February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. Heart disease includes various conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in every four deaths is from heart disease and stroke, and these conditions are also leading causes of disabilities, which prevent people from working and enjoying family activities. 

These conditions can also impact cultural groups in different ways. In 2019, African Americans were 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites, and African American women are nearly 50 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, as compared to non-Hispanic white women, according to the CDC.

Heart disease is sometimes referred to as a “silent” disease, as a person might not show any symptoms until a major event, such as a heart attack, occurs. However, there are some warning signs and symptoms that could suggest the presence of heart disease. These signs can vary depending on the specific heart condition, but may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Excessive sweating.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet.

Someone can be predisposed to cardiovascular disease based on their family history, but thankfully, lifestyle changes can help reduce the impact of genetic factors. There are things you can do today to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, including maintaining a healthy weight and making heart-healthy choices. Below are a few things to keep in mind during American Heart Month and throughout the year:

• Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is beneficial for your heart health. Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate and breathing, enhancing the efficiency of your heart and lungs. Examples include walking, running, biking and swimming. 
• A balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods the includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can have a significant impact on maintaining a healthy heart. Limit unhealthy fats, excess sodium and cholesterol. You can make heart-healthy foods more appealing by incorporating diverse flavors with herbs and spices to enhance the taste of your meals without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats. Learn more about a heart-heathy diet here.
• Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Managing your stress with activities such as exercise and relaxation techniques can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall well-being.
• Tobacco use is harmful to heart health in numerous ways, including increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Quitting smoking and tobacco use has immediate and long-term benefits for cardiovascular health.

Regular check-ups and early interventions are also essential to managing cardiovascular risk. Seeing your primary care physician or provider regularly, especially if you have risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease, can help in the early detection of and management of heart disease. Your physician or provider can assess your situation and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Appointments can be scheduled with a Prevea primary care physician or provider online or by calling (888) 277-3832. If you are currently seeking treatment with a heart care specialist and would like a second opinion, Prevea has cardiology, cardiovascular and cardiothoracic experts ready to help.