MHVI Owners Manual . Lifestyle Management

Cardiovascular disease is often referred to as a lifestyle disease. Why? We know that some people are born with specific heart conditions or have inherited genetic abnormalities that make it easier for them to develop diseases of the heart and blood vessels. But we also know that, in many cases, how you live your life is what makes the difference when it comes to cardiovascular disease. Your habits, behaviors, and practices may have a tremendous impact on your cardiovascular health, regardless of your genetic make-up or family history.

Your lifestyle - your habits, behaviors, and practices - has a tremendous impact on your cardiovascular health, regardless of your genetic make-up or family history.

In this section of the manual, we will discuss important tools for the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease: good nutrition; moderate, regular exercise; smoking cessation; and stress management. We have also included information on coping with cardiovascular disease that might be of interest to you and your family.

Lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease requires that you change your behavior. This can be hard work. Permanent change is often a gradual process. Some people are more comfortable changing several behaviors at once, while others are better suited to a more gradual approach, changing one behavior at a time. Whichever method works best for you, the doctors and staff of MHVI are available to support your commitment to change. We offer educational classes, support groups, specialized programs, and individual consultations for your benefit. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance or information.