare. Dawn can be found on IG @dawn_leborgne

References :

https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-remains-leading-cause-of-death-as-key-health-risk-factors-continue-to-rise

 https://stephaniesauciermd.com/