February is Heart Health Month

> Home > February is Heart Health Month

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Its prevalence is overwhelming at this time due to a lack of commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle. That means that you have the ability to make positive changes in your life that will help decrease your risk of developing heart disease. The majority of risk factors are in your hands!

Risk Factors that you cannot change

• " Heredity (including race)- Family history of heart disease is unavoidable. However, this means that it is very important to control any other risk factors that you have. Heart disease is found at higher rates in African American, Mexican American, American Indians, native Hawaiians and some Asian Americans.
• Gender- Males are at higher risk for a heart attack than women. However, heart disease is not just "a man's disease". It is still the No.1 killer of women as well.
• Increasing age

Risk factors that you CAN change!

• Tobacco smoke- Smoking places you at an increased risk for heart disease by 2-4 times that of a nonsmoker! This is a very powerful risk factor for sudden death in people with heart disease. Second hand smoke can also increase a nonsmoker's risk for heart disease. So if you smoke, consider quitting for your own health and those around you! You can do it! Let your doctor know if you need help with this.
• High cholesterol- Having elevated cholesterol leads to more plaque formation in your arteries. Make sure that you are testing your cholesterol on a regular basis, which can be determined by your doctor. Reducing your intake of saturated and trans fat is a very healthy choice. Eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. Work closely with your doctor to make sure your cholesterol is under good control.
• High blood pressure- Having high blood pressure makes your heart work harder than it needs to. The walls of your heart can become thicker, stiffer, and impair how your heart functions. It also increases your risk for stroke. Be sure that you know what your blood pressure is. If it is elevated above 120/80mmHg, visit your doctor to discuss your options. Limiting your salt intake, exercising, and taking your blood pressure medication as directed will help keep your blood pressure under control.
• Physical inactivity- Getting 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity on most days of the week is recommended. This helps improve blood pressure control, cholesterol levels, and weight. If you are not already exercising, start slow and gradually advance. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are considering a new exercise program.
• Overweight- Being overweight increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 Diabetes. These conditions, in turn increase your risk for heart disease. Daily exercise and good nutrition are the answer. Avoid weight loss pills and other gimmicks that seem "too good to be true".
• Diabetes mellitus- Having diabetes increases the risk for cardiovascular disease by 2-4 times than of a non-diabetic. If you have diabetes, it is very important to work with your doctor or Certified Diabetes Educator to get your blood sugar under good control.
• Alcohol use- Too much alcohol can increase blood pressure, cause heart failure as well as stroke. It is also linked to increased rates of certain cancers, obesity, alcoholism, and accidents. Limiting alcohol intake to one drink daily in women and two drinks daily in men is recommended.
• Stress- When under stress, a person is more likely to overeat, smoke, or avoid exercise. Making sure that you take time to enjoy hobbies, spend time with family or friends, and get good sleep and regular exercise are key to handling stress.

Red Dress Campaign

Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer of American women, claiming the lives of nearly 400,000 American women each year. The American Heart Association has launched a campaign called "Go Red for Women" to raise awareness of women's heart disease. The color red and the red dress stand for the ability that all women have to improve their heart health to live stronger, longer lives! Their goal is to reduce heart disease and stroke risk more than 25% by the year 2010. Encourage the women that you know to get heart healthy!

For more information or resources check out www.americanheart.org