Categories
Heart Health

Heart Health Month

Heart Health

Each February, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) highlights American Heart Month, encouraging individuals to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles to lower the risk of heart disease. Heart disease claims over 600,000 lives annually in the U.S., making it the leading cause of death across all ages, genders, and ethnicities.

You can lower your risk of heart disease by maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and managing cholesterol and blood pressure. Use this opportunity to adopt long-lasting habits that support a healthier heart.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to various heart-related conditions, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the most common in the U.S. This condition impacts the blood flow to the heart, and a reduction in blood flow can lead to a heart attack.

Signs of Heart Disease

Heart disease can be “silent” until serious events like a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia occur. Watch for these warning signs:

Heart Attack Symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain in the upper back, neck, or jaw
  • Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
  • Extreme fatigue or dizziness
  • Shortness of breath

Arrhythmia Symptoms:

  • Irregular heartbeat or fluttering in the chest

Heart Failure Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins
Heart Disease Risk Factors

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are major risk factors for heart disease. In the United States, nearly 47% of adults have at least one of these three contributing factors. Additionally, several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can heighten the risk of heart disease, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity or Overweight
  • Poor Diet
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Understanding Heart Attacks

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when a portion of the heart muscle is deprived of blood. The longer the delay in restoring blood flow, the more severe the damage to the heart.

Most heart attacks result from coronary artery disease (CAD), where arteries become blocked. In rare cases, a severe spasm or sudden tightening of a coronary artery can also trigger a heart attack.

Heart Disease in Men

  • Leading Cause of Death: In 2021, heart disease caused 384,886 deaths among men, accounting for about 1 in 4 male deaths.
  • Racial and Ethnic Impact: Across various racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and whites, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men. However, for Asian American or Pacific Islander men, heart disease ranks second, with cancer being the primary cause.
  • Approximately 7.7% of white men, 7.1% of black men, and 5.9% of Hispanic men are diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
  • Silent Risk: About 50% of men who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no prior symptoms, emphasizing the need for regular check-ups.

Women and Heart Disease

  • Widespread Impact: Over 60 million U.S. women (44%) live with some form of heart disease. In 2021, 310,661 women lost their lives to heart disease, making it the top cause of death for women of all ages.
  • Awareness Gap: Only 56% of U.S. women recognize heart disease as their leading cause of death, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness.
References:

American Heart Association. (2023). Heart disease and stroke statistics — 2023 update. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart disease facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). What is heart disease? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Categories
Heart Health

National Wear Red Day

Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, a time to prioritize heart health and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. One significant way to support this cause is by participating in National Wear Red Day on February 7th. This annual observance connects millions of people across the country in the fight against heart disease and stroke, especially among women, who are disproportionately affected.

Why Wear Red?

Wearing red is an easy yet powerful way to raise awareness about heart health. It acts as a visual reminder of the importance of caring for our hearts and encourages meaningful conversations about preventing heart disease. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of individuals regardless of age, gender, or background. By wearing red, individuals show their support for heart health initiatives and encourage others to learn more about protecting their cardiovascular well-being.

Heart disease is especially significant for women, as it claims the lives of 1 in 3 women each year. Many of these deaths could be prevented with greater awareness, timely medical care, and healthier lifestyle choices. Wearing red highlights, the urgency of addressing these issues while promoting heart-healthy habits that can save lives.

How You Can Participate
  • Wear Red: Dress in your favorite red clothing or accessory to show your support. Whether it is a dress, shirt, tie, or even a red scarf, your participation can help initiate important conversations about heart health.
  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the major risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Share this information with your family, friends and coworkers. Use social media hashtags like #WearRedDay and #HeartHealth to spread the message.
  • Make Heart-Healthy Choices: Commit to lifestyle changes that promote heart health:
    • Eat a heart-healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals.
    • Exercise regularly: Plan for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
    • Manage stress: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress.
    • Quit smoking: Look for support and resources to quit smoking if needed.
Know the Signs, Save a Life

Recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke can be lifesaving. Common heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw, and sudden dizziness or nausea. Women may experience fatigue, indigestion, or upper back pain, which are often overlooked or mistaken for less serious issues.

For strokes, remember the FAST method: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Acting quickly at the first sign of trouble can reduce long-term damage and improve survival. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately, every second counts.

Make Everyday Heart Day

National Wear Red Day is more than just wearing a color, it is a call to action to prioritize heart health every day. Simple, constant actions such as healthier eating, regular exercise, and effective stress management can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

This February, stand in unity with millions by wearing red on February 7th. Together, we can create a lasting impact, raise awareness, and save lives.

References:

American Heart Association. (2023). National Wear Red Day: Raise awareness and help save lives. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart disease facts: Know the risks and prevent heart disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). Heart health month: Join the fight against heart disease. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov