American Heart Month: 7 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

IN A NUTSHELL:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

• Heart disease can often be prevented

• Cardiovascular Professionals Week marked during second week of February

Written by Ayan Monpara, MD

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

According to the National Institute of Health, about 90 percent of middle-aged people and more than 74 percent of young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight.

However, heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and take steps to manage their health conditions. In order to bring awareness to the issue, the entire month of February marks American Heart Month and the second week is Cardiovascular Professionals Week.

The Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals’ members inspired the theme for this year’s Cardiovascular Professionals Week as “Wholehearted Professionals, Wholehearted Care.” The theme emphasizes the dedication to safe and quality care exhibited by cardiovascular professionals around the United States.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire people to protect and strengthen their hearts with the support of others.

Heart Healthy Lifestyle Tips:

• Be more physically active. (At least 2.5 hours of physical activity each week)

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Eat a nutritious diet

• Quit smoking

• Reduce your stress

• Get enough quality sleep

• Track your heart health stats