February – American Heart Month

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This translates to one in every three deaths. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive in terms of health care, hospitalization expenses, and lost productivity. We can, however, fight back against heart disease and stroke.

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This translates to one in every three deaths. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive in terms of health care, hospitalization expenses, and lost productivity. We can, however, fight back against heart disease and stroke.

 

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February — American Heart Month

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This translates to one in every three deaths. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive in terms of health care, hospitalization expenses, and lost productivity. We can, however, fight back against heart disease and stroke.

Last year the Department of Health and Human Services, with several key partners, launched Million Hearts™, an initiative that aims to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. This public-private endeavor is bringing groups and communities together to focus on areas that will save the most lives (http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/about_mh.html).

What can you do? First and foremost, make healthy choices in your life. Start by avoiding tobacco use or if you already smoke – stop. Reduce the amount of sodium and trans fat in your diet. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Control your blood pressure and manage your cholesterol. Eat a healthy diet, one that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables.

According to the Center for Disease Control, making these lifestyle choices can help as well:

  • Choose lean meats and poultry without the skin
  • Select fat-free, 1% and/or low-fat dairy products
  • Decrease your intake of beverages and foods with added sugars
  • Keep an eye on your portion sizes

Learn the signs of an impending heart attack. Heart attacks can and do start slowly.

  • Chest discomfort.  Many heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of one’s chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.  This discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain.
  • Other upper body discomfort.  Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, and stomach.
  • Shortness of breath (may occur with or without chest discomfort).
  • Other warning signs may include breaking out in a cold, sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

For more information, check out the CDC and the American Heart Association.