Heart Disease and stroke are made more likely by unhealthy nutrition, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and sedentary physical activity habits. Only 54% of Americans with high blood pressure have it under control. Suboptimal nutrition resulting in high blood cholesterol is very common. According to the American Heart Association, more than 98 million adult Americans have a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher. Although some physicians consider a total cholesterol level of 200. mg/dL to be “normal” and not of concern, it carries a substantial level of risk of heart disease. A cholesterol level of greater than 150 mg/dL entails some degree of risk of Cardiovascular Disease.

It is likely that fewer than 5% of Americans have a truly heart-healthy diet that emphasizes plant-based unprocessed foods. Only 5% of American adults consider themselves to be vegetarians, and 2% consider themselves to be “vegans.” i.e., those who do not consume any animal products such as eggs and dairy products. Altogether, according to one National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, 99% of Americans have at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor.

This blog presents opinions and ideas and is intended to provide helpful general information.  I am not engaged in rendering advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures and suggestions in that are presented are not in any way a substitute for the advice and care of the reader’s own physician or other medical professional based on the reader’s own individual conditions, symptoms or concerns. If the reader needs personal medical, health, dietary, exercise or other assistance or advice the reader should consult a physician and/or other qualified health professionals. The author specifically disclaims all responsibility for any injury, damage or loss that the reader may incur as a direct or indirect consequence of following any directions or suggestions given in the book or participating in any programs described in this blog or in the book, The Building Blocks of Health––How to Optimize Wellness with a Lifestyle Checklist. References for most of the health related information in this blog can be found in the book, The Building Blocks of Health now available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Building-Blocks-Health-Lifestyle-Checklist-ebook/dp/B08RC3XRCY/. Copyright 2020 by J. Joseph Speidel.